Who We Are
Eltrina Simuel, Director
Eltrina has over 36 years of rehab background. She began her career as a
volunteer in numerous grassroots programs throughout King County. She was
on the team of Rev. McKinney of Mount Zion Church in submitting the initial
proposal to the development of Seattle Opportunities Industrialization Center
(eventually renamed Seattle Vocational Institute).
She was hired on as clerical supervisor for a
short period of time when she was eventually recruited by Mr. Jim Fidler of the
Washington State Apprenticeship Information Center in 1968. She was
responsible for the recruitment and testing of selected individuals for
apprenticeship programs. She utilized that experience by networking with
many leaders with the trades.
Two years later, Mr. Alfred E. Cowles, Executive
Director, offered her an Executive Administrator position with the Washington
State Board Against Discrimination (eventually renamed as the Washington State
Human Rights Commission). While there she had the pleasure of working with
Ms. Winfred Duncan, who was the Senior Commissioner of the Board. Ms.
Duncan was also a Supervisor for the Washington State Department of Vocational
Rehabilitation (DVR). It was Ms. Duncan's words that sent Eltrina on a
journey into the world of rehab. "Eltrina, I have been aware and very
impressed with your people skills and think you could be very effective in the
field of rehab." Eltrina took Ms. Duncan's words seriously by
interviewing for a rehab assistant position, unaware that in 1980, Ms. Duncan
would eventually be not only her mentor but her supervisor as well. She
accepted a position in Tacoma where she worked part-time and attended Tacoma
Community College in 1976. She remained there for eight years where
she acquired her knowledge and rehab skills, and was promoted several times.
In 1980, she was promoted to Counselor 1, a position that she accepted in the
Seattle area. She attended the Rehab Program at Seattle University. She became very active in job development and was noted for
being one of the top three highest placement counselors. She was also
appointed the liaison for the Regional Epilepsy Center, located at Harborview
Medical Center. These facilities provided free counseling and placement
services to individuals with neurological disabilities. Later she was
responsible for coordinating numerous fundraisers. She was also
responsible for developing their Board. One year later, she was appointed
as the Board President.
Because she enjoyed her position as a vocational
counselor, she found it very easy to manage her caseload while at the same time
developed programs or activities that resulted in achieving higher placements of
people with disabilities. She and Ms. Kathy West-Evans were appointed by
the Director of DVR to represent Region 4 on a project that required the two to
design a plan that would enhance placements. Eltrina and Kathy put in long
hours soliciting ideas and feedback from the entire region. The outcome of
their efforts resulted in the development of the EARN center, which has been
renamed and redesigned to mini-vocational centers located in each DVR office.
These facilities have enhanced placement statewide as they provide job placement
support to job-ready DVR participants. Eltrina kicked in her talents
again, by coordinating one of the largest fundraising events, which was held at
the Executive Inn, pulling in DVR staff of all levels from all regions
throughout Washington State. The proceeds were used to enhance the EARN
center, such as purchasing resource materials. The EARN center received
the Governor's Award.
In the mean time, Eltrina was promoted to
Journeyman Counselor. She eventually retired from DVR in 1998 and became a
consignment shop owner. This was very successful until she was one of six
victims that was robbed at gunpoint. Eltrina shut down her shop at the
recommendation of friends and family. Jim Jones of Office
Careers offered Eltrina the opportunity to develop the job placement unit to her
benefit. This was very successful. She eventually left Office
Careers and was was offered office space at the Renton WorkSource by Mr. Dave
Potter, Owner. This was the beginning of T & E Placement Services.
Volunteers
Eltrina Simuel is the sole owner who provides
quality placement and job retention services. However, she continues to
have the support of the following volunteers on an as-needed basis:
- Toysan Dotson, Marketing
- Roberta Sherwood, Research
- Siniva Wellington, Program Coordinator
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