Cory Turner, M.Ed., CRC, CEAS
Cory is the founder of Vocational Connections, Inc. and is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor having served injured workers and employers since 1996 in the vocational rehabilitation field in WA State, both in State Fund and Self Insurance. She has been active in the International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals, WSIA, the Vocational Technical Stakeholders Group, and has volunteered to participate in several groups over the years in order to improve the quality of vocational rehabilitation in the State of Washington. She and her team strive to help identify win/win solutions to difficult situations with honesty, efficiency, and integrity.
See Cory’s profile for additional details.
Cherie Smith, M.Ed., CRC
Cherie is a long-time employee of Vocational Connections, Inc., having started her career here in 2003. She graduated from Central Washington University with a Bachelor of Art in Psychology, to then go on and complete her Masters in Education in Mental Health (M.Ed.,) through Heritage University in 2007. Cherie earned her Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) Certification in 2008. Cherie enjoys spending time with her family and three children, taking advantage of all that the Wenatchee Valley offers.
Read more about Cherie here.
Amber Parmley, MRC, CRC, CDMS, CEAS
Amber has worked in the vocational rehabilitation industry for over 13 years and has also been a Progressive Goal Attainment Program coach since 2017. For 15 years, she has worked with welfare recipients and employers setting up on-the-job trainings and workshops utilizing WorkFirst, Welfare-to-Work, and Job Training Partnership and Workforce Investment Act. Other professional experience includes work as a services coordinator for the domestic violence center/retail training program in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, and a court services officer for Okanogan County Juvenile Court.
Read more about Amber.
Nicolle Cummins, B.A., CDMS
Nicolle became a part of the Vocational Connections team in 2019. Originally from Arizona, she graduated from Whitworth University in 2018 and is now our first member residing in Spokane Washington. While at Whitworth, Nicolle obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Minor in Leadership Studies. She has a strong desire to serve and connect with others in her community and is excited to be a member of our team.
Read more about Nicolle.
Nicholas Padron, B.A., CDMS
Nicholas came to Vocational Connections with a background in social and paralegal services in 2020. A native of Central Washington, Nicholas graduated with honors from Central Washington University in 2003, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Law & Justice with an emphasis in paralegal studies. Nicholas earned his Certified Disability Management Specialist certification in September 2021 and continues to demonstrate dedication to helping others in their vocational recovery.
Learn more about Nicholas.
Adilene (Adi) Hernandez, B.A.
Adi joined our team in 2021 after graduating from Washington State University in 2020 with a degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology. Born and raised in the Wenatchee Valley, her bilingual communication skills have been essential in helping our clients fully understand our services and progress towards their vocational recovery. A helping nature and ability to relate to people make Adi an asset to our team. Se habla español.
Read more about Adi.
Katrina Watson, B.A., CDMS
New to Vocational Connections in 2022, Katrina graduated from Central Washington University in 2008, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a minor in Sociology. She is passionate about her work and any opportunities that promote personal growth, teamwork, and community involvement. Katrina looks forward to serving our clients in their return-to-work efforts.
Learn more about Katrina.
Marissa Mays, B.A., CDMS
Marissa joined our team in 2022, having graduated from Vanguard University of Southern California with a B.A. in Psychology in 2016. While new to Vocational Connections, Marissa has a great deal of experience working in her community with an array of people from different populations. She is excited to enter this field and looks forward to working with the people of Wenatchee Valley and surrounding areas.
Tori Simon, B.A., B.S.
Tori joined our team in 2024 after earning a B.S in Psychology and a B.A. in Social Services from Central Washington University. Raised in the Wenatchee Valley, Tori enjoys building positive relationships with people in her community. She is dedicated to opportunities of growth, both personally and professionally. She enjoys the outdoors, traveling, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
Liselotte Penix, B.A., M.A.
New to Vocational Connections in 2024, Lisel earned a B.A. in Psychology from Cedar Crest College in 2012 and an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University in 2015. She has experience working with many different populations, ranging from children and young adults with disabilities to adults recovering in residential treatment. Lisel is excited to help with vocational recovery. When not working, she enjoys hiking, biking, and spending time with her extended family.
Chris Woodward
With a background in dental insurance billing, law enforcement and many years of customer service, Chris joined our team in August 2022. She is the friendly face at the front desk and the voice you hear when calling our office. Chris brings invaluable organizational, clerical and communication skills to Vocational Connections. In her free time, she enjoys laughing with friends and family and doing outdoor activities with her husband and three kids.