Comments:
A lot has happened since 1985. I went to UW-Stout and got my BS degree and then my MS degree in Vocational Rehabilitation. I worked at the Stout Voc Rehab Institute while in grad school and for another year after. In 1991 I moved to AZ, where I worked for Social Security for a year and hated it! Then I worked for the State of AZ for about 18 months as a Rehab Counselor, which was ok. From there I went to work for a private rehab company where I further developed my skills as a Vocational Evaluator. After three years with that company, I left and opened my own business, Ripp Rehab, Inc. (in 1997). For the first seven years I primarily worked alone but as the company grew I hired staff. I went from one admin assistant to her and about four other professional staff who are qualified to do similar things as me in that next year and by 2008 I had 12 employees and 10 subcontractors. The poor economy and lack of a VA contract for several months hit us this past year and I am down to 2 employees and 3 subcontractors but I feel fortunate to still be in business and being able to survive! In 2011 I became a Vocational Expert (expert witness) for Social Security Disability hearings and they are now being completed via telephone. So, as you can see, that has taken up a big part of my life, but I have taken time to travel and to have a few serious relationships along the way. The current one is great and I am excited to see where it takes us! :)
