Goodwill career coaching works for you.
At no cost to you, Goodwill career coaches bring a wide range of industry expertise and workforce services experience as they provide career counseling, skills training, job placement, and supportive services that help job seekers secure meaningful employment and pursue thriving careers. Contact or visit one of our career centers to learn how Goodwill career coaching can work for you.
Career Coaches Specializing in Career Services
Goodwill career coaches provide personalized career guidance, planning, and support as they help program participants explore career options, training programs, financial assistance options, and other resources offered by Goodwill Career Services.
Wanda Freddie brings a passion for helping people who have been through traumatic and stressful experiences, guiding them to find a healthy perception of themselves to forge a path forward. Born, reared, and educated in Texas, Wanda has drawn upon two decades of experience in mortgage banking and six years in workforce development since joining Goodwill as a career coach in 2018.
Chona Penniman’s extensive experience working with various agency and clients in Las Vegas area has served Goodwill Career Services well since 2023. Program participants enjoy Chona’s passion and empathy for helping people reach their potential, which was the focus of her 13-years tenure as a senior education consultant at a post-secondary school. She feels “joy and a sense of purpose getting to be part of their journey.” When not serving others, Chona enjoys spending time with family, exploring Red Rock, and riding motorcycles and watercraft.
Ana Perez immigrated as a young child from El Salvador, leading her to gain stability in her new home country by establishing a successful career in retail. Ana’s bilingual (Spanish) proficiency and management experience, including two years with a Goodwill store management team, gave her a keen understanding of the needs of job seekers. As a Goodwill career coach, Ana finds helping people build a brighter future for themselves and their families very rewarding. In her free time, Ana enjoys playing with her grandchild and taking walks through parks and mountains throughout southern Nevada.
Maria Vargas rapidly advanced to her role as a career coach since joining Goodwill in 2020. Maria’s bilingual (Spanish) proficiency and extensive management and front-line experience in both office and warehouse environments make her a versatile resource for Goodwill program participants from a wide range of backgrounds. Maria draws upon her empathy, passion for helping others, and belief in good deeds as she guides people forward on their life journey.
Career Coaches Specializing in Veteran Services
The cornerstone of Goodwill Veteran Services, Goodwill’s veteran career coaches bring personal military experience to the task of helping veterans, spouses of active-duty service members, and military families explore civilian career options.
Crystal Burrola, the wife of a former Marine who served two tours in Iraq, has worked with the veteran community for over 10 years. Prior to joining Goodwill Career Services in 2021, Crystal most recently helped veterans recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. A mother of two, Crystal is working toward her bachelor’s degree in communications. As a career coach, she takes great pride in helping veterans succeed in whatever they are trying to accomplish.
Matt Gay served in the U.S. Navy for 23 years as a Senior Chief (E-8), Logistics Specialist and Customer Service Specialist. After two years with the U.S. Postal Service, Matt joined Goodwill, advancing to Store Manager before transitioning to support team members companywide as a Human Resources Advisor. Matt loves helping others, giving people an opportunity to be successful, and seeing them achieve their goals.
Mike Miller, a former Sergeant (E-5) with 8 years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps, joined Goodwill as a career coach in early 2021. His civilian experience includes being a journeyman with Teamsters 631 as well as management in hospitality, retail and entertainment. As a career coach, Mike loves the opportunity to help participants improve their lives for the better by offering a “hand up” and leading them to often well-deserved opportunities.
Career Coaches Specializing in Train-to-Hire Programs
Goodwill career coaches guide inquiring program candidates through the eligibility, curriculum, and employment requirements associated with our Train-to-Hire Programs.
Veronica Ayala built on a ten-year retail career by joining Goodwill in 2017. Within a year, she was promoted to store customer service manager before being elevated to the critical role of production manager at the busy Boulevard Mall store. After six years in retail, she felt a calling to contribute to the services offered by Goodwill’s career centers. She is inspired by “helping others and seeing the impact our services have on the community. I love to see an underdog success story.” When she is not helping program participants, she enjoys being a “sports family” with her husband and son, be it watching games, shooting hoops, or playing catch.
Marisol Hernandez brings a kind heart and passion for helping others to her role as a Goodwill career coach. Upon joining Goodwill in 2023, she was promoted within three months after distinguishing herself through exceptional service to colleagues and customers alike. A first generation Mexican American who speaks Spanish fluently, Marisol started working at the age of 16 and honed her standout customer service skills at Circus Circus and Abby Connect. She take great pride in helping people overcome barriers to employment and take steps toward securing thriving careers.
Maeshele Nelson was inspired by her grandfather, an Air Force policeman, to start work as soon as she turned 16. She began in retail, gaining experience at Target and Macy’s before joining Jenny Craig as a weight loss counselor. After coming to Goodwill in 2016, she advanced to lead positions in sales and merchandise processing. Maeshele’s exposure to Goodwill’s career services and training programs sparked her desire to become a career coach, where she takes pride in guiding clients to meaningful employment with upward mobility.
Eddie "EJ" Norman brings broad-based business experience to his role as a Goodwill career coach. Prior to his move to career coaching in 2015, EJ was in the banking industry for four years as a teller, loan representative, and collections specialist. Previously an entrepreneur in talent marketing and management. Eleven business management classes and 12 years of coaching football contribute to his success at helping people find a brighter career path.
Career Center Staff
Career Center Manager
Gawaan Hureskin joined Goodwill in 2022 with 18 months of coaching experience and a 13-year tenure in property management for HUD in Chicago and Las Vegas. An alumnus of Full Sail University with certification in Media Communications, Gawaan enjoys lighting the way for others to thrive. Gawaan is an experienced graphic designer who loves to create and market. His dedication to service extends to coaching 10-to-17-year-olds in AAU basketball. In his role as Career Center Manager, he is on a mission to change lives.
Career Workshop Facilitator
Aura Ortiz combines eight years of experience in the fields of workforce development, information technology, and education to empower Goodwill program participants to thrive in their chosen fields. In her role as a Career Workshop Facilitator, she draws on her passion for helping Southern Nevadans who are ready to work and achieve their goals. Having earned an Associate of Health Science degree and a Certified Professional Resume Writer credential, Aura plans to continue her education. She enjoys writing as well as attending volunteer, networking, and community events