Work at Trellis

Connecting People to Purpose

We help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities find great jobs, real friendships and a life that fits them.

ON THIS PAGE:

Our Belief

Navigating the Path to Success

Our Impact

Our Team

Join Trellis

Our Company 

Trellis serves communities throughout the Portland and Salem metro areas and partners closely with individuals, families, Vocational Rehabilitation counselors, employers and support teams to create long-term, sustainable outcomes. 

We do this through the full arc of vocational rehabilitation and community life: career exploration, job placement, on-the-job coaching, attendant care, day support and activities that helps people build genuine connections and the skills to live independently. 

Trellis is one of several organizations under Pillar Health Group, a family of health and human services brands. Being part of Pillar means we share resources, standards and a deep commitment to the people we serve, while keeping the local, hands-on character that makes Trellis special. 

Our Belief 

We believe everyone has unique abilities and deserves the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to their community. We’re committed to the individuals we serve, ensuring no one is overlooked or underestimated because of their circumstances. 

How We Navigate Paths to Success 

Empowerment Through Ability 

We see potential, not limitations. Every individual possesses unique strengths and valuable skills that deserve recognition and opportunity. 

Dignity Through Independence 

We believe in each person’s right to self-determination. Our support is designed to build confidence, skills and autonomy, empowering individuals to shape their own futures at home and at work. 

Lasting Connection 

Our dedication means providing personalized, long-term support that adapts to individual goals and celebrates every milestone achieved. 

Inclusive Community Building 

We create spaces where everyone belongs. True community means fostering connections, friendships and learning opportunities that break down barriers and bring people together. 

Advocacy and Opportunity 

We are champions for those we support. We actively work to change perceptions, open doors and ensure that meaningful employment and community participation are accessible to all. 

Our Impact

Trellis focuses on creating measurable outcomes that improve quality of life, independence and long-term community inclusion. 

Clients benefit from:

  • Increased confidence and self-advocacy 
  • Greater independence in daily living 
  • Improved communication and social skills 
  • Meaningful employment opportunities 
  • Stronger community engagement and relationships 

Employers benefit from:

  • Dependable employees 
  • Improved workplace inclusion 
  • Ongoing support from Trellis Employment Specialists and Job Coaches 

Meet Our Team

From community services to employment support, our team brings expertise, empathy and everyday commitment to client-centered outcomes. 

Tom hails from Phoenix, Arizona and serves as Pacific Opportunities’ CEO. He graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy with a B.S. in Marine Engineering. After graduating, Tom was commissioned in the U.S. Marine Corps and served on both active duty and the reserves before honorably separating as a Captain. Aside from the Marines, he has held various corporate management and project management roles. Tom has lived and worked in many countries, most recently leaving a three-year assignment in Japan. Tom and his wife love their dogs, the outdoors, cooking and travel.

Jim was born and raised In Portland Oregon. He graduated from the Oregon Institute of Technology with a B.S. in Computer Systems Engineering. After graduating from OIT, Jim spent the majority of his career in various technology and operational roles in multiple industries including the nonprofit world. In these experiences he has held a number of executive management roles. In his spare time, Jim likes to read, cook, camp, fish and travel to see his three adult children and two grandchildren. 

Vicki Atkinson was born and raised in Oregon, where she developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors and the Oregon coast. She and her husband are proud parents of two children, and family remains at the center of everything she does. Vicki spent 18 years working in the auto insurance industry before being presented with an exciting opportunity to join Trellis in 2017 as an Office Manager. Since then, she has continued to grow professionally and personally within the organization, advancing into the role of Executive Director. Vicki is passionate about the work she does and finds great meaning and purpose in serving within the ID/D field. She is committed to supporting individuals, families and communities while helping Trellis continue to grow and make a positive impact. 

Heather Johnson is an HR leader and Certified High Performance Coach™ with a track record of building engaged, high-performing teams and driving organizational success through people-focused strategies. As HR Director at Trellis, she oversees all aspects of human resources while fostering a compassionate culture that supports exceptional service to our clients. Heather partners with senior executives to align talent initiatives with business objectives. Her expertise includes talent development, employee engagement, cross-functional collaboration, performance management and creating environments of trust and accountability. A Certified High Performance Coach since 2018, Heather brings a unique blend of strategic HR acumen and coaching excellence to develop leaders, strengthen teams and cultivate workplaces where people thrive with purpose and resilience. 

Janet was born and raised in California. She has been an Oregon resident for 15 years. Over the past six years, Janet has built her career in the ID/D field, starting as a Direct Support Professional during the pandemic. In that role, her natural empathy and commitment to the people she supported quickly developed into a strong passion for caregiving and community inclusion. She now serves as Community Director at Trellis, where she is continuing to grow as a leader while supporting individuals in achieving their personal goals, building independence and developing everyday life skills that help them participate more fully in their communities. Janet is focused on creating strong, supportive connections between staff, individuals and families, and on fostering an environment built on respect, growth and opportunity. She remains committed to developing her leadership skills while helping both her team and the individuals they serve continue to thrive. 

Nicci began her career in intellectual and developmental disabilities as a Program Manager at a group home for women with dual diagnoses. There, she successfully implemented dialectical behavior therapy groups, collaborating with Multnomah County to replicate this effective support model across various countywide programs. Nicci developed tailored transition programs that equipped clients with essential skills for independent living.

As she advanced into roles such as QA Director and Director, her focus shifted towards enacting client-centered services that empowered individuals to achieve their personal goals. Nicci also created a pioneering program that introduced integrated services and supports, marking a significant milestone in service history.

Throughout Nicci’s lifelong commitment to social services, her journey has been profoundly influenced by her grandmother, a dedicated three-term Multnomah County Commissioner. The positive transformations she’s witnessed in people’s lives continue to inspire and motivate her every day.

 
Make a Difference

Join the Trellis team and start making a difference.