From VR client to counselor: A passion comes full circle
For Alissa Patterson, childhood was much like that of any other North Dakota kid. She grew up on a farm near Strasburg, did chores after school and shared a lively home with brothers and sisters.
“We were always outside unless my mother would make us come in,” she said with a smile.
Suddenly at age 12, her life took an unexpected turn.
“My dad was watching me carry a bucket of feed across the yard, and he noticed I was having a hard time walking and keeping my balance,” she said.
Alissa was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, a disability that gave her a new perspective on life.
A path forward
Feeling unsure about her future, Alissa was connected to North Dakota Health and Human Services Vocational Rehabilitation’s (VR) pre-employment transition services in high school. These services help students with disabilities ages 14 to 21 prepare for life after graduation.
Elton Lassiter, a VR counselor, has spent 10 years traveling to schools helping students discover their futures.
“Our student services help young people explore career paths, build self-advocacy skills and access training opportunities after high school, all tailored to their skills and abilities,” he said.
The experience helped Alissa see her full potential. She succeeded by earning a master’s degree in social work and began helping people improve their well-being as a mental health specialist.
This work was fulfilling, but her true passion drew her back to VR.
“I love helping people with disabilities, like me, find their way in life,” she said.
A homecoming
Years later, Alissa returned to VR not as a client, but as a VR counselor ready to give back to the program that opened doors for her.
“People with disabilities bring skills, unique perspectives and strengths to the workplace,” she said. “They can help employers meet their workforce needs.”
Alissa manages a caseload of about 50 clients helping them explore careers, build job skills and connect with resources to gain meaningful employment.
“I tell my clients that if they’re willing to put in the effort, I’ll work just as hard alongside them,” she said. “We might take a different path than expected, but together, we’ll reach their goal.”
To learn more about pre-employment transition services for students with disabilities, call (800) 755-2745, 711 (TTY) or visit Vocational Rehabilitation's webpage.