Cathy Bisaillon of Easter Seals Washington has been the President and Chief Executive Officer since 2002. Bisaillon loves helping families and their children realize that the sky is the limit. She is passionate about seeing children grow in knowledge and skill, while finding their rightful place in their community.
She believes the Easter Seals difference starts with attitude. “Whether developing a behavior plan for a child with autism or engaging a child with learning delays in a focused literacy activity, we make it clear that all children can and should reach their true potential,” said Bisaillon.
Bisaillon enjoys being a fly on the wall, observing the progress children make. She says that with the right environment, children are naturally inquisitive and accepting of each other’s differences. Bisaillon recalls a moment in the inclusive preschool when one young girl wanted to cut up the chicken patty for her classmate because it would be easier for him to eat. “It was then that I realized that we need to provide services in the most naturally occurring environment to allow children to see past their disabilities and to achieve together,” she said.
Bisaillon started at Easter Seals as an Employment Specialist and has held the positions of Director of Workforce Development and Vice President. In addition to working at Easter Seals, she has directed county-funded at-risk youth recreation programs, serves as the Co-Chair of the Directors of Disability Organizations, sat on the Combating Autism Advisory Council, is a member of the Lifespan Respite Coalition and serves on the Board of Directors for the Silverdale Rotary Club.
She received her Bachelor of Arts in psychology (with an emphasis in Industrial/Organization Psychology) from California State University, Fullerton.
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