About Jan

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For twenty years, Jan has been proof that the right support changes everything. She's watched people move from sheltered workshops into real, community-based careers, not as an exception, but as what's possible when the right systems, training, and people are in place. That belief has driven every role she's held, everyone with a disability deserves the chance to find meaningful, lasting work in their community.

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Jan's career has bridged the nonprofit and government sectors. She led employment teams across counties, Stark, Summit, Geauga, and Tuscarawas, helping organizations and county boards open the door to true, community-based employment for the people they support. Along the way, she's built partnerships with employers like Aultman Foundation, Summa Health, Walgreens, SD Meyers, and Welty Construction hire and support people with disabilities. 

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Today, Jan helps vocational habilitation and employment services teams understand which service to use and when, to writing outcomes and reports that hold up to compliance without losing the human story. Through training, case consultation, and ongoing support, she helps agencies build teams that are confident, competent, and consistent, because when the workforce is strong, the people they serve get real results.

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Beyond day-to-day operations, Jan has always kept her eye on the bigger picture, leading county-wide collaboratives and advocating for systemic change at the policy level. She served on the National APSE Board for seven years, including a term as Delegate Chair, and currently serves as Co-President and Policy Liaison for Ohio APSE. Jan also sits on the Employment Support Professional Certification Council (ESPCC), the governing body that oversees the Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) credential. The Council is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the certification, guiding exam development, and ensuring that the credential remains relevant and connected to best practices in the field of employment services. 

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Lastly, Jan has poured her energy into championing the CESP (Certified Employment Support Professional) credential, not just as a line on a resume, but as a way of raising the bar for the entire field. It validates real-world expertise and ensures job seekers get the high-quality, professional support they deserve. She's passionate about helping other professionals earn and grow in their own credentials, because investing in the workforce is one of the most direct ways to improve outcomes for the people they serve.

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"Training with Jan on the Career Discover service was a gamechanger for my professional practice. She built a robust program structure that empowered me to help individuals uncover their true strengths and pursue careers tailored to their talents. Her mentorship is a masterclass in impactful, high-standard service delivery."

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Jackie Boesinger Meredyk, Career Discovery training participant

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Twenty-plus years in this field has taught Jan something she carries into every engagement: strong systems and well-trained professionals create real, lasting change. When we get that right, businesses thrive, employment specialists succeed, and people build careers they're proud of.

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Credentials

• Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP)

• National Certificate, Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators — Customized Employment

• Benefits Analysis Certificate — Cornell University

• Valid SSA Supervisor Certificate — Ohio DODD

• Independent Provider Certificate (Career Planning / ES) — Ohio DODD

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Jan believes that when strong systems and well-trained professionals work together, businesses succeed, employment specialists thrive, and lives of people with disabilities are changed. We all share responsibility for creating better employment outcomes, let's make it easier to get there.

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Ready to see how this could work for your team, including formats and pricing? [See training topics and ways to work together →]