Columbia Ability Alliance Welcomes Krista McElroy as New Employment Specialist

Krista McElroy

Columbia Ability Alliance is thrilled to announce the addition of Krista McElroy to their team as an Employment Specialist. Krista brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the nonprofit’s mission of empowering individuals through meaningful employment opportunities.

Krista joins Columbia Ability Alliance from her role as a preschool teacher at West Side Preschool, where she had the unique opportunity to mentor students involved in the Richland School District’s Work-Based Learning Program. This hands-on experience allowed Krista to work closely with students, helping them with classroom setup, engaging with preschoolers, and managing classroom cleanup. This inclusion opportunity was transformative for Krista, as it underscored the significance of job opportunities and on-the-job learning experiences for students, fostering connections and a deeper understanding of the impact of meaningful employment.

“Krista will be an asset to our team with her background in education and out of the box thinking,” said David Haldeman, Divisional Programs Manager. “We are excited to have her join the Columbia Ability Alliance team.” 

In her role, Krista will be instrumental in supporting and assisting clients with disabilities and barriers in their job searches, preparing them for interviews, and providing ongoing support to ensure job retention until clients feel confident and independent. Recognizing that each individual possesses distinct abilities, Krista emphasizes the importance of flexibility in her approach. She believes that work is a crucial element in gaining control over personal choices, promoting self-growth, and ensuring security and confidence in meeting basic needs.

For more information about Columbia Ability Alliance’s services, please visit columbiaabilityalliance.com or contact them at (509) 582-4142.

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