Jennifer Fretz-Smith

Jennifer Fretz-Smith, MA, PHDc

CEO
About

Jennifer has a Masters in Human Services. With over 25 years experience working with individuals and businesses, her calling in life is to see individuals, for profit organizations, and nonprofit organizations find their full purpose. Jennifer also has over 25 years experience in strategic business development, grant consulting, and human resource management. She has managed programs with over 2200 volunteers for community service engagement and has received and managed grants up to $3,000,000.00. Her motto is: Focus on serving the mission, and the rest will be taken care of. Jennifer has a heart for those struggling to find their place in life. She founded this organization to be able to help everyone, including those with life-barriers, find their passion and purpose for life.

Candace Luster

Candace Luster

Program Director
About

Candace was born and raised in the Suncoast area, graduating from Sarasota High School. She has experience in corporate management and planning, and she her expertise is in enhancing processes to ensure business growth. She enjoys working for JBW Employment and for Bailes Consulting to help those in her community. Candace has a passion and drive to help people grow by leading, training, and supporting them. She also enjoys serving her community by volunteering and serving in her church.

RuthAnn

Ruth Ann Cassell

Assistant Services Director
About

Ruth Ann was born in Washington D.C. and raised in the Central Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains. She earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Lynchburg University, including a M.Ed. in Counseling. She became a Child & Family mental health therapist in 1997 and joined the Community Service Board. Within the non-profit, she worked on multiple teams including as a home-based therapist, Therapeutic Foster Care therapist, and Regional On-call Therapist. After moving to a supervising position, Ruth Ann became the Substance Abuse Prevention Program Manager.

Jasmine Alexandre

Jasmine Alexandre

Evaluation Specialist
About

Jasmine has a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and an Associates in Computer Science. She has over 10 years of experience helping individuals find their way in the workforce.  As a mother of a child with a disability, she understands how important it is to have a support system for both the individual as well as the family.  Her passion is to help others find long-term employment.

Susan Bacon

Susan Pierson-Bacon

Discovery Specialist
About

Susan has an MA Degree in Counseling Psychology and holds certificates in Advanced Graduate Studies in Rehabilitation Counseling from Boston University and Utah State University. Her specializations are in Vocational Assessment, Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Transition Services for Youth, and Integrated Employment for Individuals with Disabling Conditions. She has been employed in the rehabilitation arena for over 30 years, assisting youths and adults achieve greater independence in life skills and succeed in competitive integrative employment. Susan is a firm believer that “all individuals are capable of meaningful employment” by the use of motivation, support, and accommodations for each individual. While employed as a Senior VR Counselor specializing in Transition, she became interested in Discovery and the implementation of W.I.O.A services for Youth.