Welcoming New Vocational Counselors to RVA!

By -
We'd like to welcome our newest members of The Choice Group Richmond team! 

Alexandra Thomas
 Vocational Counselor

Cliff Carter
 Vocational Counselor

Lakeshia Ward
 Vocational Counselor

Mary Chris Warner
 Vocational Technician

Nolan Speichinger
Vocational Counselor
Location: Richmond, VA, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular Posts!

Success Spotlight: Montae Warren

By -
Image
We’re excited to share the story of Montae Warren, whose hard work and dedication have led him to success at Michaels! Montae began working with The Choice Group in June 2023. He independently applied for jobs, demonstrating his drive to find the right opportunity. In March 2024, he landed a position at Michaels, where his strengths—organization and attention to detail—help him excel in his role. Like many job seekers, Montae faced obstacles in the workplace. He sought clearer instructions from supervisors, positive reinforcement for his efforts, and a strong, supportive team environment. Through our Follow Along services, we’ve worked together to ensure he has the tools and support he needs to thrive. Since starting his position, Montae has shown remarkable growth. He takes notes to retain important information, actively advocates for himself, and has gained confidence in the workplace. His dedication and work ethic have not gone unnoticed—he was recently named Employee of the Month! ...
Read more

Bridging the Gap: Preparing Future Doctors to Care for Patients with Disabilities

By -
Image
Despite the fact that one in four U.S. adults has a disability, many doctors report feeling unprepared to provide adequate care for this population. Historically, medical education has framed disability as a problem rather than focusing on inclusion, accessibility, and patient-centered care. This lack of training has contributed to negative biases, inaccessible healthcare environments, and disparities in treatment. At institutions like Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, educators are working to change this narrative. A new approach to disability-competent medical training ensures that future physicians gain direct experience and insight into the needs of patients with disabilities. Hands-On Learning for a More Inclusive Future. Medical students at Feinberg are now actively engaging in: ✅ Patient-centered history-taking – Learning to ask about a patient’s disability and functional needs in a respectful and informed manner. ✅ Guest speaker experiences – Hearing first...
Read more

Creating The Perfect Job Fit

By -
Image
Every day, the individuals who receive services from The Choice Group go above and beyond to surpass the expectations that others have set for them in order to meet their goals of earning an income, contributing to the world, building relationships, and maintaining employment. Katie Knipple, of the Richmond team, shares the story of Michael, who, with a little support along the way, has overcome several barriers to competitive employment. All too often, the perfect job may not exist in a google search or indeed posting, but instead, is created with the willingness of an employer to consider their business’ unmet needs in conjunction with the contributions that an individual brings. From there, a partnership is forged. According to Meriam-Webster, the word customized can be defined as “to build, fit, or alter according to individual specifications.” This story of success is rooted in the customization of building, fitting, and altering to best fit Michael and his employer’s needs. Mich...
Read more

Opening Doors to Animation: A Work-Based Learning Success Story

By -
Image
  Our Work-Based Learning Experiences (WBLEs) help students explore career paths and gain valuable industry insights. Recently, one student expressed a strong passion for animation, hoping to one day become a successful artist and animator. Finding direct connections in the animation industry was a challenge, but Vocational Counselor Dylan Kelly was determined to make it happen. With no pre-existing industry contacts, Dylan took on the exciting challenge of building new relationships from scratch. Dylan  reached out to some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Universal Studios and Warner Bros., making countless calls in search of the right opportunity. After persistent efforts, Dylan successfully connected with a production manager at a major animation studio, who arranged a one-on-one call with the studio’s Lead Animator/CGI Expert—a leader in the field whose work spans Disney, Universal Studios, major news networks, and even government contracts. To prepare for ...
Read more