2016 Employment First Summit  Trailblazing:  Charting Our Employment Path

Mentoring Matters
Julia Connellis, Executive Director, KYEA

This workshop will share the needs, benefits and most of all impact that mentoring can have on youth with disabilities. Presenters will review various mentoring opportunities available for youth with disabilities through KYEA, as well as opportunities for potential mentors. Youth with disabilities who have or currently being mentored will share their story of how mentoring helped them on their life journey.

Julia Connellis, Executive Director, KYEA, holds a bachelors degree in Human Services from Washburn University and certification in nonprofit management, addictions counseling, and youth services. She has two years of master level Social Work education and plans to complete her masters degree in the near future. Julia is an example of how civic engagement with KSYLF ignited a passion to dedicate her life to breaking down barriers preventing equality, justice, and the right to choice. She has been involved with KYEA as a volunteer and as a staff member for over 13 years. Julia’s management experience began in college where she coordinated community service projects and managed volunteers. She has had 8 years of experience managing and coaching the staff of KYEA, while learning alongside them. Ms. Connellis is a leader, active listener, and has the ability to uncover and reveal the potential in others. Julia enjoys leisure activities such as music, concerts, spending time with friends and her parents, eating, dogs and reading.