Jim Bischoff, President
Supported Employment Program Manager for Eastern WA with Home & Community Services
My name is Jim, and I am one of the co-founders of ACCESS Tri-Cities. Bringing thought to action with amazing results has been an honor. Also, to work with such a talented and fantastic group of community professionals that sit on our Board and make ACCESS work year after year. I bring over 25 years of experience helping Individuals with Disabilities explore their options on getting successful employment in our welcoming community. Our goal is to build successful sustaining bridges between the job seeker with a disability and the employer looking for that “right” employee. We are making progress, but still have good work to do.
Christine Moreland, Vice President
HR Consultant
I bring over 20 years of HR experience. I have worked in a variety of sectors, including government, public, private, not-for-profit, manufacturing, transportation, and consulting. I have a diverse background in human resources with an emphasis on employee and labor relations, EEO, affirmative action, and compliance.
I am a certified Senior Human Resource Professional (SPHR) with an additional certification as an SHRM-SCP.
I am an SHRM Foundation/USAA Veteran Ambassador and continue to work with the YesVets program. I am also the Communications Director for the Northwest Human Management Association (NHRMA).
Brooke Myrland, Treasurer
Workforce & Education Manager, Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce
A newer member, I am the Workforce & Education Manager for the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce. I serve as the bridge connecting local employers, educators, and students with work-based learning opportunities in our region. Having a family member with a disability and witnessing the barriers they faced while seeking employment sparked my interest in joining the Access Tri-Cities' mission. Before working with the Chamber, I was in the Finacial Services field, and bring over 12 years of financial and banking experience to our team.
In addition, I currently serve multiple organizations, including the RSD's Work-Based Learning Career Advisory Committee, and as a steering committee member for WA STEM's Career Connect Council. Brooke is most passionate about helping children, operating for over a decade as the Tri-Cities Chapter President and volunteer for the Wishing Star Foundation, granting wishes to local children with life-threatening illnesses.
Donna Kunk, Secretary
Re-Engagement Case Manager at TC Futures with ESD 123
I am involved with Access Tri-Cities for five years now and, as a board member, bring my passion for serving others. I started as a representative to the committee as a Work Source employee, working with adults and youth with many types of disabilities and requiring a variety of resources connecting the customer to resources and employment is paramount. I worked with transition students of many high schools in providing pre-employment workshops and work-based learning.
Access Tri-Cities has worked on providing experiences for high school students with disabilities in preparing them to be job-ready. I am working for ESD123 in the Open Doors GED program in re-engaging dropouts, many of which have limitations.
Kamran Rasul, Communications
Assistive Technology Specialist, Johns Hopkins University
I have been working with this organization since 2016, serving as a board member and communication specialist for the Access Tri-Cities Board.
I currently work at Johns Hopkins University as their Assistive Technology and Format Specialist. My roll is to ensure students with disabilities are provided equal access to education with the help of assistive technology.
Michelle B. Gardner
Vocational Services Specialist at WorkSource with the WA State Dept. of Labor and Industries
I am a Vocational Services Specialist III with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries serving workers injured or diagnosed with an occupational disease while employed with a Washington employer. I work out of the local WorkSource in Kennewick, WA. I have been a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for over 18 years, assisting individuals with disabilities to return to work, identify training goals/needs, assessing the ability to work, recommending job modifications, etc. I hold four national certifications; I am a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, American Board of Vocational Experts/Diplomat Disability Management Specialist and Global Career Development Facilitator and has served as a board member for Access Tri-Cities since its beginnings.
Lisa Bunch
EEO/HR Compliance Manager for Washington River Protection Solutions
I have been an Access Tri-Cities Board member since 2014 and am passionate about encouraging, hiring, and promoting individuals with disabilities. I have worked alongside individuals with disabilities for many years and long ago recognized their superior work ethic, high participation levels, and ability to solve problems using innovative solutions. I also welcome opportunities to educate employers on the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities. I am grateful for my position on the Board, an excellent platform to advocate the hiring and the advancement of individuals with disabilities.
Dr. Maui Garza
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and Licensed Mental Health Counselor
I am honored to be one of the newest Access Tri-Cities Board members (2020). I have worked with individuals with physical and mental disabilities my whole professional life, over 28 years. I am excited that I will have an opportunity, along with others on this board and the community, to educate employers, their employees, and the public in general on the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities. Access Tri-Cities provides an excellent platform to advocate for hiring and advancing individuals with disabilities.
Cyndi O’Bannon
Corporate Disability Consultant, CAO Consulting
I am a Corporate Disability Consultant, serving on the Access Tri-Cities Board, assisting employers and people with disabilities to bridge the employment gap.