Who We Are
.png)
Work Ready began in 2007 in Fort Worth, Texas, from a desire to open a new world of employment possibilities for individuals with disabilities.
Over the years, our team and reach of impact have grown, but our heart and mission have remained the same: To offer life-changing education and employment opportunities for every individual enrolled in Vocational Rehabilitation services with a desire to work.
THE
TEAM
Work Ready serves multiple areas across Texas with dedicated teams of Employment Specialists and Job Coach Trainers, with each area led by an experienced Program Manager.
.png)
.png)
Daniele Zartman is the Coordinator of Transition Services for Work Ready, with over 15 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities. Daniele graduated from Texas Woman’s University in 2003 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Developmental and Child Psychology. She holds certifications in Special Education and English as a Second Language as well as Advanced Employment Services from UNT. She holds credentials in Supported Employment Services (Endorsements - AUTISM), Workplace Inclusion and Sustainable Employment, & Job Skills Trainer/Job Coach. She has experience teaching Special Education in both the public and private school sector. Daniele specializes in Vocational Adjustment Training and is responsible for educating high school students on job readiness. Daniele is a powerful force in the workplace and uses her positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed.
.png)
Preston Hornbeck is the Development Coordinator for Work Ready, focused on sharing about Work Ready services and developing new employment opportunities for customers. Originally from McKinney, Texas, Preston studied Business Marketing at Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie. Upon graduation, Preston worked as a Marketing Coordinator for an organization in California with millions of followers, communicating to hundreds of thousands individuals weekly for six years. In 2022, Preston moved back to Texas and began his career at Work Ready, starting as a Job Coach, then later focusing on business development and employer relations. Preston loves using his experiences and unique skill set to create new opportunities for Work Ready customers.
.png)
Jung Lee serves as the Area Manager over Employment Services in Texas. Previously, Jung was the Program Manager for Grand Prairie, Duncanville, South Fort Worth, and Wichita Falls areas. Jung has a Bachelor's degree in Human biology and Business from UT Austin and a Master's degree in Counseling. Jung has worked with individuals with disabilities for over 10 years and also has volunteer experience serving underprivileged people in the community. Her experience includes: mental health, addiction services, family and marriage counseling, neurodevelopmental spectrum, intellectual disabilities, vocational counseling, physical disabilities, and she has worked in various settings with individuals, groups, and families of all ages. In addition to SE services, Jung is certified to conduct EWA and is VAT certified to work with high school students. Jung finds her role to be fulfilling as she works with individuals, families and the community to assist people in achieving their vocational goals.
.png)
Plano, Frisco, & McKinney
Tracy Shearer started with Work Ready in 2008 and worked as an Employment Specialist until moving into a Program Manager position in 2011. She has a bachelor’s degree in behavioral studies and holds credentials in autism supports, supported employment, job placement and job skills training. Tracy covers the Collin County area and has extensive experience working with students making the transition from high school to employment. Tracy and her team of Employment specialists have a great deal of experience and knowledge working with young adults on the autism spectrum, as well as various other disabilities. Tracy and her team have continued success with finding long term, competitive jobs for the individuals they serve and are committed to delivering this same level of success to every individual they work with in the future.
.png)
Arlington, Irving, & Grand Prairie
Fallon Stayer is a dedicated Program Manager with four years of experience providing employment services to individuals with disabilities. With a compassionate, person-centered approach, Fallon excels in building trust, highlighting strengths, and helping each individual move toward meaningful employment. Fallon has offered Vocational Adjustment Training and job coaching across the DFW area, always with a commitment to creating inclusive, supportive environments. She holds UNTWISE credentialing in Job Skills Training, Job Placement, Supported Employment, and VAT, along with an Autism Endorsement Credential. Fallon is passionate about serving her community and promoting equal opportunities for all.
.png)
Fort Worth & Weatherford
Allison Collins is the Program Manager for the Fort Worth area. She has over 16 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities. Allison graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and from Dallas Baptist University with a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling. Allison has a teaching certification in special education and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She is passionate about people feeling successful and empowered in their daily lives. Allison uses her ability to build rapport and create meaningful employment opportunities to develop a positive experience in the employment process.
.png)
Denton, Lewisville & Carrollton
Megan Cestarte has worked with Work Ready since 2015. She began as an Employment Specialist working in both Denton and Collin Counties. In 2016, Megan stepped in as Program Manager for the Denton, Lewisville, and Carrollton Offices. Megan is also a Vocational Adjustment Training (VAT) Coordinator and oversees this program with the schools. Megan has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from University of North Texas. She also holds a graduate certificate in human resources management. Megan has over 10 years of experience working in management and working with individuals with disabilities. Megan holds UNTWISE credentials in job skills training, job placement, supported employment, vocational adjustment training, and an endorsement credential in Autism. Megan lives in Denton County as well and loves helping those in her community.
.png)
Garland, Greenville, Mt. Pleasant, Paris, & Texarkana
Jennifer Grissom lived in Paris, Texas, her whole life until May of 2021, when Jennifer moved to Greenville to be in a more central location to the areas she serves. Jennifer has worked for the public school system in Special Education for 15 years. She holds credentials in Supported Employment Services (endorsements - Autism), Job Placement, VAT, and Job Skills Trainer/Job Coach. Jennifer has taught elementary, middle school, and high school. She has worked with special education students with different disabilities at all levels.
.png)
Killeen, Temple, & Waco
Beth Barfknecht was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She is a Program Manager with over 14 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities. Beth graduated from California State University, Dominguez Hills, with a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science, and has an associate’s degree in Child Development. She holds credentials in Supported Employment Services (endorsements - Autism), Job Placement and Job Skills Trainer/Job Coach. Beth moved to Texas in 2020, and started out as an Employment Specialist in the Temple/Waco/Killeen area. Beth has worked in special education with students with disabilities at all levels and ages. She has a passion for serving individuals with disabilities in vocational rehabilitation. “I am honored to work in the field that I am in. I truly cannot imagine myself doing anything else. The joy our work brings to our customer’s lives changes not only their own, but also those whom they work with. Work Ready is in the business of changing what inclusivity means in the workforce by building bridges, creating opportunities, and transforming lives.”
.png)
Tyler, Longview, & Marshall
Alex Dirksen has worked with Work Ready since 2020. He began as an Employment Specialist working in Smith, Gregg, and surrounding counties. In 2021, Alex became the Program Manager for the Tyler, Longview, and Marshall area. Alex earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati. He has spent over 11 years working with seniors and individuals with disabilities in Colorado, Kentucky, and Texas. He has experience in management, social work, sales and marketing. Alex holds UNTWISE credentials in Job Skills Training, Job Placement, Supported Employment, Vocational Adjustment Training (VAT), and an endorsement credential in Autism. He has a passion for helping people achieve their employment goals. Alex lives in the piney woods of East Texas with his wife and kids and enjoys the outdoors and spending time with family.
.png)
Austin, Round Rock, & San Marcos
Josh Davis was born and raised in Abilene, TX. After spending an extended period in South Florida, he returned to Texas 14 years ago, settling in Austin. For nearly 11 of those years, Josh has been a dedicated professional with Work Ready, beginning his career as a Certified Job Coach and Employment Specialist and advancing to Program Manager for the Central/North Austin and Round Rock/Georgetown regions. Josh holds a certification in Advanced Employment Services from the University of North Texas, along with credentials in Supported Employment Services (with Autism Endorsements), Workplace Inclusion and Sustainable Employment, Job Skills Training/Coaching, and Vocational Adjustment Training. “I absolutely love working for Work Ready and being part of such an incredible team dedicated to an amazing cause. Everyone has a disability to some extent, but I believe in focusing on people’s abilities. I genuinely enjoy collaborating with every customer referred to Work Ready for employment services and am passionate about helping them find their ideal career paths."
.png)
Texas City, Pearland, & South Houston
Maggie O'Connor is from Houston, Texas. She graduated from The University of Texas with a Bachelors of Arts in Sociology and a Minor in Psychology. After graduation, Maggie started working for a Children's Advocacy Center as a Forensic Interviewer. She then became the Program Director overseeing the Forensic Interview, Family Advocacy and Internship programs. Throughout her time at the CAC, Maggie was able to meet and work with a handful of children and adults with various disabilities. This allowed her the opportunity to realize she wanted to make a career change and use her experience and skillset in a different way.