Jerry T. Myers, President

Jerry is an expert in employee coaching, community engagement, workforce development strategies, and leadership development.  Using his skills from 12 years of corporate experience in sales and marketing, management, and training, allows him to assist organizations in strategic workforce and training initiatives.  In 2012, Jerry began consulting in Atlanta, GA. Having worked in a variety of industries including proprietary education, non-profit leadership, and sales development for billion dollar organizations, Jerry's methodologies of revenue generation is impressive.

 

Since founding IN THE DOOR, some of his clients include the City of Atlanta, Goodwill of North Georgia, DeKalb School District, ICare Atlanta, CHP International and AARP to name a few.  Also, he is a Professor of Marketing, Business Communication, and Public Administration at Saint Leo University and Belhaven University.  Jerry also served as the elected President of the Employer Committee for two counties with the Georgia Department of Labor.  His innovative ideas on career search strategies are quoted in his recent publication GET IN THE DOOR: 7 Keys to Maximizing Your Career Search.  

 

As an active member of the Atlanta community, Jerry serves on the Board of the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce and on the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Rural Prosperity Council.  He has a Bachelor of Political Science degree from Georgia Southern University and a Master of Public and Business Administration. His excitement outside of work includes playing golf with his sons and attending community events with his family.

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Robert Gordon, Director of One-Stop Operations

Robert Gordon currently serves as the Statewide Director for One-Stop Operations for IN THE DOOR, and is also the One-Stop Operator site manager for WorkSource DeKalb.

 

Prior to rejoining the private sector, Robert served as a Career Center Manager for the Georgia Department of Labor at the DeKalb, Albany, Sylvester, and Dawson Career Centers.  He is a former member of the DeKalb Workforce Investment Board, the Southwest Georgia Workforce Investment Board, and several Chambers of Commerce and other workforce-based organizations.

 

On numerous occasions, Mr. Gordon has served as a panelist during career development conferences. He also contracts with various government agencies to provide customized career development workshops.

 

Mr. Gordon has a business degree from Florida A&M University.  He has an Economic Development Certificate from the University of Georgia, and is a graduate of the Carl Vinson Institute of Government’s EXCEL Leadership Program.  Robert is a product of DeKalb County Schools, and he and his wife currently reside in Stone Mountain.

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Roberta Hall, Regional Manager

Roberta Hall has over 20 years of Workforce Development experience in private and public industries.  Mrs. Hall owned and operated a staffing agency and worked in human resources in the I.T. profession before transitioning into senior management roles under the Workforce Investment Act. She held appointments as Deputy Director and Executive Director. She also worked for the Georgia Department of Labor as a statewide Employment and Training Consultant.

Hall has implemented notable strategic alignments of human capital needs under her recognized E3 (Economic Development, Education, and Employment) initiatives championed by employers in the Healthcare and Energy sectors. Roberta has been a visionary leader in youth training programs and has served as a Youth Council Chair.

Before joining the IN THE DOOR Leadership Team, Hall worked as a Branch Manager for six years in staffing and has in-depth knowledge of today's workforce's expectations. She is an Alumni of Shorter University, where she earned a degree in Business Administration and is a graduate of Leadership Dekalb. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and working on DIY projects.

 

Valerie Myers, Staff Accountant

Valerie serves as the Staff Accountant with over ten years of experience in taxation. She has assisted individuals, as well as small and large businesses with tax and accounting related matters. Before joining IN THE DOOR in early 2016, she worked at St. Mark Church in the Metro Atlanta Area. Valerie also currently teaches accounting for high school students. She holds a Bachelor degree in Business Finance and an Associates in Accounting.  In Valerie’s free time she enjoys teaching art to young ladies and attending plays with her family.  

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Paul Allen, One-Stop Operator

Paul Allen operates a Comprehensive One-Stop Career Center in Houston County, Georgia. Paul works closely with local businesses, government agencies, community partners, and job seekers to address the growing skills gap. After spending over a decade working in education, teaching in the International Baccalaureate program at Central High School, Paul knows what truly matters to the current and future workforce — and it’s not mastering the marketing flavor of the week. It’s how well you connect with the heart-beating people you’re trying to help and communicate your understanding back to them. Paul holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and History from the Loyola Marymount University of Westchester California. In addition to his extensive teaching and training and experience, Paul is a trained career and business coach. Paul believes that education is the medicine that can remedy the disturbing cycle of poverty and restore the values that will breed success in our society.​

 

 

Janie Reid, One-Stop Operator Manager

A life-long native of Putnam County, Georgia, Janie Reid has more than 30 years of experience in social services, program development, program analysis, and program management.  As a past elected public official, Janie has strong networking skills that allows her to connect closely and positively with local businesses, government agencies, community partners, and job seekers to address the growing skills gap.

A graduate of Butler-Baker High School, she attended Georgia College and State University with a concentration in Business Administration. She is a graduate of Leadership Putnam, as well as several regional leadership classes. In 2015 she was commissioned by the Middle Georgia Regional commission as a Regional Leadership Champion for the Middle Georgia Area.

 

Janie recently received her Leadership Management Specialist Certification in 2018.

She is married to John Reid, the mother of two, and a grandmother of four.

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Kim Walker, One-Stop Navigator 

Kim brings over twenty years of extensive training and experience in customer service, office management, human resources, and counseling. Before joining IN THE DOOR she was the lead counselor for the Offender ReEntry Program at a mental health and substance abuse treatment facility in Roane County.  After completing changing career paths later in life, she found her true passion for assisting others while at the treatment facility.  Being a life learner, she absorbed as much information as she could to define the barriers for her clients and attained many certifications to better serve her program, clients, and community.  She is a Certified Grief Counselor, Certified Trauma Professional, Certified Anxiety Counselor, and Credentialed Victim Advocate.  She started a resource and community service contact listing and started teaching the classes the program required for probation and court orders.  She has training and experience in motivational interviewing, crisis intervention, and psychological first aid.  After the program grant ended, she continued to offer services in trauma and grief counseling as a community volunteer. Kim is recently married and eager to start her second act in serving the community, empowering our clients as they navigate the obstacles of life and create a meaningful impact in the lives of others as they tackle their barriers and become gainfully employed and independent.  She is honored to have this opportunity to make a difference and utilize her training, compassion, and empathy to become our client’s and community’s biggest advocate. Kim lives by the quote from Maya Angelou, “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

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Dr. Sharonda Bacon, One-Stop Operator Manager

​Sharonda Bacon is a graduate of Strayer University in Savannah, Georgia where she earned her Bachelors and Masters in Business Administration specializing in management.  As a scholar, she was invited to join the Alpha Chi and Golden Key Honor Societies because of her academic insight. She is highly sought after by her colleagues and senior staff leaders to serve as a motivational guest speaker for the students during Strayer Town Hall meetings.

Sharonda serves as an Adjunct Professor at Savannah Technical College where she has instructed for over three years and teaches employability skills, business communication, and basic computer skills i.e., word, excel, and powerpoint.

She has a wealth of knowledge at the mid-level and supervisory management levels after working several years for the Retail Giant “Wal-Mart”. She trained and coached employees to advance within the company. In this position, she focused her skills in Teaching, Human Resources Development, Conflict Resolution, Leadership, and Diversity Training.

She thrives on actively giving back to the community and has aligned herself with several diverse professional affiliations from serving as a board member for the Non-Profit Organization, “GIFTS” (Giving Is from the Soul) Inc. to serving as a Volunteer Mediator with the Savannah Mediation Center whereby her strong compassion to help others continue to impact her community positively.  From shaping our youth by collaborating as a Mentor for the Gulfstream Student Leadership Program inspiring youth to become leaders within their communities to actively participating in the kickoff of the summer 500 program where she taught the youth employability skills i.e., soft/interpersonal skills, business communication, interview techniques and resume’ building. Sharonda truly lives by the motto of “Blessed to be a blessing to others.”

 

Vinus Alscott, Staff Accountant

Vinus has 18+ years of experience in accounting and finance.  Prior to joining IN THE DOOR, Vinus was the Assistant Controller at Homeowners Advantage LLC, where she led accounting and financial reporting for various large and mid-sized condominium association boards. Prior to her work with Homeowners Advantage, Vinus held various management positions within the accounting and finance divisions of two publicly traded real estate investment firms.  Vinus is an alumna of Georgia State University, where she earned her undergraduate degrees in Accounting and Finance, a Master’s in Accountancy and a Master’s in Taxation. She currently serves on Jamaica Missions USA Advisory Board.

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Jamaal Hall, One-Stop Operator

Jamaal Hall is a native of Albany, GA but currently lives in Atlanta, GA.  He has over fifteen years of experience serving the Public and Private Sector through many different aspects, whether through Marketing, Counseling, Customer Service or Supervision.  Before joining IN THE DOOR, he worked for the Georgia Department of Labor as an Operations Analyst. Jamaal is a graduate of Fort Valley State University with a degree in Social Work.  Jamaal is finishing his Masters in Public Administration (Summer 19’). He is an avid sports fan, but mainly a die-hard Fort Valley State Wildcats and Atlanta Falcons Fan.  He currently resides in Smyrna, Georgia with my Fiancé’ and two lovely kids. He lives by the quote “Obstacles are those things you see when you take your eyes off the goal.”

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Dr. Vernon Johnson, One-Stop Operator Manager

Dr. Vernon Keith Johnson:  Employment and Training Professional:  Recruiting Specialist, Youth Advisor, Employment Specialist, and Retired Master Sergeant of Marines, after 20-plus years of dedicated, faithful, and honorable service to our country.Vernon is the son of Betty and Samuel Johnson. Vernon grew up mostly in the small Mid-West town of Mansfield, Ohio with southern roots from an even smaller town called Elizabethtown, North Carolina, where he was to visit every summer up until the time of high school graduation. These two cities were instrumental in his development to manhood and were to become my training ground where he was to gain my knowledge of self, family pride, love, honor, faith, and spiritual development as to become a believer in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Retiring as a Master Sergeant of Marines, having served in 15 different countries, residing in 28 of the 50 United States all these experiences worldwide, I found a passion for helping others. That passion continued to grow and develop in several different directions as far as employment and community service. I found meaning, in helping transitioning service members and military spouses because I know that struggle first-hand! 

 

Vernon was then employed by the Georgia Department of Labor, where he served as an Employment Marketing Representative. During his five years with the DOL, he worked hard to improve his skills and broaden his experience as a Marketing Representative.  This opened a whole world of employment opportunities for him, such as Goodwill Industries of North Georgia, Employment Specialist, Fulton County Office of Workforce Development, Youth Advisor, Department of Veterans Affairs, Atlanta Office, Veterans Claims Examiner, Dekalb County WorkSource Development, Business Solutions Consultant.  In his journey of helping others in the workforce and community, I obtained an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Humanitarianism from Global International Alliance and President Joseph R. Biden, the Lifetime Community Achievement Award of which he is most proud. 

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Jessica Thacker, One-Stop Operator, Manager

Jessica Thacker is a small-town girl from rural Kentucky.  She migrated to Cookeville, TN, to pursue her athletics career in Track and Field and graduated from Tennessee Technological University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.  Jessica began her career in social services as a case manager for youth and then migrated into case management for adults with mental health issues.  Jessica was promoted from adult case manager to Executive Director of group housing with Generations/Gaither’s Inc in 2011.  She was responsible for managing a 14-bed group home for adults with mental illnesses.    This is when Jessica began to flourish in the management role, whether working one on one with a resident living in the group home, working side-by-side with her direct care staff, or handling the operations with her administrative team.  In April of 2019, she was entrusted with opening another group home in the Cookeville, TN area with Generations/Gaither’s Inc.  After leaving Generations/Gaither’s Inc, Jessica pursued her career in social services as Director of Residential Services with Community Options Inc.
When Jessica is not working, she greatly enjoys spending time with her husband of 13 years and two boys.  She is a firm believer in God and family and loves attending church services regularly. 
Jessica enjoys a challenge and strives to help others around her when possible.

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Felicia Woods, One-Stop Operator

 With over 25 years in leadership, social services, and training, Felicia is well versed in helping others to strive for excellence and reach their greatest potential. Felicia is a native of Savannah, who has worked with federal and local programs that benefit persons of all ethnicities and varying backgrounds. She has a proven record of offering superior direction to staff while being passionate about serving people. Felicia is an expert in case management, property management, instruction, and activity coordination. Additionally, her work with previous One-Stop, Work Source, and Effects to Outcomes Programs, further solidifies her ability to and philosophy in being a vital servant-leader to the community and colleagues, as well as forming collaborative efforts with many stakeholders. Felicia is proficient in event planning and communications, which compliments her close attention to detail and organization.
Felicia is happily married to Mr. “Theo” Woods. They are parents and grandparents who she considered the “the loves of her life”. Felicia is an avid prayer-warrior with strong faith. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and planning family events.

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Shawn Strong, One-Stop Operator
Shawn Strong is a highly accomplished operations management and conflict resolution expert with an MBA from a prestigious institution. With over a decade of experience in the field, he has developed extensive expertise in managing complex operations, reducing costs, and resolving conflicts in a range of contexts. Shawn has earned a reputation for his capacity to devise and implement creative solutions that boost business outcomes. His in-depth knowledge of conflict resolution has bestowed him with the skills necessary to effectively lead diverse groups and tackle difficult situations.  In his personal life, Shawn is a loving family man with a wife and three daughters. 

He currently resides in Warner Robins, Georgia, where he is an active community participant. He enjoys reading, playing sports, and spending quality time with his family during his free time.  Above all, Shawn is an ambitious and results-driven professional who is dedicated to providing exceptional results in every endeavor. He is a natural leader who encourages others to reach their objectives and is highly regarded by his peers in the industry.

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Denise Kenner-Virgil, Operations Support Specialist/Career Coach

Denise Kenner-Virgil serves as a Career Coach for In the Door. As a dedicated advocate for youth, she has provided unwavering employment services that encompass both academic and professional development for success. Through Mrs. Kenner-Virgil’s tenure in workforce development, she has worked with youth, adults, and dislocated worker customers who have become members of the workforce in their respective careers. Her passion is working with youth services programs and has exceeded their performance measures, streamlined programmatic processes, and assisted in helping over 800 youth transition to their next phase in life, such as post-secondary institutions, employment and to the military. 

With over 10 + years of experience with Workforce Investment Act/Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act, Mrs.  Kenner-Virgil brings a wealth of knowledge in the areas of training, professional development, program design and performance management. All of these attributes have contributed to her accomplishments in workforce development.  

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Kenyonna McClain, One-Stop Operator 

Kenyonna McClain is a small-town girl from Butler, Georgia. Here, she was raised with the values of fellowship and community. She always knew she wanted to serve the public one day, and she instilled that goal into her college career.
 

She attended Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, Georgia. At Georgia College, she accomplished many leadership roles and commitments. She began this journey by completing her undergraduate career with a Pre-Law Political Science major and Criminal Justice minor. She earned a certificate in Leadership by completing additional credited courses. She served as a member of the African Union becoming a potential voice for countries within the continent. She was also a member of the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, where she served the community of Milledgeville, Georgia through public services such as tutoring, fundraising, and more. Kenyonna McClain is excited to get her career of service started at IN THE DOOR. 

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Crystal Mills, Project Manager

Crystal Black Mills serves as the Interim One-Stop Operator for IN THE DOOR. She brings over 20 years’ experience in sales and marketing, business development, strategic planning, and revenue management in both the profit and nonprofit sectors.  She has worked with fortune 500 hundred companies as well as small startup businesses. Crystal is also a successful business consultant focused on helping companies and nonprofits maximize their potential, generate growth, and develop a sustainable competitive edge.

A huge supporter of her local community and Crystal serves as Chair of Clayton County United Way Advisory Board, Brighter Futures Advisory Board member, and various other community groups. She is a 2007 graduate of Leadership Clayton, a 2012 graduate of Georgia Academy for Economic Development, as well as a 2013 graduate of Regional Leadership Institute.

Crystal is a proud graduate of Virginia Tech and an active member of Closer Look Ministries in Hampton, GA. Crystal has two daughters and lives in Jonesboro with husband Kedrick.

 

Aaron Fletcher, Senior Navigator

​Aaron Fletcher believes elevation equals expansion. Throughout his life, he strives to grow with every experience. In 2010, Aaron decided to enter the Atlanta Baptist Association Oratorical Contest. For weeks he prepared himself for this task, by attending speech courses, writing workshops, and constant repetition. Coming from telling jokes in the classroom, to speaking about community issues in a congregational setting, he became aware of his community and self-worth. On the day of the contest, he received a standing ovation but was disqualified due to the time limit. He took the loss and turned it into a start. In his teen years, he spoke at brunches, Eagle Scout Ceremonies, and was granted privilege to educate the youth on staying encouraged and victorious. In his twenty-three years, he strives to become a living example of success.

In the summer of 2019, WorkSource DeKalb awarded Aaron “Most Outstanding Intern,” and he plans to continue to serve others through IN THE DOOR.

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Duniesha Simmons, Business Services Specialist

 A current resident of Phenix City, Alabama. Duniesha Simmons has a background in criminal justice where she served as a correctional officer for the Muscogee County Sheriff's department for 6 years. Duniesha Simmons also has experience in Case Management, Law enforcement, probation, and working with at-risk youth between the ages of 13-19 years of age. Duniesha has also provided case management for victims of domestic abuse. Duniesha obtained her criminal justice degree from the University of Phoenix in October 2020 and will obtain her Masters in Public Administration in 2023. 

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    Sherlane Paris, One-Stop Coordinator

Sherlane Faith Paris brings 20+ years of experience from Title I of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to IN THE DOOR. Sherlane has held multiple positions: Receptionist, Computer Instructor, Office Manager, Office Administrator, Career Development Specialist, Resource Room Coordinator, and Career Advisor. She graduated from Kirkman Technical High School and has achieved a Global Career Development Facilitator Credential (GCDF). 
Sherlane is stationed in the American Job Center's computer room hub to utilize outstanding customer service and all aspects of computer functions and provide meaningful assistance to persons applying for unemployment benefits.

Sherlane continuously learns to serve her community best through her love for people and computer technology. 
Ms. Paris is a native of the "Scenic City," Chattanooga, TN. As part of her life­long learning process, Sherlane plans to enhance her interface with updated computer technology, individuals, and her community. Ms. Paris is a mother and grandmother who loves her family and the creatures in her care. Her pastime enjoyments are listening and singing to all genres of music, animal welfare, and gardening. 
Alma B. Androzzo wrote: "If I can help somebody, as I pass along. If I can cheer somebody with a word or a song. If I can show somebody how they're traveling wrong, then my living shall not be in vain."

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Logan Watson, One-Stop Coordinator

Logan is from Athens, Tennessee. She graduated from Cleveland State Community College with an associate's in Early Childhood Development. Logan then moved to Knoxville to continue her education at Johnson University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Children Ministry with Daycare Director Emphasis and a Bachelor in Biblical Theology. Before joining IN THE DOOR, Logan was a preschool teacher who worked with low-income families. Although Logan is new to One-Stop Operations, She is looking forward to growing in her knowledge to further help her community. During her free time, Logan loves spoiling her nieces and nephews, volunteering at church, or reading a book.

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Elizabeth Gallagher, One-Stop Operator

In 2016, Elizabeth Gallagher completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and an additional Bachelor’s Degree in Government at the University of Texas and graduated Magna Cum Laude in both schools. After completing her studies in Austin, she interned as a Public Policy Intern with NAMI and worked with a local non-profit to support families in implementing behavioral and play therapy techniques with young children who have Autism.
Mrs. Gallagher currently serves as the One-Stop-Operator for the Southern Middle Tennessee Workforce Board. She has 5 years of experience with various Workforce Board areas in multiple states: Workforce Solutions Capital Area in Austin, Workforce Solutions of Central Texas in Killeen, and Northern Middle Tennessee in both Nashville and Franklin.
During her social work career, she has focused on administering the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program and is an expert in WIOA Performance and Client-Centered case management with experience in Rural and Urban areas. She has held positions in Quality Assurance, Program Coordination, and Leadership throughout her time in WIOA programs.

For these reasons, Mrs. Gallagher has extensive knowledge of Data Entry Methods, Occupational Training, Post-Secondary Goal Coordination, Youth Internship Worksite Development, Community Outreach, Resume Creation, Job Search Assistance, and Interview Prep. She has served hundreds of youth customers in Texas and both Youth and Adult & Dislocated Workers in Tennessee through her case management practices and leadership positions. Mrs. Gallagher is passionate about helping others to help themselves to promote a thriving local economy and a self-sufficient workforce.
Mrs. Gallagher dotes upon her 2 toddlers and she loves spending time with her family outside of work. Mrs. Gallagher also prefers to spend her free time reading and spending time in nature when she is not focused on her family.  

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Christina Goodwin, One-Stop Navigator
Christina Goodwin is an experienced customer support specialist who has spent most of her life in Tennessee. She has worked with multiple companies to help their customers thrive, and is excited to start a more purposeful, community oriented career working with IN THE DOOR.  In her spare time, Christina enjoys time with her husband and their daughter, her cats, and her various crocheting projects.

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Damali Curry, One-Stop Operator, Manager

Damali Curry assists the American Job Center as a support specialist in Chattanooga, TN. She brings over 20 years of human resources, talent acquisition, training and learning, and workforce development experience to the team. Curry has worked in various industry sectors, including government contracting, professional services, healthcare, and technology. As a lifelong learner, Curry has several industry certifications, a Master's degree in Human Resource Development from Clemson University, and a bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of Virginia. In addition, she has worked with dislocated adults and youth in the workforce development space, offering various training and programming. Youth included in-school and out-of-school, including refugee and juvenile delinquent populations. An interesting fact is that Curry is part of IN THE DOOR alums; she has worked with IN THE DOOR before assisting the DeKalb County Workforce Development department and as a previous One-Stop Operator for Fulton County in Atlanta, Georgia.

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