Team

Sheila Brown

Employment Consultant

As an Employment Consultant, Sheila empowers youth to recognize their full potential, assists in locating meaningful employment opportunities based upon strengths and interests, and provides support throughout the process to ensure success. She is passionate about making a positive impact on each youth’s career path.  Before joining TransCen, Inc. in 2018, Sheila worked as a Case Manager with Maryland Promise and Maryland Choices; serving youth with a variety of disabilities for over 15 years.

Sheila holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Towson University of Maryland and is a Certified Employment Support Professional.

Sheila was born, raised, and continues to reside in Maryland. She is a proud mother of two, who enjoys spending time with her family including taking vacations, supporting her children’s sports events, and making funny memories together.

Andrea Cetera-Jines

Employment Counselor, Ticket to Work

Andrea is an Employment Counselor with TransCen’s Employment Network partnership with the Social Security Administration’s Ticket to Work Program. As an Employment Counselor for Ticket to Work, Andrea assists individuals with disabilities who are receiving social security benefits who need assistance with career counseling, including helping them understand how social security benefits may be affected by work. Andrea has many years of experience working on disability employment issues, many of which have been at TransCen. Before working at TransCen, she was a Workforce Consultant with the New Mexico Employment Institute, leading the creation and implementation of the Institute’s mission and vision of successfully creating customized employment opportunities for people with significant disabilities and other barriers to employment. She has also worked extensively with New Mexico state agencies and organizations on the creation and development of jobs for people with a variety of disabilities.

Ann Deschamps, Ed.D.

Vice President & Director of the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center

Dr. Deschamps is Vice President of TransCen and the Director the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center. As Director of the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center, Dr. Deschamps is responsible for overseeing all activities of the Center including supervising five staff, conducting and coordinating research, as well as implementation and coordination of the Center’s ADA Trainer Leadership Network (ADA-TLN). In addition, she works with all collaborators and manages joint activities with the other nine ADA Centers, as well as with NIDILRR. In addition, Dr. Deschamps provides training and technical assistance focusing on meaningful work and community inclusion to school systems, vocational rehabilitation professionals, and service providers and is also involved in other TransCen projects focusing on school to work transition, promoting youth leadership, and teaching self-advocacy skills.

She has a long history of consulting with schools systems and others on best practices in transition and employment for youth with disabilities. Her 27 year career has focused on full implementation of the ADA and successful school to work transition for youth with disabilities.

Breani Bridges

Employment Consultant

Breani Bridges joined TransCen, Inc. in December of 2021 as an Employment Consultant responsible for developing relationships with the business community and matching the needs of employers with the talents of job seekers with disabilities.  She supports TransCen’s clients, youth and young adults with disabilities, to secure work-based learning experiences and employment opportunities. Breani started her career in the disability community working for the ARC of Montgomery County, Maryland where she was a Direct Support Professional supporting adults with disabilities through meaningful relationship building, allowing them to get uncomfortable and push themselves to try new obstacles. She was then hired as a Paraeducator with the Montgomery County Public School System in 2015 working with many different school based programs serving students with disabilities.  During the majority of her Paraeducator time Breani worked as a Technician for Celebrate Ability where she worked one on one with students on the autism spectrum, helping them to gain independence in their homes and communities while creating and building up work tolerance.

Born in Washington, D.C., and then moving to Maryland where she has resided ever since, Breani graduated from Allegany College of Maryland earning a degree in Social Work, fulfilling her lifelong passion of giving back to families that were less fortunate.

Carleen Crespo

ADA Education and Networks Specialist, Mid-Atlantic ADA Center

Carleen provides critical support to the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center and to the general public as an ADA Information Specialist. In doing so, she provides information to Technical Assistance callers who require information, support, and guidance on the ADA and other relevant laws. Prior to this position, Carleen was the Office Administrator for the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center, working at TransCen, since 2014. Carleen previously worked with young children with disabilities through the ARC of Montgomery County, she was the Event Coordinator for a major bookstore, an editor for a hotel company, and a Church Parish Administrator.

Carleen loves to spend her non-work time with her family, especially her “two wonderfully curious and creative cubs” (her kids). Carleen’s unofficial motto is, “Life is truly a blink, so I believe time is better spent seeking expression over perfection.”

Donna Roberts

Accounting Manager

As Accounting Manager, Donna applies her extensive accounting, finance, and grants management experience to overseeing the organization’s finances, and managing the budgets and administration of its programs and grants. Donna plays a key role in driving infrastructure and business processes to improve efficiency and meet strategic objectives. Donna has almost 30 years of experience working in the non-profit space in both accounting and human resources roles.

In her spare time, Donna enjoys spending time with her grandsons.

Emily Malsch

Outreach & Contracts Coordinator

Emily is TranCen’s Outreach & Contracts Coordinator responsible for researching and cultivating partnerships; seeking out new funding streams; and organizing, collaborating and managing training and consultation projects and grants. Prior to joining TransCen, Emily was the Talent Sourcing and Engagement Consultant for Disability:IN, Inclusion Works, responsible for developing effective outreach and recruitment strategies that expand its corporate partner’s talent sourcing network. In addition to her role with the Inclusion Works team, Emily supported the organization’s NextGen Leaders Initiative, a mentoring program for students and recent graduates with disabilities, and its Webinar Series for Corporate Partners.  Emily has a background in diversity recruiting, disability employment and return to work support programs, supporting private and public sector programs aimed to increase employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

A native of Montgomery County, and now living in Frederick County, Emily loves to spend time with her family including taking road trips and discovering new places to visit.

Laura Owens, Ph.D., CESP

President

Laura, the President of TransCen, has over 30 years of experience, with a strong background as a national leader in the disability employment field. Laura is currently a Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in the Exceptional Education Department where she teaches courses focusing on high school inclusion and transition from school to work. She is also the founder and President of Creative Employment Opportunities, Inc. (CEO), in Milwaukee, which she founded in 1991. Prior to joining TransCen, Laura served as the Executive Director of APSE (the Association of People Supporting Employment First), a national organization focusing on the advancement of integrated employment for citizens with disabilities. She is an internationally known speaker having presented to businesses, organizations, schools, and at conferences in Israel, Ireland, Croatia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Chile, and Portugal.

A woman with seemingly limitless energy, Laura is passionate about her work and loves helping individuals with disabilities obtain and maintain employment. Working with individuals with disabilities is what she enjoys the most – and then she’s eager to support others in learning how to help individuals with disabilities pursue their dreams – from teachers to employment consultants to employers.

Maynor Guillen

E-Learning and Multimedia Producer

Maynor Guillen is the E-Learning and Multimedia Producer for TransCen, Inc. and the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center. Maynor has served TransCen in various capacities, as an ADA Technical Information Specialist he provided technical information and resources to State and local governments, businesses, organizations, and the general public on all aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Maynor is a true believer in TransCen’s mission, which is: improving the lives of people with disabilities through meaningful work and community inclusion.

He enjoys being outdoors, eating, traveling and spending time with loved ones. He is a tandem captain rider for the Washington Metro Association of Blind Athletes, he supports various organizations by participating in endurance cycling races and events, he has ridden his bike from DC to Pittsburgh.

Michelle Cook

Technical Assistance and Content Specialist, Mid-Atlantic ADA Center

Michelle supports training initiatives, technical assistance, special events, social media, and other outreach areas for the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center. Michelle has been working in the field of accessibility and inclusion for over 12 years. Prior to joining the Center, Michelle served as an Accessibility Specialist and Accessibility Program Manager at Indiana University with an emphasis in access to experiences in recreation, parks, and tourism.  Driven by a desire for justice in all aspects of the American experience, she takes pride in providing the necessary support to allow others to achieve their own aspirations for inclusion and equity.

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science in Health & Physical Education from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Science in Recreation Therapy from Indiana University.

Outside of work, Michelle enjoys camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, bowling, and playing games with her partner, Kathryn, daughter, Mika, and very good dog, Moose Potato.

Nancy Horton

Associate Director, Mid-Atlantic ADA Center

As the Associate Director of the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center, Nancy Horton provides information and guidance to individuals with disabilities, employers, business operators, architects, and others. She also writes and edits a variety of articles, fact sheets, and bulletins on ADA topics, and develops training materials for the Center.

Ms. Horton has worked in the disability field for more than 30 years. Her experience includes conducting site accessibility surveys, architectural plans reviews, and trainings on accessible design, employment issues, and effective communication requirements.

Sean Roy

Chief Innovation and Training Officer

Sean is TransCen’s Chief Innovation and Training Officer. He has worked on the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on VR Practices and Youth as the Knowledge Translation Manager and also on the Youth Employment Solutions (YES) Center as a Quality Control Manager. Prior to joining TransCen, Sean worked at the PACER Center helping to direct transition projects and spearheading the creation of PACER’s National Parent Center on Transition and Employment. Sean is an experienced trainer and presenter and brings strong and varied experience in the areas of youth employment, access to post-secondary education, and family engagement. Sean is also knowledgeable in juvenile corrections and inclusive recreation and has personal experience as the brother of an individual on the autism spectrum.

Sean was born, raised, and continues to reside in Minnesota. He has two boys who keep him acting young and feeling old. In his spare time he enjoys going on road trips with his wife (the true definition of a “better half”), seeing 80’s metal bands with his brother, and sneaking out for non-authentic Mexican food.

Lisa Swann

Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Lisa Swann came to Washington, DC early in her career to work as press secretary to U.S. Senator Robert Stafford of Vermont, a champion of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). She went on to work in strategic communications and marketing for a variety of nonprofit organizations both on staff and as a consultant. She specializes in messaging, branding, social media, website strategy, media relations and fundraising appeals and led communications for the 40th anniversary of Earth Day which attracted 150,000 people to the National Mall in Washington. Her concentration at TransCen is creation of a marketing and communications strategy to benefit the organization’s mission moving forward in helping more clients and furthering it’s important consulting work.

Abe Becker

Community Instructor, Job Coach

Abe Becker has worked extensively with people with physical and cognitive disabilities to affirm their agency and dignity. He holds a degree in Ethnic Studies from UC Berkeley and has facilitated creative writing workshops in all levels of school and in community spaces. He enjoys creating value from perceived limits.

Danita Eason

Program Coordinator / Employment Specialist

Danita Eason is the program coordinator for the WorkLink program and supports the Project Search program as an Employment Specialist.  She strives to help the people she serves find meaning in their lives.

In her free time, she enjoys creative writing, music, and organizing foodie gatherings.

Paul Griffiths

Community Facilitator/Job Coach

As a Community Facilitator/Job Coach with WorkLink, Paul’s favorite aspect of his work continues to be the “magic moment” when a client masters a skill or gains an experience that he/she (and perhaps a family member) previously thought was unattainable. Before joining WorkLink, Paul worked for 3 years as Service Coordinator for a program in Oakland, California serving adults with developmental disabilities. Prior to entering this field, Paul worked in several different areas including: Refugee Education, Advocacy and Resettlement, Homelessness and Housing Advice. He also spent several years teaching English as a Second Language in Europe and South East Asia. Paul hails from Manchester England.

As the father of two teenage kids, Paul doesn’t get a lot of free time, but in those rare moments, he is often to be found writing and singing songs, in the music halls and listening rooms of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Roberto Morales Alverez

Community Instructor, Project SEARCH

Robert joined the WorkLink team in 2019 as the Project Search liaison, where he supported individuals with developing transitionary skills to enter the workforce. He currently operates as a community instructor; working with clients and their families to create meaningful change in the community. Robert enjoys seeking creative ways to support individuals with achieving their goals. A favorite focal point of what he does at WorkLink is the analytical problem solving with an incredible team.

With his spare time, Robert focuses on many of his hobbies (and is always looking for more to take on). He enjoys cooking, quilting, and gardening. Recently, he’s taken on whittling and bird watching: crafting and making paintings for family and friends.

Robyn Plant

Employment Consultant

Sara Murphy

Director, WorkLink

Sara is the Director of WorkLink, TransCen’s San Francisco-based employment program for job seekers with disabilities. Sara is also a key contributor to the training and technical team where she works with employers, school districts, parent groups, and service providers. She also provides field support for many of TransCen’s federal and state initiatives. Currently, she is a subject matter expert for ODEP’s Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program, where she provides technical assistance and consultation to state agencies and providers in capacity building in effective practice, system/provider transformation, school-to-work transition and employer engagement. For the past 30 years, Sara’s focus has been on school-to-work transition and employment for individuals with disabilities. She has extensive experience in direct service, policy and program development, and system transformation.

When asked what her passion is and what she can’t stop talking about, Sara will respond: “My work. My work. My work.” She also loves music, traveling to exotic locales, cooking/baking, taking her dog to the beach, and reading the New York Times on Sunday mornings.

Jennifer Alcorn

Employment Consultant, Project SEARCH

Taryn Kroll

Intake Coordinator/Project SEARCH Liaison 

Taryn has 20 plus years of experience working with children and adults with disabilities, with the bulk of her experience being within the K-12 school system as a special education teacher and administrator. Her educational background consists of a  Masters of Special Education and additional certifications in Educational Leadership. Taryn aims to apply an inclusive mindset to various communities and organizations, and is fueled by individuals’ rights to have equal opportunities and access. In her free time, Taryn enjoys cooking, relaxing, enjoying a good campfire with family and friends and giving her two dogs lots of love.

Mary Fitzgerald

Project SEARCH Instructor

Mary has been supporting and helping others in a variety of settings for 25 years in schools, communities, and Children’s Wisconsin. She has a Human Services degree and is a certified DeafBlind Intervener. Mary is married to Jim, A Pastor at Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church. Together with their two cats, they reside in Wauwatosa.

Anna Miller

Employment Consultant

Anna Miller joined Creative Employment Opportunities in February of 2021 as an Employment Consultant. Anna has experience working with families and youth in the community. She worked as a Family Interaction Specialist in her last job, with the goal of reunifying families. She also taught several High School marching band groups as a Color Guard instructor. Anna’s role at CEO is to work with clients to explore the work force and secure employment in a job they love. Anna holds a degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater. When not working she enjoys biking to the beach, trying new restaurants, and playing on rec sports teams.

Dwight Johnson, CESP

Employment Consultant

A native Milwaukeean, Dwight has been an Employment Consultant with Creative Employment Opportunities since 2005.  His passion is working with individuals with high support needs and helping them become more independent on the job.  Dwight’s creativity and dedicated support has led to permanent employment for individuals with significant needs.

Dwight worked for Milwaukee Public Schools as an educational assistant for 30 years, supporting at-risk students and students with disabilities. He has been trained as a trainer for Systematic Instruction by Michael Callahan (Mark Gold and Associates). Dwight is a huge Packers fan, and also enjoys golfing in the summer, and dabbling in the stock market.

Greg Shaw

Employment Consultant

In October of 2020, Gregory Shaw joined Creative Employment Opportunities (CEO) as an Employment Consultant.  Greg has a wealth of experience working with at-risk youth and serving as a facilitator for youth and families interacting with the juvenile justice system.  He has worked as a Quality Assurance Specialist, Case Manager and Teen Program Coordinator.  In his role at CEO, Greg is a facilitator for employment skill training programs and also provides employment exploration, placement and skill instruction.

Greg holds an Associate Degree in Applied Science-Criminal Justice from Bryant Stratton College in Milwaukee.  In his free time he enjoys cooking, fishing and spending time with family.

Mary Ann Beckman

Community Facilitator and Grant Specialist

As a Community Facilitator and Grant Specialist, Mary Ann assists with developing systems and seeking funding for innovative projects. She provides communication and problem-solving support through small groups and one-on-one sessions for individuals with high anxiety or other mental health issues in their post-secondary education and employment endeavors. She also consults for various K-12 schools in the area as well as for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where she completed a Ph.D. in Urban Education Leadership. Mary Ann has over 30 years in the education field, with an emphasis on transition, as an administrator and teacher in both general and special education.

When she’s not working with individuals with disabilities, Mary Ann can be found hiking with her husband, Jim, spending time with her adult children and grandbabies, or simply exploring and looking for new adventures.

Robin Marrero

PROJECT Search Liaison / Project SEARCH Liaison

Robin has a Master’s Degree in Science and Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master’s Certificate in Non-Profit Management from the University of Chicago. Robin has extensive experience in nonprofit management, social policy and program development, marketing and fundraising, and has continued to serve as an advocate for people with disabilities over the past 25 years. When not working, Robin enjoys spending time with her family, reading, gardening and cooking with her kids, running, and traveling.

Victoria Jensen

Employment Consultant/Job Developer, Project SEARCH

Victoria has over 20 years’ experience as a Transition Coordinator and Teacher in the public schools.  Victoria’s Bachelor of Science Degree is in Special Education (PK-12) and Elementary Education.  Her Master’s Degree is in Educational Administration.  Victoria loves connecting individuals to their dream jobs and careers.  When not working, she loves to spend time doing Creative Writing, reading and exploring nature through travel.  Moreover, she loves to spend time with her daughters, husband and son-in-law; her brothers and her extended family.

William Nienstedt

Employment Consultant

Tasia Pinkham

Employment Services Coordinator

Tasia Pinkham joined Creative Employment Opportunities (CEO) in April of 2021 as an Employment Consultant. In February of 2022 Tasia was offered a new position to oversee employment programming as the new Employment Services Coordinator. She is responsible for overseeing the day to day operations for continued growth and implementation of employment services as well as providing support to a professional staff to ensure the delivery of high-quality services. She has previous experience working in career services for three years at University of Wisconsin-River Falls providing students assistance with career exploration, resume and cover letter writing, and interview preparation. She is passionate about providing clients with the tools to be successful as an individual, an employee, and a part of their community.

Tasia holds a Bachelor Degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and a Master’s of Education in Student Affairs Administration from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. In her free time she likes to play rugby, go on adventures with her dog, and explore new restaurants.

Patricia Yanko

A native speaker of Spanish, Patricia Yanko holds a bachelor’s degree from the Universidad Iberoamericana Puebla, which she attended in Mexico. She has completed additional technical training in education and foreign languages.

Patricia developed a career as an independent contractor providing language translation and interpretation services since 2003. Building on her organizational experience, as well as her reputation as a locally known and trusted language provider, in 2007 Patricia founded the Milwaukee-based company Un Idioma, LLC specializing in the Spanish language, offering English speaking consumers access to the Spanish speaking population in a culturally diverse society. As founder and Operational Director of Un Idioma, LLC, Patricia’s business model focused on creating one language (un idioma) which integrated diverse colloquial, technical and medical terminology, and the North American, Hispanic and Latin American cultures. She led her organization to become the preferred provider of prestigious organizations and individuals for over a decade.

In addition to providing language services, Patricia is an accomplished graphic designer and fine artist, she has held positions in organizational administration, and has worked as an instructor at universities in Mexico and the United States. Economic and social changes as well personal interest drove Patricia to pursue a career in another area of human services: rehabilitation. She currently works as employment consultant for Creative Employment Opportunities (CEO), a subsidiary of TransCen, Inc. Patricia specializes in training individuals with disabilities to learn and accurately perform their work duties.

Driven by high standards, Patricia strives to perform with excellence; she provides quality services while bringing extensive knowledge and experience to the field, with her unique skillset and qualifications. She is always eager to do more and better, and she believes that most individuals possess an inherited ability to succeed, no matter the path we take.