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State Rehabilitation Council Members

Colorado State Rehabilitation Council official logo

 

Sherrell Bethel, Peak Parent Representative, SRC Chair

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

Sherrell Bethel has spent the last 14 years dedicated to nonprofit work, focusing on amplifying young people's voices and successes. She firmly believes that everyone deserves an opportunity to work, be the best version of themselves, and be treated with dignity and respect. As the Parent Training and Information (PTI) Project Director at PEAK Parent Center, Sherrell provides education, training, and resources to families of children with disabilities, empowering them to advocate for their children. This work holds personal significance for Sherrell, as her sister has cerebral palsy, and her father sustained a traumatic brain injury. Before joining PEAK, Sherrell spent a decade with the Boys & Girls Club.

 

"As a staff member of PEAK Parent Center, I represent the voices of the families and young adults we serve. My role on the State Rehabilitation Council is to advocate for their needs and ensure that their perspectives are incorporated into the policies and practices."

 

Sherrell enjoys reading, puzzles, board games, playing the Sims 4, playing with her dogs, and binging TV series.

Bobbie Rosa, a young Native American woman, with shoulder length brown hair, rectangle glasses, and an eyebrow ring, smiles for a photo over her shoulder.

Bobbie Rosa, Representative of Southern Ute Tribe

"Don't the moon look good, mama, shinin' through the trees." 

Bobbie Rosa is a Southern Ute Tribal Member and grew up on the Southern Ute Reservation. She achieved her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology degree from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. She has worked for the Southern Ute Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Program since January 2012. 

"I want to make sure that Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation has a voice at the table."

"As a staff member of PEAK Parent Center, I represent the voices of the families and young adults we serve. My role on the State Rehabilitation Council is to advocate for their needs and ensure that their perspectives are incorporated into the policies and practices."

Bobbie enjoys reading. She loves a good hero's journey, magical realism, and books written by Native American and BIPOC authors. She also enjoys cooking for her family, traveling throughout our beautiful state of Colorado and beyond, and  serving on the board for the Ignacio Out & Equal Alliance.

 

 

Michael Bolarinwa, VR Counselor Representative

"The universe is generous with all the elements of nature with the Sun as the apex.  I am awed and amazed by the magnifience and awesomeness of the Sun and this is where I derive my strength and purpose."

Michael Bolarinwa is the Regional Lead Rehabilitation Counselor for Entrepreneurship with diverse experience spanning journalism, technology, healthcare staffing, vision specialists and counseling.  The passion for helping others drives his work, and he strongly believes in personal growth, guided by the idea that life reflects what we give to others. His expertise includes being a Registered Psychotherapist, a certified career specialist, and a motivational speaker, with a master's degree in counseling psychology.

Josh Davies headshotJosh Davies, Representative of Business, Industry and Labor

"To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift."

Josh Davies, Director of Aztec Software, is passionate about helping others make an impact in their lives, jobs, and community. His engaging and connecting speaking style combined with relevant content make him an in-demand speaker, consistently giving more than 60 presentations annually across North America, the Middle East, and Asia. Mr. Davies was awarded the 2022 H.G. Weisman Award by the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals for his exceptional service to workforce development nationwide. 

"I get a chance to work with workforce development organizations around the country, and I see the need both nationally and locally to ensure that we are fighting for the under-represented people in our communities. And people with disabilities are one of the most important groups to help bring into the workforce."

Josh enjoys loves to travel - both for work and for fun. When he is in Colorado, he loves going to events with his wife including concerts, theater, sports, anything where you can be with other people and celebrate life!

Representative of Business

Vacant

Representative of Business, Industry and Labor

Vacant

Parent or Guardian of a Person with a Disability

Vacant

Current or Former Recipient of VR Services

Vacant

Katie, a young white woman with shoulder length curly light brown hair, wears a blue cold shoulder top, and smiles in a headshot.Katie Oliver, Representative of Colorado Department of Education

Katie Oliver, M.S., has been the School to Work and Interagency Specialist for the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) since 2008. Katie’s responsibilities include school to work initiatives, overseeing the School to Work Alliance Program (SWAP) in partnership with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), providing technical assistance and training to school districts around school to work transition services for young adults with disabilities and coordinating with other adult service agencies.  Katie is also a member of several councils supporting people with disabilities.

Katie enjoys working out and traveling!

Rep Community Rehabilitation Program

Vacant

Lisa, a middle aged white woman, with shoulder length dark brown hair, wears a teal top, and smiles in a headshot.Lisa Taylor, Rep of Colorado Workforce Development Council

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” -Maya Angelou

Lisa is currently the Senior Program Officer at the Weld Trust. Lisa began her career as a high school teacher then a college professor in her home state of Arkansas (Go Razorbacks!). She then worked for 10 years as the Executive Director of the Immigrant and Refugee Center of Northern Colorado before joining the Weld Trust in October of 2022. Lisa is passionate about workforce development, specifically about tapping into the vast skills and talents of community members who are often overlooked. Lisa currently serves on the Colorado Nonprofit Association Board of Directors and the Colorado Workforce Development Council. 

"I am passionate about advocating for each individual to be seen and valued. Having a diverse workforce is vital to our economy, and I want to help match talented individuals to employers that need a skilled workforce."

Lisa loves reading, hiking, traveling, and cheering on sports teams! 🏈

 

 

Yolanda, a middle aged Black woman with short brown hair, wearing striking sterling earrings, necklace, and a yellow wool coat, poses for a headshot.Yolanda Webb, Representative of Business, Chair Elect

"I am not the same having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world."

Yolanda is the CEO and Principal Advisor for the WEBB Advisory Group.  She has served in human service roles for more than twenty years, as well as owning and operating her own successful business for more than ten years. Yolanda has worked in the areas of intellectual/developmental disabilities, behavioral health, substance abuse, veterans housing, traumatic brain injury, children and youth services, education, senior and elder care services and has risen through the ranks in each of her positions from entry level to CEO.  She is a leadership skills trainer and holds to a philosophy of person-centered, wrap around services for those served. Yolanda serves on the Colorado Inclusive Economy’s Marketing Committee. She has a sister with a physical disability who uses a wheelchair. Yolanda is also part of a minority, women owned consulting group providing integrated strategy, to help change workplace culture and move leadership to action focusing on leadership development, equity, diversity, inclusion, social justice, and public policy.

"As an African American, I know how hard inclusion, belonging and equity can be.  As a sister of a person with a disability, I have been her advocate her entire adult life to ensure that she is included (having a good paying job based on her skills and qualifications, included in everyday life and no barriers are placed in her way, and that the work field is equitable for her both as a person with a disability and as an African American woman).  I bring that same passion and advocacy to the SRC to ensure the future for those with disabilities and older adults for the future."

Yolanda loves writing and has written five published books.  She is also an avid photographer capturing the heart and soul of people and our planet.

Kristin Corash headshotKristin Corash, Director of DVR

Kristin Corash is the Director of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) where they empower people with disabilities to achieve meaningful employment. Kristin began her career as the Chief Economist for the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, writing and publishing a variety of materials to promote the Denver area. Her career in public service began by teaching at the high school and community college levels. As part of her state government tenure, she has served as Chief Financial Officer, Assistant Director of the Office of State Planning and Budgeting and as Homeland Security and All Hazards Coordinator. She went on to be an executive in charge of strategic planning and research in the Colorado Community College System. Most recently, she served as the Deputy Executive Director and COO for the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. Kristin received her BA from the University of Colorado at Denver and her MS from the Colorado School of Mines.

Members Not Pictured

Tim Postlewaite, CAP Representative, Policy Committee Chair

John Bailey, Member at Large

Charlotte Morgan, Representative of State Independent Living Council

Are you interested in joining the SRC?

Contact Vallen Sarnoff at vallen.sarnoff@state.co.us for more information.