Emily Harris
Emily Harris has had the good fortune to be affiliated with people with disabilities throughout her life. She has experience as an employment consultant and as a Positive Behavior Support consultant with individuals, families, and employment agencies in the Pacific Northwest. She also has international consulting experience with employment agencies across New Zealand. Emily is committed to the concept of inclusion and full participation, and knows that employment is critical to equity. Emily is a primary trainer and the manager for the Oregon Employment Learning Network (OELN), a Person Centered Planning facilitator, and teaches the spring quarter of the Clark County Highline Employment Professional Certificate Program. Emily coordinates the Clark County Family Training Series, and helps to coordinate the Oregon Transformation Voices from the Field video series project. She holds a BS in Arts in Letters with a focus in women studies and English, and is a Certified Employment Professional through APSE. Emily is interested in creative, innovative, low-tech ways to support people to be independent on their jobs. Emily loves music (especially soul and oldies on vinyl), running, spending time with her family, and vintage shopping in small towns.
Chisa O’Quinn
Chisa O’Quinn is a Social Worker who has traveled with individuals through the worlds of Corrections, Counseling, Disability Services, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse. What sets her apart as a leader and advocate in the field is her ability to creatively seek solutions in difficult situations, as well as her focus on person centered planning strategies. Chisa holds a Masters in Social Work from Portland State University. She has been in the field of Developmental Disabilities since 2003, starting as an Employment Specialist, Supported Employment Program Manager, and Personal Agent in Vancouver and in Oregon’s Brokerage system. Chisa is an avid spectator who enjoys watching sporting events, comedy shows, theater, movies and generally saying “yes” to new opportunities and activities that cross her path. Her primary focuses include Transition, Person Centered Planning, Community Building, and Diversity initiatives.
Wally Tablit
Wally Tablit is the current Vice President of Mission Services with AtWork! in Washington State, where he oversees Individualized Employment and Community Inclusion services in 3 counties. Wally is a recognized leader in the field of Supported Employment with over 23 years’ experience working with people with disabilities. He is known as a strong collaborator and colleague among employment providers, is a trainer and consultant both statewide and nationally, and is involved with many key projects to help successfully implement the Employment First movement. Wally was one of the original board members of The WA APSE(Association of People Supporting Employment First) Board, served as President of WA APSE, and was elected to the National Board of APSE in 2017.
Eric Thompson
Hi! I’m Eric Thompson and I have autism. I run an Advocacy group in Medford Oregon called the Jackson County self-advocates. I’m also Sergeant at arms in OSAC. My goal is to help high school students become the advocates that they are and meant to be.
For my spare time I like to read, write stories and I also play the piano and the guitar.
Pacific Northwest Employment Forum 