People like you make a big difference in the lives of adults with disabilities who are working toward their personal and employment goals. One of those people is Tayli Carlson, a dining associate in the Monson Dining Center at Bethel University in Saint Paul, MN. We hope his success story inspires you to make your first, or renewed, gift to Rise as we continue our mission of unlocking opportunities for people in Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

Support Rise

Tayli serves up to 200 students during the busy lunch rush five days a week. She scoops rice, adds fresh vegetables and meats, and keeps the station moving smoothly. “My primary job is to work in the stir-fry station,” she says. “I make sure the kitchen is organized.”

Her work doesn’t stop there. She stocks supplies, puts away dishes, and supports wherever she’s needed. “I like to jump right in on my work,” she shares. “I’m a very hard worker and I’m fast with my tasks.”

Tayli, 33, is Deaf and participates in Rise’s Minnesota Employment Center (MEC), a statewide program supporting people who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing in their employment journeys. Her Occupational Communications Specialist, Ryan Miller, meets with her regularly to make sure she has what she needs to succeed.

“Ryan visits to chat and make sure I’m doing okay at my job,” explains Tayli. He also helps facilitate conversations with her manager and supports her in navigating challenges that come up at work.

Make Your 2026 Gift

Tayli has worked at Bethel for six years and has been part of Rise’s programs for even longer. She first started by washing tables but soon realized she wanted to do more. After sharing that with her supervisor, she was transferred into the kitchen.

Tayli has become a valued part of the dining team, inspiring her coworkers to grow. One of her fellow dining associates is even learning some sign language so they can communicate more easily. “I like to help him learn his job,” she shares with a smile.

Ryan describes his role as “to meet with Tayli regularly, discuss her goals, and help her with things like timeliness and dealing with the challenges that can come up when working in a busy college environment. I’m the go-between with her manager, supporting communication as needed.”

He also supports two other Deaf staff in the dining center. “Part of my job is to help employers understand that Deafness and hearing loss is a spectrum,” he says. “I act as a communications and cultural liaison. I help translate how Deaf people communicate for people who are hearing, while keeping the integrity of what people are communicating.”

With Ryan and Rise’s support, Tayli has also worked on overcoming other barriers, such as inconsistent public transit. They tackled this issue together by scheduling Lyft rides to and from work to ensure Tayli can arrive to and leave work on time. She continues to build the tools she needs to be an independent employee.

Ryan has seen Tayli grow in many ways. “She’s hard working, focused, and very much enjoys what keeps her busy,” he says. “She’s made strides with prioritizing responsibilities. She’s very skilled at coordinating tasks and takes accountability very well. She has a can-do spirit.”

Outside of work, Tayli’s life is full. She loves being out in the community—bowling, visiting the Mall of America, and doing puzzles. She’s working on her cooking skills outside of her job and has gotten especially good at making ribs and chicken wings. On weekends, she visits her mom, where they garden together.

Tayli hopes to find a summer job this year as the dining center closes when school is out. She’s been inspired by her past volunteer work at the Arboretum and wants to stay busy and keep growing.

Her story is one of dedication, growth, and support. And it’s possible because of our community of givers like you.

Your generosity ensures that people served by Rise and our programs, including MEC, have access to the communication support, job coaching, and advocacy they need to succeed at work. You help create workplaces where people are understood, valued, and included.

Please give to Rise today. You’re part of a community of people that believes everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve their goals, overcome barriers, and lead fulfilling lives. Thank you for being a difference-maker.

Make a Gift to Rise Today     |      More Stories from Rise

Your contribution to Rise, Inc, a 501(c)(3) organization, is tax-deductible according to IRS regulations.