Our Team
Kurt Johnson, Ph.D., CRC
Principal Investigator
Dr. Kurt Johnson is the Co-director of the UW Center for Technology and Disability and Principal Investigator for the UW Employment Program, receiving his Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He taught at UW-Madison, Florida State University, before coming to the University of Washington where he is now a Professor Emeritus in the School of Medicine at the University of Washington. He has served as head of the Division of Rehabilitation Counseling in the Dept. of Rehabilitation Medicine, PI of the National Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Multiple Sclerosis, the ADA Knowledge Translation Center and other major projects. In addition to the UWEP, he currently is PI on the NW ADA Center and the Washington Assistive Technology Act Program.
Katherine Bournelis, M.A., CRC
Director
Katherine Bournelis joined the UW Employment Program (UWEP) team in 2015. She is the Director of the program, as well as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). Katherine is currently a UW Ph.D. student in Rehabilitation Science. She received her Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling from Assumption College in Worcester, MA. Katherine works with private pay, DDA and DVR participants providing assessments, job placement, training, independent living skills, and long-term vocational support
Elizabeth Kubik, B.A.
Associate Director
Elizabeth Kubik joined the UW Employment Program (UWEP) team in 2022 as an Employment Specialist 1. In May 2025 she was promoted to the position of Associate Director. Elizabeth received a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Development from Chico State University in California. She has worked in a variety of work settings and has dedicated the last four years to implementing early intervention services as a Developmental Specialist and as a Certified Behavior Technician.
Lee Olsen
Program Coordinator
Lee Olsen joined the UW Employment Program (UWEP) team in 2000. He is the Program Coordinator for both the UW Employment Program and the Center for Technology and Disability Studies. He coordinates the functions of these programs, providing support to the directors and several professional and classified staff. Additionally, he is involved in general office and budget management as well as a liaison on fiscal matters between the UW Employment Program and King County Developmental Disabilities Community Services.
Robbie Colwell, B.A.
Employment Specialist 2
Robbie is a Retired U.S. Navy veteran and a SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society member, recognized with multiple military awards and commendations. She brings a diverse professional background, including many years of experience as a certified nursing assistant working in memory care and as a small business owner.
Robbie is passionate about advancing equity, access, and meaningful inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her work is grounded in a commitment to person-centered support, empowerment, and advocacy.
Danielle Sparks, B.S.
Employment Specialist 1
Danielle Sparks joined the UW Employment Program (UWEP) team as an Employment Specialist 1 in 2024. She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Washington State University. After several years working in corporate environments, Danielle moved to the field of social work following the Covid-19 pandemic. Most recently, she worked at a local nonprofit helping survivors of sex trafficking find and maintain employment.
Justin Hammond, B.A.
Employment Specialist 1
Justin Hammond joined the UW Employment Program (UWEP) team as an Employment Specialist 1 in 2025. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Philosophy from the University of Washington. With nearly a decade of analytics and process improvement experience, he has worked across industries including tech, healthcare, and startups. Justin is excited to use his skills and passion for accessible workforce development to help strengthen UWEP programs that support adults with disabilities in work and independent living.
Adrienne Barker, M.Ed., BCBA
Employment Specialist 1
Adrienne Barker joined the UW Employment Program (UWEP) team in 2025 and has over 15 years of experience working with individuals with Developmental Disabilities. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Washington and a Master of Education in Special Education through Texas Tech. She is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and has worked and consulted in school, clinical, home based and supported living environments ranging from ages of 2 to over 80 years old. Adrienne is excited to continue supporting individuals to obtain their goals and thrive in their communities.