Christina, a graduate of West Chester University, was working full-time in public relations when disability changed her career course. After the onset of a rare autoimmune disorder, she found herself out of the workforce for 10 years. In 2023, Harrisburg OVR’s Kathryn Cooney recommended that Christina check out the remote training offered by The Sierra Group Academy.

Feeling nervous to be in school “online” with limited MS Office skills, Christina set out to give our program a try. She soon set an example as a distinguished student who ultimately got hired to work PT as an assistant instructor. Christina’s prior work savvy, combined with new training, led her to quickly progress to her current role as Supervisor of Instruction at The Sierra Group. She facilitates a welcoming environment ripe for students of all backgrounds to grow and fulfill their job goals. Her talents are worn on her sleeve, with students receiving daily guidance and valuable experience from her mastery of Microsoft Office 365 and Business Communication and lived disability experience.

She’s a qualified and nurturing presence for other adult learners with responsibilities for student progress and workplace success. Through her unique blend of experiences in advertising, her ability to overcome personal adversity, and her recent OVR-funded vocational training, Christina brings a diverse perspective and commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others seeking out their own career path.

In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, spending time with her teen daughter, and her mom. She hopes to purchase a home in the future, now that vocation is back in her life’s picture!

“Celebrating my students’ successes and achievements is the highlight of my role as a vocational instructor. Witnessing their accomplishments, whether they land a job, master a new skill, or gain confidence, can be incredibly rewarding.”