PACDA: Building, Sustaining, and Navigating Challenges in Private Practice

Building, Sustaining, and Navigating

Challenges in Private Practice

Thursday 8/22, noon-2 PM Eastern

This will be a facilitated panel discussion to share experiences from several independent career practitioners, each of whom has their own specialized private practice. Topics to be covered include:

Panel Bios

Shelley Maley started as a career coach at Lehigh Carbon Community College more than 10 years ago and pivoted to her private practice (Dreamcatcher Career Coaching) in 2021. Shelley is Chair of PACDA’s Communications Committee. She is certified as a Global Career Development Facilitator and previously held CP and PHR certifications as an HR professional. She holds a BS in Hospitality Management from Penn State University. LinkedIn

Jessica Visek has eight years of experience in the career field. After gaining valuable insights at Talent Inc. and Andy Thomas Careers Now, she launched her own practice, Your Resume Partner, in June 2018, which later evolved into Your Career Partner. Jessica also brings seven years of prior experience in HR to her practice. She is the Chair of PACDA’s Membership Committee and holds multiple certifications, including Certified Professional Career Coach, Certified Professional Resume Writer, and Nationally Certified Online Profile Expert. Jessica earned her BA in Political Science and Government from the Catholic University of America. LinkedIn

Beth Wilson has more than 20 years of experience as an independent career coach and previously worked for OPTIONS Career and Human Resource Consulting. Beth was an active Board member of PACDA’s predecessor organization (Phila Association of Career Professionals) and chairs PACDA’s Partnership Committee. She is a Board Certified Career Management Fellow. Beth holds a BA in Psychology from Dickinson College and an MA in Counseling from Penn State University. LinkedIn

Debra Franke recently relaunched her independent practice, Career Transitions, after 13 years in career services in higher ed. She previously provided OD consulting at DuPont and outplacement consulting in the UK. Debra chairs PACDA’s Technology Committee and was an active Board member of PACDA’s predecessor organization (Phila Association of Career Professionals). She holds a BS in Environmental Engineering from Northwestern University and an MA in Counseling from Missio Seminary. LinkedIn

Stephanie Welder launched her private practice (Access College and Career Consultants) more than 14 years ago. Prior to that she worked in K-12 settings. Stephanie is PACDA’s CEU Coordinator and a member of the Program Committee; she was also an active Board member of PACDA’s predecessor organization (Phila Association of Career Professionals). She holds a MS in Counseling and Higher Education from West Chester University. She also volunteers with GS of S New Jersey, the NJ Association for College Admissions Counseling, the Independent Educational Consultants Association, the National Association for Colleges and Employers, and the PA Association for College Admission Counseling. LinkedIn

Erin Howard-Reid has been a career practitioner for more than 16 years in settings that include higher ed, outplacement, and K-12. She launched her private practice (Chirp Clarity) seven years ago. She is a member of PACDA’s membership committee. Erin has a BA in Humanities from Florida State University and an MEd in School Counseling from Indiana University of PA. She is an NCDA Certified Career Counselor and an MBTI Certified Practitioner. LinkedIn