Skilling America 2025 Spring Cohort

NYATEP is proud to welcome the 2025 Skilling America Certificate Spring/Summer Cohort! Congratulations on being selected for this session. We're excited to kick-off our program with you!  

***editors note: the cohort list has been updated to reflect current members. 

Joseph Aini (he/him)

CSS Workforce NY / Bath Career Center

REGION: Finger Lakes

I am a career development professional with lots of experience working in colleges and universities most recently in the Capital Region. I worked primarily in helping students with identifying and applying to various types of experiential education opportunities such as internships. I also provided specialized career development assistance to international students as well as students with disabilities. I transitioned to the Workforce Development sector several years ago after relocating to my hometown in the Finger Lakes region to be closer to family.

Pavel Alvarez (he/him)

NYC Department of Small Business Services

REGION: New York City

Pavel Alvarez is a seasoned workforce development professional with over 13 years of experience helping job seekers access meaningful employment opportunities. He previously worked with one of New York City’s largest nonprofit organizations, supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in securing jobs. Currently, Pavel leads a team of five Program Managers overseeing all 18 Workforce1 Career Centers across NYC. He has played a pivotal role in developing and implementing key workforce strategies that have positively impacted thousands of job seekers. His work continues to evolve in response to the city’s dynamic labor market, ensuring job seekers are connected to sustainable career paths. Pavel resides in Staten Island, NY, with his wife of over a decade and their two sons, both passionate about sports.

Marsha Blessing-Whitsell (she/her)

Cattaraugus-Allegany Workforce Development Board

REGION: Western New York

I have worked for 25 years as a COTA/L in Pennsylvania and New York. Working in pediatrics, school based, hospital and nursing home patients, outpatient clinics with work hardening activities. For the last 2 years I have been employed as a Disability Resource Coordinator with the Cattaraugus-Allegany Workforce Development Board. I have assisted with and coordinated resources for people with disabilities to obtain and maintain gainful employment. Working to overcome barriers to employment, to facilitate educational opportunities and increase skills and abilities related to employment. I also work with employers to provide a successful work environment that benefits the employer and employee.

Daniel Bonnet (he/him)

Port Chester Carver Center, Inc

REGION: Mid-Hudson

Daniel Bonnet is a results-driven Chief Program Officer with over 15 years of experience in program management, youth development, workforce development, and strategic leadership. With a deep commitment to creating sustainable, community-driven solutions, Daniel has led a wide range of initiatives that empower individuals and strengthen organizations. He excels in designing and implementing innovative programs that align with organizational goals, ensuring measurable outcomes and continuous improvement. Throughout his career, Daniel has worked collaboratively with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and industry leaders to develop impactful workforce training programs that bridge skill gaps and support career advancement. His expertise includes program evaluation, resource management, partnership development, and organizational growth. He is passionate about building strong, diverse teams and fostering an environment of continuous learning and development. Under his leadership, programs have not only exceeded performance metrics but also contributed to long-term community impact and success. With a strategic vision and hands-on approach, Daniel is committed to driving positive change through effective programming that addresses both current and future workforce needs.

Ralph Dickinson (he/him)

CUNY

REGION: New York City 

Ralph Dickinson, Program Director, has worked for CUNY since 2016. He has worked in education and social work for over 20 years. He has managed programs and provided instruction in a variety of subjects including technology skills, visual arts, health education, independent living skills, disability justice, writing and math. He holds an MA in Education with a Concentration in Instructional Technologies from San Francisco State University and a BA in Humanities from UC Berkeley.

Devin Disonell (he/him)

ELDP, LLC

REGION: Capital Region

Devin Disonell Strategic Recruiter With just 1.5 years of experience in talent acquisition and recruitment, Devin is a results-driven professional dedicated to bridging the gap between exceptional talent and forward-thinking organizations. Specializing in Truck Driving Light Duty (non-CDL) and Last Mile, with a hyper-focus on FedEx and Amazon Contractors recruitment, Devin combines a deep understanding of market trends with a personalized approach to identify candidates who align with both safety requirements and company culture across a wide range of Employer Partners. Known for building strong rapport with candidates, Devin has successfully launched 100+ recruits on their career path in Last Mile Logistics/Light Duty Trucking. He prides himself on meeting the needs of our employer partners and acquiring the proper training for his recruits. Outside the office, Devin enjoys hanging with his best friend Roxy (8 year old Boxer), his brother Brendan, and watching anything with a ball.

Brandon Foley (he/him)

Oswego County Workforce New York

REGION: Central

I work closely with clients to help them find work and work on resumes. I also help customers that are looking to get into the medical field get scholarships to pursue there dreams

Kim Jackson (she/her)

CNY Works

REGION: Central

Over the past 25 years my career has been working in the nonprofit industry. In those organizations much of that has been in the employment field on various grant programs. I've created programs from the ground up, developing all the materials, policies, procedures, and taught curriculums on different topics. The clientele I have worked with has been an array of people from working with low-income individuals, people in the criminal justice system, refugee populations, elderly, people with disabilities, and working with at-risk youth. 

Angela Kelly (she/her)

Workforce Development Board

REGION: Southern Tier

With over 15 years of experience in human services, I have had the privilege of working across diverse sectors, including OPWDD services, social services (child and family), and community action agencies. My career has allowed me to support individuals and families in need, advocating for their well-being and helping them access vital resources. My passion for this work stems from my own life experiences, which have deepened my understanding of the challenges people face and strengthened my commitment to making a meaningful difference. I believe that by helping individuals achieve their goals and overcome barriers, I contribute to building stronger, more resilient communities. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on fostering inclusivity, supporting those with disabilities, and providing essential services to families in crisis. I take pride in creating positive outcomes and empowering others to live more fulfilling, independent lives. This work is not just a career for me—it’s a calling that drives my dedication to improving the lives of those I serve.

Emily Langan

MACNY, the Manufacturers Association

REGION: Central

Emily Langan, MPA, Manager of Partners for Education & Business Inc., an affiliate of MACNY, helps lead a team of Workforce Development Specialists, who engage local employers across industry sectors in work-based learning programming for schools through facility tours, job shadows, internships, professionalism workshops and guest speakers. Previously, Emily worked as the Community Engagement Coordinator at Syracuse University. She managed university-wide community engagement efforts with students, faculty, and staff. Emily earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Nazareth College and her Master of Public Administration from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University.

Alicia McDonald (she/her)

Ulster County Office of Employment & Training

REGION: Mid-Hudson

My name is Alicia McDonald, I am a proud Latina whose parents migrated to the U.S. from Honduras Central America over 50 years ago. I was born in Hudson Valley NY. I attended Southern Vermont College in Bennington Vermont, where I received an early childhood education degree. I've worked in the human service field in varies capacities ranging from the Department of Social Service to OCFS, OMH and OPWDD. I am a domestic violence and human trafficking survivor. As a community advocate, I sit on the board of Mid- Town Kingston Rising, Latin Outreach Unity & Development (LOUD) and the Ulster County Interagency Council on Domestic Violence & Human Trafficking. Currently I'm in my 3rd year at Savona Roberts Christian Academy obtaining a B.A. in Christian Theology I am married my husband, and I have a beautiful, blended family of seven children; the children's ages run from 12-22 yrs old. We are Proud parents of a 22-year-old daughter in the Ulster County Sherrif Department and soldier in the Army who is currently deployed at Guantanamo Bay.

Amanda Quaile (she/her)

Oswego County Workforce New York

REGION: Central

I am Amanda Quaile a Senior Employment Specialist with Oswego County Workforce New York. I have over 5 years of experience supervising individuals in programs that give back to the Oswego County community.

Wendy Rodriguez (she/her)

Small Business Services

REGION: New York City

Wendy Rodriguez is a seasoned professional with a passion for creating innovative solutions. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Finance from the State University of New York at New Paltz. Wendy spent 8 years as an internal auditor, over 10 years in the financial empowerment space providing direct service and project management, and now has over a year of experience in workforce development. She thrives on building strong relationships and fostering collaboration to drive impactful results. She currently works as the Director of Workforce1 Candidate Services at Small Business Services.

Matthew Rose (he/him)

Saratoga County Department of Workforce Development

REGION: Capital Region

Matt is beginning his position as Deputy Director of the Workforce Development Department. Prior to this he served a full term on the Saratoga Warren Washington Workforce Development Board. Here he served on the Business Needs Committee and the Childcare sub-committee. He and other board members consulted with local businesses to help solve current and anticipated workforce related challenges. Before his move to Workforce Development, he was the Management Analyst for the Saratoga County Administrator. Here he played an important role in developing the County’s $430M budget and served as the County workforce’s primary contact for its multiple insurance policies. Matt began his entry into the Workforce development field while administering the day-to-day operations of the Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership (local economic development firm) as the Interim Executive Director. Other prior work experience also includes being a Child Protective Services Caseworker for the County, Branch Manager and Assistant Manager for Trustco Bank, and Sales at the Saratoga Casino & Hotel. Matt is originally from Gloversville, NY and moved to the Saratoga Springs area back in 2013. He attended SUNY Cortland where he played football, served on the Sport Management Club, and graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors Degree in Sport Management (Business Admin) in 2011. Matt currently resides in the Town of Northumberland with his wife and son.

Bibianna Silvera-Portacio (she/her)

RochesterWorks

REGION: Finger Lakes

I am passionate about being an information resource and connector for others, helping individuals find pathways to success through access to training, career development, and workforce opportunities. Whether it’s supporting youth, dislocated workers, caregivers reentering the workforce, or adults seeking growth, I am committed to staying up-to-date on the latest trends in youth employment and career pathways. I believe that when people are given the right training and resources, those opportunities become launching pads for greater growth and success. On both a professional and personal level, I am always learning and growing, striving to foster a sense of community and support. I firmly believe in the potential of individuals and the power of collective growth. By staying connected to the changing landscape of workforce development, I work to empower others and build a stronger, more resilient community. I am dedicated to creating opportunities for those in the Greater Rochester area and am constantly looking for ways to make a positive impact. My goal is to continue being a resource, offering guidance and connections, while helping to shape a brighter future for our local workforce.

Jon Smith(he/him)

CSS Workforce NY

REGION: Southern Tier

10 years of experience in assisting customers with their career and training search. 

Michael Thomason (he/him)

Ulster County Career Center

REGION: Mid-Hudson

Michael Thomason is a dedicated Disability Resource Coordinator at the Ulster County Career Center, where he has served for four years under the NYS Department of Labor’s NY SCION Initiative. A lifelong resident of Ulster County, he is a married father of two, committed to strengthening the community he calls home. Born with cerebral palsy, Michael has firsthand experience navigating barriers, relying on a wheelchair and forearm crutches for mobility. This personal perspective fuels his passion for empowering others with disabilities, ensuring they have equitable access to meaningful employment and growth opportunities. Michael holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from SUNY New Paltz, where he cultivated a strong foundation in advocacy and public policy. He is also certified as both a Work Incentive Practitioner and Youth Work Incentive Practitioner through the Cornell University ILR School, Yang-Tan Institute on Employment and Disability. Through his professional roles and community engagement, Michael strives to open doors and create solutions that lead to lasting change. He believes that everyone deserves the chance to contribute their strengths, skills, and talents, and he works tirelessly to help individuals realize their full potential.

Dawn Torres (she/her)

Consortium for Worker Education

REGION: New York City

Dawn C. Torres is the Assistant Director of Training Operations for the Consortium for Worker Education. Dawn oversees, develops, and coordinates with her team to work in partnership to provide successful skills training to participants leading into a direct entry referral program. She establishes strategic opportunities to collaborate with community-based organizations for hands-on projects and maintains over 10 successful partnerships. With over 20 years of experience, she is an initiative-taking and driven professional whose career spans through workforce, economic, community, parks, and business development. She is a member of NYATEP’s Workforce Academy for Policy & Advocacy 2022-2023 Cohort and a Certified Park and Recreation Professional. Born and raised, she continues to reside with her family in Brooklyn, New York. She is an active member of her community and has held several board positions. Dawn is a graduate of SUNY, College at New Paltz, and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration at Baruch College, Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs. 

Amanda Wilson (she/her)

MACNY, The Manufacturers Association 

Central

Amanda Wilson is currently a Workforce Development Specialist at MACNY, The Manufacturers Association. In this role, Amanda supports MACNY’s New York State Manufacturers Intermediary Apprenticeship Program (NYSMIAP). She plays an integral role in maintaining relationships with new and existing companies participating in NYSMIAP, while also coordinating related technical instruction and on-the-job training for apprentices. Amanda is also actively engaged in other workforce development initiatives, such as supporting the expansion of current apprenticeship programs and advancing opportunities for women in manufacturing through the Real Life Rosies™ pre-apprenticeship program. Prior to joining MACNY, Amanda was employed at various nonprofit organizations where she cultivated relationships with constituents to increase their participation and support. Amanda holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Interior Design from Cazenovia College.