Lakeside Curative Services (LCS) Employment Specialists Become Nationally Certified

PRLog (Press Release) - Mar. 5, 2013 - The Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) credential is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated an essential level of knowledge and skill necessary to provide integrated employment support services. Individuals who earn the CESP credential have demonstrated knowledge of the skills necessary to help expand equitable employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. “LCS is setting the standard not only in Wisconsin, but nationally for demonstrating commitment to offering best practices for effective employment support. This is critical to support the Employment First initiative” stated Mary Beth Popchock, Executive Director of Lakeside Curative Services (LCS).

This national certification was earned through the completion of a rigorous exam developed by The Employment Support Professional Certification Council (ESPCC). Certification was developed for job coaches, job developers, transition teachers, job placement personnel, employment specialists/consultants and others who provide employment support services to individuals with a variety of disabilities (including intellectual, mental health, physical and other disabilities). Being certified increases professional credibility, opens the door to new employment opportunities for people with disabilities, fulfills personal and professional career goals, as well as provides greater assurance of safety and efficacy for the individuals served by employment support professionals.  

Angeline Markiewicz is the Director of Vocational Services at LCS and has been with LCS since January of 1998. Markiewicz graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, majoring in Sociology and minoring in Psychology and completed a Master of Science Degree in Adult Education with a concentration in Human Services from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

Lorie Miller has been employed as an Employment Specialist at Lakeside Curative Services since April of 2012. Miller has 13 years of experience working with individuals with a variety of disabilities and has a Bachelors of Arts Degree from Strayer University, majoring in Business Administration and minoring in Legal Studies. Miller also holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Human Services from Madison Area Technical College.

Nina Blaisdell has been a LCS Career Specialist since January 2012. She has worked with individuals with disabilities, in a variety of settings, for over the last five years. Blaisdell completed the ACRE (Association for Community Rehabilitation Educators) Certification, which is a National Certificate of Achievement in Employment Services, and is currently furthering her education in Human Services/Social Work.

Sue McKeown has been employed as a Career Specialist at Lakeside Curative Services since December 2012.  She has over 20 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities and is certified as an Integrated Employment Professional by the Department of Workforce Development, Department of Vocational Rehabilitation and other affiliations since 2009. McKeown has a Bachelor of Science Degree from University of Wisconsin – Whitewater and majored in Special Education.

Lakeside Curative Services is a local 501(c)3 non-profit that provides vocational rehabilitation services and opportunities for personal growth to people with vocational disabilities. Lakeside Curative seeks to assist people with vocational disabilities to attain their maximum potential to become contributing and beneficial members of our community. For more information about Lakeside Curative Services, please visit http://www.lakesidecurative.com. To learn more about becoming a Certified Employment Support Professional visit http://www.apse.org/certification/.

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