N14911 Hannahville B-1 Rd.
Wilson, MI 49896
Phone: (906) 466-2959
Fax: (906)466-7350

Project VISIONS is a vocational rehabilitation program for Native Americans with disabilities living on or near the reservation. All services enhance the employability of eligible participants and help people achieve personal, educational and vocational skill development, resulting in appropriate employment with tribal programs and enterprises, and on or off reservations businesses. Project VISIONS can help clients become employed or keep a job they may already have by offering many support and educational services.

Each year, VISIONS assists many tribal members with disabilities to find and maintain employment. Staff members are available Monday-Friday to assist Tribal Members who are unemployed and have a documented physical or mental disability. The center also has a computer lab that is available for use for educational and employment related purposes. Computer classes are also offered and are open to any community members or tribal employees

The purpose of Project VISIONS, as funded by a federal is to:

• Provide vocational rehabilitation services to tribal members with disabilities who reside on, or near, the Hannahville reservation.

• Provide serves that are consistent with the tribal member’s individual strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, and informed choice.

• Provide encouragement and assistance to tribal members preparing for gainful employment on or off the reservation, which may include self-employment, telecommuting and business ownership.

If you are eligible for project VISIONS you may receive:

• Vocational Counseling

• Vocational Evaluation/Career Exploration

• Job Seeking Skills Training

• Job Development

• Physical Aids

• Tools and Equipment

• Other federally approved services needed to find and keep a job.

Service provision is coordinated with other agencies and programs, including Michigan Rehabilitation Services, Michigan Works!, Indian Health Services, and other tribal programs.

To be eligible for our programs you must:

• be an enrolled member of the Hannahville Indian Community, or

• be enrolled as a member of a Federally recognized tribe, and live on the Hannahville Reservation, and

• have a documented physical or mental disability, and

• have a desire to work and actively participate toward an employment goal.

Dr. Carol Bergquist is the Director of Project Visions. Her duties include providing support, guidance and supervising staff, creating and overseeing the budget and working as part of a team with the vocational counselors for the Visions Program. Dr. Bergquist received her Ph.D. and M.A. degrees from Michigan State University in Rehabilitation Counseling, where she also completed an administrative certification program in Special Education. Dr. Bergquist in a certified special education teacher, vocational evaluator, and special education supervisor. Dr. Bergquist also serves on the Rural Development Council of Michigan, CUPPAD’s Executive Committee, and the St. Francis Hospital’s Community Board. She is also a member of the Michigan Association of Rehabilitation Organization and the Michigan Evaluator’s Association and serves on the Michigan Rehabilitation Council and the National Consortium for Administrators of Native American Rehabilitation.

To contact Carol:
Call (906)466-2959x15 or email

Sarah Gagnon is one of the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors for Project Visions. Her job duties include helping people with disabilities to gain or maintain employment. Her services are available to all tribal members with a documented disability living on or near the reservation and those with disabilities from other tribes who reside on our reservation. Sarah has a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Michigan State University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Northern Michigan University. She also is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), a member of the Michigan Rehabilitation Organization and a member of the Consortia of Administrators for Native American Rehab.

To contact Sarah:
Call (906)466-2959x13 or email

Mia Smith is a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the Visions Program. The main objective of her work is to assist tribal members in seeking and maintaining employment while providing numerous services throughout the process. Her services are available to all tribal members with a documented disability living on or near the reservation and those with disabilities from other tribes who reside on our reservation.
Mia recently completed her Bachelors Degree in Vocational Education from San Diego State University.  She also has an Associates Degrees in Human Services, Social Work and Biochemistry from Bay de Noc Community College. Mia has also earned certificates for completing the Oyate’ Project at Western Washington University, the PET-AIR BVE program at San Diego State University, Dale Carnegie Courses and the Delta Force Leadership Program.  In addition to further education, Mia is also a member of the Michigan Association of Rehabilitation Organization and the Consortia of Administrators for Native American Rehab.

To contact Mia:
Call (906)466-2959x17 or email

Anita Casperson is the Employment Training Assistant for the Visions Program. Her job duties include teaching computer classes and assisting people in the HEAT Lab, assisting people with career explorations and job searches, writing resumes and cover letters, and filling out job applications. Her services are available to all Hannahville Employees and community members. Anita has a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Marketing/Management from Northern Michigan University and holds a State of Michigan Teaching Certificate with a major in Business Education and a minor in Sociology. Anita is vocational certified by the State of Michigan in the field of Business Services & Technology and is a member of the Michigan Business Education Association and the Michigan Transition Association.

To Contact Anita:
Call (906)466-2959x19 or e-mail

Stephanie Philemon is the Administrative Assistant to Project: VISIONS, ANA Workforce Development grant and Planning & Evaluation program. She is also the coordinator of the Work Study Program. As Administrative Assistant, Stephanie provides clerical and technical support for the above mentioned grants and programs, provides support in the process of creating short-term strategic plans for the tribe, creates and conducts surveys throughout the community, creates and updates databases, and provides support in the 2% grant application process. Stephanie has received an Associates of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development, an Associates of Applied Science in Office Systems/Administrative Assistant and a certificate in Office Systems/Secretarial.

To contact Stephanie:
Call (906)466-2959x10 or email