Operation ABLE and SCSEP Staff
Marian Walsh - President & Chief Executive Officer 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.
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.
Richard Ludwig - Chief Financial Officer x127
Rick joined Operation ABLE as Chief Financial Officer in 2014. He has extensive experience in strategic planning, financial reporting, budgeting, financial forecasting, project management and process improvement in the management of large and small enterprises. He served as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Chicago 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games bid. He was instrumental in the successful financial and operational delivery of both the Sydney (2000) and Atlanta (1996) Olympic Summer Games, in his roles as Financial Planning Program Manager and Budget Director, respectively. Rick has been a controller, tax planner and financial consultant for various firms, and was a manager in the financial management consulting practice of KPMG Peat Marwick in Atlanta. A graduate of Florida State University in Multinational Business and German, he earned a Master of International Management with distinction from the Thunderbird School of Global Management, Glendale, AZ. Rick has worked in 13 countries on five continents.
Esmael Abdulkerim - IT Systems Engineer x140
eabdulkerim@operationable.net
Esmael joined Operation ABLE in 2013, after working in IT for over 20 years. As the IT Systems Administrator, his expertise keeps Operation ABLE systems running smoothly to benefit staff and clients. Esmael has degree.B.s in mathematics and computer science from UMass.
Patrice Ball - Program Manager, ABLE Job Resource Center x136
pball@operationable.net
Patrice is the Program Manager for the new ABLE Job Resource Center, available to Boston residents as a result of a grant from the City of Boston’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)—Public Services. Patrice 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.
Kevin Boyle - Program Assistant / SHINE Coordinator, x145
kboyle@operaionable.net
Barbara Chervin - Senior Training Specialist, Skills2Work & Medical Office Training
T: (617) 542-4180
bchervin@operationable.net
Barbara Chervin has over two decades of experience training software users. Certified as a Microsoft Office Specialist, she received her B.S. and Ed.M. degrees from Boston University.
Robert Timothy Crews - IT Tech Assistant
rtcrews@operationable.net
John Cross - Database Analyst & Skills2Work Assistant x141
jcross@operationable.net
John joined Operation ABLE as a volunteer in 2012 and transitioned to the SCSEP program the next year, acting mainly as a Tutor/Assistant in the Skills2Work program. He has recently taken on the responsibility for the ABLE student/participant database and is now a Database Analyst. John is assisting the Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance with building an Access database for their operation. Prior to coming to Operation ABLE, he worked for close to 40 years at an environmental engineering firm, increasing the productivity of Computer Aided Design, using MS Access to support much of his work.
Stephen Currier - Job Developer, Skills2Work & Medical Office Training, x137
scurrier@operationable.net
Steve came to Operation ABLE by way of ReServe Greater Boston. His career spans from Washington D.C. to New York and finally back to his native Boston. As part of the Workforce Development team Steve prepares students in the art of interviewing with prospective employers and strategies as to best position a resume and cover letter. His main objective as a Job Development Specialist is to match and place ABLE program participants with employers via internships and ultimately potential employment. Steve received his BA. in journalism from Northeastern University.
Shirley Fickett - Program Manager, Skills2Work, Medical Office Training x133
sfickett@operationable.net
Shirley’s experience in multiple teaching modalities, from classroom lectures to online teaching forums, prepared her well as she was named Program Manager for the Skills2Work and Medical Office & Healthcare Office Training in 2015. Shirley enlists various teaching methods, effectively reaching the maximum number of students with different needs, abilities and learning styles. Shirley has an MBA from Babson College and B.S. from UMass Dartmouth in Management with minors in marketing and computer science. She is also a certified healthcare professional with expertise in the medical and pharmaceutical industries. Through the National Health Career Association, Shirley holds the following national certifications: Certified Healthcare Instructor, Certified Medical Administrative Assistant, Certified Billing and Coding Specialist and Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist. Through the American Association of Professional Coders, she is a Certified Professional Coder.
Myriam Forero - Finance Manager x126
mforero@operationable.net
Myriam left New Jersey to come to Boston in search of new opportunities. With over 20 years of financial experience in a wide array of business environments, Myriam joined Operation ABLE to assist the Chief Financial Officer with payroll, accounts receivables, accounts payable, bank reconciliations and other financial projects. She received her B.A. in business administration from Georgian Court University in New Jersey.
Claudine Guerrier - SNAP Outreach Coordinator x135
cguerrier@operationable.net
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
dhampton@operaionable.net
Wayne Jones- Program Manager, ABLE Beginnings x125
wjones@operationable.net
Wayne is the manager and principal instructor for the ABLE Beginnings computer and job search classroom training program. His background includes radio communications, office product and computer field service. Wayne has taught a broad range of subjects: military leadership and instruction techniques for non-commissioned officers, product trainings for new customers, office equipment repair classes and safety workshops for field service employees, and classes in Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office. Wayne joined Operation ABLE in 2007 following a US Army tour at the Fort Devens NCO Garrison School, then over 10 years with IBM, over 10 years with Mac-Gray Copico, and 14 concurrent years with the Boston Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club.
Stephanie Legatos- Career & Job Search Coach x122
slegatos@operationable.net
Stephanie Legatos joins ABLE as a Job Coach and brings extensive experience in career & job search coaching gained through private practice and workforce development programs. She has worked with thousands of people from entry-level to senior-level, representing diverse industries and occupations. She previously worked for BEST Corp’s Hospitality Training Program, Self-Esteem Boston Educational Institute, career services offices in numerous universities, and several One-Stop Career Centers in Massachusetts. Stephanie believes that everyone has potential, and deserves to find work that both meets their needs and feeds their passion. Stephanie has an M.S. in Human Resources & Counseling Psychology, and a B.A. in Sociology. She is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer.
William (Bill) Nadler - Sr. Training Specialist, Corporate Workforce Onsite & Offsite x142
wnadler@operationable.net
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. 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 Assistant & Internship Placement x130
mpiket@operationable.net
Paul Piket - Training Assistant
ppiket@operationable.net
Hyacinth Sankey - Training Assistant
hsankey@operationable.net
Elizabeth Tinsley - Receptionist x120
etinsley@operationable.net
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)
Dave Bassett - ABLE SCSEP Director 617-542-4180 x132
Dave joined Operation ABLE in March 2017 as the new Senior Community Services Employment Program (SCSEP) Director. Dave 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.
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
tjones-jenkins@operationable.net
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.
Angel Miranda- Payroll Manager & SCSEP Program Manager x139
amiranda@operationable.net
A Boston resident for over 50 years. Angel has been working for SCSEP for more than 13 years, and often states, "Working with the Senior community of Boston has been a blessing..." Angel adds, "and thanks to Operation ABLE, we're able to provide the services our Seniors need to find unsubsidized employment and become economically self-sufficient. Through training and education."
SUFFOLK COUNTY
Charles (Keith) Benton - SCSEP Regional Manager - Suffolk County 617-542-4180 x138
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.
Ron Genzale- SCSEP Program Specialist, 617-542-4180 x121
Ron has been with Operation ABLE since 2013. He comes to us with an extensive history of career counselling and job development as well as many years’ experience in the private sector in customer and concierge services.
Amalfi Ginnetty- SCSEP Program Assistant, 617-542-4180 x146
Angel Miranda - SCSEP Area Manager 617-542-4180 x139
METRO WEST, NORFOLK & WORCESTER COUNTIES
Karen Sowsy - SCSEP Regional Manager - Norfolk, Metro West & Worcester Counties, 617-302-2731
Karen earned a B.S.B.A. in Accounting from Boston University and worked in the mutual funds area for 17 years.
After so many years in the world of finance, she wanted to change careers to make more of a direct impact in helping people. After a few months of searching on her own, Karen discovered SCSEP and Operation ABLE Soon after, the leadership recognized her talent and qualities and hired her.
Karen was made a regional manager for SCSEP in December 2016, responsible for Norfolk and Worcester Counties and the Metro West area, including Framingham and Natick. What she enjoys most about working for Operation ABLE is the opportunity to meet, work with and help people from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
Jill Fainberg - SCSEP Area Program Coordinator, 508-626-7142
In 2014, Jill started as the Employment Specialist for (Western) Middlesex County, based in Framingham, and became the Area Program Coordinator in 2017. Prior to this, she taught English as a Second Language to adults. She had worked in the Office for Resources at Wellesley College for 19 years, working on a variety of computer related issues. Sponsored by the Fulbright office, Jill worked for the Japanese Ministry of Education in Yokohama for one year. She has a BA from Colgate University in East Asian Studies.
Benetta Kuffour - SCSEP Program Assistant, Worcester 508-373-7685
Kim Kushner - SCSEP Program Assistant, Quincy 617-30202731
Joslyn Portier - SCSEP Program Assistant, Quincy 617-745-4000 x4009
Joyce Reekie - SCSEP Program Assistant, Quincy 617-302-2731
Marcia Shannon - SCSEP Program Assistant, Worcester 508-373-7685
Donna Steinberg - SCSEP Admin/Payroll, Quincy 617-302-2731
ESSEX & MIDDLESEX COUNTIES
Allan Broome - SCSEP Program Assistant, Lawrence 978-651-3050
Stephen Campbell - SCSEP Program Assistant, Lawrence 978-651-3050
Kate Kozisky- SCSEP Employment Specialist, Salem, 978-825-7253
Angel Miranda - SCSEP Area Program Manager, Cambridge, 617-661-7867 x256
Milagros Perez-Urena - SCSEP Program Assistant, Lawrence, 978-722-7028
mperez-urena@operationable.net
Satellite SCSEP Office at ValleyWorks, Lawrence, MA,
NEW HAMPSHIRE
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.
Prior to entering the non-profit world, Kristin worked for many years as an Outside Sales Executive and Technical Recruiter/Employment Specialist.
Kristin earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio.
When she’s not working, Kristin enjoys playing (and watching) tennis, hiking and spending time with her husband and two young daughters.
Charlie Birchmeier, - SCSEP Area Program Manager - Hillsborough and Strafford counties 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).
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 Program Coordinator - Cheshire, Sullivan and parts of Hillsborough and Grafton Counties, 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. 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, 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.
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
Eldena Lard - SCSEP Office Assistant, Manchester, 603-206-4423
Linda Rivard - SCSEP Office Assistant, Berlin, 603-206-4423