Dino Sassan spent 25 years in the corporate and consulting world in the human resources field before coming to work as a DSP at Rise Coon Rapids, and now working as an employment consultant working with people who have mental health issues for the past year.

He says, “I was attracted to Rise because I was looking for an opportunity to serve those with disabilities. I appreciate the values of Rise filters throughout all managers and my co-workers. I get excited when people I support enjoy their jobs and are successful.”

The COVID pandemic has presented additional challenges for the people Dino serves and he makes sure to address their concerns related to working and returning to work safely. His team members say that Dino goes above and beyond in all aspects of his job and is considered a mentor to new team members, assisting them with intakes, annuals, EE, and lets them shadow him in meetings with people he serves.

Dino works hard to build and maintain effective working relationships with the people he serves, employers, and Minnesota Vocational Rehabilitation counselors.  In January he volunteered to facilitate his team’s monthly Job Squad meetings; also participates in the Race Work Group.

In his free time, Dino likes to exercise, play and watch sports, and coach Special Olympics.