May 8, 2025 By CDHD Congratulations, spring 2025 graduates! Another academic year has come to a close, marking the start of beautiful weather and the precipice of summer. It also means that we must sadly say goodbye to another group of graduating CDHD student trainees. It’s a bittersweet moment as we reflect on their time with us; however, we are thrilled to see them set off on their next exciting chapter. We know they will go on to amazing things. This year, three trainees have completed their degrees, and will be stepping out into the big, wide world. Join us in congratulating Kincaid Moberly, Isabella Gilmore and Jayda Croft on this momentous achievement, and hear from them on where they’re headed next. Congratulations, Isabella! Thank you for your time, Isabella! How long have you worked at the CDHD? Isabella: I started attending art workshops and training seminars in the fall of 2022, my very first semester at the university! I called Olivia on a whim looking for some help to get hands-on experience, and that phone call led to the most amazing three years of my life. I officially became a trainee in February 2023. That’s awesome! Three years goes by so quickly. During that time, what project(s) did you work on? Isabella: I have worked on SESTA for the entirety of my time here, and I joined the Healthy Active Lifestyles Team in August 2023. Along the way, I have helped with SAM, SESTA ITC, and worked on kickstarting our Hydroponics and Equitable Access to Produce (HEAP) project. I was given this advice, “try something new every year during your time here.” I think I’ve done just that! Great – that’s the best way to do it. And since you took full advantage, what is the most valuable thing you learned while working at the CDHD? Isabella: The most valuable thing I have learned during my time here is that working with people in such a direct way can exhaust you. It will wear you down and sad news can come too often. However, it will also fill you in ways you could never imagine. The fulfillment that comes when things are unpredictable and real is unmatched. Find what makes your soul shine, even if some cracks form along the way! Those cracks are what will let the light shine through. I like that positivity – it’s a nice way to view experience and lessons learned. What (in your opinion) is the best reason to become a student trainee? Isabella: People should become student trainees at the CDHD because they will meet some of the best people in the world. One side of this is our community of families and self-advocates. These people will change the way you see the world and welcome you into their hearts. The other side of this is the people you will meet within the CDHD’s walls. The mentors and friends you find will cheer you on during these wild college years. While professionalism is taught and expected, there is an incredible amount of space to be a human being here. The people here are the kindest and most selfless individuals. It’s hard work that we do, but when you’re doing it together, it doesn’t feel so heavy. And what has been your favorite CDHD memory? Isabella: This is extremely difficult as there have been so many good ones; presenting at conferences, classic CDHD potlucks, silliness at movement classes, and everything in between. I would have to say traveling to Washington DC in April 2024 for Disability Policy Seminar was a highlight. We made so many good memories, got our steps in, learned incredible things, and laughed through the streets of DC. So, what’s next? What are your post-graduation plans? Isabella: I’ll be getting married in June to my high school sweetheart! And we’ll be staying in the area for the foreseeable future. I look forward to working at the CDHD this summer and providing Healthy Active Lifestyles programming to our community. I have applied to join the LEND training program, so we’ll see what happens! One season at a time and I definitely don’t want to leave anytime soon! I am so grateful to have found work at the CDHD and did not realize how it would change my life. I think I have more to give, and I have found a place within this community. I think there are many organizations here in Moscow that I could get involved in and keep working towards inclusive recreation for all. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! That’s very exciting. What are you looking forward to the most about taking your next steps? Isabella: I am looking forward to this season of being a student of life! School has provided me with a safety net for a long time and it’s time to figure out who I am aside from that. I set out to help others find their passions and help them along their way to finding meaningful recreational opportunities. I will continue to do this in whatever capacity I can. Congratulations, Jayda! Hello, Jayda. Thank you for giving us a little time before graduation day. Let’s start off with how long you’ve been at the CDHD. Jayda: I have been working at the CDHD since August 2024. And what projects did you work on during your time here? Jayda: The main project I worked on is Healthy Active Lifestyles. Under that project, we have many events, including Movement in the Park and our Healthy Cooking Series, which I was able to help jump-start. I found myself creating many flyers and materials to distribute to the participants. I also tried to be a natural support for as many SAM meetings and artAtbility workshops as I could. Excellent – I’m so glad you were able to work on a variety of projects. It’s good to get a mix of experiences. What is the most valuable thing you learned while working on all those projects? Jayda: The most valuable thing I’ve learned is how to work with individuals living with disabilities as a whole. I hope to run my own business one day, and I’ve gained valuable knowledge about how to make materials more accessible. Additionally, I’ve gained insight into how this population is cared for, as well as the injustices they often face in society. Oh good – we love it when trainees gain practical skills they can apply to their future careers. It sounds like you’ve gained some very valuable experience. What is your favorite CDHD memory? Jayda: My favorite CDHD memory is from one of our interdisciplinary trainee meetings. We were on a Zoom call with a guest speaker, and Olivia was front and center on the screen. Even though the camera was clearly on Olivia and the speaker knew who she was, she still started every comment with, “Hey, Olivia here,” each time she spoke. Ha ha ha! That’s great! The interdisciplinary trainee meetings are always a hoot! Would you say this is one of best reasons to become a student trainee at the CDHD? Jayda: I would say the best reason would be the community it brings. From your coworkers to the participants, everyone is super loving and caring. What’s next for you, Jayda? What are your post-graduation plans? Jayda: My post-graduation plan is to return to Moscow in August and begin working toward my master’s degree in Kinesiology at the University of Idaho. After completing my master’s, I plan to move back home and hopefully jump-start my career as a strength and conditioning coach, while also saving money to work toward some of my personal life goals. That’s excellent – what are you looking forward to most about these next steps? Jayda: What I am looking forward to most about what's next is making money. I have been broke for 21 years I am ready for that to not be my reality anymore. Ha ha ha! Fair enough! We’re rooting for you and hopefully we’ll see you around campus as you pursue your master’s degree. Congratulations, Kincaid! Hello, Kincaid – how long have you been with us at the CDHD? It’s been at least two years, right? Kincaid: I’ve worked at the CDHD since August of 2023, but I had been supporting the CDHD and attending events since the year before. Alena was in one of my classes and recommended that I attend the Disability Etiquette Training. I’m very grateful to her for introducing me to the CDHD and all the wonderful things it does for our community! That’s wonderful! And, thank you, Alena! What projects did you work on during that time? Kincaid: Over the past two years, I’ve mainly worked on the Self-Advocate Movement of Moscow (SAM), Disability Advocacy Network of Idaho (DANI), research with Erik, and the Hydroponics for Equitable Access to Produce (HEAP) Project. I’ve also stepped up to support Movement in the Park and briefly did some captioning for SESTA. We definitely kept you busy! What is your favorite CDHD memory from all that? Kincaid: I have a lot of fond memories of the CDHD, but I think my favorite is the White Elephant Gift exchange from last December. The food was delicious, and the gifts were hilarious! I am going to miss having work events like that. Oh yes, I remember that gift exchange. It was a good one! What would you say is the most valuable thing you’ve learned while working at the CDHD? Kincaid: I have learned to be a lot more direct and confident. I used to apologize a lot and get very nervous that my work wasn’t good enough. Working at the CDHD has taught me that part of being professional is holding yourself accountable in a respectable way and not beating yourself up about the mistakes you make. That’s great – such a good takeaway that help you succeed anywhere you go. Speaking of, what’s next? What are your post-graduation plans? Kincaid: I am sticking around with the CDHD over the summer, but I plan on getting a job in Portland and moving there in the fall. Oh good! We have you for a few more months. What are you looking forward to the most about your next steps? Kincaid: I am pretty nervous about the future, but I am looking forward to the change. I’m excited to think of the new people I will meet, the skills I will further polish, and the places I will go! Yes, the world is your oyster, as they say. You’ll do great! Let’s finish it off an easy one – what (in your opinion) is the best reason to become a student trainee at the CDHD? Kincaid: The CDHD has helped me develop skills that serve me in my professional and personal life. I’m so grateful that my wonderful mentors at the CDHD have given me the tools and guidance to be a leader and an active part of my community. I feel better prepared to take on a career after college, as I have built a lot of confidence in my abilities and potential through this job.