Career Night

Chris Bush, Owner, Hive Works Honey Company: I’m a beekeeper and social entrepreneur who partners with local businesses to use corporate social responsibility initiatives to support pollinator conservation. At Career Night, students will learn how beekeeping can power a mission driven business while also creating hands on work opportunities that teach soft skills and job readiness to individuals with disabilities.

Anthony Casey, Aquatic Invasive Species Project Coordinator, Cleveland Metroparks: My job involves aquatic ecosystem monitoring to keep our freshwater resources healthy. Students can expect to learn about a few different plants, macroinvertebrates, and fish that are classed as invasive in the area, and the difficulties that invasive species can bring.

Mary Kazmir, Dog Handler, Ohio Geese Control: A professional working-dog handler is responsible for guiding, supporting, and protecting a trained canine partner while carrying out humane wildlife management tasks. This career requires a blend of animal behavior expertise, physical capability, emotional steadiness, and ethical decision-making. Handlers ensure that every action taken in the field prioritizes safety, respect for wildlife, and the well-being of the dog.

Dan Beckett, Training Director/Coordinator, Ironworkers Local 17: Ironworkers install rebar in the concrete and erect the structural steel frame of buildings along with bridge installation we also do precast and window installation 

Terri Healey, Executive Assistant and Marketing, Lifestyle Landscaping: Curious about a hands-on career that mixes art, plants, and construction? Lifestyle Landscaping designs, builds, and maintains high-end residential landscapes, offering career paths in horticulture, irrigation, stonework, outdoor construction, and ongoing landscape maintenance — with training available for those who enjoy working outdoors and developing real-world skills.

Erica Hirsch, Trails Program Manager, Cleveland Metroparks: As the Trails Program Manager, I manage full-time and seasonal trail crew members, a summer youth crew, volunteer trail builders, and oversee our trail signage update initiative. You will learn what qualities make a great trail worker, the best way to get started in this field, and all the cool places (worldwide!) this career could take you!

Nicholas Muhvic, Architect, LDA Architects, Inc.: As an Architect - I focus on all aspects of design and construction from conceptual design through construction. My job also entails an understanding of building codes and coordinating with Engineers, Owners, and Contractors. 

Ralph Protano, Professional Trailbuilder, Forest City Trails LLC: As a professional trail designer and builder, I turn landscapes into safe, sustainable places for hiking, biking, and exploration. Students will discover the mix of creativity, science, and real-world problem solving behind building trails that serve communities for generations.

Mike Walter, Organizer for Cement Masons Local 404: We offer a career in concrete construction. From pouring the roads and bridges we drive on to building the skyscrapers and stadiums in our city. Anything built with concrete.

Nela Muhameti, Program Manager of Continuous Improvement, Johns Hopkins Medicine: Nela leads a team of project managers, along with providing project and program management expertise ensuring the successful execution of enterprise-wide projects and programs. She oversees multiple interconnected project work streams and manages their interdependencies while guiding her team through risks and barriers.

Ron Hill, Freelance Humourous Illustrator: Ron Hill studied commercial art at Solon High School and the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, and has built a successful freelance career. For the past 45 years, he has been a book illustrator, caricature event artist, high school career-tech teacher, indie book publisher, film documentarian, and is currently a long-time editorial cartoonist for area newspapers, including West Life. The technology associated with his career has been ever-changing, and is now challenged by generative AI.

Brian Love, Journalist, West Life News: West Life is a community newspaper that deals with 10 communities. 

Tatiana Smialek, Account Manager/Assistant Director, Ernst & Young: I work with clients to understand their projects and goals, and in turn, I work with my designers to meet client needs in creative and strategic ways. This could be for a marketing campaign, a video, a social media post etc. I work at a global accounting firm doing a non-traditional role, and students can learn how a career in marketing and/or design can lead to a cool job in unexpected places. 

Jerry Armstrong, Manager Employer Partnerships, Youth Opportunities Unlimited: Opportunities related to internships and summer jobs. 

Bob Benden, Manager of Athletics, Wellness and Community Recreation, Cuyahoga Community College: I am an athletic administrator for Tri-C and oversee several intercollegiate Junior College sports. In addition, we provide various recreation and wellness opportunities to our students, staff, faculty and members of our community. 

Ami Bray, Branch Services Librarian - Teen, Cuyahoga County Public Library: Did you know that not everyone who works at the library is an actual "Librarian"? There are many positions in the library, some that require advanced degrees and many that do not. We will have information on all the positions at the Cuyahoga County Public Library.

Darice Cundiff, Adult Education Coordinator of Outreach and Transitions, Polaris Career Center: Polaris Career Center offers 14 Adult Education Job & Career Training Programs.

Chris Dorsten, Associate Vice President for Enrollment & University Registrar, Kent State University: The University Registrar is the person that is responsible for student records at an institution of higher education. Students would learn about career opportunities and higher education.

Mary Moore, Intervention Specialist, Fairview Park City School District: I work directly with students with disabilities to ensure that they can navigate the school environment, write IEPs, and co-teach in the general education classroom.  I can advise students on how to qualify as a teacher and give them advice on the various teaching fields. 

David Moore, Outreach and Admissions Counselor, Cleveland Job Corps: Cleveland Job Corps provides free federal job training within the fields of construction, health care, manufacturing, business, and security. We also provide free room and board, instruction, job readiness training, and job placement, among other services.

Georgette Picone, Career Strategist, Polaris Career Center: In my role as a Career Strategist for Polaris Career Center, I promote Polaris career-technical programs to middle and high school students in our partner districts. I also coordinate events for students and families and help guide them through the enrollment process.

Courtney Rushnok, 4th Grade Science and Social Studies Teacher, Fairview Park City School District: As a 4th grade science and social studies teacher, I help my students discover how our world works through hands-on learning, inquiry, and discussion. High school students will learn what it’s like to be a teacher and how science, history, and teamwork come together in the classroom.

Amanda Phillips, Career Services Director, Ohio Business College School of Nursing: At Ohio Business College School of Nursing, we offer hands-on nursing programs that prepare students for careers in healthcare, including our one-year Practical Nursing (LPN) program and Registered Nursing programs. Students will learn how they can start a rewarding career in nursing and the steps it takes to become a nurse.

Sara Williams, Program Director - Captioning and Court Reporting, Cuyahoga Community College Western Campus: Captioning and Court Reporting is a fast-paced, high-tech career where you get paid to turn spoken words into real-time text for courtrooms, live events, TV, and more - often earning a lucrative salary without needing a traditional four-year degree. this flexible career path offers strong income potential, independence, and the opportunity to start building a professional skill set right after high school.

Jeff Malek, Director of Environmental Health & Safety, Industries Group/Enprotech: Guiding the organization to safe work practices, policies and procedures and working with team member to understand and following the practices and procedures to have a safe, healthy work environment.  

Annette Pejeau, Financial Advisor, Ohio Investment Partners: Financial Advisor providing personalized investment and financial planning strategies to help clients achieve long-term financial goals. Builds strong client relationships while guiding decisions on retirement, wealth management, and risk planning.

Ciarrah Thien, Senior, Ernst & Young: My job as a Senior includes assisting in the audit of the United States Navy’s financial statements. I also assisted in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) achieving their first Unmodified Opinion in Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23). 

Ann Marie Carey, Speech Language Pathologist, Galvin Therapy Center: I work with children with various speech and language disorders so that they can adequately communicate with others. 

Bre Ciesielczyk, Registered Veterinary Technician, West Park Animal Hospital: A Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) acts as a specialized nurse for animals, working under a veterinarian to provide high-level care. Core duties include assisting in surgeries, administering anesthesia, performing lab tests, taking radiographs, managing nursing care, and educating pet owners.

Bryan Coyle, Assistant Nurse Manager - Surgery, Cleveland Clinic: I want to inspire the future generation of nurses, and in particular young men as nursing is a great profession!

Michelle DeMarco, Supervisor Anatomic Pathology, Cleveland Clinic: In Surgical Pathology, we examine, process, and microscopically evaluate surgical tissue specimens in order to provide our patients with a diagnosis. We perform a full gross examination of the surgical specimen, dissect the tissue, cut individual sections and stain them on microscope slides, which will be thoroughly reviewed by our Pathologists who provide the patients with the diagnosis.

Tiffany Gardner, Registered Dental Hygienist, Dr. Bridget Ryan - North Olmsted: Dental hygiene is a rewarding healthcare profession focused on preventing oral disease and helping people stay healthy through patient care and education. The journey begins with science courses, followed by a dental hygiene program that leads to a licensed career with flexible work options and a strong job stability.

Rebecca Gemmell, Nursing Professional Development Specialist, Cleveland Clinic: I have a background in critical care/emergency room experience. Nurses are innovators/scientific; we require critical thinking when caring for our patients. Cleveland Clinic offers free programs to explore the profession utilizing hands-on activities and experiences.

Lauren Goff, Respiratory Therapist, Cleveland Clinic: Respiratory Therapist are responsible for caring for patients with lung diseases or in emergent situations that require respiratory equipment to assist with their breathing. We manage ventilators, give breathing treatments, place artifical airways, start CPAP/BiPAP machines, respond to traumas, and even draw blood!

Parker Henderson, CRNA, Cleveland Clinic - Akron General: CRNAs provide safe and effective anesthesia care in hospital and outpatient settings. We work independently or alongside anesthesiologists in a team care setting. 

Erin Higgins, OB/GYN Physician, Cleveland Clinic: I am an OB/GYN at Cleveland Clinic. I see patients for routine preventative care including birth control, management of abnormal periods, cervical cancer and breast cancer screening, and more. I also take care of patients during pregnancy.

Jean Knis, Occupational Therapist, Cleveland Clinic - Fairview Hospital: The role of an Occupational Therapist is to assist individuals with the obtainment of goals that are important to that individual. Job opportunities exist in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and private practice. 

Vanessa Lane, Mental Health Specialist, Ellie Mental Health: I help teens, adults, couples, and families work through challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, and stress. Interested in becoming a therapist? Stop by to learn what it’s like to work in mental health, the education path required, and how you can turn a passion for helping others into a career!

Bryan Lashuk, Respiratory Therapist, Cleveland Clinic: As a Respiratory Therapist I work with Doctors and Nurses to ensure the patients that are respiratory compromised are adequately breathing.

Nina Liu-Guechev, Mental Health Therapist, Ellie Mental Health: I help teens, adults, couples, and families work through challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, and stress. Interested in becoming a therapist? Stop by to learn what it’s like to work in mental health, the education path required, and how you can turn a passion for helping others into a career!

Katie McCann, Physical Therapist, Cleveland Clinic: I am a physical therapist who combines science, movement, and coaching to help people overcome physical challenges and live active lives. Students will learn about the education path, daily responsibilities, and rewarding impact of a career in physical therapy.

Lauren McGraw, Assistant Professor of Health Science, Coordinator of Athletic Training Services, Heidelberg University: I am an athletic trainer who combines clinical expertise, technology, and forward thinking to help physically active individuals recover, perform, and thrive. I challenge traditional approaches, prioritize sustainable balance for myself and my patients, and strive to elevate the profession by creating better systems and opportunities for the next generation of athletic trainers.

Clare Ogonek, Senior Occupational Therapist, Cleveland Clinic - Fairview Hospital: Occupational therapists help enable people of all ages in a variety of different settings to participate in activities of daily living. 

K Pepera, Director of Training and Development/Co-Owner Colors+ Counseling: I'm a licensed professional clinical counselor and Co-owner of a local private counseling practice that I started with my spouse. I can talk about my experience working as a counselor in schools, homes, and outpatient settings as well as a supervisor and business owner.

Jake Schrift, Pediatric Occupational Therapy, Cleveland Clinic: As an occupational therapist, I treat patients ages 0-21 years old to develop the skills they need for everyday activities such as playing, learning, dressing, eating, and socializing. I work with children who have developmental delays, disabilities, injuries, or sensory challenges to improve independence, motor skills, sensory processing, and participation at home, school, and in the community.

Jake Schoch, Owner and Senior Living Advisor, Assisted Living Locators - West Cleveland: As a senior living advisor, I provide a free service where I help place seniors into the appropriate assisted living, memory care, or independent living community based on their medical history, personal needs, and preferences. Students will learn the unique path I took to get to where I am as a business owner, how to focus on their goals, and how to utilize the people around them to get to where they want to be.

Lauren Strang, Operating Room Nurse, Cleveland Clinic: I am an operating room nurse that works in the hospital setting and I would tell the students different pathways of becoming a nurse and the best way of how to achieve becoming a nurse. 

Jena Suffel, Associate Professor of Athletic Training and Clinical Athletic Trainer, Heidelberg University: Athletic trainers provide services that include primary care, injury and illness prevention, wellness promotion and education, emergent care, examination and clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. Athletic trainers work as part of a health care team in a variety of settings including the traditional athletics role, industrial, military, performing arts, and other emerging settings. 

Rachel Trotter, CRNA, University Hospitals: I’ve been a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist for 13 years, and for the past three years I’ve specialized in labor and delivery anesthesia—providing epidurals and anesthesia care for moms as they bring their babies into the world. At Career Night, students will learn what CRNAs do, how we keep patients safe during childbirth, and what it takes to pursue a career in anesthesia.

Tiffany Walz, Marketing and Outreach Manager, West Park Animal Hospital: I work in veterinary medicine and focus on client education, communication, and daily hospital operations. Along with a veterinary technician, I’ll share what it’s really like to work in veterinary medicine and the different career paths available, especially the vet tech and veterinarian roles.

Carla Wittine, Clinical Coordinator, The Eye Centers: Paid tech training program. Learn how to become an ophthalmology technician.

Jill Flynt, Corporate Event Manager, Key Bank: Our team is responsible for enterprise event management at KeyBank. This includes program and event management, our internal travel program, along with corporate hospitality/tickets

William Gomola, Railroad Engineer and Fireman, Cedar Point: I run the train at Cedar Point. I represent maintenance, ride operations and park operations. I can discuss living and working at the park. Both seasonal, year round and even internships. Paid internships and for college credit. 

Casey Nance, Corporate Event Manager, KeyBank: Our team is responsible for enterprise event management at KeyBank. This includes program and event management, our internal travel program, along with corporate hospitality/tickets.

Thomas O'Brien, Owner/President, Self-Employed in Commercial Food Service Equipment and Supplies: The tremendous opportunities available in the Food Service Industry for everyone.

Mark Anthony Pariano, Executive Chef, Take A Chef: There are so many jobs as a chef in so many different avenues . From a Corporate Research and Development Chef, to a Pastry Chef , Personal Chef to High Net Wealth Individuals, in hotels , country clubs and restaurants.

Mike Perry, Regional Sales Manager, Hometown: Hometown is a trusted partner throughout Ohio and across the country. We help schools grow revenue via our powerful websites, ticketing and fundraising tools, while bringing communities together through unforgettable experiences.

Katie White, Corporate Hospitality Manager, KeyBank: Our team is responsible for enterprise event management at KeyBank. This includes program and event management, our internal travel program, along with corporate hospitality/tickets.

Kate Capozello, Lead Analyst, Eaton: A day in my role at Eaton on the Warehousing and Logistics team in our IT organization includes supporting our active Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), managing our global network of handheld devices (scanners), and project specific work configuring and deploying the WMS to new warehouses. I am responsible for several key areas in our WMS: report writing, labor management, and inventory control.

Daniel Bartos, Magistrate, Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court: A Magistrate presides over cases in court like a Judge. My case load consists of hearing Children Services Custody cases and the Family Treatment Recovery Court. You can learn about Juvenile Court, the court process, and the practice of law.

Tai Dotson, Adult Parole Officer, State of Ohio Adult Parole Authority: As a parole officer, we work hand in hand with prison systems and local law enforcement to supervise recently released adults from the prison. We assist with finding housing, jobs and helping them adjust to life outside of prison and lead crime free lives.

Ryan Eedy, State Trooper, Ohio State Highway Patrol: The Ohio State Highway Patrol provides unbiased, professional public safety services through inclusion, collaboration, and innovation. Providing service with a purpose to positively impact the quality of life and safety throughout the State of Ohio.

Robert Heiss, Special Agent, US Department of Housing and Urban Development/FBI Public Corruption Task Force: Working in law-enforcement over 24 years, I’m currently assigned to the FBI’s public corruption unit, charged with investigating and prosecuting white collar fraud and public corruption related offenses in and around the greater Cleveland area.

Nancy Kolcan, Cuyahoga County 911 Coordinator, Cuyahoga County: Currently I assist with the administration of the county 9-1-1 call handling system.  I work closely with 22 PSAPS (Public Safety Answering Points) throughout the county and with state officials on legislation and public safety rules compliance.

Cindy LaRosa, Official Court Reporter, Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court: Court reporters are highly trained professionals who share a unique ability to convert the spoken word into information that can be read, searched, and archived. Court reporters save time, are cost-effective, and provide quality results through the use of cutting-edge technology. This specialization has created new career paths for reporters, including broadcast captioning and real-time translation services for people who are deaf and hard of hearing.

Josh McCloskey, Director of Operations, PalAmerican Security: The diverse field and need of Security Officers - where they can be found and different roles we occupy and my role as a Director for 2 States, OH and PA

Kevin McLaughlin, Patrolman, Fairview Park Police Department: A civil servant responsible for maintaining public order, enforcing laws, and protecting life and property through community patrol, emergency response, and investigations.

Helen Rhynard, Magistrate, Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court: A magistrate is similar to a judge. We hear cases and make court ordered decisions. At juvenile court we make decisions in cases concerning children in delinquency (criminal offenses), custody, support, traffic, etc., for all juveniles in Cuyahoga County.

Mary Schuler, Official Court Reporter, Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court: As an official court reporter, I serve as the “guardian of the record” in the courtroom. Using a stenotype machine and advanced computer technology, I capture all spoken words during legal proceedings in real time and produce a verbatim (word-for-word) certified record for the Court and the parties involved.

Kathy Davis, Human Resources Manager, Enprotech Industrial Technologies: Daily interactions with team members and continually working to hire, train and ensure our team members have all of the resources available to them.

Jeff Malek, Director of EHS, Enprotech Industrious Group: I serve as the Corporate Director of Environmental Health & Safety, responsible for leading safety, health, and environmental programs to protect employees, ensure regulatory compliance, and strengthen safety culture across the organization.

Morgan Ardner, Staff Sergeant (SSG), Ohio Army National Guard: The Ohio Army National Guard helps provide structure and financing for college and life. We serve only one weekend a month. With that service students receive 100% tuition assistance with the Ohio Army National Guard Scholarship to any state college/trade school in Ohio.

Nathaniel Mansfield, Staff Non-Commissioned Officer, US Marine Corps: Military life experience including trade jobs, educational opportunities, family life, paid leave days, career paths, leadership and management training, and challenges of military life.

Tom Schuerger, Realtor, Howard Hanna: Learn what it takes to buy and sell homes in this ever-changing market of real estate.

Kevin Sorg, Realtor, Howard Hanna: Real estate is a career that encompasses sales, marketing, business planning, networking, and relationship management, just to name a few skills you need to develop. If you would like to work in a field where everyday is different, but very rewarding in helping people make possibly the largest financial decision of their lives, real estate may be for you!

Susan Love, Realtor, Howard Hanna: Real Estate provides the opportunity to make a good living while being your own boss. It is a profession that helps people find the security of their dream home

Emily Wasserbauer, Realtor & Property Investor/Manager, Russell Real Estate Services: I work with buyers and sellers in the purchase and sale of real estate and also own and manage my own residential investment properties.  I am passionate about helping people achieve their dream of homeownership and build their financial future through real estate!

Naziree Williams, Insurance Specialist, Allstate Insurance Company: Think of life while walking outside. Mostly it's sunny, but sometimes unexpected 'rain' (accidents, broken items) happen. I provide the umbrella. I am an insurance agent. I work with families to figure out what they own and what they care about most. I then set up a plan (policy) that acts as a financial safety net. If you enjoy helping people and are good at problem solving, then this might be the career for you.

Kathryn Crestani, Senior Operations Specialist, Jacobs: I help wastewater treatment plants comply with federal and state laws.

Kellie DuBay Gillis, Environmental Scientist/Communications Specialist, Eastern Research Group: My job involves making environmental science topics understandable to people without science backgrounds so they can make informed decisions. I work with other scientists, engineers, economists, and urban planners to write everything from communication strategies to website content to fact sheets to training programs to park signs.

Julia Polyak, Offensive Security Project Manager, RSM US LLP: As an ethical hacker, I conducted offensive security assessments including physical social engineering, red team engagements, and network penetration testing before moving into managing cybersecurity consulting projects. At Career Night, students will gain insight into how real attacks happen, how businesses protect themselves, and how to start building a career in cybersecurity.

Peter Prusak, Vice-President, M Holland Company: Students can discuss polymer science and polymer engineering career paths that can provide them with the skills to work at global Fortune 500 companies.  Polymers are replacing glass and metal everyday and will continue to grow over the next 25 years. 

Herb Schilling, Computer Scientist, NASA Glenn Research Center: Our Lab uses computer science and graphics to create visualizations of data and 3D models for NASA engineering and research. 

Traci Williams, Animal & Plant Care Specialist, Holden Forests & Gardens/Cleveland Botanical Garden: Oversees and maintains glasshouse zoological activities and operations; plays a role in enhancing glasshouse exotic and native animal collections; conducts public outreach in glasshouse horticulture and programs featuring animals and effectively communicating the relationships between plants, animals, and people to diverse audiences.