Walker, who is the coordinator of services for students with disabilities at Central Oregon Community College, is a graduate of Eastern Washington University in Spokane. She is a part time faculty member at COCC, teaching health, fitness and cardiopulmonary resuscitation classes in the Health and Human Performance department.

“The most rewarding part of my job is to help students overcome barriers to learning in order to work toward success,” said Walker.

When asked to describe Walker in one word, her assistant, Joyce Vincik said, “Compassionate … she always goes the extra mile to help the students receive services for which they are eligible, (she) is accessible to students, and concerned about students’ success in their classes.”

Vincik has worked with Walker for many years and considers her a friend not just at work, but out of work as well.

“She’s energetic, fun, modest, not a person who simply ‘blends in’, but leaves an impression,” said Vincik. “Co-workers enjoy her upbeat and unassuming presence.”

But as a person who is known to ‘leave an impression,’ Walker is a person who prides herself on changing lives. Working with students with disabilities isn’t the most glamorous job, but for her it is the most rewarding.

“My role is to assess eligibility of students to receive accommodations and services based on disability, and determine the eligible accommodations for the classroom,” said Walker. “(It’s) also to be an advocate and support center for students with disabilities.”

To students with disabilities, Walker is their anchor and their lifeline. Without her services, they would have extreme difficulties succeeding at COCC or would not be able to attend altogether.

For a person to devote their life to be an advocate and support center for students with disabilities meets the true definition of what being compassionate is all about.

Contact this reporter at amcgirr@cocc.edu