Valued Skills / Winning Attitude
Almost ten years ago, Kern Regional Center made the decision to hire an individual
through SVS's Supported Employment program for a part time clerical support position.
This was not a "typical" Supported Employment position.
It involved the completion of fairly complex and exacting tasks.
A special person, one who could demonstrate close attention to detail, was needed for this job.
Fortunately, the person SVS identified was an individual who brought
with her considerable skills, experience and personal strengths - Michelle Gagner.
Michelle, challenged with autism since birth, came to SVS for both social and vocational services in 1997
after having completed a BA in Business Administration at CSU Bakersfield.
Her first SVS SE placement was in the familiar surroundings of CSUB where she worked as a clerk
first in their administrative offices and then in the University Bookstore.
Then, after experiencing a layoff at CSUB, she worked at Bakers Square restaurant.
Michelle always displayed a characteristic positive attitude and a willingness to work hard.
Next came the opportunity at Kern Regional Center. She has definitely made the most of it.
Jean Masters, Program Support Manager at KRC and Michelle's direct supervisor,
described her as one of her most competent and reliable employees.
As the saying goes at KRC: "If you want to get something done, take it to Michelle."
Jean also adds that, if there was a "KRC Spirit Award", Michelle would most surely win it.
She is always front and center when it comes to social and team-building activities at KRC.
Having been moved to full time status several years ago, Michelle received a promotion
and a considerable pay raise in December 2008. She now holds the position of Secretary and
provides administrative support to a dozen KRC service coordinators.
Beyond being a competent employee and a valued co-worker, Michelle is also something of a community activist.
She has been an active participant and officer in the local People First self advocacy group as well as
being a pivotal person in raising over thirty thousand dollars over the past ten years for the
Jamieson Children's Center through the efforts of Starbase Jamison ES-1,
the Star Trek club for which she currently is the "Executive Officer".
So sterling has Michelle's success and positive influence been, both her SVS job coach, Ginger Jones
and SVS Bakersfield Case Manager, Maggie Chow (both pictured above w/Michelle)
describe Michelle as being their "hero".
Michelle is, in every sense of the word, a "winner" and an inspiration to us all.
Laurie Hughey, Regional Director
601 Union Ave, Bakersfield, CA
(661) 323-0533
lhughey@svsinc.org
through SVS's Supported Employment program for a part time clerical support position.
This was not a "typical" Supported Employment position.
It involved the completion of fairly complex and exacting tasks.
A special person, one who could demonstrate close attention to detail, was needed for this job.
Fortunately, the person SVS identified was an individual who brought
with her considerable skills, experience and personal strengths - Michelle Gagner.
Michelle, challenged with autism since birth, came to SVS for both social and vocational services in 1997
after having completed a BA in Business Administration at CSU Bakersfield.
Her first SVS SE placement was in the familiar surroundings of CSUB where she worked as a clerk
first in their administrative offices and then in the University Bookstore.
Then, after experiencing a layoff at CSUB, she worked at Bakers Square restaurant.
Michelle always displayed a characteristic positive attitude and a willingness to work hard.
Next came the opportunity at Kern Regional Center. She has definitely made the most of it.
Jean Masters, Program Support Manager at KRC and Michelle's direct supervisor,
described her as one of her most competent and reliable employees.
As the saying goes at KRC: "If you want to get something done, take it to Michelle."
Jean also adds that, if there was a "KRC Spirit Award", Michelle would most surely win it.
She is always front and center when it comes to social and team-building activities at KRC.
Having been moved to full time status several years ago, Michelle received a promotion
and a considerable pay raise in December 2008. She now holds the position of Secretary and
provides administrative support to a dozen KRC service coordinators.
Beyond being a competent employee and a valued co-worker, Michelle is also something of a community activist.
She has been an active participant and officer in the local People First self advocacy group as well as
being a pivotal person in raising over thirty thousand dollars over the past ten years for the
Jamieson Children's Center through the efforts of Starbase Jamison ES-1,
the Star Trek club for which she currently is the "Executive Officer".
So sterling has Michelle's success and positive influence been, both her SVS job coach, Ginger Jones
and SVS Bakersfield Case Manager, Maggie Chow (both pictured above w/Michelle)
describe Michelle as being their "hero".
Michelle is, in every sense of the word, a "winner" and an inspiration to us all.
Laurie Hughey, Regional Director
601 Union Ave, Bakersfield, CA
(661) 323-0533
lhughey@svsinc.org