Vandover has made coaching the central focus of how we deliver our services. Our Transition Coaches work one-on-one with employees and their spouses to navigate domestic and global transitions. We are experienced in assisting transferees with diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
The coaching process begins with an initial needs assessment, which the coach uses to build career search and acclimation strategies that are customized to each individual. For job seekers, this may include coaching to the interview process, conducting career assessments, and implementing job search strategies. For entrepreneurs, coaches can assist with relocating their business or starting a new one. Coaches also coordinate with our Research team to develop customized Career and Acclimation research on area resources, as well as creating or updating résumés, CVs, and cover letters.
Our team of Transition Coaches and Research Specialists is made up of individuals with a broad range of backgrounds, education, prior career fields, and domestic and global relocation experience. This gives us personal insight into how to provide support for employees and families in transition.
Tracy Collins, Senior Transition Coach
Tracy has worked with individuals in transition for more than 11 years, beginning her career with Vandover working with outplaced individuals. She has previously worked in the healthcare industry in such areas as occupational medicine and worker’s compensation. Tracy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and has attended graduate level courses in Human Resource Management.
Heather Eller, Transition Coach
Heather has held positions in retail management, healthcare business development, education, and collections. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Indiana State University and has previously lived in Spain.
Sue Ellison, Transition Coach
Sue has worked as a social worker and counselor for over 20 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Webster University. Sue is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri. Her prior experience includes work in the fields of marketing, adoption, recruiting, social services, school counseling, and private counseling.
Alisa French, Transition Coach
With over 15 years of experience in the healthcare recruitment industry, Alisa has provided support to professionals and their families relocating for the majority of her career. She has also worked as Director of Physician Development and Client Services for Emergency Medical Care, which included oversight of an operating staff responsible for the management of multiple emergency departments and hundreds of physicians. Alisa holds a Master of Arts in Communication and Marketing from Saint Louis University.
Bill Guhman, Transition Coach
Bill has more than 10 years of experience in the relocation industry, with prior experience in banking, restaurant management, real estate, and non-profits. He has owned his own business for the last 3 decades. Bill holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and the Certified Relocation Professional (CRP) designation from Worldwide ERC.
Erica Havenar, Transition Coach
Erica has previously worked as the Director of Recruitment and Selection for a financial firm and also has experience in the government and medical industries. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Communication from Southern Illinois University and a Master of Arts in Organizational Development and Communication from Saint Louis University.
Trudy Marshall, Senior Transition Coach
Trudy Marshall has worked as a professional artist and entrepreneur for over 20 years, exhibiting her work nationally and in Taiwan. She holds a Masters of Art and a second Masters of Fine Art in Sculpture from Fontbonne University. Trudy has participated in public speaking engagements for support groups and studies the Italian language. She is in the process of completing the Institution of Career Certification International program.
Jeffrey Quigg, Customer Relations Coach
Jeffrey has 14 years of combined experience in global delivery of career transition and global assignment solutions. He has personally managed over 1,000 global moves for several Fortune 500 companies in over 100 countries worldwide, providing him with a strong overall understanding of global business and the nuances of various cultures. He holds the Certified Relocation Professional and Global Mobility Specialist designations.
Marilen Pitler, Acclimation Transition Coach
Marilen has over 13 years of experience at Vandover and specializes in assisting transferees with their Acclimation needs. She has been involved in a variety of community activities, including serving on a regional theatre board, organizing educational retreats, and facilitating cross-cultural dialogue groups for current residents and new immigrants to America. She holds an Associate in Arts from Loop Junior College.
Vicki Prasch, Transition Coach
Vicki has extensive real-life experience with transition, having moved with her family 7 times over the past several years. Her prior experience includes working as a journalist and freelance writer and in the benefits industry, most recently providing administrative support and communications for small business. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Anderson University.
Kathryn Riesmeyer, Transition Coach
Kathy has over 11 years of experience as a professional counselor and clinical supervisor, including developing a Life Transitions department for a post-graduate educational institution. She has experience as a small business owner and has held managerial and executive positions in both private and publicly held companies. Kathy also participates in the Military OneSource program and the American Red Cross. She holds a Bachelor’s of General Studies in Business/Psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Covenant Theological Seminary. Kathy is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri, as well as a National Certified Counselor.
Carla Rosen, Senior Transition Coach
Carla is a veteran career and family transition coach. Her French-language skills and her prior experience as a former English as a Second Language teacher and elementary reading specialist have helped her assist thousands of outplacement and relocation clients. Carla is a certified Birkman Consultant and holds the Professional in Human Resources designation, and also is a Past President and current member of the Human Resource Management Association of Greater St. Louis. She holds an A.B. in the Teaching of Social Studies from the University of Illinois and a Master of Education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
Barbara Singer, Senior Transition Coach
Barbara has over 8 years of experience at Vandover. Her prior background is in the consumer products, hospitality, and interactive media arenas, as well as the nonprofit and government sectors. She is a Certified MBTI ® Practitioner and has completed coaching training with The Coaches Training Institute (CTI), the first organization to be given accreditation by The International Coach Federation. Barbara has also served as an organization development consultant and principal of The Coach Approach. She holds a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Missouri -Columbia and a certificate in Organization Development from Georgetown University.
Judith M. Wallut, Transition Coach and Customer Relations Coach
Judy serves as both a Transition Coach and as one of the first contacts with transferring families. Prior to joining Vandover, she worked in sales for multiple food and beverage companies, including PepsiAmericas, Anheuser-Busch/InBev, Kraft Foods, and Russell Stover Candy. Judy holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Missouri State University and a Master of Business Administration from Lindenwood University.
Jim Wojtak, Senior Transition Coach
Jim has over 15 years of experience in management and marketing with an emphasis on training, customer service and project management. Prior to joining Vandover, he worked with major markets throughout the U.S. and Canada. Jim is certified as a Job and Career Transition Coach (JCTC) through the Career Planning and Adult Development Network. He holds an Associate of Arts in Business from Joliet Junior College and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Illinois State University.
Philip Wright, Transition Coach
Philip has extensive Operations and Supply Chain Management experience, including production, logistics, planning, forecasting, inventory control, customer service, quality assurance, and procurement. His prior positions include working in ISO Systems Management for multiple facilities, Corporate HR Training Program development, and representing division on international inter-division Operation Management business planning teams. Philip has also been quoted and published in quality assurance trade magazines. He has a Bachelor of Science in Management from Maryville University.
