Guardians
Guardianship Specialists:
Patty Croteau, CPG, 425-885-1006 x 102
Gordon Ellison-Oslin, CPG, 425-885-1006 x 117
Staff Qualifications:
- Washington State Certified Professional Guardian In 1999 a Supreme Court Order required professional guardians to become certified.
- Continuing Education Classes or seminars related to guardianship that are accepted by the Administrator of the Courts.
About Patty Croteau
I serve our Guardianship clients, all of who have developmental, as well as other, disabilities. Although I have been a Certified Professional Guardian for ten years, the real inspiration for my work with the DD population lies closer to home. My son, Quinn, has autism. Although his use of language is rudimentary, and he has no social graces, Quinn shines brightly with his happy nature, energy, and intelligence. As I meet my clients at Bridge, I see similar kinds of luminosity along with the disabilities. I tell my son, "Everyone has something that makes life difficult. For you, it is autism. For another person, it is diabetes. For another person, it may be relationship problems." I don't think this makes him feel better, but perhaps it makes him feel less alone. I love that about Bridge. We go farther than traditional guardianship services to bridge the isolation of those we serve. It is a real honor to be part of God's plan in blessing, and being blessed by, the disabled.
About Gordon Ellison-Oslin
As a Certified Professional Guardian for Bridge, it is our mission that every client receives guardianship services that go beyond the statutory requirements. I visit clients and am legally responsible for their care. Part of my care includes outings to ensure they live a in a “quality of life” environment and are able to connect with the community and assure their overall good health and welfare.
My interest in guardianship started as a volunteer guardianship associate at Bridge in 2007. Hoping my experience in social services and legal work might be of use, my background includes fifteen years of drug and alcohol counseling, field litigation support work and guardianship care for disabled adults residing at a state run facility. My wife Kristin and I are deeply and directly aware, through friends and family with disabled children, of the issues involved with providing quality care and how connecting with people with disabilities enriches our own lives. I am happy to be part of the genuine caring and commitment to excellence that Bridge provides through all of its programs serving those in need.