My Profile

Ms. Michelle Bishop Gardner

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, CRC, ABVE/D,
Washington State Department of Labor and Industries

Contact Details

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Kennewick, WA 99336

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Bio

Master of Arts in Vocational Rehabilitation based on education and experience. An innovative thinker that creates effective results in resolving complicated claim issues. Effective communicator to the medical, business, education, and legal community. Attention to detail ensuring concise and objective vocational recommendations. Ability to develop new programs within a limited timeline that produces results. A thirst for knowledge to continue education and training for vocational, psychological, medical, and legal practices. Subject matter expert on disability management and experience in expert testimony. Positive and proactive liason to the community. Provide consulting services to employers on development of proactive and progressive Return-To-Work programs ensuring costs remain low and workers return to work. Provide detailed and complete assessment of the employability and/or retraining capacity of individuals unable to return to work. Maintain knowledge and training of best practices in disability management, employment standards,education, and the worker compensation system. My objectives are to continue in the development of effective best practices to provide the best outcomes for individuals with disabilities in vocational rehabilitation within the worker compensation, education, and personal injury system.

Specialties
Vocational assessment, development of Return-To-Work programs, complex claim resolution, and psychological factors involved in disability vocational rehabilitation planning. Knowledge of the worker compensation system. Development of On-The-Job training sites and formal training plans. Knowlegde in IDEA, ADA, and Section 504 guidelines to develop appropriate education plans. Vocational planning for persons with traumatic brain injury, acquired brain injury, and other cognitive impairments.

Certifications

  • ABVE Vocational Expert - Diplomate
  • Certified Disability Management Specialist
  • Certified Rehabilitation Counselor

Education

University of the Rockies
Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States
Master of Arts, 2015
Psychology, Career Management and Counseling
2013 To 2015

Eastern Washington University
Cheney, Washington, United States
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences, 2001
Clinical Psychology
1998 To 2001

Job History

Bishop Consulting Services
Education Consultant and Disabilities Management Specialist
May 2012 - present

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Vocational Services Consultant
June 2009 - present

Rehabilitation and Evaluation Services, Inc.
Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant
March 2003 - May 2009

Goodwill Industries
Program Case Manager
August 2001 - January 2003