Our Expertise

Employees Who Don't Speak English

With our experience in ESL (English as a Second Language), we create and facilitate instruction that is understood by those who speak English as a second language. Our instruction is done only in English, even at beginning levels. That means, if your employees speak many different languages, you won't need separate classes for all of them. 

Workplace English

Our courses are designed for the workplace. We focus on the needs of employees within their companies: communicating with supervisors, understanding U.S. Workplace culture, employer expectations, safety language, and asking questions, etc.

Cultural Understanding

We have experience interacting with and teaching individuals of all ages and from all over the world. We believe it is important to understand cultural and generational differences and how those differences are expressed in workplace interactions. Our cultural knowledge and experience are incorporated into all of our training programs.

CATHY MARTIN

Co-Founder & Partner

Cathy Martin, co-founder, oversees the operations of the business. She has worked in adult education for over 15 years. She is dedicated to equipping others with the education and training they need to succeed and grow, especially those who face barriers. She has a degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and has taught English as a second language since the start of her career, both in the community and in the corporate environment. She also spent some time training ESL instructors and working as a freelance instructional designer. Her love of organization and efficiency accompanied by her experience in teaching non-native English speakers gives her a special ability to explain things clearly and understandably.

She is married to her high school sweetheart and they enjoy the challenge of raising two small children. Together, they spend their free time working on their fixer-upper home and camping whenever they can.

Laurie Dawkins

Co-Founder & Partner

Laurie Dawkins, co-founder, is the director of our strategic partnerships. She has over 30 years of professional experience in the fields of adult education and business. At the heart of what she does, is the desire to see people learn, grow, and advance in their careers using their gifts and strengths. She believes that lifelong learning is the key to career advancement both personally and for others. Prior to joining Workplace Talent Solutions, Laurie enjoyed an 18-year career in banking and 15 years working for a non-profit in the field of adult education where she designed and implemented all aspects of an employer workplace literacy program. 

She presently resides in Reading with her husband of 37 years. And last but not least, she is Nana to 8 amazing grandchildren who do a great job of keeping her on the move.

emma devlin

Program Development Coordinator 

Emma Devlin has a passion for equipping those who face language barriers to excel in both their education and professional career. She has a degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and has a variety of experience teaching English within the community and for career purposes. 

She is newly married and presently lives with her husband in Williamsport, PA. In her free time, Emma enjoys spending time outside whenever she can, as well as crocheting and curling up on the couch with a good book.

MANDY KAUCHER

Social Media Manager

As a former art teacher, Mandy enjoys the creativity and structure that go into managing the social media accounts for Workplace Talent Solutions. Whether it's designing graphics, creating videos, planning content, or writing, Mandy loves any creative challenge she encounters!

Outside of work hours, you can find her propagating plants, gardening, reading, or hiking with her husband and two rescue pups. 

linda yang

Instructor

Linda Yang has a heart for the immigrant and refugee.  She remembers the struggles her parents experienced learning a new language and integrating into a different culture while trying to preserve their own. Linda is passionate about lifelong learning, as she has seen it open doors of opportunity. Her desire is to equip others to succeed in their everyday life, and advance their  education and professional careers.  She is earning her Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages degree.

Linda and her husband are parents to 4 wonderful children who keep them on their toes. In their free time, their family enjoys traveling, snowboarding, volleyball, and watching movies.