GVRA In-School Partnership

Hi Georgia CTI! I’m thrilled to join the Georgia CTI team as a Pre-Employment Transition Services Instructor! With a proven track record in student mentorship and development, I'm passionate about helping students make a smooth transition into the workforce. My experience as a bilingual college transition instructor and a mentor with the Boys & Girls Club, along with my leadership in community outreach, has prepared me to inspire and support students in reaching their career goals. I’m excited to create a nurturing environment that promotes both personal and professional growth!

After working 30 years with Georgia 4-H, I am excited to begin my journey as a CTI Pre-ETS trainer. My passion is working with youth to help them find their spark and making them feel like they belong. I am a triple-Dawg from the University of Georgia ending with a doctorate in Educational Leadership. I grew up in Georgia 4-H and served as a camp counselor at Rock Eagle 4-H Center for five years. I was a 4-H Agent after teaching high school and then served as a 4-H Program Development Coordinator for 39 counties, helping those counties be the best they could be. I have teenage sons that we are teaching to run their own business, so students becoming independent contributing members of society is important to me. I look forward to helping all students learn more about their future opportunities.

Hello! My name is Alison Burkhalter. I am excited to join Georgia CTI as a new Pre-Employment Transition Service (Pre-ETS) Trainer. Having taught in the classroom for 30 years working with students at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, I am excited to bring my experience and passion for working with students into this new adventure. I feel that my experiences working in Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) as well as working as a Career Technical Instructor (CTI) Coordinator will help me in providing guidance to our students in finding their career path and being prepared for it.

I am excited to be a Georgia CTI team member as a Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) Instructor. With 15 years in Human Resource Management, 12 years as a business owner (both private and franchise), leadership roles in various local organizations, 10 years as an instructor for GVRA, a masters degree, board certification as a Master Life Coach, and a conference speaker, I am excited to work with high school students each year. I have a heart and a passion for students who have dreams of becoming independent and venturing out into the workplace. I consider it such an honor to be a part of their journey.

I was blessed with the incredible opportunity to join Georgia CTI in May 2023 after retiring from almost 30 years in education. As a highly motivated individual with a passion for helping others, this aligned perfectly with my ongoing mission of uplifting and empowering students.

Currently, I am in my second year serving as a facilitator in schools within GVRA District 4, and I love providing engaging activities that help students overcome obstacles and inspire them to realize their full potential.

In addition to my experience as a middle school teacher and CTI Coordinator, I am also certified as a TBRI Practitioner and Making Sense of Your Worth Facilitator. I dedicate my efforts to nurturing the growth and development of young people, aiming to create meaningful connections that positively impact their lives.

I’m happy to customize sessions that will best fit the needs of your students in any of the Pre-Employment Training areas.

HI friends of Georgia CTI. My name is Wendi Combes, and I am eagerly looking forward to working with students in the Pre Employment Training Services Instructor Role. My 30 years as a Registered Nurse coupled with working with high school students in mentoring roles has helped me find spaces to connect and encourage young people in their journey to adult hood. I am passionate about helping students know who they want to be and moving toward that.

From a young age, Ashley Garner nurtured a deep-seated passion for supporting and encouraging students with disabilities, a dedication rooted in a lifelong friendship with a classmate who had autism. This formative friendship ignited her determination to make a positive impact on the lives of others, a commitment that has been a guiding force throughout her career.

Ashley's professional journey has been marked by a consistent dedication to helping those in need. As a director at the American Cancer Society, she worked on advocacy and accessibility issues, making a difference in the lives of cancer patients. Additionally, she founded and spearheaded a local foundation that financially supports the commendable efforts of non-profit organizations.

Over the past two years, Ashley has brought her passion to the Georgia CTI, where she assumed the role of director for the G.R.O.W. (Getting Ready for Opportunities for Work) summer program. Her time spent with students in this program has been a fusion of her desire to help others and her dedication to students with disabilities. During her tenure at the CTI, Ashley has identified a pressing need to continue her work with students as they transition into life after high school.

Ashley's combination of passion and skill enables her to connect with students on a multitude of critical topics, including self-advocacy, workplace readiness training, job exploration counseling, work-based learning experiences, and post-secondary counseling.

Ashley holds certification from Texas Christian University as a Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) Practitioner and has completed training through the internationally acclaimed Halo Project, which focuses on self-advocacy and self-worth. Additionally, she has pursued higher education with a degree in public policy, specializing in leadership from Harvard University, and an advanced degree in political science from Vanderbilt University.

I am so excited to be joining Georgia CTI as a Pre-Employment Transition Service Instructor. I have a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to special education. With 16 years as a CTI Coordinator and 11 years as a high school self-contained special education teacher, I have developed a robust skill set in supporting students with diverse needs. My background also includes 3 years of teaching middle school special education, further enhancing expertise in educational strategies and student development.

In addition to my professional achievements I have been a long-time volunteer with the Walton County Special Olympics, reflecting a lifelong dedication to empowering individuals with disabilities. I am dedicated to preparing students for successful transition into employment

I am thrilled to serve as a Pre-Employment Transition Service Instructor with Georgia CTI. With over 22 years of classroom experience with middle and high school students from diverse backgrounds, I bring a deep understanding of how to connect with and support students with varied needs. My recent role as the Georgia CTI Marketing Manager has given me valuable insights into the students we serve and a vested interest in helping them prepare for their futures. I am passionate about guiding students to be the best versions of themselves and offering a supportive hand when needed. My combination of energy, enthusiasm, empathy, and a background in theatre education helps create a safe space for students to learn, grow, make mistakes, and try again. I am dedicated to equipping students with the skills they need to shape their futures through self-advocacy. I am excited to work with students as they set and reach their career and educational goals.

I am looking forward to serving as an instructor for Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) with Georgia CTI. I have extensive experience working with high school students as a high school teacher, substituting in SPED class, and volunteering with organizations that serve students with diverse abilities, providing guidance and support in both academic and extracurricular activities. I am eager to bring my skills and passion for helping students to this role. My ability to connect with students and adapt lessons to meet their needs will ensure a positive and enriching experience.

I am excited to join Georgia CTI as a new Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) Instructor. With my background as a college minister, camp counselor, and student orientation leader, I am eager to bring my skills in teaching, relating to others, and communicating in both English and Spanish to this new role. I am passionate about helping students and committed to equipping them for growth and self-advocacy, teaching them to communicate effectively with others and helping them thrive in the workforce.

Hello Georgia CTI, I am thrilled to join Georgia CTI as a Pre-Employment Transition Services Instructor. I recently retired after spending 40 years in the Service Industry. I look forward to bringing my experience in workforce training, mentoring and leadership development to students across the state. Along with my experience, I have a passion for developing others to reach their full potential. Regardless of the industry, if we recognize individual strengths and work to grow and develop those strengths, then both the individual and workforce win. During my 40 years serving others, I have owned several businesses and worked for corporations. I bring a breadth of knowledge of recognizing and guiding those with an entrepreneurial spirit and those who seek to work and lead under the direction of others. I look forward to building programs that build up our students and pave the road for secondary and postsecondary success.

Hello Georgia CTI! We are excited to join the team as new Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) Instructors. For more than 20 years, we served Georgia CTI as the CTI State Officer Trainers — equipping students to lead their organization with confidence and competence. Our positivity, ability to connect relationally, and our wealth of experience in project management and education enable us to create effective learning environments for middle and high school students. We have a passion for investing in the next generation and we strive to see students well prepared for their future so they can be self-supporting and successful in their careers.

Hello! I am Paula Poulicek, and I am excited to be a Pre-ETS trainer with Georgia CTI. I am a seasoned educator with over 27 years experience in Career, Technical, and Ag Education (CTAE). Most of my years in education were spent working as a CTI Coordinator in Floyd County schools where I provided guidance and support to students with job goals, self-advocacy skills and transition skills. I also served as a CTAE Program Specialist at the GA Dept. of Education where I provided training and support to CTI Coordinators and advocated for CTI programs across Georgia. Prior to my work as an educator, I worked in manufacturing management. I hold a BS degree from Texas Tech University, a M.Ed. from the University of West Georgia, and an Ed.S. in Workforce Education from the University of Georgia. I look forward to serving students with quality Pre-ETS instruction.

Travis Randall is a dedicated professional with a diverse background rooted in service and mentorship.

Growing up on a farm in Claxton, Georgia, Travis developed a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for community and leadership from a young age. Throughout high school and college, he demonstrated a natural talent for working with young people. This led him to take a pivotal role in running one of Georgia's most prominent summer camps, UGA 4-H Rock Eagle, where he oversaw the welfare and activities of up to 1,000 kids weekly throughout four summers. This experience not only honed his leadership skills but also deepened his commitment to nurturing the potential in others.

Travis graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Agricultural Engineering in 2003. After graduation, Travis joined a prominent engineering firm in Savannah, Georgia. In 2008, his unwavering commitment to leadership and service led him to enlist in the U.S. Military.. Travis has completed multiple deployments to the Middle East and Northwest Africa with a Special Forces unit and continues to serve in the National Guard. When he's not called to military duty, Travis focuses on entrepreneurship.

Travis leads a fulfilling life at home in metro Atlanta with his neurodivergent wife and children. His journey has given him a deep understanding of the value of recognizing individual differences and the importance of offering support and acceptance.

Travis comes to Georgia CTI with a wealth of experience in military discipline, mentorship, and engineering. He is determined to harness his varied background to inspire and guide the next generation, emphasizing resilience, diversity, and leadership.

Hello Georgia CTI! I am excited to join the team as a new Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) Instructor. With extensive experience in project management, leadership, and education, I am eager to bring my skills and passion for helping students to this new role. In my volunteer and civic engagement roles, I have worked with middle school and high school students, providing guidance and support in both academic and extracurricular activities. My ability to connect with students and adapt lessons to meet their needs will ensure a positive and enriching learning experience.

Hello Georgia CTI, I am thrilled to join the team as a new Pre-Employment Transition Services Instructor. In my various roles with non-profit organizations, I have successfully maneuvered the delicate balance between dedication to mission, the need for initiatives, and the application of sound business management. I have had hands-on involvement in creating successful educational programs and partnerships. My mission is to provide positive learning experiences to youth in our communities.