Meet the CSS Staff
Lance M. Elwood, M.Ed.
I have been working in the rehabilitation field since graduating from the University of Pittsburgh in 1983 with a BS in psychology. Since then, I have been very lucky to have worked with, and learned from, numerous leaders and innovators in our field, including my business partner Joanne Ellis. Joanne and I met in graduate school at VCU and we often reflect on how we came up with the idea to start CSS to serve folks who were without the supports they needed to succeed in the workforce. To this day, I remain very passionate about creating new services where they are needed and I take great pride in the fact that our staff help our customers each and every day to establish and meet their personal employment goals.
Joanne L. Ellis, M.Ed.
I have been working in the field of disabilities services since 1983. I started in the field as a teacher and administrator working with transitioning students with special needs. From that experience I moved directly into training rehabilitation professionals, individuals with disabilities and family members on the topic of Social Security. I helped professionals and individuals understand the benefits of knowing how the system works so they could work and achieve a greater level of economic self-sufficiency. In 1993, I partnered with another colleague in the field to start our own Supported Employment Company. The initial vision behind the formation of our company was to assist individuals who were underserved in the rehab service delivery system. We started out with 2 employees serving a small geographical area to an organization of 55 employees, serving a large geographical area across the state of Virginia. My passion for this work has been fueled over the years by seeing the direct correlation between providing the right types of supports to individuals so they can achieve their vocational goals increase their self-sufficiency and improve their quality of life.
Denise Callahan
Denise Callahan brings a diverse background in healthcare and in advocating for people with disabilities. With a B.S. in Health Information Management, she worked for an Acute Care Health System in Florida as the Director of Medical Records and Quality Assurance. Transitioning into the supplier side of the business, Denise served as a Senior Support Consultant/Project Manager for Spectrum Healthcare Solutions in Florida, providing application support to hospital main frame clients and Physician Practice Management Systems. After the birth of her youngest child, who was born with a cognitive disability, she subcontracted with the State of Illinois’s Department of Health and Human Services, providing coordination of early intervention services for families with children ages, birth to three. Upon moving to Virginia, she continued to advocate for people with disabilities, by serving for many years, and ultimately Chairing, the Special Education Advisory Committee for Henrico County. She has also served as a parent representative on multiple ad hoc committees for the Virginia Department of Education and Virginia Department of Health and Human Services. She and her husband actively participate in the Virginia Special Olympics at both the state and local level.
Denise’s role within the organization is one of Quality Assurance Coordinator, with the specific responsibility of maintaining the CaseWorks data base and providing guidance, support and development of its use administratively and throughout the regions CSS serves.
Carol Lindstrom
Although I entered the field of supported employment fairly recently, I have had an interest in the field of disability all my life. It all started with my dad. He was born in 1905 with a disability. My dad was middle aged when I came along and died when I was very young. Mom wanted me to know him so she raised me with stories about him. A lot of those stories had to do with him overcoming obstacles caused by the societal prejudices of the time against people with disabilities. Those stories influenced the course of my life. In 1970, I graduated with a BA in Special Education. For over twenty years I worked with children with and without disabilities from high school age to preschooler in Head Start. Then a life changing event occurred, my husband of 28 years died. It made me think about my own life and what did I want to do with the rest of it. I got out of teaching and returned to college after thirty years. I graduated from VCU with a MS in Rehabilitative Counseling. It has been 100 years since my dad’s birth and great strides have been made to embrace people with disabilities thanks in great part to the Americans with Disability Act. There is still much to be done and I am proud to do my part to advocate for people with disabilities and to help others overcome obstacles so they can achieve their goals.
Janelle Martin
Janelle Martin is a graduate of James Madison University in Virginia. There Janelle majored in Communication Studies, with emphasis on Public Health. Janelle comes to CSS with professional experience in business development and professional development. As a Recruiter, Janelle developed a large network of employers and candidates, placing over 40 professionals in the Richmond, VA marketplace. Janelle believes that all people are equal and deserving of an opportunity for employment. It is her mission to use her abilities, experiences and education to provide individuals with the tools and support necessary to make the most of their opportunity and lead fulfilling lives.
Jenny Murray
I am a recent addition to the Career Support Systems team. I am originally from Fredericksburg and have been living in Richmond since 2003. I received my B.S. from the University of New Hampshire, and my M.S. from Virginia Commonwealth University. I have a background in technical recruiting, marketing, and event planning. I have always enjoyed working with people, and am looking forward to helping others and my community.
Wayne Pearson
My name is Wayne Pearson. I am an Enclave Supervisor and I oversee 6 workers under a contract with Pizza Hut. We work 5 days per week placing advertising door hangers in local neighborhoods. It’s a great advertising tool to get more people to buy pizza from Pizza Hut.
I have been working in Human Services for over twenty years helping with people with disabilities.
Jen Kessler
My name is Jen Kessler. I have been with CSS since Feb. of 2005 as an Administrative Office Assistant. I moved from Pennsylvania to Virginia 3 years ago with my 23 year old son, Corey, who has a disability. Before moving to VA, I worked for 14 years as a Production Supervisor in a sheltered workshop for individuals with disabilities. In my spare time I enjoy hiking, 4-wheeling and taking care of my pets, 4 cats and 1 cockatiel.
Page Robinson
My name is Page Robinson and I have been with CSS as the Office Manager for since March 2000. I have a BS in Managerial Accounting from VCU. I love my job with CSS because everything we do results in improving the quality of life for individuals.
My husband, Charlie and I have a daughter and three sons. Our lives revolve around sports our children are participating in and carpooling .My personal interest include gardening, reading novels, scrap booking, and fishing. I love to share these with my family and friends.
Stephanie Treynor Carter
I am Stephanie Carter, Regional Manager for the Blue Ridge Region of Career Support Systems, Inc. The area covered under my supervision is: Waynesboro, Staunton, Harrisonburg, Covington, Charlottesville, Lynchburg, Farmville, and all surrounding counties. I began my career with CSS as Employment Consultant June 2006; I worked a year as a consultant and then became Regional Manager for the area. I also work part time as Vocational Case Manager with the Family Outreach Program at the Shenandoah Valley Department of Social Services. I have worked that employment program since the beginning of the grant in 2008. Eventually, Career Support was written into the grant to serve the individuals that participated with the Family Outreach Program/View Program
I hold an Associates Degree in Mental Health and Human Services and a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Mary Baldwin College.
Together we work hard to make each person self-sufficient and independent.
My heart and soul is based on serving individuals with employment barriers. Everyone has something they are good at: It is my job to find it and then market it!
Raymond Watson
I have been working for Career Support Systems since July 06. Prior to my employment here, I have served as a substitute school teacher in Montgomery County, Business Director for a multi purpose center for the Salvation Army in Minneapolis, MN., an Associate Pastor for a church in Chicago, IL., and an Eligibility Worker for the Radford Social Services. In addition to working with CSS, I presently serve as a Pastor in Lyndhurst, VA. I have been married to my wife Darlene for 25 years and have two daughters, Danielle (husband Tony and daughter Zariyah) and Adrian. YES, I'm a Grandpa! My wife and I currently reside in Christiansburg.
Anne Dillard
I have been working as an Employment Consultant for Career Support Systems since November 2009, with the Blue Ridge Team.
I was born and raised in New Jersey but came to Virginia in 1999. I live in Waynesboro, have 3 children, Bridget, Michael and Joel and one new grandson, Elias.
I have an extensive background in Customer Service and have always enjoyed knowing I was able to help someone in some way. Supported Employment is a new field for me and I am already finding that this is, by far, the most rewarding. I served as Customer Service Supervisor for many years for an art supply manufacturer in New Jersey. In moving to Virginia I was the call center manager for CellONE, a local wireless company in Staunton. I have met some great people in this new position, have learned so much and look forward to my future with Career Support.
Ginny Stanley
I have been working with individuals with disabilities since 2001 and particularly enjoy working with individuals with mental illness and/ or emotional disorders. Observing customers reach life goals through employment motivates me to continue to work hard on their behalf and to help develop more opportunities within the community for future customers. I currently have a B.S. degree in Human Services Counseling with a minor in Psychology from Old Dominion University and hope to obtain my M.Ed in the very near future.
Melissa Mullins
My name is Melissa Mullins and I have lived in the beautiful moutains of the SWVA region my entire life. I am a graduate from MECC and have a long list in my job history. I believe being in different work environments has helped as a thriving employment consultant. I have developed close ties with the staff, counselors, and customers. There is no better job than helping people in my community and seeing their success. By far this is the best job I have ever had!
Pam Wolford
Ms. Wolford has worked with people with disabilities for approximately 20 years, beginning her professional career with the local community services board in 1984. She has worked as enclave supervisor at the CONSOL Coal Enclave site since 1990. Ms. Wolford holds an A.S. Degree in Management and Accounting from Southwest Virginia Community College. In her current role with CSS, Ms. Wolford is an enclave supervisor, providing training and supervision to a staff of 2 supervisors and 21 customers who provide janitorial services to an industrial mine site in rural Buchanan County, Virginia.
Sara Tolley
I am Sara Tolley, Regional Manger for the Roanoke Region. I began working for CSS in March 2005 as an employment consultant. I am a Roanoke native. I graduated from Salem High School and Radford University. I work with a wonderful staff of 5 employment consultants everyday to help our Customers fulfill their goals to become employed. I feel blessed and honored everyday to work with and for so many wonderful people- consumers, co-workers, employees, employers, counselors, and the list goes on!
Carin Prescott
I came to Career Support in October of 2008 after working for Goodwill and Social Services. I hold a BA in Communications, and my first career was in journalism and publishing. After five years of working in this field, I came to the realization that I wanted to take my skills of organization, creativity, and resourcefulness and put them to use helping more of society. Helping people with disabilities gives me so much fulfillment in life because there is no happier moment than seeing a big toothy grin on a client who is so proud of the work he or she is doing. Their pride brings me joy and provides me with high octane energy to work hard for them each day.
When I’m not working I can usually be found hiking or at the dog park with my lovely canine, Lelu. This rescue mutt is my other joy in life!
Daniel Shertz
Daniel graduated from UCLA in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. He previously worked for a private school in Los Angeles as a teacher, where he worked with youth with developmental disabilities (age groups 3-18) supervising summer camp groups, running after school social skills classes, and teaching early intervention. He also has worked with adults with disabilities for several years in residential group home settings, teaching social skills as well as independent life skills.
Katie Winters
I have always been interested in working with adults who have disabilities. This interest started at an early age while growing up with my twin sister, Emily, who has Down syndrome. I have always wanted to make a difference in someone’s life that has specials needs, and working with CSS has helped me do just that. I am currently a senior at Radford University and will graduate in May, 2009 with a Bachelor’s of Science. Then I will continue my education at RU and work towards my masters in High Incidence, Special Education. In my free time I like to spend time with my family and friends, and volunteer with Leisure Directions of the NRV. I also enjoy reading, running, swimming in Clayton Lake, and pursing my obsession with the Food Network. I am very excited to have the opportunity to work with CSS and to help people with disabilities find employment opportunities that are exciting to them as well.
Kama Weatherholt
I graduated from Virginia Tech with a Master’s degree in English. Since then, I have taught college English and am now an employment consultant for Career Support Systems. I am passionate about working with people from different backgrounds and helping them become as successful in life as they can possibly be.
When I’m not working, I live with my husband, dog, and cat in Pembroke, Virginia. I spend most of my free time reading, writing, and going to the movies. I also enjoy going back to my home-state of West Virginia so that I can spend time in the mountains with my family.
Jolie Hutcheson-Rice
I am Jolie Hutcheson-Rice, regional manager for the Tri-Cities. I joined the Career Support Systems staff as an Employment Consultant in April 2005 and was made regional manager of the Central and Tri-Cities regions the following year. In 2007, I relocated my base of operations to the Petersburg District-19 Community Services Board so that I could focus on the Tri-Cities region and oversee the various projects that Career Support Systems has in that area. Since being housed from that location, I have been able to oversee and serve a wide variety of customers, which only adds to the satisfaction of this job. I currently supervise a staff of dedicated and gifted Employment Consultants who bring a lot of experience to the company. I am so fortunate that all the job coaches who work under me have a true passion for the work we do – making a difference in the lives of others.
I attended the University of Arkansas, and will be continuing my education at Virginia Commonwealth University. My professional background is quite varied, which I believe strengthens my appreciation for the work that goes into certain jobs. Career Support Systems has been the best job of my life, not only because of the strong company ethics and leadership, but because we are a family dedicated to our customers and each other.
Ronda Tate
My name is Ronda Tate, an Employment Consultant for the Tri-Cities region. I have been a Consultant with Career Support Systems since July 2007. I enjoy assisting people secure employment because of the fulfillment it gives -- not just to my customers, but to me as well!
I was born and raised in Chesterfield, VA. I recently graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor's of Science in Human Services. I currently attend Virginia Commonwealth University and am seeking a Master's of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling. I plan to continue educating myself because I enjoy learning new things and challenging myself. This is something I know that I can give back to my customers and my colleagues at CSS.
Keith Piercy
I'm an Employment Consultant with the Career Support Systems, Inc. Tri-Cities team. I'm a native of Petersburg, Virginia. I began working with Career Support Systems, Inc. in June of 2007 after seven years of teaching English with The Petersburg Public School System. I have a passion for helping people and making their dreams become a reality.
Kathyrn Moore
I am a native of the Richmond area, blessed with a close-knit family including my mother, father, two brothers and my son. I always knew that I wanted to play some role in helping people to obtain a higher quality of life. It has been a long road toward finding my niche. However, I feel that I have had to travel that road in order to cultivate the necessary insight and empathy required for working with persons who have disabilities.
As a young adult, I worked as a receptionist and an administrative assistant raising my son, who I am very proud of, as a single parent. At the age of 40, I returned to college to obtain my Associates degree in Social Science from J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College and my Bachelors degree with a double major in Psychology and Sociology from Virginia Commonwealth University. I am currently enrolled in Virginia Commonwealth University’s Masters program for Rehabilitation Counseling. Before returning to college, I volunteered in my community by serving as a court advocate and counselor for victims of domestic violence and other crimes. This experience was very rewarding and provided tremendous growth for me personally and professionally. It encouraged me to move forward in my educational pursuits in order to become more effective and to broaden my career options.
I am proud to be part of a team and network of individuals who genuinely care about and understand the difficult and complicated circumstances that some folks find themselves in, and who also have the desire to go to great lengths to take the necessary steps in providing those individuals the assistance that they need in order to move forward and achieve a higher quality of life for themselves.
Gloria Cotton
I am Gloria Cotton, an Employment Consultant from the Tri-Cities area of Virginia. I am originally from Texas, and have been employed with Career Support Systems since Fall of 08’, but I have always had a passion to help and learn from the underserved community most of my life.
Professionally, while in Texas, I worked with High school Dropout Prevention programs; Hispanic Success Initiative’s at the College level and for a State Housing program geared at rebuilding and constructing homes for low-income families. All of those were very fulfilling roles and sparked within me a desire to continue to help individuals with disabilities. Presently while working with CSS, I truly enjoy seeing people gain employment, and more importantly, I like to see them gain self respect and a renewed sense of pride.
In my personal life my husband and I learned American Sign Language and Spanish to be able to communicate more freely with people of other cultures and meet their needs accordingly. We have traveled all over Texas and neighboring states to help with construction relief work and special ministries. Both my secular and personal experiences have led me to continue to develop my intention of helping those with special needs, and I appreciate the chance to continue to grow along with Career Support Systems.
Anna Henderson
Hi! I am Anna and I started working with Career Support Systems in November 2009. Prior to my employment here, I worked with troubled teens as a teaching parent, teaching social skills and independent living skills to troubled teen boys. Working as an Employment Consultant allows me to continue with my passion for serving families in the community. There is no greater satisfaction than assisting someone in achieving their goals of employment via hard work and dedication. Personally, I view every consumer that successfully achieves employment as an ending of a cycle of unemployment which has inexplicable effects on their own families, our local community and society as a whole.
I am a native of North Carolina but moved to Virginia in November 2009. I graduated from Wayland Baptist University with a B.S. in Human Services with a minor in Criminal Justice. I plan to continue my education by seeking a Master’s Degree in Social Work in the near future. I enjoy learning and continue to do so everyday working with consumers in the Tri-Cities area. It is truly an honor to work with a company which is solely dedicated to enabling people to make better lives for themselves.
