About Ability Builders

A smiling man and woman posing outdoors with a mountain and moon in the background.

OUR STORY

Ability Builders was born from a friendship that changed everything. Elise lost a dear friend who lived with spina bifida and paralysis, who shared a simple but profound wish before she passed — that people would see her for her abilities rather than her disabilities. That wish became the foundation of everything Ability Builders stands for. As parents of four children with various abilities and disabilities, we understood firsthand how important it is for every person to have the support they need to move toward independence. So we built the company our friend deserved. One that sees abilities first.

Elise Hurst — CEO & Job Developer

Elise brings deep empathy and an instinct for meeting people exactly where they are. With 10+ years of experience teaching students and adults of all abilities and disabilities, including Pre-Employment skills, Empowerment Coaching, and Job Development, Elise holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education. As a mother of four children with various abilities and disabilities, her passion for this work is both professional and deeply personal.

Chris Hurst — President & Job Developer

Chris brings corporate training expertise and a background in teaching and developing others across High School and Corporate settings. With a Bachelor's Degree in Communications from ASU and seven years of teaching experience, Chris inspires clients with a contagious optimism and manages the complexity of this work with remarkable ease. As a father of four, his drive to empower others is at the core of everything he does.

What we believe

We take the time to truly see and hear each client — their abilities, their dreams, their goals. And we carry the conviction that they can achieve them, even on the days they can't see it themselves — until the day they own that conviction completely.

We have witnessed again and again the remarkable power of thought. When a client shifts from "I can't" to "I can" — they build, they grow, and they change.

We believe that what a person believes about themselves shapes everything they achieve.

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT

Most providers focus on building skills. We focus on building both skills and the mindset behind them — because we believe that what a person believes about themselves shapes everything they achieve.

We meet clients where they are — in their community, in their home, or wherever works best for them. Because real skills are built in real settings, alongside real people. Whether in person, hybrid, or virtual, our focus is always on bringing support to the client — not the other way around.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

Success isn't one big moment. It's a hundred small steps that nobody else noticed — until suddenly, everything is different.

We have seen clients go from sitting at home without direction, to waking up every morning with purpose, community, and meaningful work. We have seen anxiety lift when a person finds their place in the world. We have seen parents who wondered "what will happen to my child when I'm gone?" find peace — because their son or daughter found their independence.

WHAT WE WANT YOU TO FEEL

Supported

We are beside you every step of the journey, never behind a desk

Encouraged

We celebrate every milestone, no matter how small, because every step forward matters

Cared for

You are never just a case file to us. You are a person with a story, a dream, and unlimited potential

Informed

Clear, consistent communication with clients, families and VR counselors is not optional — it is part of the service we provide

Connected

Connected to your community, to meaningful work, and to people who genuinely care about your success

Empowered

Our goal is never to create dependency, but to build the confidence and skills that belong entirely to you.

Because growth is not the destination, it is the journey — and we are honored to walk it with you.