Partnership Conference

Ashley Sloan, Young Adult Program Manager, has worked over the last year to design the program to increase access to services for youth by breaking down enrollment barriers and creating new avenues for support. With expertise in building community partnerships and problem-solving, she strengthens community relationships and delivers impactful solutions.

Christian Reed, a dynamic Workforce Development Professional, harnesses AI and emerging technologies to transform service delivery. His innovative approach to talent acquisition and retention in Pierce County significantly improves experiences for job seekers and businesses. His dedication to innovation is actively shaping the future of workforce development.

Claire Brittain, Operations Manager at Career Team, is a dedicated professional with a remarkable work ethic, investing wholeheartedly in others. Claire values collaboration, innovation, and integrity. Her positive attitude and proactive nature keep teams motivated and focused, as she passionately strives for diversity, equity, and inclusion in program oversight and management.

Clay recently joined DSHS in May 2023 as the Statewide Employment Pipeline Coordinator serving ESA/CSD. Supplying over 5 years of service to the Workforce Development industry, engaging a variety of programs ranging from WIOA to Workfirst, in an effort to provide economic success to all Washingtonians.

reda grew up in workforce development, from participating as a summer youth during Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) to working as an employee for Tacoma-Pierce County’s Employment and Training Consortium then known as Private Industry Council now known as WorkForce Central. She gathered experience in case management, program and policy development, contract management & monitoring, and partnership collaboration through varying positions with progressive responsibilities during the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and during the transition to Workforce Innovations and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to now being CSD’s Workforce Development Program Manager.

Heather Little serves as the Vocational Manager of Career Hub and Initiatives at Goodwill of the Olympics & Rainier Region Work Opportunity Center, with over 17 years of experience in the nonprofit industry, she enjoys working alongside students and watching them work towards & succeed in their goals. In her personal life, Heather enjoys spending time with her family, volunteer at her church, reading, and everything Star Trek!

Jermane Easterlin is a passionate Performance Manager, driven by a mission to surround and uplift individuals in our community. With a thirst for knowledge and personal growth, Jermane holds a Bachelor’s degree from Whitworth University. Eager to make a positive impact on others, he strives to improve lives and create lasting connections.

Julia has held the role as the Employment and Training Coordinator within CSD for 5 years and in the field of Workforce Development for 10 years. In her spare time she enjoys running with her dog Thor or supporting her kids at Dance and Baseball.

I’m Joshua Resnick, a Florida native now thriving in the PNW. I hold a Master’s in Science from Syracuse University, with degrees in Philosophy and Computer Science. For 5 years, I’ve empowered individuals through non-profits, promoting education, workforce development, and bridging the digital divide. As a published author, my books explore life’s questions. Currently, as Program Coordinator at the Metropolitan Development Council in Tacoma, I’m dedicated to creating an inclusive society through the Mobile Tech Center, fostering education, accessibility, and equity for all.

Kara Gieschen is a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist at the Department of Services for the Blind. She completed a master’s degree in Orientation and Mobility from Salus University with a background in Rehabilitation Teaching, Low Vision, and Art . She has been working with DSB for 6 years. Outside of work she enjoys yoga, rowing on a crew team and spending time in nature.

Kara Thompson is a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor at the Department of Services for the Blind. She completed a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Western Oregon University and has 15+ years of experience in VR. Outside of work she enjoys walks at the Tacoma waterfront, spending time with friends and doing astrological chart readings.

Katie Rose earned a B.S. in Social and Behavioral Science from Linfield University, and after working as a High School Career Counselor for 3 years went back to college and earned her teaching certificate from St. Martin’s University. She then taught high school language arts, drama, sociology, and reading for several years. While working in public education she earned a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Portland State University. After leaving public education, she began teaching Youth GED programing at Goodwill Work Opportunity Center in Longview. After working as the GED teacher, she is now the Vocational Manager of Instruction.

Kendall King, Executive Director of Career Team in Pierce County, is an accomplished leader with a track record in government administration, experience in nonprofit organizations, and the hospitality industry. Kendall brings a wealth of person-centered knowledge, and experience in breaking down barriers to services.

Kim Myers has worked for ESD since 2009 and has worked as Outreach and Resource Coordinator since 2013. She created WorkSource Pierce’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube channels, and is an administrator for these channels along with the WorkSource Weekly email as means to reach WorkSource customers throughout the county.

Laura Ozios-Townsend is an AT Specialist at the Department of Services for the Blind. She completed a master’s degree in Blindness and Low Vision Studies at Western Michigan University and studied Assistive Technology at California State University, Northridge. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family exploring nature.

Meet Rhoda, an exceptional member of the WorkSource Pierce Staff and Partners team, whose journey in the Workforce Development industry began in 2016. With an unwavering commitment to customer engagement, Rhoda has earned well-deserved recognition for her outstanding abilities in creating a welcoming environment where every individual is treated with dignity and respect.

Rhoda’s secret ingredient lies in her innate ability to infuse positivity and hope into every interaction, leaving customers feeling genuinely valued and empowered. The feedback from those she assists serves as a testament to her natural and unique talents, which continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of those she touches.

Samuel Bradshaw is the Business Solutions Manager for WorkForce Central, and a proud member of the Pierce County Community Engagement Task Force leadership team. He has over 12 years of business consulting experience working with companies of all sizes, ranging from 4 to 5 employees to Fortune 500 organizations. Samuel is a Certified Diversity Consultant and a Windmills Certified instructor who can facilitate organizations to better work with individuals who are differently-abled.

Meet Sandra, a dynamic professional with a wealth of experience in both the private sector and Workforce Development. With a track record of leading high-performing teams, she brings a unique perspective to the table, coupling business acumen with a profound understanding of customer experience and engagement.

Sandra’s journey as the One Stop Operator has equipped her with valuable insights into the challenges faced by customers dealing with significant barriers. This hands-on experience has ignited her unwavering passion for providing each customer with nothing short of a VIP experience.