Laura A. Owens, Ph. D

Director

Laura Owens is the Director/Founder of Creative Employment Opportunities, Inc. (CEO) and an Associate Professor in the Department of Exceptional Education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. This past October, Laura also took on the role as the Executive Director of National APSE. In addition, Laura also consults with, and provides workshops to, businesses on hiring and accommodating the employment of individuals with disabilities. She earned her Ph.D from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Fundamental to her work is helping businesses (and society at large) see beyond the “current reality” to what can be- to not set limits on themselves or individuals with diverse abilities.

Erin Goff

Program Director

Erin Goff is the Program Director for Creative Employment Opportunities, Inc. (CEO). A Racine native, Erin moved to Milwaukee 7 years ago after graduating from University of Wisconsin-Madison with a BA in Psychology.

Erin has worked at Creative Employment Opportunities, Inc. (CEO) for the past 6 years.

Meghan Schifalacqua

Employment Consultant

Meghan was born and raised in Milwaukee.  She graduated from Fordham University in New York City with a B.A. in Sociology, and from the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee with a M.S. in Exceptional Education. 

Prior to starting at CEO, Meghan worked as a program coordinator in a day program for individuals with disabilities.

Melain Talbott

Employment Consultant

Melain graduated of the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee with a major in Criminal Justice and minor in Psychology. After working in the legal field in Milwaukee, Melain made a career change and began working for a local retailer. 

It was there that she was introduced to CEO. Melain began working with one of CEO’s client placements and was so impressed with both he and CEO that she applied to join the CEO team!

Jessica Quintanilla

Training Coordinator/Employment Consultant

Jessica was born and raised in Milwaukee and graduated from Winona State University, in Minnesota, with a B.S. in Human Resources and a B.A. in Spanish, with minors in Marketing and Mass Communications.  She moved back to Milwaukee in August of 2006 and worked as the Staffing Manager at the Pfister Hotel prior to starting with Creative Employment Opportunities, Inc. (CEO). 

Andrzej Walz-Chojnacki

Employment Consultant

Andrzej graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a B.A. in Comparative Literature. He had a short stint in the field of recruitment before beginning a two year engagement with the Wauwatosa School District as a special ed. Aide working with individuals with disabilities.  Andrzej feels that these experiences as a special ed. aide and recruiter are combined in his current position as a Job Coach.  Andrzej has also received training to be a Benefits Specialist.

Mary E. Henschel

Marketing Coordinator/Employment Consultant

Mary has over 15 years of successful sales and marketing experience. She has worked at local and regional media outlets, as well as with young adults in an “out of the box” field marketing business. Throughout her career, she has established lasting relationships with many corporate and media decision makers. Mary feels that field of Job Development with Creative Employment Opportunities, Inc. (CEO) is a natural fit for her and establishing potential careers for individuals with disabilities is truly rewarding.

Dwight Johnson

Employment Consultant

Dwight Johnson "A native Milwaukeean, Dwight worked for Milwaukee Public Schools as an educational assistant for 28 years. He worked with students with disabilities and at-risk students.  He is a Packer fan, enjoys golfing in the summer and dabbling in the stock market.  Dwight also has his own side business, Johnson Lawn Service