Founder

Kathy Snyder

Founder – Kathy established Supported Employment Services, Inc. (SES) in 1991, founding the organization out of her home.

Her passion for the field took root at the University of Oregon, where she completed her undergraduate studies. During this time, she had the distinct opportunity to study under several pioneers of Supported Employment and vocational services for individuals experiencing developmental disabilities.

Founding SES

Following her graduation, Ms. Snyder worked in the field in various roles for several years. During this time she recognized a critical gap in local services: a distinct need for providers of Supported Employment in the community. Driven to fill this void, she launched SES.

Leadership and Expansion

For more than 30 years, SES grew from a home-based operation into the well-recognized, preferred agency in Lane County. In 2009, at the request of the County, she expanded SES to include Supported Living Services.

To understand Kathy Snyder’s impact, you might view her as the architect who poured the foundation of a house. While the house (SES) has expanded with new rooms and residents over the decades, the stability and structure that allow it to stand firm today rely entirely on the concrete principles and vision she laid down at the very beginning.

President

Kelly Graves, CESP certified

President

Kelly Graves serves as the President of Supported Employment Services, Inc. (SES), continuing a family legacy of service. She is the daughter of the agencyโ€™s founder, Kathy Snyder, and has been a dedicated member of the SES team for decades.

She possesses extensive experience within the organization, having worked at SES in several different roles since the age of 15.

Under her leadership, SES continues to operate as a preferred agency in Lane County, upholding the organization’s commitment to providing individualized, quality services that focus on true community integration and maximizing independence for all customers.

Administrative

Human Resources/Quality Assurance

Samantha Fine, HCA, MA, Red Cross instructor, CESP certified

HR/QA Coordinator, Training Content Developer– I have worked in the Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health field since 2007. I worked as a Direct Support Provider for six months before moving into Management. I then went on to manage multiple houses and an ATE program. While running the houses, it was also my responsibility to train staff and to develop strong teams. I also found time while running group homes to get my Medical Assistant Certification and my Associates in Healthcare Administration. After getting my HCA, I discovered that I enjoyed the administration part of the DD/MH field and this lead me to move into Human Resource and Quality Assurance which I have had the pleasure to expand my skills and knowledge while working here at SES since 2017.

Ashley Zeller, CESP certified

HR/QA Assistant, Rep Payee Specialist, Benefits Councilor, Job Coach – Ashley has been with SES for 12 years. She has been providing job coaching services to SES customers since starting with SES. Over the years, Ashley’s job duties expanded to include some minor IT assistance and administrative supports (such as filing documents and helping with ISPs). Now, she works as a Quality Assurance Assistant, and is in training to be a Financial Skills Trainer. Though she works in the office more frequently, she still gets out and about to provide job coaching supports. Ashley has recently received her CESP certification, and is excited to see what the future has in store!

At home, Ashley has a cat and a dog. She enjoys spending her leisure time reading or writing, participating in tabletop or board games (Quacks of Quedlinburg is her favorite board game, and barbarian is her favorite D&D class) and is currently in the process of learning how to decorate cakes.

Kristine Penland

Administrative Assistant – I’m Kristine, I’ve been with the company since October of 2021. I work at the front desk, answering phones and greeting people. I love to read and watch movies and I make really good chocolate chip cookies. I have 2 cats who are the loves of my life. I have a 4 year old godson who is also the love of my life. I have 4 college degrees in dental assisting, medical assisting, associates in health care administration and an associates in business.

Employment Services

Job Development

Ryan Southworth, 1st Aid CPR, CESP certified

Job Development Coordinator – Ryan is dedicated to the SES mission of empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to reach their full potential by securing paid, competitive, and meaningful employment.

Ryan is a vital resource for both job seekers and the local business community. He works to connect local employers seeking reliable, qualified employees with qualified candidates ready to join the workforce. Whether a customer’s journey begins with volunteer work or a paid position, Ryan helps facilitate the necessary support to ensure their success.

Chad Kennard

Job Developer – Chad was born in a small town in Ohio. After receiving his Bachelor Degree at Bowling Green State University, he moved to Colorado where he lived for the next fifteen years of his life. During that time, he worked as a Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Employment Specialist, where he specialized in assisting people with barriers to employment find training programs that helped them get back to work. Chad also served as a Resource Specialist & Options Counselor for the Aging and Disabled Resource Center (ADRC) for Mesa County Colorado. Chad moved to Eugene in 2013. It was there he discovered his true calling as a Job Developer. Chad is truly happy to be part of the team at Supported Employment Services.

Mary Stewart

Job Developer – Hello. I love my job and our customers and the impact that they make in my world! I only hope that I can make the same positive impact in theirs. My favorite place to be is walking on the beach and listening to the sound of the waves crash. My favorite season is Summer. I love listening to music, cooking, watching movies, watching professional basketball, and shopping. I will always try to look for the bright side and will always help when I can. Be a ray of sunshine on a gloomy day, you never know how that will impact someones day. ๐Ÿ™‚

Employment Support

Vanessa Wickham, OIS, 1st Aid-CPR, CESP certified

Job Site Coordinator – My name is Vanessa but everyone calls me “V”. I have worked for SES for 10 years. I began my career at SES as a job coach and am now the Job Site Coordinator. This is the most fulfilling job I have ever had. I am Certified in OIS, First aid-CPR, and Mental Health First Aid for Covid 19. I have lived in Eugene forever. I graduated from South Eugene High School. I also attended Lane Community College, majored in Early Childhood Education/Business management. I am a licensed floral designer. I have raised 2 beautiful children, James and Alexandra. I have a Welsh Pembroke Corgi named Edward.

Brandon Joyce, CESP certified

Employment Services Assistant, Job Coach – Brandon works directly with customers to provide comprehensive support throughout their employment journey. This includes providing personalized on-the-job training support to ensure success in their chosen careers.

Supported Living Services

Michelle Camacho, CESP certified

Supported Living Services Coordinator

Michelle coordinates support for our customers receiving services for independent living.

She ensures every customer receives the specific help they want and need to facilitate a wide range of essential daily activities.

Michelle is dedicated to the SES philosophy that promoting independence is a vital step toward self-sufficiency. She advocates for the right of individuals with disabilities to fully participate in activities of their choice concerning their living situations. As a key member of the SES team, Michelle is committed to providing the highest level of support and care, empowering customers to manage their daily lives and build meaningful relationships within their community.

Carol Boshart, OIS, 1st Aid-CPR

Supported Living Services Assistant – I have been working in the social services field since 2005. I started working with people with mental health diagnosis, and moved on to supporting people with medical, social & developmental issues. For seven years I headed up an in-home care agency. I am a trained counselor, therapist & life coach. I have received several types of training including Oregon Intervention System, writing treatment plans & care notes, and mandatory abuse training. I am the parent of three grown children who each have their own emotional/psychological/developmental disability. I am also a loyal Ducks fan since 2005 & have supported them in both their victorious and less than victorious years! I try to bring the same dedication to everything that I do.

IT

Christine Jump, 1st Aid CPR, CESP certified

IT Manager, A/R, Rep Payee Specialist, Sign Language Interpreter – I have worn many hats at SES throughout my career. I began as a freelance sign language interpreter in the late nineties before joining the staff full-time. Since then, I have progressed through several key roles, including Job Coach, Job Developer, and Employment Services Coordinator. I also worked closely with our founder to design individualized employment services specifically for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. After a 12-year hiatus, I am thrilled to be back at SES in a new capacity, continuing to support our mission and the people we serve. Outside of work, I live with my two dogs, Mazie and Maggie, and my eldest daughter.

Social Media

Heather Newman, CESP certified

Job Coach, Social Media and Training Content Specialist – Cheers! to all the folks who do what they love every day.

I am fortunate to work in a field that inspires me. I have a passion for working with businesses and for gaining an in-depth understanding of different industries. As an Employment Consultant, I enjoy working collaboratively with others, and supporting people in growing in their success.

I also hold the sincere belief that everyone CAN work. And that everyone who wants to work SHOULD. Each person possesses unique skills and abilities. I work to identify how these individual skill sets will fulfill the needs of a business, and support my community partners in making a best-fit hiring decision for their company and work culture.

I am grateful to live and work in this community, and to raise my family here. I am a mother of three, a grandmother of two, and a host to a menagerie of animals ๐Ÿ™‚ In my spare time I like to hang out on the porch yard spending time with my family, stay active with household projects, and regale the neighborhood with my crooning (We listen to a lot of wonderful music! And, I just can’t help myself to join along in the singing ๐Ÿ™‚ )

Thank you, for taking the time to learn a little more about me. I look forward to getting to know you too, should our paths cross in the future!