2004 Scholars

Alex, ‘04 Scholar

Cerebral palsy

Earned an associate degree from Cascadia Community College and a bachelor’s degree in society, ethics, and human behavior from the University of Washington (UW) Bothell. Completed an internship in The Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities program at the UW Center on Human Development and Disability. Through an internship with the Arc of King County, gave a speech to lawmakers about changes needed for adult family homes. Still exploring housing options. Fully employed as a policy coordinator for Self Advocates in Leadership and hopes to go to Olympia next year to speak with legislature.

Amanda, ‘04 Scholar

Cerebral palsy

Currently keeping up with a four-year-old child and thinking about using art to express life experiences as a person with a disability.

Andrew, ‘04 Scholar

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning disability (written language)

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, learning disability (written language) Earned a master’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University. Is an executive administrator for Costco Wholesale in a northwest office. Sings classical and opera music in local venues and continues to pursue a career as a classical musician.

Ashley, ‘04 Scholar

Asperger syndrome

Has a part-time job at Publix. Volunteers with the Special Olympics chapter in Broward County, Florida. Has a miniature schnauzer dog.

Blanca, ‘04 Scholar

Mobility impairment

Attended Columbia Basin College and plans to transfer to Eastern Washington University to study child psychology.

Bud, ‘04 Scholar

Visual impairment

Earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and math from Gonzaga University and a doctorate in finance at the University of Southern California. Works as a senior economist at Amazon. Married and has two daughters.

Carrie, ‘04 Scholar

Cerebral palsy

With a background in both marketing and psychology, started a travel business based out of Los Angeles, California, which has the unique capability of fulfilling the corporate and leisure travel needs of people with disabilities.

Daniel, ‘04 Scholar

Dyslexia, diabetes, adrenal failure

Earned a bachelor of science degree in physics from Western Washington University and a master of science in mechanical engineering from the University of Washington. Working for Microsoft as a mechanical engineer on the HoloLens product line. This year, he and his wife introduced a newborn baby girl to the world.

Jessica, ‘04 Scholar

Cerebral palsy, ataxia, learning disability

Earned an associate degree from Olympic College and a bachelor’s degree in early childhood and family studies from the University of Washington. Earned a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from Western Washington University. Works at The Alliance of People with disAbilities.

Julie, ‘04 Scholar

Spina bifida

Attended Everett Community College for two quarters and is thinking of returning to school.

Kathleen, ‘04 Scholar

Attention deficit disorder

Graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology from Washington State University. Worked in a neuro-electrophysiology lab. Now works for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife as a scientific field tech, currently monitoring steelhead retention.

Katie, ‘04 Scholar

Attention deficit disorder and dyslexia

Earned a degree in English from Western Washington University. Worked with the Franciscan Volunteer Ministry in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Laura, ‘04 Scholar

Traumatic brain injury

Earned a bachelor’s degree in humanities for teaching with a minor in mathematics and a master’s degree in teaching secondary mathematics from Seattle University. Teaches high school math in Seattle, Washington. Received a DO-IT Trailblazer award in 2011.

Lukas, ‘04 Scholar

Amyoplasia arthrogyposis multiplex congenital

Earned a degree in speech communication with a minor in leadership studies from Whitworth University. Works for Pyrotek Inc. as a business analyst while starting a business on the side.

Makenna, ‘04 Scholar

Cerebral palsy

Volunteers at Parent to Parent of Whatcom County, The Arc of Whatcom County, Max Higbee Center, and FACES (Families for Autistic Children’s Education & Support) Northwest.

Maryann, ‘04 Scholar

Cerebral palsy

Graduated from Shoreline Community College; was transferring to the University of Washington to study social work and disability law when she died after surgery in July 2010. Engaged with the Arc of Snohomish County and Disability Rights Washington and competed in the Special Olympics.

Meg, ‘04 Scholar

Cerebral palsy

Graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in human services. Enjoyed taking an online Goodwill class called Customer Service Essentials that explored why customer service relationships matter and offered reminders on practicing empathy, compassion, and active listening skills.

Michael, ‘04 Scholar

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Washington State University. Pursuing a position as an engineer involved in the use of nuclear fusion as an energy source.

Russell, ‘04 Scholar

Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Earned a bachelor of arts in history with a minor in Spanish from Pacific Lutheran University. Tutored college students in Spanish and enjoyed creating art. Passed away in May 2019. Art blog containing his illustrations can be found at russelltaylorart.blogspot.com.

Tracy, ‘04 Scholar

Learning disability

Spends time caring for two children, Jordan and Austin, and mother-in-law.

Vishal, ‘04 Scholar

Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Attended Cascadia Community College. Completed an internship with the University of Washington Athletic Department, Women’s Crew. Passed away in January 2014.