Meet Your Dedicated 'PATH TO EMPLOYMENT' Tour Guides

COMMITTED EXECUTIVE STAFF

Marian Walsh - President & Chief Executive Officer, 617-542-4180 x129

Operation ABLE is proud and honored to welcome Marian Walsh to the organization as President and CEO. Marian has had great experience as a Massachusetts State Senator and Representative, Public Affairs Consultant and Leadership Coach. She served as the Chief Administrative Officer in the Suffolk County Attorney’s Office. Marian is the author of “Run: Your Personal Guide to Winning Public Office”, an award winning nonpartisan book.

Marian strongly believes that a committed intention, thoughtful strategy and effective collaborative partnerships will lead to both short and long term successes in Workforce Development.

Discover more about Marian -->>

She will focus on new skills training for the untapped workforce population and adding value to the business communities. A perfect fit for our mission. Lydia Greene, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Operation ABLE, offered the following endorsement:

“Marian Walsh understands better than most, the need to provide employment opportunities for all and in particular, our older citizens. Her experience has made her acutely aware of, and passionate about the need for job training and access to good jobs in our communities. The board of directors could not be more proud to have Marian as our new CEO.”

Marian, an attorney, has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Newton College of the Sacred Heart, a Master’s degree from the Harvard Divinity School and a Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University Law School.

Julie A. Fazio - Executive Assistant to the President and CEO Operation ABLE

617-542-4180

Julie is the Executive Assistant to the CEO at Operation ABLE. She joined Operation ABLE in March 2019. She brings over 20 years of experience supporting C-Level executives. Prior to joining Operation ABLE, she worked at Associated Industries of Massachusetts where she was the Assistant to the CEO.

Mark Gyurina - Chief Program Officer

617-542-4180 x128

Mark joined the staff as Chief Program Officer in 2008. He manages the employment and training programs and is responsible for new program development, developing partnerships and collaborations, and writing grant proposals.

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Mark brings over 20 years of workforce development experience in the Boston area, much of that with Jewish Vocational Services where he managed agency employment, training and adult education programs serving a wide range of target populations including refugees/immigrants, TANF recipients, dislocated workers, youth and young adults, and individuals with disabilities.

Mark holds Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from the University of Wisconsin, Madison and served three years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand.

DEDICATED EXPERTS: PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

Patty Ball

Program Manager,
Computer and Job Skills Refresher Class & ABLE Beginnings
pball@operationable.net

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Patty is the Program Manager for ABLE's Computer Skills & Job Search Training Program, available to Boston residents as a result of a grant from the City of Boston’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)—Public Services. Patty has over 20 years’ experience in adult education, including teaching, training, workshop development/presentation, and consulting. Her experience includes technology trainings and support, online learning, online tools, learning management systems, help desk/technology support, technology classroom integration, data management/analysis and reporting, small business consulting, and career services/workplace education. She holds a Master’s of Education in Counseling from Cambridge College, a B.A. in Psychology from Framingham State University and a Certificate of Online Teaching from the Online Learning Consortium (formerly Sloan Consortium) specializing in online tools. She also has a Certificate in Entrepreneurial Training from UMASS Center for Enterprise Creation.

Marilyn Piket

Program Manager,
Medical Office and Skills2Work Training
mpiket@operationable.net

MISSION DRIVEN STAFF

Esmael Abdulkerim - IT Systems Engineer 617-542-4180 x140

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Barbara Chervin - Senior Training Specialist, Skills2Work & Medical Office Training 617-542-4180

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Robert Timothy Crews - IT Tech Assistant

A staff with HEART!

Claudine Guerrier - SNAP Outreach Coordinator, 617-542-4180 x135

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Claudine is involved in the Wednesday Information Sessions Operation ABLE runs to introduce people to the agency’s services. There, she reminds participants that age is no barrier to ambition. She recently joined Operation ABLE after a career focused on health services. She had been a respiratory technician at Mount Sinai Medical Center and also worked at AIDS ACTION Boston, Lynn Community Health Center and Boston Medical Center. Claudine received her bachelor’s degree in human services from Springfield College and M.Ed. (concentration in counseling psychology) from Cambridge College.

Donny Hampton - Office Assistant, 617-542-4180

Roderick L. Kersey - Case Manager/Internship Coordinator for Skills2Work and Medical Office Training Programs

Roderick works closely with students to provide “wraparound” support services to all skills training program participants – which includes internship agency recruitment and student placement coordination.

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Roderick recently completed a year as a Program Assistant & Case Manager for Operation ABLE’S Job Seekers 55+ (SCSEP) Program. He also completed 29 years of committed service as an Information Services Customer Service Manager and Student Conduct Board Advisor at Northeastern University. Roderick has an undergraduate degree in Public Administration from Indiana University. He also earned a Master of Science, a Leadership degree from Northeastern University in 2019.

Joe Laskowski - Manager of Marketing, Communications and Development

Joe works closely with Operation ABLE’s Leadership and Program Management team to develop marketing/communications strategies and programs to reach key audiences. In close partnership with the organization’s digital/marketing consultant, he also oversees OA’s online and social media presence. Joe has recently taken on additional responsibilities for annual fundraising programs and donor database development, as well as outreach and relationship management with Operation ABLE’s highly valued Employer Partners.

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Joe has over 25 years of experience in senior leadership positions as Director of Corporate/Marketing Communications for several leading, hi-tech multi-nationals headquartered in the Greater Boston Area, including Hewlett-Packard’s Medical Products Group, Analog Devices, Haemonetics and the Cabot Corporation. A graduate of Boston University’s School of Communication, Joe has also been selected and benefited from attendance at several executive-level, corporate management programs.

William (Bill) Nadler - Sr. Training Specialist, Corporate Workforce Onsite & Offsite, 617-542-4180 x142

Bill is the Senior Training Specialist and Office Technology Administrator. Bill teaches Microsoft Office computer skills to students in many in-house training programs as well as performing corporate training for incumbent workers at various locations throughout the greater Boston area.

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A “natural” when it comes to teaching people how to use various computer software applications, Bill has a way of explaining highly complex topics in a number of ways to ensure that everyone “gets it.” In addition to possessing the qualities of an effective instructional leader, Bill has the ability to create a climate that demonstrates a commitment to success for all people. Bill holds a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from Northeastern University. His background in the electro-mechanical packaging group at MIT Draper Laboratory has served him well as technology administrator. While at Draper Laboratory he participated in the design verification testing of the Apollo Space Program Guidance & Navigation System and US Navy Poseidon Submarine Missile Guidance System.

Marilyn Piket - Program Manager, Skills2Work and Medical Office Training Program

Hyacinth Sankey - SNAP Enrollment & Training Specialist, 617-542-4180 x 151

Discover more about Hyacinth -->>

Hyacinth recently joined the staff of Operation ABLE as the SNAP Enrollment & Training Specialist. She transitioned from the position of Programs Admissions Assistant, where she was responsible for the intake and Assessment process. She is also the Job Search teacher in the ABLE Beginnings classroom.

Hyacinth received her BA in Counseling from the International University of the Caribbean, a certificate in Social Services from the University of the West Indies and a 3 year certificate in Primary Education from the Moneague Teachers’ College in Jamaica. She was also involved in Curriculum Development and Teacher training and was the principal of a small preparatory school.

Paul Piket - Skills Instructor

Neermal Rekha - Job Search Coach, 617-542-4180 x122

Gary Weisent - Community Liaison, 617-542-4180 x143

Jody Wheat - Program Admissions Assistant, 617-542-4180 x151

Remembering Our Dear Friend & Colleague

STEVE CURRIER
March 10, 1946 – February 8, 2021
Steve was our celebrated Job Developer for our Skills2Work & Medical Office Training programs. He was also the driver behind the resurgence and notable success of ABLE's Employer Advisor Committee.

Thank you Steve... we love you. We will miss you.

“It is not length of life, but depth of life.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Virtual tribute to Steve can be found here.

55 and UP, ABLE SCSEP

ABLE 55 & UP SCSEP Program Information & Office Locations Found Here

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)*

Dave Bassett - ABLE SCSEP Director, 617-542-4180 x132

Dave joined Operation ABLE in March 2017 and is responsible for working with the four regional managers to deliver work experience and job search training services to mature workers from Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk and Worcester counties in Massachusetts, as well as throughout New Hampshire.

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Dave has extensive experience in planning and managing a variety of workforce development programs with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the City of Boston. Dave previously held the position as Deputy Director of Workforce Development and Adult Learning at the Mayor's Office of Workforce Develop for the city of Boston.

Dave has a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Dayton, OH and remains in an active leadership role with English for New Bostonians.

Tarnya Jones-Jenkins - SCSEP Administrative Assistant / Outreach Specialist, 617-542-4180 x123

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Tarnya joined Operation ABLE in May 2017 as the Administrative Assistant for the SCSEP Program. Tarnya resided in Anchorage, AK for almost 20 years and attended the University of Alaska. In 2012, Tarnya decided it was time to return to her Massachusetts roots. Tarnya is a former student and proud graduate of the ABLE’s Skills2Work Program. After graduating from Skills2Work, Tarnya was employed with Fidelity Investment Services in Canton, MA. However, Tarnya decided she wanted to utilize the skills she acquired from the program to give back and assist others who are trying to reinvent themselves in the workforce.

SUFFOLK COUNTY, 55 and UP

Charles (Keith) Benton - SCSEP Regional Manager - Suffolk County, phone: 617-542-4180 x138, fax: 617-542-4187

Discover more about Keith -->>

Prior to joining the SCSEP team, Keith, as he likes to be called, worked in the field of Human Services as a Clinical Supervisor for Spectrum Health Systems. He was a licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor.

Keith began working for Operation ABLE in 2017 as a SCSEP case manager and employment specialist working with SCSEP participants to achieve their employment goals. Keith’s work and rapport with participants was outstanding and earned him a promotion to the position of Suffolk County Regional Manager for the SCSEP program.

Pauline Nanton - SCSEP Program Assistant 617-542-4180 x153

METRO WEST, NORFOLK & WORCESTER COUNTIES, 55 and UP

Angel Miranda - SCSEP Regional Manager - Norfolk, Worcester and Metro West Counties, 617-302-2731

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Robert Bonds - SCSEP Program Assistant, Quincy 617-459-9183

Joslyn Portier - SCSEP Program Assistant, Quincy 617-302-2731

Donna Steinberg - SCSEP Admin/Payroll, Quincy, 617-302-2731

ESSEX & MIDDLESEX COUNTIES, 55 and UP

Allan Broome - SCSEP Regional Manager - Essex County, Lawrence, phone: 978-651-3050, fax: 678-651-3050

William "Bill" Bolan- SCSEP Program Assistant, Andover, 617-777-5360

Victor Campana - SCSEP Program Assistant, Middlesex County

Manuel Mena - SCSEP Program Assistant, Middlesex County, 617-661-7867 x256

Barbara Newman- SCSEP Program Assistant, Lowell, 978-805-4815

Milagros Perez-Urena* - SCSEP Program Assistant, Satellite SCSEP Office at ValleyWorks, Lawrence, MA, 978-722-7028

Kathy Spinelli - SCSEP Program Assistant, Lawrence 978-825-7253

Florence Williams - SCSEP Program Assistant, Satellite SCSEP Office in Gloucester, Rockport, MA, 617-785-9925

NEW HAMPSHIRE, 55 and UP

Kristin Gorrie - SCSEP Regional Manager - New Hampshire, 603-206-4407

In 2018 Kristin was promoted to Region Manager from Program Manager, a post she held since 2009 covering New Hampshire’s Southern and Seacoast regions and joined Operation ABLE in February 2017.

Discover more about Kristin-->>

Charlie Birchmeier - SCSEP Area Program Manager - Hillsborough and Strafford counties, NH, 603-206-4405

Charlie Birchmeier is the SCSEP Area Program Manager, covering Hillsborough and Strafford counties in New Hampshire. He has almost 17 years of experience in the non-profit sector, including his most recent position as Senior Manager of Employment Services with The Moore Center. During that time he focused on employment, acting as a subject matter expert for the Association of People Supporting Employment (APSE).

Discover more about Charlie -->>

Charlie is an AmeriCorps*NCCC graduate, during which he served on projects across the United States focusing on disaster relief and wildland fire suppression.

He has a BA from Eastern Michigan University in Language, Literature, and Writing and a post-bachelor’s certification in Non-Profit Management from Louisiana State University. When not working Charlie can usually be found enjoying the outdoors with his family, no matter the season. He enjoys fishing, kayaking, hiking, and snowshoeing. In the fall he can be found at fairs and festivals across New England working as a professional pumpkin carver.

Kathryn Brown - SCSEP Area Program Coordinator - Cheshire, Sullivan and parts of Hillsborough and Grafton Counties, NH, 603-860-0841

Kathryn Brown is an Area Program Coordinator for Operation ABLE in Cheshire, Sullivan and parts of Hillsborough and Grafton Counties in New Hampshire.

Discover more about Kathryn -->>

Kathryn holds a Bachelor degree in Business Management, a Masters in Education and a Doctorate in Clinical Hypnotherapy. Before joining SCSEP she taught in public and parochial schools and classes in Hypnotherapy as a modality to change habits and for stress reduction. She volunteers at her local Senior Center. This is her third year in SCSEP and what she enjoys the most about her job is meeting new people and helping them move forward in their lives with greater self-esteem.

Louise DeBlois - SCSEP Area Program Coordinator, Carroll, Coos & Grafton Counties, NH, 603-752-2600

Louise is a Berlin, NH native and has taken ‘reinventing one’s self’ to a whole new level. Her career has spanned across various industries and geographies as a restaurant owner; independent insurance Agent/Broker; Adjuster and more. Though, being a mother, grandmother and great grandmother makes her prouder than any career success ever could.

Discover more about Louise -->>

Today Louise has come full circle. She has returned to her home town, but this time as a seasoned SCSEP Program participant turned SCSEP Area Program Coordinator. Her multi-industry career path; commitment to assisting her community’s older population, and intimate knowledge of the SCSEP Program makes for a strong and dedicated advocate for Operation ABLE’s SCSEP mission. And so it seems, Louise continues with her adventurous spirit of reinvention.

Jeanie Harden - SCSEP Program Assistant, NH

Eldena Lard - SCSEP Office Assistant, Manchester, NH, 603-206-4423

Doria Levesque - SCSEP Program Assistant, NH, 603-752-2600

ABLE SCSEP PROGRAM INFORMATION & OFFICE LOCATIONS FOUND HERE

*SCSEP is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Operation ABLE administers the SCSEP Program in Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk and Worcester counties in Massachusetts and in most of New Hampshire through a DOL national grant and a Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs state grant.