One Step at a Time: “My Path to Employment” — Ashleigh Rowe

On a summer afternoon, I was sitting at a table with my coworkers during an all-staff meeting. We had a guest presenter that day, and I learned about an opportunity to share lived experiences through this Storytellers Blog. Although I am now a paid employee, I am excited to share how I reached my employment goal, one step at a time.

I was born and raised in Siskiyou County, California. I connected with my regional center when I was about eight years old. As I moved through school, I became involved in a program called WorkAbility. I gained experience working in a preschool with young children, and I discovered that I was especially good at supporting children with different needs.

I graduated from high school with my class and received my certificate when I was eighteen. I have been a shy person for most of my life, and after high school, life started to change.

I decided to push myself outside of my comfort zone. I took general education classes at College of the Siskiyous, just like many other people my age. Then, in 2010, I began attending the Siskiyou Opportunity Center five days a week. I joined the paid internship program and started to see new possibilities. I wanted to earn my own money and be trusted with responsibilities.

That opportunity opened new doors for me. I worked on life skills that helped me become more confident. One example was learning to knock on doors and talk with businesses about services that other participants and I could provide. I even helped grow a janitorial services contract with the U.S. Forest Service. Where I live, there are not many job opportunities, so that felt like a big accomplishment.

Over the years, I learned many new skills. I helped build wooden picnic tables, cut fencing, and completed many other projects. Every experience helped me grow.

As my responsibilities increased, I noticed that other participants at the Opportunity Center looked up to me. I have always felt a special connection with people who need extra support, and the staff noticed that too. One day, someone asked if I had ever thought about working at the Opportunity Center. Not long after that conversation, I interviewed for a position.

On July 8, 2025, after sixteen years as a participant, I became an employee.

It feels good to know that I am trusted to support and encourage others. It also reminds me how far I have come.

Working has taught me a lot about myself. I have hard days just like everyone else. I know I need to give myself enough time to get ready each morning so I can have a successful day. I also know that people feel comfortable talking with me. I enjoy listening, helping others, and making people feel heard and seen.

I also want people to know that I drive and face the same high cost of living that many others do. I have learned how to balance my Social Security benefits with my income from work. For me, working is worth it because it gives me more independence, more choices, and the chance to contribute to my community.

Today, my place is helping people. I continue to learn every day, taking one step, one person, and one day at a time.

Ashleigh first connected with her regional center when she was about eight years old. Over time, services and opportunities helped support her growth, independence and path toward employment. Her story shows how the right supports, combined with personal goals and persistence, can help open doors to meaningful work and greater independence.

Could regional center services help you or someone you support take the next step? Explore services, supports and resources that can help build independence, pursue goals and create more opportunities: https://scdd.ca.gov/regionalcenterservices/

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