Board Members

Crystal Engram, Chair

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Michael Stayman, Treasurer

Jill Brennan, Secretary

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Lucy Baney

Kam Cheung

Craig Donovan

Elizabeth Dupont

Richard Dupont

Victor Fuda

Toni Harp

Christopher Kunhardt

Rev. D. Stanley Lord

Ilsa Marrero

Sharon Martinez

David Scaramozza

Mark Soycher

Mark Thorsheim

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Administration

Scott K. Wilderman

President & CEO

Scott K. Wilderman is the President and CEO of Career Resources, one of the nation’s leading non-profit workforce development organizations. Scott has considerable experience in both the private and the non-profit sectors. After earning a Master’s Degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, he worked in human resources at General Dynamics in the Electric Boat Division. He subsequently became the Training Manager at Advest Financial Services and moved into the non-profit sector through his interest in working with disadvantaged youth. Scott joined Career Resources after holding senior management positions at the Community Renewal Team in Hartford. He has nearly twenty-five years of experience in the workforce development system, where he has developed excellent working relationships throughout New England. Scott is highly skilled in building community investment in collaborative ventures as seen through his work around re-entry and job training across the state.

He currently serves as the board chair for the Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition and is a member of the board for the Connecticut Patriot Guard Riders and Connecticut United Way. Some of Scott’s notable successes are as the founder of the Bridgeport ReEntry Roundtable along with the merger of the STRIVE programs throughout Connecticut.

Scott lives in Westbrook, Connecticut with his wife Lisa and their two daughters, Morgan and Amanda. When not working, he enjoys riding his Harley and gardening.

Angela Pellegrino-Grant

Chief Operations Officer

Angela Pellegrino-Grant joined Career Resources in 2016 and was promoted into the Chief Operations Officer role in 2019. As the COO, she works closely with the CEO to chart the strategic growth of CRI, while also working closely with the SVP of Workforce Development and the SVP of Reentry Services and Business Affairs to oversee project management at a high level. She also oversees organizational operations (HR, IT., etc.). Angela brings more than 20 years of experience in program and organizational management to Career Resources. She worked for almost 15 years for a non-profit in Washington, DC that implemented international exchange, training, and development programs for the federal government. She has a B.A. in Comparative Government and Italian Studies from Wesleyan University, and an M.A. in International Development from American University.

Christopher Landino

Chief Development Officer

Christopher is a development and marketing professional who brings a broad range of experiences from the nonprofit field.  Prior to joining Career Resources as the CDO, Christopher strategically built sustainable fundraising processes to support workforce development initiatives, environmental education, and health and human services.

Most recently, Christopher spent seven years at an economic development organization where he launched and managed the fundraising and marketing departments to drive small business growth across Connecticut.  This included a complete rebranding of the company, doubling revenue, and expanding its network of satellite offices.

Christopher earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Psychology and Sociology/Anthropology from Roger William University.  He is a baseball fan, enjoys carpentry and drawing, and spending time with his family!

Rob Hebert

Chief Strategic Officer

Rob grew up in Plymouth, Connecticut and is a graduate of Central Connecticut State University. He is currently the Senior Vice President of Business Development and Re-entry Affairs for Career Resources. Over the last twenty years, Rob has worked the full spectrum of social services positions, including Mental Health and Addiction Services, Law Enforcement, Probation, and Prison Re-entry. Prior to joining CRI,  Rob was the Senior Job Developer and Media Spokesperson for the State of Connecticut’s STRIDE program, which was a statewide workforce development program for returning citizens. He has built longstanding relationships with the business community as well as various media outlets, non-profits, and state agencies.

As of January 2018, Rob replaced Dan Braccio as the Bridgeport Re-entry Council’s chairperson and also serves on the advisory board for the Bridgeport Mayor’s Initiative for Re-entry affairs (MIRA). In the fall of 2018 Rob was chosen to serve on the Criminal Justice committee of Governor Lamont’s transition team.

In 2020 Rob joined the policy planning committee of the Connecticut Reentry Collaborative and also joined the faculty of UConn’s Encore program.

He has lived in Naugatuck with his wife Katie and daughters Amaya and Brooklyn since 2011. In his downtime Rob is an avid sports fan and can be found traveling the Connecticut Wine Trail or vacationing in Cape Cod.

 
                                                            Kim Harris

Vice President of

Residential and Re-entry Services

Kim provides direct supervision to staff overseeing the general operation of all residences and client services. As a strong advocate for re-entry, she ensures proper care is provided to those entrusted to the agency. In addition to directing daily activities, Ms. Harris serves as a liaison to the community with professionalism and integrity.

Ms. Harris attended the California State University of Fullerton in Fullerton California and Springfield College in Springfield, MA. Her professional interest focuses on providing ex-offenders the skills necessary to reintegrate into the community and become productive citizens into the mainstream of society and live crime-free lives.

Wanda Lary

Sr. Vice President of

Workforce Development 

Wanda Lary joined CRI in May of 2021 as the One Stop Operator at Career Resources Inc. In February of 2022, she was promoted to Sr. Vice President of Workforce Development. As the SVP of Work Development, she provides oversight and strategic direction to the American Job Center – Southwest CT Region and the statewide CRI Strive team. 

Prior to undertaking the One Stop Operator’s role at Career Resources Inc., Wanda served as the Business Services Coordinator at Workforce Alliance, leading a team of in-demand, sector-based Business Service Specialists tasked with providing customized assistance to employers in the areas of hiring, incumbent worker up-skilling, and informed decision making relative to the employment and training resources in the South Central CT region. Since 2014, Wanda has held several roles in Workforce Development, including serving as the Project Coordinator for the 2015 National Dislocated Worker Grant for CT, a $1.5M grant. Before moving to Workforce Development, Wanda held senior HR leadership roles at American Express, GE Private Equity and other premier financial institutions.

Wanda earned her BA in Psychology from the University of Connecticut and her MBA from the University of New Haven. Since 2014, Wanda has held her Senior Professional Human Resources (SPHR) certification with the HR Certification Institute. Wanda has engaged in service to her community through positions on the Boards of the Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce and Christian Community Action, and as a Human Services Commissioner and Civil Services Commissioner for the Town of Hamden, where she makes her home. 

Wanda has two daughters, Jessyca, and Victoria. She enjoys reading and hiking! 


Elizabeth Perez-Gonzalez

Vice President of Operations (Southwest)

Elizabeth joined Career Resources in 2009. Born in Cuba, she immigrated to the U.S in 1996 with an educational background in Engineering. Prior to making a career change, Elizabeth was employed as a quality control manager for Bodine Contract Assembly LLC. where she oversaw the production process.

Elizabeth joined Career Resources as a Job First Employment Service (JFES) case manager and held that position for 4 years, until promoted to lead case manager. She was further promoted to JFES manager in 2018, and upon the merging of the JFES and Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) program, she took the role of JFES/WIOA Program Manager for the Southwest region in 2021. Elizabeth ‘s current role at CRI Inc. is Vice President of Southwest One Stop Operations. 

 She is accountable for the day-to-day operations of the four American Job Centers in the Southwest region.
 

Elizabeth is bilingual and communicates effectively in English and Spanish. She has worked in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Department of Social Services throughout her career. She is part of the National Development Association, obtaining a Career Development Facilitator certification in 2010. Elizabeth has been a long-time resident of Connecticut since 1996 and is passionate about assisting the community by providing individuals with the tools and resources to aid in their success. During her off hours, she enjoys the outdoors, spending time with her family, and event decorations.

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Denise Babcock

Vice President of Operations (Northwest)

Denise grew up in Wolcott, Connecticut and is a graduate of Post University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Before making her career change to the Workforce Development system in 2011, she worked alongside her dad running the family owned and operated manufacturing business for 16 years handling all the day to day operations. She has since been the WIOA Program Supervisor for the Northwest Region for the past 10 years and has gained significant knowledge and experience of WIOA polices and regulations.

She currently holds a School Business Administrator Certificate from the Connecticut State Department of Education.

In her spare time, Denise enjoys working in her yard, exercising and spending time with her Yorkshire terrier “Winston”.

Locations

Career Resources Headquarters

1000 Lafayette Blvd
Bridgeport, CT 06604

Southwest American Job Center

Bridgeport Comprehensive Job Center
2 Lafayette Blvd
Bridgeport, CT 06604
(203) 333-5129

Stamford Satellite Office
141 Franklin, 2nd Floor Street
Stamford, CT 06905
(203) 353-1702

Derby Satellite Office
101 Elizabeth Street
Derby, CT 06418
(203) 734-3443
(203) 732-3156 (Fax)

Ansonia Satellite Office
4 Fourth Street
Ansonia, CT 06401
(203) 397-6647

Northwest American Job Center

Waterbury Job Center
249 Thomaston Ave
Waterbury, CT 06702
(203) 574-6971

Danbury Job Center
185 Main Street
Danbury, CT 06810
(203) 730-0451

Torrington Job Center
59 Field Street
Torrington, CT 06790
(860)-496-3500

Residential Work Release

Isaiah House I
112 Clinton Ave
Bridgeport, CT 06605

Isaiah House II
120 Clinton Ave
Bridgeport, CT 06605

Isaiah House III
405 Clinton Ave
Bridgeport, CT 06605

Clinton House
341 Clinton Ave
Bridgeport, CT 06605

Lucy Baney Family Reunification Center
1037 Sylvan Ave
Bridgeport, CT 066

Reentry Services

Career Resources, Inc. has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual abuse and sexual harassment. PREA was created to prevent, detect and respond to sexual harassment and sexual abuse in correctional facilities. PREA was enacted by the Federal Government in 2003.

PREA Information #1PREA Information #2
Fairfield County

Entry Point Staffing

Funded by Impact Fairfield County

Entry Point is the first-of-its-kind nonprofit staffing agency helping those formerly incarcerated find jobs with local businesses and organizations while continuing to offer full wrap-around support. In turn, businesses in the Fairfield County area find pre-vetted and experienced workers.

To learn more about Entry Point Staffing, visit their website by clicking the button below.

Lucy Baney Family Reunification Center

Funded by Alliance For Community Empowerment & CT DOC

The Lucy Baney Family Reunification Center, named after CRI’s own Lucy Baney, houses both our Stars Program and Women and Childrens Program. It is one of its kind in the state, housing 20 women returning to the community, with 5 of them accompanied by their children all under one roof. Many services such as childcare from Alliance will be offered.

To learn more about the Lucy Baney Family Reunification Center, contact Kim Harris at harris@careerresources.org.

Bridgeport Families First

Partnered with City of Bridgeport

Bridgeport Families First offers justice-impacted families wrap around services including individualized support for parents and children, transportation to Department of Corrections for visitation, as well as job training and placement.

The BFF program also proivdes access to other “in network” programs offered by Career Resources, such as Fathers for Life and Foster Grandparents.

To learn more, email mira.service@bridgeportct.gov.

 

New Haven

New Haven Reentry Program

A Work Ready Program

Join our WorkReady team in our New Haven Reentry Program which utilizes the proven STRIVE model to prepare jobseekers for the workforce. Participants must be 18+ and have prior justice involvement.

If you are a resident of New Haven and are interested in joining our Reentry Program, contact Jacqueline Evans at evans@careerresources.org.

Virtual

Platform 2 Employment

A Work Ready Program, funded by the workplace

Under our WorkReady team, Platform 2 Employment Reentry helps assist justice-involved citizens with work readiness and career development training. Training includes career-related tools, financial counseling, and other resources to secure employment.

If you are interested in being part of our Platform 2 Employment Reentry program, please contact our P2E Reentry Trainer, Ren Brockmeyer at rbrockmeyer@careerresources.org.

Bridgeport

Fathers For Life

Partnered with CT DSS

This program helps non-custodial and custodial parents connect emotionally as well as financially with their children. Program components include support group sessions, parenting skills through the state certified 24/7 Dad Curriculum, financial education, and other ways to support and engage your children. If you are interested in the Fathers for Life program, please contact Kenny Jackson at kjackson@careerresources.org

Not Running

Stephanie’s Closet

Named after one of Career Resources’ very own, Stephanie’s Closet provides lightly used men’s clothing and outerwear to those in the community.

Stephanie’s Closet is currently accepting donations. However, it is not currently accepting refferals. To learn more please contact Ann Curcio at curcio@careerresources.org.

Virtual

STRIVE Connecticut

A Work Ready Program

A unique three-week attitudinal job readiness course in a simulated work environment, emphasizing personal accountability; includes case management, job leads and two years of follow-up support.

Participants can now receive workforce training online and on demand.

Contact cherry@careerresources.org to learn more.

Bridgeport

Isaiah House

Residential Program

Isaiah House is our residential work release program for male returning citizens. Services offered include substance abuse counseling, individual and family counseling, and vocational counseling. To learn more about Isaiah House, contact Kim Harris at harris@careerresources.org.  

Reentry Services

Career Resources, Inc. has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual abuse and sexual harassment. PREA was created to prevent, detect and respond to sexual harassment and sexual abuse in correctional facilities. PREA was enacted by the Federal Government in 2003.

PREA Information #1PREA Information #2
Fairfield County

Entry Point Staffing

Funded by Impact Fairfield County

Entry Point is the first-of-its-kind nonprofit staffing agency helping those formerly incarcerated find jobs with local businesses and organizations while continuing to offer full wrap-around support. In turn, businesses in the Fairfield County area find pre-vetted and experienced workers.

To learn more about Entry Point Staffing, visit their website by clicking the button below.

Lucy Baney Family Reunification Center

Funded by Alliance For Community Empowerment & CT DOC

The Lucy Baney Family Reunification Center, named after CRI’s own Lucy Baney, houses both our Stars Program and Women and Childrens Program. It is one of its kind in the state, housing 20 women returning to the community, with 5 of them accompanied by their children all under one roof. Many services such as childcare from Alliance will be offered.

To learn more about the Lucy Baney Family Reunification Center, contact Kim Harris at harris@careerresources.org.

Bridgeport Families First

Partnered with City of Bridgeport

Bridgeport Families First offers justice-impacted families wrap around services including individualized support for parents and children, transportation to Department of Corrections for visitation, as well as job training and placement.

The BFF program also proivdes access to other “in network” programs offered by Career Resources, such as Fathers for Life and Foster Grandparents.

To learn more, email mira.service@bridgeportct.gov.

 

New Haven

New Haven Reentry Program

A Work Ready Program

Join our WorkReady team in our New Haven Reentry Program which utilizes the proven STRIVE model to prepare jobseekers for the workforce. Participants must be 18+ and have prior justice involvement.

If you are a resident of New Haven and are interested in joining our Reentry Program, contact Jacqueline Evans at evans@careerresources.org.

Virtual

Platform 2 Employment

A Work Ready Program, funded by the workplace

Under our WorkReady team, Platform 2 Employment Reentry helps assist justice-involved citizens with work readiness and career development training. Training includes career-related tools, financial counseling, and other resources to secure employment.

If you are interested in being part of our Platform 2 Employment Reentry program, please contact our P2E Reentry Trainer, Ren Brockmeyer at rbrockmeyer@careerresources.org.

Bridgeport

Fathers For Life

Partnered with CT DSS

This program helps non-custodial and custodial parents connect emotionally as well as financially with their children. Program components include support group sessions, parenting skills through the state certified 24/7 Dad Curriculum, financial education, and other ways to support and engage your children. If you are interested in the Fathers for Life program, please contact Kenny Jackson at kjackson@careerresources.org

Not Running

Stephanie’s Closet

Named after one of Career Resources’ very own, Stephanie’s Closet provides lightly used men’s clothing and outerwear to those in the community.

Stephanie’s Closet is currently accepting donations. However, it is not currently accepting refferals. To learn more please contact Ann Curcio at curcio@careerresources.org.

Virtual

STRIVE Connecticut

A Work Ready Program

A unique three-week attitudinal job readiness course in a simulated work environment, emphasizing personal accountability; includes case management, job leads and two years of follow-up support.

Participants can now receive workforce training online and on demand.

Contact cherry@careerresources.org to learn more.

Bridgeport

Isaiah House

Residential Program

Isaiah House is our residential work release program for male returning citizens. Services offered include substance abuse counseling, individual and family counseling, and vocational counseling. To learn more about Isaiah House, contact Kim Harris at harris@careerresources.org.