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.

MONICA BURKHOLDER

Administrative Assistant

Monica Burkholder serves as our assistant and administrative support person. She oversees the logistics of our classes, updates our website, manages our social media, and many other things! She can figure out any technology challenge thrown her way!

When she’s not working for Workplace Talent Solutions, she manages a coffee shop, does design work, and dotes on her extra fluffy cat.



Ashley Stockholm

Training Coordinator

Ashley began her teaching and learning journey in elementary school and continued her exploration throughout her high school, college, and adult life. After completing her degree in Physics with a minor in Educational Studies from Bryn Mawr College, she moved on to Duke University for her Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with a specialization in Physics and Mathematics. She has her Pennsylvania Mathematics Certification for grades 7-12 and she most recently earned her TESOL certification to better equip English Language Learners. Ashley has taught a wide age range of students. She feels building strong relationships with her students is an essential part of a successful learning experience. She is blessed to have her husband of 13 years and their 5 children, whom she homeschools.



emma devlin

Instructional Designer

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.

Elisa hammes

Instructor

Elisa Hammes is an educator with a design background and a passion for language, poetry, puns, and cross-cultural communication. She has over ten years experience teaching ESL to adults in the United States and abroad. In addition to being an instructor and collaborator at Workplace Talent Solutions, Elisa founded Studio E—offering group and private instruction on Zoom. She serves on the ESL Board of Advisors at Kutztown University and is an adjunct professor at RACC in the Writing for Academic Purposes Department.

Elisa explains her teaching style and mission like this: 

“Building fluency and proficiency through dynamic lessons relevant to my students' interests and goals is central to how I teach. My aim is to break down barriers setting students on a path to higher education, fulfilling employment, and increased community involvement.”

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.