Karissa Bertoglio: A Model of Excellence and Independence

    I like it and it’s really fun!” exclaimed Karissa Bertoglio about her job as a part-time Office Assistant at The Evergreen State College, where she’s been employed since August 2007. Her job includes working in the Purchasing Office keeping the files in order. Kathleen Haskett, Purchasing and Contract Manager, said “It’s been a great and wonderful experience having Karissa here.” When she finishes the files, Karissa enthusiastically asks for more work, which usually includes mailing tasks. If that weren’t enough, Karissa often finds time to go to Payroll and assist with their files. Kristina Johnson, Fiscal Technician, commented, “Karissa is very positive and helpful – gets right to work, normally alphabetizing the files and goes through everything in the file, lots of cross-checking. During the last two hours of her shift Karissa walks to the bookstore where she takes care of the trash and recycle bins, dusts and vacuums, straightens the shelves, and prices items." Kathy Miles, Lead Retail Clerk, says "Karissa is dependable, pleasant, detail-oriented and learns new things very quickly. On her very own, she decided to test the pens out to see which ones worked and which ones didn’t. I’m going to have her do more cashiering if she wants to."

    This highly-coveted clerical position was made possible, in part, by Laurie Schindler, Morningside Program Manager, who specializes in developing jobs within the myriad of state agencies. As part of her partnership with TESC Laurie assessed and analyzed their employment needs. Karissa endured the stringent interview process with remarkable calmness. She thoroughly contemplated each question before articulating a response.

    Prior to her job at the college, this ambitious young woman worked as a crew member at McDonald’s in Tumwater, where she was an employee valued by her co-workers and managers. Karissa washed dishes and cleaned the lobby. She realized her experience there was a stepping stone – to learn and grow and eventually, an opportunity for a clerical position would become available. Karissa was a student in the LINCS Transition program through the Tumwater School District, graduating in June 2007. The program is designed to assist individuals with developmental disabilities usually between 18-21 years old, in learning living and pre-vocational skills. The Transition Coordinator for LINCS, Ron Patton explained, “Although Karissa appears to be quiet and soft-spoken, she exudes an inner-confidence and never seems to back down from a challenge.” Judy Swisher, Karissa’s Job Coach, remarked “It was a wonderful job match. Karissa is blooming there because she can do so much and the college is so supportive.”

    Karissa also has plans to move out on her own in the future. With her propensity for excellence and interest in taking on additional challenges, Karissa Bertoglio’s goal of self-sufficiency and independence draws closer to reality every day. Karissa Bertoglio: A Model of Excellence and Independence

< BACK