WHAT CLIENTS SAY
Marianne is very knowledgeable and professional. She made time for me when I had questions or concerns and handled it with kindness and courtesy. She went out of her way to be helpful in whatever way I may have needed to achieve my goals.
With the help of Cheryl, I was able to get into a different line of work than what I had previously done and with little experience. Cheryl was great to work with and listened to my goals, as well as made me think about different jobs that I maybe wouldn't have considered otherwise.
Outstanding program! Daughter's needs were beyond met. Simply cannot say enough good things or thank you enough. Steve was helpful and used positive reinforcement. He always updated us daily.
Marianne, in my opinion, is one of the best job developers in our area. She not only does the above skills well, she also cares about each person that we refer to her. Her empathy and passion for finding suitable employment are commendable. - OOD Counselor
Cheryl provided full support as I navigated the parts of a job search that I was uncomfortable with. She brought confidence with advice and mock interviews. Advice from what to wear to what to expect from an employer regarding health concerns and disability issues. I appreciated the consistent follow-up texts and calls afterward too.
Working with Marianne was a wonderful experience that I will never forget. She exudes kindness and positivity that cannot be rivaled and that is absolutely contagious.
They were very professional, friendly, and dedicated to helping me find employment. I was extremely impressed with Pathfinder.
OOD WORKS FEATURED SUCCESS STORIES
Krysta’s Science Career Takes Off
Krysta of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, has a Master of Science in Environmental Policy and Management with a concentration in Wildlife Sciences, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the American Public University. Krysta is autistic and was unable to receive support or treatment until well into her adult years. While attempting to navigate a career path on her own, she realized she needed help.
Even though Krysta was employed, she applied for services at Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) in May 2022. She met with Taniya George-Olds, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, who helped streamline the experience for Krysta by narrowing down services that could help and reviewing provider options. Taniya connected Krysta with Marianne Senvisky, CEO of Pathfinder Career Consulting, for assistance with resume writing, and interviewing practice.
Krysta and her team worked with OOD’s Division of Employer and Innovation Services (EIS) for career opportunities. They learned the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) was offering an apprenticeship opportunity as a Laboratory Technician Apprentice through the Ohio Vocational Apprentice Program (OVAP).
In the OVAP program, OOD participants secure paid apprenticeships with state agencies with the goal of permanent employment. Apprentices gain exposure in their chosen field, benefit from hands-on experience, and prepare for permanent positions in state government upon completing the apprenticeship.
Krysta learned about the application process and continued to fine-tune her resume. Krysta applied for the apprenticeship with ODA, was hired in September 2022, and relocated to Columbus.
As a laboratory technician, Krysta prepared samples for scientists, who then evaluated the concentration levels of a variety of toxins. Krysta expressed that she was excited to learn so much, assist the environment, and work with kind coworkers. Krysta’s apprenticeship was scheduled to end in June 2023.
In April 2023, Krysta was hired as a Laboratory Scientist 1 in Microbiology with the Ohio Department of Health. She assists higher-level scientists in the daily operations of the lab.
“Krysta is motivated, determined, and a real go-getter. She is passionate and has a strong background in the sciences,” said Taniya.
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Kristen Finds a Great Job Fit
Kristen of Twinsburg recently started working as a Production Associate with Natural Essentials in Aurora, Ohio, making hand sanitizer. Natural Essentials is one of the employment opportunities identified on the Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabiltities (OOD) Urgent Jobs List.
With support from Taniya George-Olds, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, and Marianne Senvisky, Chief Navigator/CEO of Pathfinder Career Consulting, Kristen, who is on the autism spectrum, was looking for a full-time position with benefits so that she could become more independent.
“Kristen and I practiced interview questions and role-played to prepare for her interview,” said Marianne, job developer and coach. The preparation paid off: Kristen landed two interviews, followed by two job offers, on the same day.
She chose to work at Natural Essentials, filling the high demand for hand sanitizer, and is enjoying her job and coworkers. “I like my job. It’s very busy,” said Kristen. “Today, I packed boxes of hand sanitizer and put caps on shea butter. Overtime is needed from everyone right now,” she added.
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/OHOOD/bulletins/2883b09
