https://www.goodwillsew.com
This panel of employment experts will discuss the ways in which personal bias and traditional styles of interviewing and onboarding may result in individuals with disabilities being overlooked for hire, and in companies losing an opportunity to employ and retain qualified, talented employees. The panel will offer practical, actionable solutions to common barriers faced by job seekers. After the session, hiring managers will leave with strategies designed to make the hiring and onboarding process more effective for all potential employees.
Jennifer Houston
Mission Operations Manager at Goodwill Industries of Southeastern WI
Jennifer Houston is the Mission Operations Manager at Goodwill Industries of Southeastern WI and Metropolitan Chicago. Prior to her current role, Jennifer worked at Goodwill as a case manager, supervisor, and day services program manager. She has over 15 years of experience helping individuals with disabilities to live as independently as possible.
Jennifer has a bachelor’s degree from Marquette University with a dual major in Law Studies and Social Welfare and Justice. She serves as the Goodwill representative for Disability:IN WI, Disability Service Provider Network, and ACCESS.
Vernetter Montgomery
Human Resources Business Partner at Goodwill Industries of Southeastern WI
Vernetter Montgomery is currently a Human Resources Business Partner at Goodwill Industries of Southeastern WI with 47 years of HR experience. Vernetter holds an Associate Degree from MATC in Business Management and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from The University of Phoenix. Vernetter’s primary responsibilities at Goodwill are partnering with business units to drive performance through aligning talent strategies and programs with business objectives, conducting research, evaluating data, and reporting on her findings. Vernetter serves as a consultant to Goodwill leadership on Talent Management processes and other Human Resources related matters.
Keith Schroeder, MS SAC-IT
Supervisor of Goodwill – IPS & Community Employment Program
Keith Schroeder is currently the Supervisor of Goodwill’s IPS and Community Employment Program. Keith Graduated from UW-Milwaukee with bachelor’s degrees in psychology and sociology and Completed his master’s degree in Educational Psychology from UW-Milwaukee in 2006. After obtaining his master’s degree, Keith began working with at-risk populations in the Milwaukee area through Nonprofit Organizations. Keith’s prior professional experience includes working at SaintA’s, with young adults who aged out of the foster care system. There, Keith learned much about Trauma-Informed Care and competed in training in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics. Keith went on to become a Care Manager for Community Care’s Family Care Program and, later, worked at St. Charles Youth & Family Services as the Manager of their YES Program. Keith Joined Goodwill IPS as an Employment Specialist in November of 2016. Born and raised in Milwaukee, WI. Keith has a passion for helping others improve their lives through employment.
Theresa Brugger
Manager of Community Employment & Connections with Goodwill Industries of Southeastern WI
Theresa Brugger is the Manager of Community Employment and Connections with Goodwill Industries of Southeastern WI. She is responsible for overseeing Goodwill’s Pre-Vocational Community Access program, Supported Employment, Project SEARCH, and Beyond Work programs. Joining Goodwill in 2009, Theresa has served in a variety of Mission services positions and has over 15 years of experience in the field of disability services. Theresa holds a bachelor’s degree in Art Therapy from Alverno College.
Theresa is a contributing member to several local groups including WIN (Workforce Innovation Network), Waukesha Transition Advisory Counsel, Milwaukee County Transition Advisory Board, and Business Advisory Councils. Theresa has devoted her professional career to supporting individuals with disabilities to prepare and become employed in the community.