JULY 2025 - Former DORS consumer, Tinille, first learned about DORS after college. "I was in contact with a scholarship expert and she told me about DORS. My first counselor was Seth [Masley, former counselor, now DORS Staff Specialist, for Program Evaluation & AWARE Support]. I liked him a lot, he was very kind. Then, I worked Sharon [Plump, DORS Region 1 Director]. I wanted to go to PA school, she was able to help me with financial resources for school and I got a master’s in medical science."
Tinille knew that she wanted to become a Physician Associate (PA). Most recently, she worked with DORS Hagerstown Rehabilitation Counselor, Katie Coffman. "She assured that I had the financial support I needed to attend graduate school," as well as some assistive technology to help Tinille be successful with her course work. “I finished the PA program in December 2023 and then got into a bridge doctoral program. I completed that in December and went to the PA graduation ceremony in May!”
After finished the doctoral program, Tinille worked with Abbie from DORS Community Partner, JSSA., who helped her create a resume, and prepare for job interviewing and job searching. "I then got my job through networking. I think that the services they offered were very beneficial."
Tinille soon landed her dream job, working as a PA at a private internal medicine practice. “We do concierge medicine. I am able to spend time, treat, diagnose, order imaging, etc. It’s just a joy to be able to take my time – especially with my older patients – [and] contribute to the patient’s overall wellness plan.”
When asked if she would recommend DORS to other job seekers with disabilities, Tinille is an enthusiastic ambassador. “I actually have a young lady [patient] who is Deaf, so I told her about DORS and encouraged her to utilize the services. It is so difficult when you are in the disability category, even though we have a lot of abilities! I told her DORS helps you be on an even playing field. It was tremendously helpful to me having fewer battles to fight, with DORS’ help. DORS definitely opens up doors for people with disabilities. I think that DORS is amazing!”
Katie Coffman enjoyed working with Tinille but agrees that this consumer faced a lot of unwarranted obstacles. “I advocated for her a lot when she was an undergrad because some of her [college] professors did not want to allow for her [disability] accommodations. But she proved herself time and time again, that she could handle her clinicals, and the hours, and the expectations of her program. She pulled a 4.0 GPA and got through every hurdle and obstacle – she has so much tenacity!”
Tinille’s resolve may come from her mindset: “I like this quote from Maya Angelo, ‘You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.’” Accordingly, she published a book in 2024, The Art of Compassionate Living, and says: “I’m excited to see what good things are to come!”
