Providing Extraordinary Services for Exceptional People
Employment Team
Meet the
Kayla Beckman Taylor
Employment Services Manager
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Kayla has over 15 years of experience working with VR and ODDS services as well as 8+ years working as a counselor providing individual and family counseling services. She has served diverse caseloads over the years and enjoys bringing her depth of knowledge and experiences to her staff in her management role with Mountain Crest. Kayla has a Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and enjoys bringing the mental health lens to this work as typically there is a lot of personal, social, and disability adjustment counseling that individuals face as they consider entering the workforce.
Cody Bunse
Office Manager
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Cody has been an Office Manager at Mountain Crest for over a decade and strives to continue growing with the company, wherever that may lead. Being involved in so many facets of the business and getting to work with a variety of wonderful individuals has led to a fulfilling and meaningful experience. His focus is to help provide the tools and support to our staff so that they may bring their best selves to our clients, as well as advance in their professional careers. Providing exceptional service starts with creating an exceptional team and that is something that we all are proud of.
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Ken Price
Lead Employment Specialist
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Ken has been working in higher education for the past 23 years. After receiving his BFA degree in Graphic Design and Photography from Humboldt State University, he worked as an Art Director for various advertising agencies in Southern California. After 20 years of teaching Ken pursued his MBA and graduated in April 2014. Upon graduation he was promoted to work as a Career Coach and Adviser in the Career Services department at Zenith Education Group. In 2015 Ken joined the team at Mountain Crest Counseling bringing his extensive background in business, education, and job placement. He believes everyone is employable it’s just a matter of exploring to find that perfect opportunity.
Gabrielle Hall
Employment Specialist | Business Relations Specialist
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Gabrielle is a 2020 graduate of Oregon State University, where she earned degrees from both the College of Public Health with a focus on Human Development, and the College of Business in Entrepreneurship. Following graduation, Gabrielle gained hands-on experience as a Manager for a local Oregon coffee roaster. There she supported hiring, training, and administrative organization. In January 2022, Gabrielle joined the Mountain Crest Job Development team. In this role she combines her passion for business development with a commitment to human services. She enjoys the creative problem solving that Job Development allows her to exercise daily. Gabrielle continues to love working with individuals with diverse backgrounds and career aspirations.
Rachel Obando
Employment Specialist
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Rachel graduated from Portland State University in 2023 with a Bachelor’s in Sociology. During her time as an undergraduate, she worked as a Job Coach for individuals with I/DD for two years and started working at Mountain Crest as an Employment Specialist right before she graduated. Rachel is excited to continue applying her experience and education to create positive societal changes and empower individuals with diverse abilities to lead fulfilling lives.
Edie Mueller
Employment Specialist | Content Coordinator
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Edie joined the Mountain Crest team in July of 2023, shortly after graduating from Willamette University with a bachelor’s degree in Civic Communication and Media. As a student, Edie worked as a Paraeducator with Portland Public Schools and took a special interest in teaching life skills to high school students and young adults in the district's Community Transition Program. Neurodivergent herself, Edie is dedicated to helping dismantle the stigma that excludes individuals with disabilities from the workplace and hopes to empower her clients to pursue their professional goals with intention and confidence.
Taylor Cowman
Employment Specialist Supervisor
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Taylor graduated from Portland State University in the spring of 2022 with a Bachelor’s in Psychology. Taylor has previous work experience in behavioral therapy as well as special education where he supported children with disabilities. He started working at Mountain Crest Counseling as an Employment Specialist in 2023. Taylor is passionate about helping the community and making a positive impact on people.
Jennifer Covington
Employment Specialist
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Jennifer graduated from the University of Oregon in 2018 with a Bachelor's in Family and Human Services. Throughout college, she completed internships working with foster children, high school students, and families impacted by incarceration. After graduating, Jennifer moved to Portland and began her career in early childhood education, where she dedicated many years to nurturing the growth of young children and fostering relationships with families in her community. Her passion for human services eventually led her to join the Mountain Crest team, where she continues to make a positive impact on the individuals she serves.
Phoenix Bastida-Llamas
Employment Specialist
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Phoenix graduated from the University of Oregon in 2023 with a BA in Sociology and a minor in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. During her time as an undergraduate, she became a certified Peer Support Specialist, which allowed her to work with youth in the community, and sparked her initial interest in working with individuals with I/DD. After graduation, Phoenix worked as an administrative assistant. Phoenix moved to Portland and began working with Mountain Crest in 2024, which allowed her to put her undergraduate experience into practice and help others develop invaluable life skills to succeed.
Ericka Elliott
Job Coach
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Ericka is dedicated to supporting individuals to connect with meaningful employment opportunities while navigating their unique challenges. With over 15 years of experience in youth and family services, Ericka is passionate about helping people build the skills, confidence, and resources they need to thrive. Though not originally from Portland, she has made this vibrant city home and is deeply committed to supporting the local community. As a mother of two, Ericka brings a compassionate and understanding approach to her work, balancing professional expertise with a personal commitment to fostering growth and positive change for individuals and families.
Cecilia Wang
Job Coach
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Cecilia graduated from Clark D. Honors College at the University of Oregon in 2018 with a Bachelor’s in Economics. After graduation, Cecilia became inspired to work in the medical field after her own experience with cancer and started at a neurology clinic, where she worked closely with patients facing brain and spinal disorders. In early 2024, Cecilia joined Mountain Crest Counseling, where she hopes to combine her personal experiences and professional expertise to support individuals facing mental/behavioral health challenges.