Career Coaches
March 17, 2011
The GoodProspects Career Coaches are trained career development and job search professionals. If there’s anything you want to know about that’s related to your job search, just ask one of the coaches! If they don’t have the answer, they’ll find it for you. They have lots of experience helping people find good jobs.
The Coaches monitor the conversations on GoodProspects regularly, so take advantage of their wisdom and eagerness to assist you. You won’t regret it!
Jim Coen, GoodProspects Program Manager
Location: Goodwill Industries of the Valleys (Roanoke, VA)
I enjoy working with new and interesting approaches for helping job-seekers. I have done a number of different things in my work life, including starting and operating new companies. I have 10 years experience in my current field. For 25 years, I have also taught community college classes on human relations, communication, management and supervision. I like to hike, camp, kayak read, and spend quality time with my family and friends.
Morgan Jameson, GoodProspects Training Coordinator
Location: Goodwill Industries of Northern New England
I live in Portland, Maine, but travel up and down the coast from York to Camden, teaching workshops in computer literacy and job searching at Goodwill’s Workforce Solutions Centers and other sites. I have also worked as and employment counselor and an educational coordinator. I enjoy quilting, crocheting, cooking, and other arts and crafts. I just wish my projects would turn out the way I had planned more often!
Bren Moon, GoodProspects Program Manager
Location: Goodwill of Central Arizona (Phoenix)
I’m a single mom and the sole financial provider for two great kids. During the rough economy, I was laid off three times, so I have good insight about building a career that makes you more valuable to an employer. I got my bachelor’s degree in business and an associate’s degree in office management. I have been a project manager, a Marine, and a real estate business owner. These experiences give me the confidence to help people reach their own career and financial goals. I love the outdoors, and ride my motorcycle every chance I get! I also volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, the American Heart Association, and am a parent for abandoned or needy Boxers (the kind with four legs!)
Samantha Donato, GoodProspects Career Exploration Facilitator
Location: Goodwill of Central Arizona (Phoenix)
Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. – Albert Schweitzer
I can honestly say I am successful because of the happiness that my work brings me. Maybe it sounds crazy, but I look forward to going to work every day because I have the opportunity to do what I love; helping people, being challenged and learning something new. Currently, I am pursuing my bachelor’s degree in communications. So, when I am not working or going to school, I enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, watching movies and spoiling my Dalmatian and Bichon Frise. Word of advice, if you ever adopt a Dalmatian make sure you invest in lint rollers, as they are forever shedding.
Bill O’Brien, Employment Services Specialist, Shoreline Workforce Development Services
Location: Goodwill Industries of Santa Cruz, Monterey & San Luis Obispo Counties (CA)
Legendary basketball coach John Wooden said, “Make each day your masterpiece.” That’s what I think about in my daily work with job seekers, whether I’m helping them explore virtual career information; providing advice on career fields, pointing them to the services they need, or recommending assessments that help them make career choices. I am a military veteran and like to help other vets: if they need an advocate or a mentor, are seeking career guidance or want help finding appropriate employment, I’m their guy. In my spare time, I like to hang out with my family, tinker with my VW camper van, and work with veterans organization.
Deanna Smith, GoodProspects Program Manager
Location: Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana (Shreveport)
I’m originally from Texas, but four years ago I moved to Louisiana and got my job at Goodwill. In my work as a job placement specialist, I help people with disabilities get on a career path. I also manage a team of people who are helping people who have other obstacles to finding employment. I love spending time with my husband and my 18-month-old daughter, watching reality TV, and spending lots of time outside.
Jennifer Wofford, CDFI Adult Learning Program Operations Manager
Location: Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries (Springfield, IL)
There is power in “I can!” In my family, there are three people with disabilities. We have all learned not to let what we can’t do, control what we can. At one point in my life, I was stuck thinking that “I can’t” – I can’t find the right job, can’t pay my bills, can’t, can’t, can’t! In my career, I have held 14 different jobs; each one has allowed me to help others. In 2007, I started to work at Goodwill and now help job seekers discover what they can do. I enjoy assisting job seekers in learning job related skills and digital literacy. In my free time, I spend time taking care of our three newts, one snake, one gerbil and one cat. I also enjoy reading, being on the computer and spending time with my family.
Clarence Moore, Program Manager of Marketing & Employer Partnerships
Location: Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries (Springfield, IL)
My mother once told me, “Don’t be stingy with all of this information that you have inside of you; share your knowledge with others.” I received my bachelor’s degree in business administration in management and organizational behavior and a master’s of science in management and organizational behavior. Being able to assist someone with their career development and hear that they received a job gives me a great feeling. I enjoy knowing that I was able to help. I enjoy Muay Thai and lifting weights to stay in shape. I love watching college football (GO FSU NOLES!) and enjoy going to and watching baseball games.
