Introduction to Ticket to Work

Meet Kathleen Byrnes, a highly qualified and experienced professional in the field of vocational rehabilitation and counseling. With a Bachelor's Degree in Education and a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Rehabilitation Counseling from Ohio University, Kathleen brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice. She holds various certifications, including being a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Case Manager, and Certified Vocational Evaluator. With over 15 years of direct experience in vocational rehabilitation, Kathleen has dedicated her career to providing exceptional services to injured workers and individuals with disabilities. Currently, she plays a vital role in Social Security Disability Hearings as a knowledgeable witness. Additionally, Kathleen conducts Comprehensive Vocational Evaluations for Ohio BWC and the Department of Labor, while also authoring Employability Assessments for Permanent Total Disability claims. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kathleen enjoys a fulfilling personal life in Ohio, where she resides with her loving husband, Daniel, and their two wonderful children, Jack and Molly.

Michelle Jahn is no stranger to navigating different environments, cultures, and belief systems. Having been born in Atlanta and moving to multiple cities as a child due to her father working for the railroad, Michelle learned how to traverse through the unknown. New people, new customs, new places. This endowed Michelle with the ability to make people feel comfortable and at ease.  While working as a single mother, Michelle obtained her undergraduate degree in Sociology from The University of North Florida. Years later she found herself drawn to Texas Tech University. Through dedication and commitment, she graduated as a Red Raider with a Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling. Over the past eight years Michelle has continued to assist those with disabilities, both work-related and not, obtain their goals in the workforce. She currently works with the Department of Labor injured workers, performs vocational evaluations, and provides Social Security Disability vocational expert testimony. When Michelle finally steps away from her office, she enjoys the numerous outdoor attractions of North East Florida with her husband Bill and daughter Olivia. 

Marquita Miller graduated from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, attaining a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, a Master's Degree in Community Counseling (Rehabilitation), and a Certificate in Behavioral Addictions. With extensive expertise in the field of Vocational Rehabilitation spanning 13 years, Marquita has excelled in various roles, including Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Deaf-Blind Coordinator, and Vocational Evaluator. As a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Marquita is currently dedicated to delivering comprehensive Vocational Evaluation services, Independent Living Assessments, and Job Placement Services tailored specifically to veterans with disabilities. She also testifies for Social Security Disability Hearings as a vocational expert witness. Marquita resides in South Carolina with her husband, Maurice, their daughter Norah, and their cat, Patch.

Rebecca Williamson is a highly accomplished professional with a diverse educational and professional background within the vocational rehabilitation industry. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Carroll University. Building on her passion for helping others, Rebecca pursued a Master of Arts degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Adler University. With over a decade of experience, Rebecca has established herself as a vocational rehabilitation evaluator and consultant. Her expertise and dedication have allowed her to assist individuals in overcoming barriers and achieving their vocational goals. Additionally, Rebecca holds certifications as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and a board-certified Disability Analyst. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Rebecca finds joy in spending time with her two Shih Tzus, Yoshi and Quantum, who bring endless happiness to her life. She also shares a deep love for Disney World and traveling. 

Meet Gwendolyn Ligon, a highly qualified and experienced professional in the field of vocational rehabilitation and counseling. With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Talladega College and a Master's degree in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from Thomas University, Gwendolyn brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice. She holds a national certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and an associate Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia. She has over a decade of combined experience in vocational rehabilitation, ADA job accommodation consulting and mental health counseling. Gwendolyn has dedicated her career to providing exceptional services to injured workers and individuals with physical and/or mental disabilities. Currently, she works in a private practice providing mental health counseling, and as a consultant for the Social Security Administration providing expert testimony during disability hearings. Beyond her professional  accomplishments, Gwendolyn resides in Georgia with her husband of over 37 years, Malcolm and her 8lb Chinese Crested, Bella Bleu. She has an adult daughter, Jillian and her Cane Corsi, Nastazi; a son, Denson and a daughter-in-love, Keidre; and the most wonderful grandson ever, 3-year-old Basil.

Renee Skalij has a diverse educational and work background. She spent 20 years in United States Air Force (USAF). During that time, she worked as a pharmacy technician and as a recruiter. While in the military, she received her Master’s in Communications.  Once she retired from the USAF, she embarked on a new career path by landing a job with the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation (MDRS). As a Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor, she pursued multiple night-time college programs to include a Post- Baccalaureate in Digital Design from Tulane University. After graduating from this program, she pursued a Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling. She also became a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. As a VR Counselor, Renee finally found her passion in working with people with disabilities. She was able to assist clients with overcoming barriers to employment by providing assistance with job placement, college, surgeries, vehicle modifications, and prosthetics. Renee was promoted to the position of Deputy District Manager. She is currently contracted with Social Security Disability as a vocational expert. Recently, Renee and her husband (Mark) moved to central Florida. They are enjoying the Florida lifestyle. She enjoys Yoga, walking, swimming, painting, digital art, and clay sculpting.

Meet William Boyd, a diversly skilled Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor who gained his experience working for state, federal, and non-profit vocational rehabilitation programs during his over 10-year career. As well as experience working for private disability insurance. The last four years he has spent working as a contractor for the Social Security Administration as an Expert Witness, providing testimony for SSA disability hearings.  William is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor who entered the world of vocational rehabilitation because he wanted to help people. He won the Rehabilitation Services Administration Scholarship and received his Master’s Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from West Virginia University. He received his undergraduate degree in communication from Slippery Rock University.
He is passionate about helping individuals with all disabilities achieve their goals. He also has enjoyed his experience in the mental health and drug and alcohol field. He performed his internship and was employed early in his career at the state of Pennsylvania's only dual diagnosis, men's halfway house facility.  When William is not working, he is usually spending time with his son enjoying outside activities. He is an avid sports fan, regularly watching football, basketball, and baseball on television and in person. He enjoys working with young people and has enjoyed success as a basketball coach in the past.
William believes his variety of experiences as a counselor have prepared him well to provide vocational services to a wide range of consumers utilizing VR services.

Lynn Stanley has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and a Master of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from University at Buffalo. She is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and a qualified Vocational Expert (VE) for the Social Security Administration. In addition to providing expert testimony, she also specializes in Workers’ Compensation, Transition Youth Services, Veterans Administration Personal Career Planning and Guidance, Vocational/Medical Case Management, Employment Services, and Vocational Evaluations/Forensics for personal injury and family law cases.  Each case is evaluated using an interdisciplinary approach, decades of experience and our wide range of resources; analyze the physical, emotional and financial impacts of injury or illness on present and future life quality.  Ms. Stanley provides Vocational Counseling and Consulting Services to Federal and State Agencies as well as private entities with a personalized and holistic approach. Each individual is different, so each plan is customized with tailored needs and goals in mind. 

Marisia Hall holds a Bachelor's degree in Rehabilitation Services and a Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the esteemed University of Maryland. With over 25 years of dedicated experience in Vocational Rehabilitation, she brings a wealth of expertise to the table, bolstered by certifications as a Certified Case Manager (CCM) and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC).  Her professional journey spans various domains within Vocational Rehabilitation, encompassing adaptive technology, ergonomic assessments, vocational evaluations, job customization, and placement support. She has navigated both private and government sectors, specializing in areas such as workers' compensation, Short-Term Disability (STD), Long-Term Disability (LTD), Longshore, and Defense Base Act cases.

Furthermore, her passion extends to working with individuals on the Autism spectrum and those with developmental delays, aiding in their transition from school to the workforce. Currently serving as a Vocational Consultant, she offers a comprehensive array of vocational services, including Labor Market Surveys (LMS), job placement initiatives, and expert testimony.

Her dedication lies in facilitating the empowerment and integration of individuals with disabilities into the workforce, ensuring their success and fulfillment in meaningful employment opportunities.