Pierce County Staff

Our Staff

We have developed a culture of collaboration and learning at Trillium. You may have a primary point of contact, but behind the scenes, our teams work together to combine strengths and provide quality services. Each member of the team brings a diverse personal and professional background that we hope meets the needs of the businesses and clients we serve.

LeEllen Ferguson

Program Manager

She/her pronouns
LeEllen Ferguson has been with Trillium since 2012. Her personal and professional journey has prepared her for a career as an employment advocate. At University of Washington, Tacoma, LeEllen’s interests gravitated towards social service and education courses. Her ability to connect with her clients is the hallmark of her success. Before joining Trillium in 2012, LeEllen worked with special needs individuals as a Para-educator in the Tacoma School District where she focused on the unique qualities each person offers. LeEllen is passionate about listening to her client’s interests so she can be their voice in the business community and empower them with jobs that support their ambitions. LeEllen holds the Employment Professional Certificate.

Call:253-446-7510Write:LeEllen@trillium.org

Julie Kunnen

Michele Hernandez

Assistant Program Manager

She/her pronouns
Michele has a passion for working with people with disabilities. She graduated in 2008 with a BA in Communications from the University of Washington and has mainly worked within the sales sector of the Kent community. She has an extensive background in the human resources field, customer service, and sales training, where she saw first-hand the positive contribution supported employment provides. All these experiences led Michele to a position as an Employment Consultant at Trillium. Michele enjoys building new relationships, as well as teaching and supporting individuals to learn and grow. She is excited to work with local business and adults with developmental disabilities to create and inclusive community where individuals can work on their employment skills. Michele holds the Employment Professional Certificate.

Call:253-446-7510Write:MicheleH@trillium.org

Rick Aasen

Senior Employment Consultant

He/him pronouns
Rick Aasen has been with Trillium since August 31st, 2012. His passion is working with School Districts in Pierce County and their School to Work Transition Programs for students with developmental disabilities. Rick has appreciated the opportunity to lead Trillium Pierce’s School to Work Team.

Rick takes immense pride in finding paid employment for people with developmental disabilities. He finds jobs that people enjoy and are successful performing. He believes that businesses and communities are stronger when they support inclusiveness. He thinks its amazing what wonderful things people are capable of with just a little assistance. Rick taught for seven years in Special Education before beginning his career with Trillium.

Rick is part of a talented team in Pierce County. He believes their team makes remarkable things happen for both the people they serve and the community they live in.

Rick is a graduate of Washington State University. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in both Communications (Public Relations) and Sociology (Human Resources). He received his Special Education Teachers Certification from Pacific Lutheran University. Rick holds the Employment Professional Certificate.

Call:253-446-7510Write:Rick@trillium.org

Linda Norlin

Senior Employment Consultant

She/her pronouns
Linda has lived in Washington for most of her life, residing in Arizona for two years and eventually moved back to the Pacific Northwest (where she calls home). For four years, she was self-employed and worked independently with people with disabilities as a caregiver. She enjoys working one-on-one with each individual and working with families. During her time working in Respite Care, she had the opportunity to work with a Trillium client and was enriched by this experience; this interaction encouraged her to pursue the field. Supported employment is a way she can help clients work toward independence. Linda is motivated by how independence enriches the lives of her clients and enjoys seeing the difference an inclusive workforce is making in the community. In her free time, she loves road trips, picnics, hiking outdoors, exploring the woods and visiting the ocean. Linda holds the Employment Professional Certificate.

Call:253-446-7510Write:Linda@trillium.org

Danielle Clark

Rebecca Grout

Jody DeSmedt

Carlos Salas