The Importance of Mentors
An estimated half a million young adults with autism will transition into adulthood over the next decade. For many, this can be an exciting yet overwhelming time—filled with new responsibilities, decisions, and opportunities. At Brightstone, we know that having the right mentor can make all the difference in navigating this journey with confidence.
Why Mentors Matter
Every emerging adult is unique, with different strengths, needs, and life experiences. Mentors provide personalized support, helping to identify and nurture each person’s abilities while guiding them through challenges. They’re more than teachers—they’re role models, encouragers, and advocates who foster independence and self-belief.
How Mentorship Supports Independence
Brightstone mentors:
Create a safe, supportive relationship built on trust and respect.
Provide guidance in building life skills, from communication to problem-solving.
Encourage self-advocacy and confidence in making personal decisions.
Celebrate differences and foster hope for a fulfilling future.
Meet Cole Tolbert, Lead Mentor at Brightstone
Cole is lead mentor and has spent his career doing what comes most naturally to him: showing up for people when it matters most. With a background spanning healthcare, patient services, and direct personal care, he has built a professional life around the belief that genuine human connection is at the heart of all meaningful work.
From supporting expecting mothers in finding resources for healthy pregnancies, to delivering medications and fitting patients for diabetic shoes as a pharmacy technician, to serving as a dedicated personal attendant for a quadriplegic individual, his work has always been defined by compassion, patience, and a quiet commitment to dignity.
His experience in claims and benefits at UnitedHealthcare further deepened his understanding of how healthcare systems work — and how to help people navigate them. Whether untangling insurance complexities or sitting with someone through a difficult moment, he tries to bring the same steady, caring presence. He considers himself a caretaker at heart, and that identity isn’t just a job description — it’s a calling he’s honored across every role he’s held.
Want to learn more about the people who make Brightstone unique?