Team

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.

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.

Thomasina Byrd

Administrative Associate
Thomasina provides technical and logistical support on special projects for the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center, and a number of other workforce projects at TransCen. Having held positions in the medical, nonprofit, and business fields, Thomasina tailors her skills to meet the needs of others. She has extensive experience as a visionary problem-solver and creative tactician with an innate ability to connect with others. In Thomasina’s spare time, she loves spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoys being near the water, dancing, and drawing. Making organic pain relief products is a new passion of hers.

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.

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.”

Kevin Davis

Social Media Associate
Kevin Davis is a marketing professional with 11 years of experience living outside Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is working part-time as a Social Media Associate for the organization and ADA Center. He is an uncle to two active little girls. In his spare time, he loves following the Brewers, and both real and virtual aviation.

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.

Dominic Elefante

Employment Consultant
As an Employment Consultant, Dominic Elefante strives to connect young job seekers with opportunities tailored to their interests, needs, and aspirations. He comes to TransCen with 25 years of experience supporting individuals with disabilities across a wide variety of settings. Whether it’s teaching sailing skills on the Hudson River or providing on-site job coaching in Los Angeles, he has enjoyed helping people with disabilities discover and apply their strengths. His experience has shown him just how valuable it is when people with disabilities are integrated into their communities – not just for their own sense of purpose, but for the benefit of the general public. He is thrilled to join TransCen in their mission to improve the lives of people with disabilities through meaningful work and community inclusion.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Svidron-Stroup, EdD., CESP, WIP-C™

Training Associate

Lisa has been a leader in the supported employment industry for 20+ years. She has placed a focus on creating entrepreneurship opportunities for students post high school graduation. Lisa has proven to be a strong advocate within supported employment while finding over 100 jobs for individuals with disabilities into competitive employment. Over the past year, Lisa has shifted her focus from training Job Coaches and Employment Professionals to finding creative ways to overcome the workforce shortage in the supported employment industry. Dr. Svidron is a member of PA APSE, APSE EEOC Committee, APSE CESP Development Committee, PAR employment group, RCPA employment workgroup and GPSEA Steering Committee.  Lisa resides in Monroeville, Pennsylvania with her fiancé Brian and three kids; Tyler, Haylee and Tyson. She enjoys fishing, hiking, biking, fitness, reading and traveling.

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

Community Program Manager

Danita Eason is the community program manager 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.

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.

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.

Robyn Plant

Employment Consultant

Robyn has over fifteen years of experience serving individuals in the Seattle and San Francisco metro areas. Her favorite aspect of her job is getting to be present when a “someday” becomes a “today.” She feels lucky to play a small part in the process where discovery, sustainable positive change, and hard work culminate to create value and meaning for the individual and their community. It’s a magical moment when confidence becomes commensurate with mastery and one admires their contribution, often saying out loud, “this is awesome.”

Robyn enjoys exploring the city on her bicycle, vegan food, reading, and spending time with her house rabbit.

Jennifer Alcorn

Skills Trainer, Project SEARCH

Jennifer Alcorn is the Skills Trainer for Project Search at Waukesha Memorial Physicians’ Hospital. She has three decades of experience supporting people in all aspects of their lives, and has been a strong advocate for community engagement to be something which is accessible for all.

Taylor Chadbourn

Employment Consultant

Taylor is a BSW graduate from UW-Milwaukee with years of experience working with different clientele of all backgrounds. Taylor works with the clients to really get to know them and build a strong relationship to create better progress within themselves and their employment. Taylor loves to travel around the U.S. and other countries and have new adventures.

Barb Dickman

Administrative and Job Development

Barb provides both Administrative and Job Development duties for the Transcen Midwest office located in Milwaukee, WI. She has worked in the Human Services field for over 20 years in various positions. Prior to this position, she taught a special curriculum to adults with disabilities to prepare them for potential employment in the community. Barb also worked as a Supported Employment Specialist and was the Director of a mentoring service working with adults with disabilities here in the Milwaukee area. When residing in Dane County she worked in a residential setting as a Program Manager working with adults with disabilities as well as a vocational setting where she performed training and Job Development duties for adults with disabilities. In addition she has been responsible for training new staff members on the process of job development as well as developing new strategies to engage employers while establishing new relationships with potential employers. Lastly Barb has had a successful side business performing career coaching and mentoring to individuals of all ages and abilities while residing in Brown County.

Barb loves to spend her non-work time with family and friends, especially her 4 legged friend (Frankie). She loves to travel and discover new places, she also enjoys the serenity of the north woods and road trips that lead to nowhere in particular. She also enjoys Kayaking and motorcycle rides in beautiful rural areas.  She believes everyone should have the right and the opportunity to work and thrive in the community regardless of limitation, she is excited to be a part of an organization that assists individuals in making that happen.

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.

Jennifer Girard

Employment Consultant/Skills Trainer – Project SEARCH

Jennifer joins the team of TransCen/CEO with over 20 years’ of experience working with a variety of populations in the human services field. Most recently, Jennifer was a vocational specialist for the Waukesha County Comprehensive Community Services program. Jennifer is passionate about helping others and strives to make a difference every day. She holds a BA in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and an MS in Recreation Administration from Aurora University. In her free time travel and adventure have always been a passion for her, which is often combined with motorcycles.

Jennifer loves to spend time hiking with her husband and their golden retriever, relaxing on their boat and spending time with their kids.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Lissa Raebel

Employment Consultant
Lissa Raebel joined TransCen CEO in October of 2022 as a Skills Trainer for Project SEARCH at ProHealth Waukesha Memorial Hospital. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary/Middle Education and a Master of Science in Education degree in Professional Development from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. With fifteen years of experience as a classroom teacher, Lissa has added creative, innovative, and unique perspectives to the Project SEARCH team. When not working, she loves reading, playing board games with her family, hiking outdoors, and roller skating with friends.

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.

Mariah Washington

Employment Consultant

Mariah Washington joined Creative Employment Opportunities in August of 2020 as an Employment Consultant. She worked as a job coach in her past position and has carried what she learned over to CEO as she continues to provide support to individuals with disabilities. She has also worked with Project Search as a Skills Trainer and Skills Instructor establishing internships in different departments at Froedtert Hospital and helping interns prepare for their roles within those departments. Mariah’s role at CEO is to work with clients on skill instruction.

Mariah holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from UW-Milwaukee and is finishing a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership with a focus in Training and Development from Lewis University. In her free time Mariah enjoys crocheting, hiking, biking, reading mystery/thriller books, and spending time with friends and family.