WORK OPPORTUNITIES UNLIMITED - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Auburn Team Member
• Team Leader in Our Auburn, ME

Aaron Stone, Team Leader in our Auburn, ME market, has helped thousands of individuals over the past 20 years as a direct support professional and was recently interviewed by Caring for ME about his work [...]

Job Titles:

• HR & Risk

Amy joined Work Opportunities Unlimited in 2017 as HR & Risk Manager for the organization, responsible for handling all worker's compensation claims as well as human resources for the staffing divisions. She gained extensive experience in human resources while at her prior position with a major hotel chain, where she was responsible for screening and interviewing all candidates, hosting job fairs, completing new hire paperwork, and completing brand training for all associates. In addition, Amy participated in yearly insurance negotiations, administered COBRA, managed 401(k) quarterly enrollments, ensured compliance with all federal regulations, and managed workers' compensation claims. Amy serves as a board member and membership chair of the Seacoast Human Resources Association (SHRM) and is an SHRM certified professional (SHRM-CP). She earned an MBA with a focus on human resource management from Franklin Pierce University and a bachelor's in communications from the University of New Hampshire.

(Keene, NH) On November 1, 2023, Amy Vaughn, a Career Resource Specialist on the Keene Team, was presented a Success at Work award during a team meeting. She was nominated for the award by Director [...]

Job Titles:

• Resource Specialist

Jamie Varney was working at a grocery store in Portland, ME when she met Bill McDonough, Career Resource Specialist at Work Opportunities Unlimited (WOU). Bill had been supporting a client at the store, and he [...]

Job Titles:

• Regional Director, Quincy
• Regional Director, South Shore

Bill is the Regional Director responsible for the Business Development Team and the services being provided by the Quincy and South Shore Teams. He is tasked with developing and achieving strategic planning goals and expectations through each fiscal year, supporting the team members with training and on-the-job support, and directing services for local school districts, Vocational Rehabilitation, Supported Employment, and Department of Children and Families. Prior to joining WOU, Bill spent nearly a decade as Shift Supervisor at a regional grocery store where he had the opportunity to work with individuals with different backgrounds and abilities, which led to his desire to work in the human services field. He joined WOU in 2009 as a Career Resource Specialist and was quickly promoted to Team Lead, and again promoted in 2011 to South Shore Director. With the growing demand of WOU's services in the area, the South Shore divided into two teams, Braintree and Taunton, at which time Bill was promoted into his current position. Bill received a Bachelor of Science in communication studies from Bridgewater State Unviersity and attended Connecticut School of Broadcasting. He is an avid Boston sports fan, and at one point worked in video production for live professional wrestling events.

Job Titles:

• Director of Work Opportunities' Concord
• Director, Concord, NH

Courtney is Director of Work Opportunities' Concord, NH market, responsible for working with local area agencies to identify potential clients that would benefit from WOU's services, as well as ensuring each client is achieving his or her individual goals through the support of her team. She joined Work Opportunities in June of 2011 as a Career Resource Specialist and was promoted to Team Leader in September of that year. Courtney earned her BA in Social Studies Education from Rivier College in Nashua, NH, is a member of the Mill Brook School PTA, and serves on the PTA board as the Volunteer Coordinator. Born and raised in California, Courtney has lived in Concord since 2010. She spends most of her time outside WOU on the sidelines of her son's sporting events, and during whatever free time remains, she plans parties and uses her creativity to make original decorations.

(Auburn, ME) On November 16, 2023, Dan Dzengelewski, a Career Resource Specialist on the Auburn Team, was presented a Success at Work award during a team meeting. He was nominated for the award by Director By Work Opportunities|2023-11-27T16:17:10-05:00 December 29th, 2023|Categories: Company News, Maine News, Successes|Tags: Success at Work Award, reciprocal relationships, core values, person-centered services, Success at Work, commitment|

Job Titles:

• Regional Director
• Regional Director, Laconia, NH

As Regional Director, Darlene oversees all NH locations for Work Opportunities Unlimited. She took on this role in July of 2021. She was promoted into the role of Regional Director in February 2018 from her position as Director, where she oversaw the implementation of services with the Department of Developmental Services, Department of Children and Families, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, and Department of Youth Services. A graduate of Fitchburg State College with a degree in elementary education and a concentration in psychology, Darlene was drawn to Work Opportunities after recognizing that the organization's mission and core values closely aligned with her desire to work with youth and help make a difference in people's lives. Darlene participates in the Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Developmental Services Steering Committee. She spends her remaining free time with her family, traveling, and attending her son's sporting events.

Job Titles:

• CEO
• President
• Senior Vice President
• Vice President

David Dwyer has been with Work Opportunities Unlimited for over 30 years and is a well-respected and influential figure in the industry of employment and community support services for individuals with disabilities throughout New England. His leadership at Work Opportunities Unlimited has resulted in expansion into multiple states on the east coast, proliferation throughout New England, and the implementation of an outcome-based approach to service delivery. In his current role as Chief Executive Officer, David is responsible for overall operations, service innovation and the implementation of short and long-term goals that are consistent with the mission and core values upon which Work Opportunities Unlimited was founded. David began his career with Work Opportunities Unlimited in 1990 as the Director of the new Laconia office providing supported employment services to individuals with intellectual disabilities. In addition, David started a program providing job placement and training services to individuals referred from Vocational Rehabilitation. In 1994, David opened the Plymouth, NH office and supervised staffing services, which was spun off as Leddy Group. In 1995, David became Treasurer of the New Hampshire Rehabilitation Association. (NHRA), which began his development as a key figure in the state of NH in the area of employment for students and adults with disabilities. David was promoted to Vice President in 1996 taking a lead role in the Senior Management Team. David assumed responsibility for the quality of services throughout Work Opportunities Unlimited, which included supported employment, school to work, welfare to work, youth community support and vocational rehabilitation. It is at this time, that David established himself as a prominent figure throughout New England as an advocate and innovator of community-based employment. Starting in 2000, David was promoted to Senior Vice President and took responsibility for the overall fiscal stability and quality assurance of Work Opportunities Unlimited. David's leadership and influence extended beyond service delivery, which now included services throughout New England, Florida, Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C.; and into growth and development, operational efficiencies, multi-state licensing and provider advocacy as a liaison with state and federal agencies. David was promoted to his current role of CEO and President in 2021. David received his Master of Arts in Counseling and Psychology from Notre Dame College after receiving his Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a Mental Health Option from Plymouth State College. In his free time, David enjoys hiking, kayaking, traveling, and snowshoeing with his family.

Job Titles:

• Director of the Worcester & Framingham
• Director, Framingham
• Director, Worcester
• WOU in 2018 As a Career Resource Specialist

Dayna Sharon is the Director of the Worcester & Framingham markets. She is responsible for managing the flow of referrals and providing support to the Worcester/Framingham team's Career Resource Specialists and the clients they support. Dayna joined WOU in 2018 as a Career Resource Specialist bringing several years of experience as a case manager at a day program for adults with disabilities. She was promoted in early 2021 to Team Leader and then was selected to enter the Director-in-Training program in June of that year. Dayna earned her BS in Psychology from Bay Path University. She resides in Canton, MA, and enjoys hiking, kayaking, and reading.

Job Titles:

• Regional Director, Boston

In Elena's role as Regional Director of Work Opportunities Unlimited, she oversees the operations of the Boston and North Shore offices and all of our Maine locations. She is responsible for ensuring that offices continue to provide clients with service that meets or exceeds WOU's high standards when helping them find meaningful employment. Elena has worked in human services/business management for 14 years and volunteered for a number of organizations including Habitat for Humanity in Rach Gia, Vietnam, Zambia, Africa and Los Angeles, CA; Food on Foot in Los Angeles; D.A.R.E. leadership camps; and lifeguarding for those with special needs. In search of a fulfilling and meaningful career, she joined WOU in 2009 as a Career Resource Specialist, was promoted to Director-in-Training in January of 2010, and became a Director of the Boston office one year later. In May of 2018, Elena was promoted to her current role of Regional Director. She holds a bachelor's degree in communications and a master's degree in management through the Harvard University Extension School. While her career and school work keep her quite busy, Elena devotes her remaining free time to her family.

Job Titles:

• Director, Manchester, NH

As Director of WOU's Manchester, NH market, Beth leads, coaches, and supports her team to provide the best quality employment services to individuals referred by Vocational Rehabilitation, Developmental Services, and the Department of Employment Security. After over 25 years in retail operations and store management, Beth joined WOU as a Team Lead in Manchester. After becoming a Director-in-Training in 2021, she was promoted to Director in 2022. Beth graduated with a BS in Human Sciences from the State College of Buffalo. She resides in southern N.H. with her son and dog. In her spare time, she enjoys domestic and international travel.

Job Titles:

• Regional Director

Iskedar is Regional Director, directly overseeing career services in WOU's Montgomery, Baltimore, Annapolis, and Frederick markets. She plans and directs the activities of her team in carrying out their functions of developing referrals from a variety of sources, developing placement sites, and ensuring delivery of quality services to all customers. Iskedar also led WOU's effort to become approved for and initiate services in Pennsylvania.

Job Titles:

• Director in Training

Work Opportunities Unlimited (WOU) announces the promotion of Jamie Legendre to Director in Training for the Laconia, NH market, effective December 3, 2023. Jamie leads, coaches, and supports her team to provide the best quality

Job Titles:

• Director of Palm Beach County
• Director of the Palm Beach

Jenni is the Director of the Palm Beach market. She is responsible for managing, coaching, and supporting her team to provide the best quality employment, adult, and student services to the clients served in greater Palm Beach County. Before joining WOU in 2014, Jenni spent several years in the service industry. Her career growth at WOU includes Team Mentor, Team Leader, and Director in Training. She graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a B.S. in Psychology. Jenni resides with her two sons and her German shepherd in Palm Beach County. She enjoys meeting and learning about new people almost as much as she enjoys giving treats to random dogs she meets throughout her travels!

Job Titles:

• Director in Training

Work Opportunities Unlimited (WOU) announces the promotion of Jen Serrano to Director-in-Training for the Dover, NH market, effective October 2023. Jen leads, coaches, and supports her team to provide the best quality employment and adult

Job Titles:

• Chairman of the Board
• Founder

April 1982, Joe established Work Opportunities Unlimited, a multi-state, community-based employment program dedicated to individuals with barriers to employment. Under Joe's leadership, the company has grown to more than 200 employees, and in 1994 Leddy Group spun off as a stand-alone staffing service. In 2004, Joe established Independence Works, Inc. providing employment services to individuals referred from Vocational Rehabilitation in Florida. In April 1982, Joe established Work Opportunities Unlimited, a multi-state, community-based employment program. Under Joe's leadership, the company has grown to more than 200 employees, and has expanded to include Leddy Group and Work Opportunities Unlimited - Youth Division. Prior to founding Work Opportunities Unlimited, Joe's career included two years as the Director of Special Programs for the New Hampshire Department of Education and three years as the Director of Rehabilitation for the New Hampshire Department of Education. Joe has also held positions as the Coordinator for the Workshop for the Blind through the New Hampshire Department of Education, an Associate Professor at New Hampshire Vocational-Technical College, and the Acting Director and Blind Rehabilitation Specialist at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Northampton, Massachusetts. Joe has a Master's Degree in Administration from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, and a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Education from Keene State College. Joe has been active in his community. His volunteer positions include: member of the Town Budget Committee; Selectman; Chairman of the School Board; Chairman of the School Building Committee; and member of the Town Planning Board. In 2000, Joe received the "Small Business Person of the Year" award for the state of New Hampshire from the Small Business Administration (SBA). Joe received the New Englander Award from the Smaller Business Association of New England (SBANE) in 1993.

Joe Sanderson is the picture of success, and he would love to tell you about it. Having grown his career at Home Depot from his first days as a Greeter to his recent promotion to [...]

Job Titles:

• Director of Martin County

Lisa is Director of IW's Martin County, which also serves St. Lucie County. She manages the team's direction in providing the organization's services to the local market, as well as cultivates and manages relationships with clients, area businesses, employers, and others to help connect the community with IW's services.

Job Titles:

• Director of the North Central
• Director, Fitchburg
• WOU in 2019 As a Career Resource Specialist

Lynsay Radzewicz is the Director of the North Central market in MA. She is responsible for connecting with local businesses and referral sources throughout the community to support her team and the clients they support. Lynsay joined WOU in 2019 as a Career Resource Specialist bringing prior experience working with children in Human Services. She was selected to enter the Director-in-Training program in the spring of 2021. Lynsay will be graduating in the spring of 2022 with a bachelor's in Psychology: Human Services & Rehabilitation and a minor in Criminal Justice. She resides in the North Central area, and in her spare time, she keeps busy working on random projects.

Job Titles:

• Founder of ASL Academy

Job Titles:

• CFO
• Vice President

Marcia started her career with WOU in 2015 as Assistant Controller and was promoted to Vice President and Controller in 2018. In her current role, she is responsible for overseeing all financial functions of the organization. Before joining Work Opportunities, she worked in the mortgage industry for over 15 years and as a Staff Accountant in a CPA firm for three years. Prior to that, she held various accounting positions in small companies and a large corporation. A graduate of Southern New Hampshire University with a bachelor's in business studies, Marcia enjoys walking, reading, kayaking, and snow shoeing in her free time, as well as spending time with her family.

Job Titles:

• Chairman of the Board

As Chairman of the Board, Mary is responsible for helping to establish the strategic direction for Work Opportunities Unlimited (WOU). Before becoming Chairman, Mary served as Vice Chairman and COO for WOU and its affiliate company, Leddy Group, a regional staffing organization based in northern New England. Mary began her career with WOU in 1990 in direct service. Over the years, her roles evolved to Director, CFO, and VP of Operations. In addition to her current board role with WOU, she serves as Secretary of Archway Insurance, Ltd. Mary received her BA from the University of New Hampshire, and her Master of Business Administration from New Hampshire College. In her free time, she enjoys travel and golf with family and friends.

In this recent television news interview, Auburn team member Aaron Stone highlights how he finds successful work placements for his clients, and he voices his belief about work. Both are integral to Aaron's and Work ...

Job Titles:

• Director, Auburn ME

In 2016, Work Opportunities Unlimited (WOU) shared Michael Leonard's successful placement as a kitchen assistant at L'Academie de Cuisine in Bethesda, Maryland. There he cleaned and prepped classrooms for recreational cooking students and assisted with Mike leads a team of career resource specialists who provide career planning, career exploration, job development, job placement, job coaching and other pathway to employment training services to students and adults with disabilities and other barriers to employment through referrals from state, local, and private sources. He also helps lead WOU's Administrative Resource Team to ensure all customers receive consistent and efficient support. In addition, he trains all new company team members as a core competency webinar instructor and manages the College of Direct Support's Direct Support Professional certification process for WOU in Maine. Having raised a son with physical and developmental disabilities, Mike has been so inspired by professionals who helped individuals like his son be more independent and successful in life that he joined Work Opportunities Unlimited to help other families and individuals in his same circumstance. Formerly, as a Senior Noncommissioned Officer with the United States Air Force, he served for 24 years in worldwide locations, in numerous leadership and operational roles for large, multi-service federal government organizations. In addition to earning a Master's Degree in Education and Bachelor's in Business Management, Mike is certified as a Direct Support Professional through the Maine College of Direct Support, an Employment Specialist through Virginia Commonwealth University, a Career Planner through the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, and as an Education Technician through the Maine Department of Education. He is a member of the Maine Association of Community Support Providers, Maine Business Leadership Network, Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce, and the American Military Retirees Association. Mike spends his free time with family, travels, and rescues dogs, providing a foster home for those waiting to be adopted.

(Worcester, MA) On June 15, 2023, Michelle Grahn, a Career Resource Specialist on the Worcester Team, was presented a Success at Work award during a team meeting. She was nominated for the award by Director [...]

Job Titles:

• Director, North Shore

As Director of WOU's North Shore market, Rebecca oversees the operations of the North Shore office and delivery of employment services to individuals referred from DDS, MRC, DCF, and area schools. After a three-year career as a teacher at The New England Center for Children, a nonprofit center dedicated to autism treatment, education, and research, Rebecca joined WOU in August of 2016 as a Career Resource Specialist on the Braintree team. She was promoted to Team Leader in August of 2017 and transitioned into the Director-in-Training program in August of 2018. She successfully completed the program and was placed in her current role in January of 2019. Rebecca graduated from Nichols College with a bachelor's in psychology and received her master's in special education with a concentration in severe special needs from Simmons College. She enjoys spending her free time with family and friends, exploring the outdoors, and traveling.

Job Titles:

• Chief Operating Officer
• Executive VP
• President
• Director of Program Development
• Vice President of Program Development
• Vice President of Program Development and Expanded the Services

Ryan Mountain at Work Opportunities Unlimited tells a client story - We succeed when our clients succeed. Listen to Ryan Mountain, Vice President of Program Development explain why. Ryan Mountain started with Work Opportunities Unlimited (Career Services Division) in October of 1994 as a Career Resource Specialist in Portsmouth, NH. In January 1996, Ryan became the Director of the Portsmouth office and in 1997 he opened an office in Rochester, NH. The programs he supervised included: Supported Employment in NH, a Vocational Rehabilitation program in Portsmouth, a Seacoast Youth Program for adjudicated youth, and vocational programs with area school districts. Ryan Mountain has been with Work Opportunities Unlimited for over 25 years performing diverse roles in multiple states. In his current role as Chief Operating Officer, Ryan is responsible for growth strategies, operational efficiencies and overall company performance. Ryan began his career with Work Opportunities Unlimited in October of 1994 as a Career Resource Specialist providing direct supports to youth and individuals with disabilities. In January 1996, Ryan became the Director of the Portsmouth office and opened a new office in Rochester, NH. In June of 1999, Ryan became the Director of Program Development, creating student transition service models and securing contracts with school districts in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Florida. Having been promoted in 2004 to Vice President of Program Development, Ryan was responsible for the expansion of Work Opportunities Unlimited to Florida, Maryland and Washington D.C.. Starting in 2009, as Vice President of the Career Services Division, he became responsible for the operations, growth and service quality in Massachusetts, Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C. Ryan was promoted to Sr. Vice President in 2019. In 2019, Ryan was voted in as President and CEO of Independence Works, Inc., a non-profit that was founded in 2006 to serve individuals with disabilities referred from the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Ryan received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of New Hampshire in 1994, and completed graduate study in Behavior Management at Notre Dame College. In his free time, Ryan enjoys spending his time golfing, skiing and traveling with his family.

Job Titles:

• Regional Director
• Career Resource Specialist
• Regional Director of Career Services

Salsi is Regional Director of Career Services, responsible for overseeing and managing WOU's offices in the Prince George County of Maryland, District of Columbia, Northern Virginia and Harrisburg, PA. She also administers services to referrals from area governmental agencies and schools and manages supported employment, community learning and employment discovery services for DDA, VR and PGPS populations. Work Opportunities Unlimited (WOU) announces the promotion of Salsawit "Salsi" Mane to Regional Director of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Prince Georges County, Maryland, effective July 1, 2023. Salsi is responsible for leading, coaching, and supporting her [...]

Job Titles:

• Director, Portland ME
• in 2007 As Director

Sarah joined Work Opportunities in 2007 as Director of WOU's Portland, Maine market, serving greater Portland, Brunswick, and Augusta. She provides training and leadership to her team to ensure quality services are delivered to all customers, as well as manages business development and maintains relationships with referral sources. Formerly a General Manager of a restaurant for 11 years, Sarah went searching for a meaningful career where she could change lives and found Work Opportunities. She and her family lead an active lifestyle year-round: snowmobiling, skiing and snow shoeing in the winters; boating in the summers; and watching her son play sports in the spring and fall.

Job Titles:

• Director of the Newly Created Springfield
• Director, Springfield
• Members of the North Palm Beach Yacht Club

Formerly Director of the Concord, NH market, Scott is now Director of the newly created Springfield, MA market, established in February of 2018. He is responsible for building WOU's client base and presence in the area and ensuring the WOU team is providing excellent service to all those served by finding each client their dream job and helping them achieve their goals. Scott's prior experience was in customer service and management. In searching for opportunities, he recognized that the mission and values of WOU closely matched the vision of what he was looking for in a long-term career. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth with a bachelor's degree in marketing, Scott enjoys spending his free time networking on the golf course and reveling in the mental and physical demands of the game. When he's not playing golf, he attends sporting events and plays PS4 and Nintendo with friends and family.

Job Titles:

• Director Sarah Pednault

L to R: President & CEO David Dwyer, Siiri Gott, Director Sarah Pednault Work Opportunities Unlimited is pleased to announce that Siiri Gott on the Portland, ME team is the 2023 recipient of

Job Titles:

• Manager, Director of Recruiting

Job Titles:

• Treasurer
• Treasurer & past President
• Vice President of Planning and Chief Financial Officer

Steve is active in a number of regional charitable organizations and currently is Treasurer of the Portsmouth NH Rotary Club and Independence Works, Inc.; and serves on the Board of the Business and Industry Association of NH. Steve joined the company as Vice President of Planning and Chief Financial Officer in 1996, and was promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer in 2000. Steve also serves as the Company's Chief Financial Officer. He also provides strategic planning and organizational development consulting to clients of Spectrum Consulting. Prior to joining the company, Steve spent seventeen years in the banking industry where he rose to Senior Vice President and Senior Commercial Loan Officer. He spent five years consulting in the area of strategic planning and organizational development to a range of businesses in New England. Steve was an adjunct faculty member at Southern New Hampshire University from 1994 to 2013. He taught Leadership and Managing Organizational Change regularly at both the graduate and undergraduate level and periodically taught Strategic Management, Finance, Entrepreneurship, and other management courses. He also served on the University's Strategic Planning Steering Committee. Steve received his undergraduate degree from the University of Maine in 1975 where he was a member of the Senior Skull Society, and his Masters in Business Administration from Northeastern University in 1987 where he was selected for both the Phi Kappa Phi and Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Societies. He also graduated from the Williams School of Banking. Steve is active in a number of regional charitable organizations and currently is Treasurer of the Portsmouth NH Rotary Club and serves on the Board of the Business and Industry Association of NH.

Job Titles:

• Director of Broward County

Sue is Director of the West Palm Beach and Broward County regions of Florida, a position she has held since 2009. As Director, she enjoys supporting her team-whom she considers dedicated professionals with a passion for IW's mission-in helping individuals with barriers secure employment in the division's communities.

Job Titles:

• Senior Vice President of Human Resources
• Senior Vice President of Human Resources for Work Opportunities Unlimited, Inc
• Senior VP of Human Resources

Vicki joined the Air National Guard before college, working one weekend each month and active duty each summer until graduation. She then balanced various human resources roles in both her civilian life and 24-year military career. She was a training manager in her enlisted role before being selected to be an officer and rising to the rank of major. Vicki shares, "In my officer roles, I was a commander of student flight, where I helped about 30 youth prepare for basic training. I also ran the division of diversity and inclusion, teaching courses and managing that office." In her civilian career, Vicki managed recruitment, hiring, and employee relations for Northwestern University; she worked her way up to consulting manager before becoming an at-home parent to her first child. Later, Vicki moved to New Hampshire, had her second child, and retired from the military. Never one to stay still for long, Vicki opened her own photography business and took a class in social media, then dedicated her time and new skills to a plethora of volunteer opportunities. She has helped grant wishes for a dozen children through Make-a-Wish Foundation NH, works with a ministry team at a local residential program making connections with teens by participating in fun activities together, and volunteers her photography services to a team that supports and empowers children of abuse, neglect, and trauma placed in foster care. As a former volunteer coordinator at an organization for families experiencing homelessness, Vicki also helped manage their website and social media. She encouraged her daughter and son to give back to the community as well, setting up kid-entrepreneur businesses for each that generated donations for cancer research and the Fisher House Foundation, which offers military families a free place to stay while a loved one is in the hospital. In early 2023, Vicki was ready to rejoin the workforce. Her younger child, whom she was homeschooling, was nearly finished with high school and beginning the college application process. "He was preparing to go off into the world, so it was time to think about my goals and what I might like to do," she says. "I wrote down an affirmation: it's going to be part time, have flexibility, and utilize my skills and my resources. I want to give back and I want it to be important work. I just need to start somewhere." Searching online for human resources jobs, Vicki called Leddy Group "absolutely randomly," and Regional Director Amber Payne answered the phone. "I told Amber I was looking for something part time, and she said we don't have many jobs like that, but talking with you, I think you'd be a good fit for WOU." When Amber explained WOU's mission of removing barriers to employment for people with disabilities, Vicki was hooked. Amber says, "From our first conversation, it was clear to me that Vicki wanted to impact lives in a positive way. The special thing about Vicki is that a lot of people say that, but Vicki means it. She has a wonderful positive energy that allows her to connect and build trust with people quickly." Vicki met with Susannah Chance, Senior VP of Human Resources, and was thoroughly impressed with WOU's approach to hiring: "After all these years in human resources, hiring hundreds of people and looking at thousands of resumes, this is the first organization I've ever been to where the message was, ‘We hire a person that's a good fit, and then we go from there.' I've never felt that energy." With her incredible skills and commitment to service, Vicki would succeed in multiple roles at WOU. Susannah recommended two different options for her to pursue: Career Resource Specialist (CRS) and Recruiter. Vicki loved her field interview for the CRS role, but the Recruiter position would accommodate her commitment to homeschooling her son, so she happily joined the recruitment team. Her responsibilities include prescreening and conducting initial interviews with CRS candidates. "I look for a good match for WOU, if this person might fit within our culture. Very similar to the way I came on board, is how we hire for these roles as well," says Vicki. "I absolutely love my job! It's amazing." She also loves that her manager, Director of Recruiting Stacey Plamondon, lives by the philosophy that Vicki describes as, "How do you fit for us, and how do we fit for you?" Vicki says, "I don't think I could work for a better person than Stacey. She sees us as people with lives and as part of the WOU family, and she wants to support us so that we can be the very best recruitment team that we can be for WOU." Stacey says, "We are so appreciative that Amber referred Vicki to our recruitment team at WOU. When I met Vicki for the first time, I knew she would be a great fit for our organization. Since starting with us in May, she has made a great impact on our recruitment efforts. Candidate feedback has been nothing but positive, speaking about how kind, thorough, and knowledgeable she is. We are excited that Vicki chose to join our team." Vicki is thrilled to continue her zest for life at WOU: "I love that the organization sees me holistically as a person and wants to see all the different ways I can grow. I've been so impressed." When she shared an interest in offering her photography skills to WOU, Stacey connected her with Owner Mary Leddy. "I'm pursuing ways to support the marketing group through videography," says Vicki. "I've been wanting to do that! I would love to jump in. That's my personality - if there is a need, I'll try it." Vicki is so grateful that she called Leddy Group that day, saying, "The power of connectivity within WOU and Leddy Group has been impactful. Right at the forefront of me coming into the organization, Amber looked way outside of the box and initiated a conversation. That conversation changed my life in such a positive way." Susannah Chance is Senior Vice President of Human Resources for Work Opportunities Unlimited, Inc. She joined the company as a Resource Specialist in the Laconia office and was promoted to Regional Vice President of the Dover, NH market, before being promoted to her current position. As Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Susannah is responsible for overseeing the human resource function for Work Opportunities Unlimited, including legal compliance for the company's operations in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maryland, and Florida. She also leads and delivers the Company's management and supervisory training programs. In addition to her responsibilities to the company, Susannah also provides consulting and training services for Leddy HR. While serving a wide variety of industries, ranging from banks to sales organizations to motorcycle dealerships to heavy industry, she also has served towns and municipalities and non-profits. Expertise: Supervisory training, harassment training, and investigations; compliance reviews; employee handbook preparation and updates; climate surveys; salary surveys; and assistance with the management of workers' compensation claims. Past Experience: Susannah began her career during graduate school as the Program Coordinator of a small biotechnology firm that provided scientific training at locations throughout the United States and Europe. Education: Susannah earned BBA and MBA degrees from Iowa State University. Susannah has also earned Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification from the HR Certification Institute and Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certification from the Society for Human Resource Management. Professional Organization/Community Involvement: Susannah is currently the Chair of the New Hampshire Business & Industry Association's Human Resources Committee, the Chair of the NH Workers' Compensation Classification and Rating Appeals Board, and President of the Gilmanton Iron Works Library Association. Personal Experience: Susannah is passionate about animal rescue. She and a friend work with NASCAR teams to bring dogs to NH, and occasionally convinces her husband to fly their small plane to rescue more dogs from shelters. If you talk with her when she's working from her home office, it's highly likely that a number of her furry friends will be working with her.

Job Titles:

• Director of Various New Hampshire
• Director, Salem NH

Since joining WOU in 2001, Toni has served as Director of various New Hampshire markets including Concord, Manchester, and currently Salem. As Director, she supports her team in assisting WOU clients successfully achieve their goals. Toni has dedicated her entire career to helping others with developmental disabilities. Prior to joining WOU, she spent nine years with CLASS, a private non-profit agency that provides vocational and Habilitation Services to adults with developmental disabilities, and before that she worked with individuals seeking employment day programs. While Toni reads and travels whenever she can, she spends the majority of her free time with her granddaughter and enjoys teaching her the importance of staying active in her local community.

Job Titles:

• Director of the Keene
• Director, Keene, NH
• WOU in 2019 As a Career Resource Specialist

Tosha Talbot is the Director of the Keene, NH market. She is responsible for managing, coaching, and supporting her team to provide the best quality employment, adult, and student services to the clients served in the greater Keene community. Tosha joined WOU in 2019 as a Career Resource Specialist bringing several years of experience working in Human Services, ranging from Rehabilitation Counselor to Program Manager. Not long into her role at WOU, she was promoted to Team Lead and then was selected to enter the Director-in-Training program. Tosha is currently attending SNHU to obtain her bachelor's degree in Human Services. She resides in the greater Keene area with her family and pets. In her spare time, she enjoys crafting, cooking, and spending time outside fishing and enjoying the area's natural beauty

Vicki Pfeifer has a passion for giving back. From her military service to her volunteer commitments, she has helped make the world a better place. Now the power of connectivity has led her to serve her community as a member of the recruitment team at Work Opportunities Unlimited (WOU).

Job Titles:

• Director, Fall River
• WOU in 2013 As a Career Resource Specialist

As Director of Career Services for WOU's Fall River market, Whitney is responsible for managing a team of Career Resource Specialists (CRS), supporting individuals in achieving their employment goals, ensuring quality services are delivered to clients, referral sources and employers, and fostering the creativity and growth of her team members. Whitney joined WOU in 2013 as a Career Resource Specialist, where she provided direct support to individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment. She graduated from Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York with a bachelor's degree in sociology, holds a Supporting Meaningful Employment Certificate from the Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE), and was appointed to WOU's leadership council in 2017. Originally from Vermont, Whitney is a passionate environmentalist who dedicates her free time to raising awareness of sustainability and recycling in her community. She is a member of the Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown, RI where she hikes and explores year-round. An avid sailor, Whitney enjoys sharing her love of the sport by volunteering with the Special Olympics RI sailing program.

Job Titles:

• Director, Lowell

William was hired in September of 2019 as Director of WOU's Merrimack Valley market. In his role, he leads his team in providing exceptional service to clients and businesses within the general area of Lawrence, Haverhill, and Methuen. Prior to joining WOU, William gained extensive experience in the human services field over an eight-year period. His most recent role was as Case Manager for an area organization that supports those with developmental disabilities and their families. Prior to that, he was a Vocational Instructor for the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services. A graduate of UMASS Lowell, William earned his bachelor's in psychology. Outside of work, he spends his free time going on adventures with his family and writing music with his friends. He also is a regular volunteer with his church.