Welcome to Trillium

Trillium Employment Services is an organization committed to developing employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. Our staff of skilled professionals work closely with businesses and applicants to ensure a quality match and long term success. In addition to our focus on supported employment, we are equally committed to developing supports for individuals with developmental disabilities to participate in the community.

Our History

Trillium has been serving people with disabilities in Washington since 1983. We were one of the pioneer supported employment agencies in the United States. We originated as a demonstration project by the University of Oregon to assist a local manufacturer of defibrillators, Physio-Control, in the employment of assemblers with developmental disabilities. This successful project demonstrated to the nation that people with significant disabilities could participate fully in businesses producing quality products of a critical nature. This demonstration helped to influence national legislation on supported employment and pave the way for other people with developmental disabilities to obtain jobs in the community, influence government to move toward community employment and away from sheltered employment, and inspire other businesses to employ people with significant disabilities.

Mission

The mission of Trillium Employment Services is to promote inclusive community and employment opportunities.

Vision

We, the staff of Trillium, are committed to realizing a community that celebrates inclusion and diversity through innovative leadership and partnerships.

Board

Steve LePenske, President

Steve spent over thirty years in public education with the last thirteen in school administration. Now retired from the Auburn School District, Steve is currently a professional nature and wildlife photographer whose work and presentations are in demand throughout the Puget Sound. He is a very active member of the Auburn community as well.

Caren Skube, Treasurer

Caren works for the Boeing Company in Global Corporate Citizenship/Community Relations. She currently manages the Employees Community Fund, the generous Boeing employee contributions. Previously she was the Boeing Corporate Community Investor for health and human services nonprofits. Before joining the board, Caren was active with Trillium advocating for the Boeing Supported Employment Program. Caren brings to the board and the organization, a long history of experience in human resources, having served in that capacity at Boeing for over 20 years. Caren values an inclusive community where all are embraced and provided opportunities to thrive and maximize their potential!

Susan Geear, Member

Susan is an internationally acclaimed coach, consultant, and social justice advocate, committed to partnering with women and men in leadership to support wide-ranging initiatives for personal, professional, and organizational change. She works with leaders around the globe to foster a commitment toward global citizenship, social consciousness, and personal responsibility. Susan is currently assisting Trillium to build sustainable leadership and succession planning at all levels of the organization so that Trillium can maintain quality services as we grow.

Lynn Norman, Member

She brings a unique perspective to the board as a long time small business owner and community leader. She currently serves as a member of the Auburn City Council. She is the Administrative Director and Facilitator of the Leadership Institute of South Puget Sound. Lynn has a granddaughter with disabilities and recently led the community in an effort to build a playground for children of all abilities in Auburn.

William Cowart, Member

Bill is the owner of HBT Insurance in Auburn. A long time resident of Auburn, Bill has been a business leader for over 20 years. He is a past president and current member of the Kiwanis club of Auburn and Board of Directors of Valley Bank. Bill also has a lot of experience with non-profit directorship having served for several years as board president of Auburn Youth Resources. Bill brings a perspective of business ownership a well as non-profit leadership to the board of Trillium. Bill is also an employer of one of Trillium’s participants.