Shawn is a vocational specialist with the WorkAbility III program in the San Diego Community College District. As a vocational counselor, Shawn serves students with disabilities enrolled in the District and supports them in all aspects of their job search and toward competitive and integrated employment. Shawn is a double alumnus of San Diego State University (SDSU) and holds a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling with a specialization in cognitive disabilities and is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) through the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification. As a rehabilitation counselor, Shawn’s goal is to see his students reach their maximum potential through post-secondary education and employment.
Shawn began working with Daniel’s & Associates and PolicyWorks as an undergraduate student at SDSU. This began with the Ticket to Work ambassador project and continued through other efforts after graduation. Later, as a graduate student, Shawn continued his work for PolicyWorks as part of the “Bridging the Gap from College to Career Transition Program” where Shawn served as the peer mentor to students with disabilities enrolled in the “Professional Development and Disability” course at SDSU. As a new member of the board, Shawn hopes to bring his experience as a direct participant in PolicyWorks initiatives to the forefront. In addition to his work as a rehabilitation counselor and with PolicyWorks, Shawn also serves on local committees related to advancing the employment of persons with disabilities and in collaborating with other professionals in vocational rehabilitation to provide training to employers on hiring practices and disability issues.