The Barbara Stone Foundation expands UP (Upward Professionals) Employment Initiative team with two new employees

The Barbara Stone Foundation, a Greenville-based non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families, announces the addition of Kris Mostoller and Tori Weatherford to support the Upward Professionals (UP) Employment Initiative, an individualized direct service program aimed at developing and supporting inclusive employment of individuals with disabilities.

Mostoller will be the new Job Liaison, and she will oversee two components of the initiative: one-on-one job coaching/support and the UP Employment Professional Cohort. She has a master’s degree in special education from Clemson University and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of South Carolina Upstate.

“Kris has over 30 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities as a former special education teacher,” said Lara Ceisel, executive director of the Barbara Stone Foundation. “Her leadership and experience will help participants in each UP program achieve important job skills training, so that they have the individualized support they need to be successful in the workplace.”

Weatherford is the Program Assistant for the UP Employment Initiative, a new position created to help support the growth of the program, which launched in 2022. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Collaborative Health and Human Services with an emphasis in Nonprofit Administration from California State University Monterey Bay.

“Throughout the years, we have significantly expanded the UP Employment programs due to the immense need for job training and placement services,” stated Ceisel. “Tori will be a vital asset, enhancing participants’ personal and professional growth, leadership abilities, and professionalism.”

To learn more about the Barbara Stone Foundation UP Employment Initiative, visit https://barbarastonefoundation.org/up-employment-initiative or contact Lara Ceisel at [email protected].