Yvonne Phillips

Yvonne Phillips, M.Ed. began career with the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) in 2015 and moved into the role of Travel Trainer in 2017. Prior to employment at the CCIU, Yvonne worked with individuals with mental health, intellectual disabilities and economic disadvantages ranging in ages up to 21 years in a variety of settings. She began her role at the CCIU as a career as a job trainer, supporting individuals in developing hard and soft skills required for future independent or supported employment. Yvonne saw how dependent the individuals were on transportation from others, which limited their employment options due to the lack of travel skills. When a travel trainer position opened, she knew that this was her calling. Yvonne had a strong desire to teach individuals the skills needed to travel in the community, accept a paid position or go to an appointment that would require taking public transportation or access ride share without relying on the support and assistance of a companion. Since then, she had obtained her Travel Training Instructor certification (CTTI) through Easterseals Project Action (ESPA), joined ATI and was nominated to the board in 2023. While serving on the ATI board she has presented in-person and virtually.

Yvonne currently serves on the ATI Conference Committee and the Professional Development Committee.