Transition Impact Awards:
- Most Transformative Provider
- Service Category: Job exploration counseling, Work-based learning experience, Counseling on postsecondary opportunities, Instruction in self-advocacy, Job-seeking training, Communication and social skills, Workplace soft skills
At AVI Human Services, we are proud to celebrate providers who bring transition services to life in authentic and empowering ways. The School to Work Alliance Program (SWAP) at St. Vrain Valley School District, led by Ryan Burch, exemplifies what it means to transform student potential into real-world success.
Their impact reflects not only the breadth of their services, but the depth of their commitment to individualized, student-centered support.
Rooted in Reflection and Relationships
When asked what drives their success, the team emphasized a core value:
“The relationships we build with students and their self-reflection using TRT.”
By pairing the Transition Readiness Toolkit (TRT) with relationship-based support, the SWAP team helps students build confidence in who they are and clarity about where they want to go. The TRT plays a key role in helping students recognize their own growth and make informed decisions about the future.
“He is just thriving.” One Student’s Journey to Success
During a recent St. Vrain Board of Education meeting, SWAP team members shared stories that reflect the true power of this work.
Heidi Fishler, a SWAP specialist, described the journey of a student who faced many obstacles:
“I have a student that barely made it through the high school program… Then he went on to do the CDL Class B. He had to take the test about eight to ten times. He finally passed, got a temporary position with the Department of Transportation—and now he’s a permanent member of CDOT in Boulder.”
The student’s perseverance, combined with the steady support of the SWAP team, led to a meaningful long-term career, an outcome that speaks volumes about what’s possible with the right scaffolding in place.
From Uncertainty to Belonging: Finding a New Path
Another student began the program with a clear dream of becoming a firefighter but quickly found himself overwhelmed by the academic demands. Carla Williams, another SWAP specialist, recalled his story:
“He panicked and said, ‘I can’t pass all these classes,’ because he had specific learning disabilities in many areas. So we explored other options and found the wildfire program. We traveled to Front Range in Fort Collins, talked to the instructors, learned about the hands-on nature of the program… and he is now a hotshot. He has his own apartment, his own car, and he is just thriving. That’s what makes me personally keep going.”
This was made possible by a team that listens, adapts, and champions individualized pathways for each student.
A Well-Earned Moment of Recognition
The SWAP team’s work doesn’t go unnoticed. Each year, they receive high praise from the Colorado Department of Education not only for meeting their goals but for consistently exceeding them.
Dr. Laura Hess, introducing the team at the Board meeting, summarized it best:
“They’re recognized for things that we, I think, have already known all along—but it’s nice to see this national recognition.”
Watch the Team in Action
To hear these stories directly from the team, we encourage you to watch this clip from their recent recognition at the St. Vrain Valley School District Board of Education meeting:
🎥 Watch from 1:30 to 9:00
https://www.svvsd.org/boardmeetings/board-of-education-regular-meeting-156
We’re grateful to Ryan Burch, Heidi Fishler, Carla Williams, Kim Sinia, and the entire SWAP team for their extraordinary work and we’re proud to highlight the difference they make, one student at a time.