Associates

Jim holds a Masters degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. His work experience includes over 40 years of vocational rehabilitation service provision in state and federal agencies, training facilities, school districts and private practice. He has also done counselor education at the local and national levels, as well as program management and litigation support in conjunction with his clinical work. He is actively involved in state and national counseling organizations and has held board and committee positions at both levels.  Jim is published in his professional field and has made numerous presentations on various aspects of vocational counseling, expert testimony, and transition services.  You may contact Jim at jim.boyd@theevalcenter.org.

Lisa Byrne, MA, CRC, CVE, LCPC                    

Licensed Interpreter for the Deaf

Lisa received her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Rehabilitation Counseling from Northern Illinois University, and has also served on the Advisory Board for these programs. She is fluent in sign language and a Licensed Interpreter for the Deaf. Lisa has had extensive experience working with clients with a wide range of cognitive abilities as well as from a variety of referral sources and backgrounds. She has experience working with Veterans, adults with disabilities from rehabilitation agencies, transitioning students, injured workers, providing litigation support, and vocational expert testimony. She has consulted with school districts and presented at the national level.  You may contact Lisa at lisa.byrne@theevalcenter.org. 

Resa is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor who has been serving individuals with disabilities since 2003. She has experience in guiding diverse clients with their rehabilitation goals in private, public, and transition settings. Resa has expertise with providing vocational evaluations, labor market surveys, case management services, job development, and expert testimony.   You may contact Resa at resa.kopitzke@theevalcenter.org.

Tami holds a Bachelors degree in Rehabilitation Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a Masters degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the Illinois Institute of Technology.  She serves on the board of the International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals-Illinois Chapter. With 17 years experience in the field of vocational rehabilitation, Tami has provided comprehensive vocational assessment for high school students and adults, including occupationally injured workers.  She has experience working with various school districts as part of their transition planning, the Department of Human Services/Division of Rehabilitation Services offices throughout the Chicagoland area, as well as the Department of Veterans Affairs. You may contact Tami at tami.sherman@theevalcenter.org.

Utilizing a Bachelor's degree in Rehabilitation Services and a Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Kara has worked with students, specifically within transition programs and utilizing assistive technology, as well as adults. She has provided vocational assessment and placement training to school professionals including the development of vocational curriculum and programming. Kara also provides supported employment related services with veterans with disabilities. Additionally, her skills include utilizing sign language to work with individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing. You may contact Kara at kara.harris@theevalcenter.org.