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Our Staff

PIC’s team is composed of seasoned professionals with extensive experience in business, recruitment, and job preparation. They possess the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the job application process successfully. Staff work closely with clients to walk them through every step of the job training and placement process. PIC also specializes in post-employment job coaching.  PIC’s team is joined by NEXT career coaches who specialize in services for youth ages 16-24.

Christine Zabel

Executive Director
Partners in Careers

Mary Clark | Partners in Careers Staff

Mary Clark

Operations Manager
Partners in Careers

Teresa Johnson | Partners in Careers Staff

Mirna Abraham

Workshop & Employer Engagement Specialist
Partners in Careers

Anny Alvizures | Partners in Careers Staff

Anny Alvizures

LEP Employment Specialist
Partners in Careers

Maryam Azizpour | Partners in Careers Staff

Maryam Azizpour

LEP/CLEVER Employment Specialist Partners in Careers

Teresa Johnson | Partners in Careers Staff

Teresa Johnson

Accounting
Partners in Careers

Teresa Johnson | Partners in Careers Staff

Olena Karpan

LEP Employment Specialist
Partners in Careers

LaDonna Langwell | Partners in Careers Staff

LaDonna Langwell

Program Director
GPD/LS/WorkFirst
Partners in Careers

Uliana Lomakovska | Partners in Careers Staff

Uliana Lomakovska

WorkFirst Employment Specialist Partners in Careers

Teresa Johnson | Partners in Careers Staff

Evgeniia Lupova

LEP/BFET Employment Specialist Partners in Careers

Farzana NikPoor | Partners in Careers Staff

Farzana NikPoor

Career Academy Employment Specialist
Partners in Careers

Irina Tracy | Partners in Careers Staff

Irina Tracy

Program Director
LEP
Partners in Careers

Courtney True | Partners in Careers Staff

Courtney True

Executive Project Specialist
GPD Employment Specialist
Partners in Careers

Teresa Johnson | Partners in Careers Staff

Kelly Carneal

Career Coach
NEXT
Cowlitz/Wahkiakim & Clark County

Teresa Johnson | Partners in Careers Staff

Adam Mahmoud

Career Coach
NEXT
Clark County

Teresa Johnson | Partners in Careers Staff

Cali Newby

Career Coach
NEXT
Clark County

Teresa Johnson | Partners in Careers Staff

Missy Pace

Career Coach
NEXT
Clark County

Teresa Johnson | Partners in Careers Staff

Lisa Roy

Career Coach
NEXT
Cowlitz/Wahkiakum & Clark County

Christine Zabel

Executive Director

Christine Zabel grew up in Vancouver, WA and graduated from Prairie High School. She attended Washington State University and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources/Personnel/Psychology.

She has worked for Partners in Careers for 12 years and is the Associate Executive Director. She is passionate about the work that Partners in Careers does in the community and the difference they make in the lives of others. Christine is a graduate of Leadership Clark County Class of 2016 and was a recipient of the Accomplished and Under 40 Award.

Christine also volunteers her time for Pacific Soccer Club. She has four daughters and looks forward to watching their soccer matches on the weekends. She also enjoys running and a good book to read. Christine looks forward to her traveling adventures with her husband and the many other adventures they share together.

Mary Clark | Partners in Careers Staff

Mary Clark

Operations Manager

Mary Clark grew up in Washington State. While she spent many years living in various parts of the county, she is happy to have settled back in the PNW. She attended Washington State University where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice, and went on to earn her Master of Science degree in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University. 

Mary started with Partners in Careers as an Employment Specialist and is now the Operations Manager. She is passionate about helping others find their way and realize their true potential. She admires the commitment and heartwork of the PIC staff who strive to make a difference in the lives of those they serve.

Mary enjoys traveling and exploring new places, live music, and spending time with her friends and family, including her adorable boxer puppy. One of Mary’s favorite quotes is, “She believed she could, so she did.”  It is important to never stop believing in oneself!

Kegan Gibson | Partners in Careers Staff

Kegan Gibson

Workfirst Employment Specialist

Kegan Gibson is an Employment Specialist at Partners in Careers and has been working at PIC since July of 2022. He’s passionate about providing services that make an impact on the community and being able to be a part of the solution.

One of his favorite quotes is “compassion, patience, optimism.” In his free time, Kegan enjoys creating art and music.

Anny Alvizures | Partners in Careers Staff

Anny Alvizures

LEP Employment Specialist

Anny Alvizures is an Employment Specialist at Partners in Careers (PIC) and has been with the organization since August 2023.
 
She is deeply passionate about empowering individuals by providing them with the choices and resources they need to achieve their goals.
 
In her free time, Anny cherishes spending quality moments with her daughters .
 
One of her favorite quotes is:
“Live your best, act your best, and think your best each day, for there may not be a tomorrow.”
Maryam Azizpour | Partners in Careers Staff

Maryam Azizpour

LEP/CLEVER Employment Specialist

Maryam Azizpour is an Employment Specialist at Partners in Careers and has been working at PIC for more than a year.

She is passionate about helping and working with refugees. She hopes to share what she’s learned from her own experience and use that knowledge to help others.

In her free time, she loves to spend time with her daughters.

Teresa Johnson | Partners in Careers Staff

Teresa Johnson

Accounting

Farzana NikPoor | Partners in Careers Staff

Farzana NikPoor

LEP Employment Specialist

Farzana NikPoor is an Employment Specialist at Partners in Careers (PIC), where she has been empowering job seekers since May 2022. Known for her strong communication skills and compassionate approach, Farzana plays a key role in helping individuals overcome employment barriers and achieve economic self-sufficiency. She has supported numerous clients through job readiness training, resume development, and successful job placements, she says her workplace gives her peace of mind and that this energizes her to move.

A guiding mantra in her life is: “Be strong, don’t give up”—words that gave her strength when she first arrived in the United States and continue to inspire her work today. Farzana is especially passionate about working with immigrant and refugee communities, drawing from her own experiences to offer empathy and encouragement.

Her own journey as an immigrant gives her a unique perspective and deepens her connection with the communities she serves—especially immigrants and refugees navigating the workforce for the first time.

Outside of work, she enjoys cooking and shopping, finding joy in creativity and connection.

LaDonna Langwell | Partners in Careers Staff

LaDonna Langwell

Life Skills/Workfirst Program Manager & Veteran Housing Specialist

LaDonna Langwell, a Southern California native, earned her Bachelor’s Degree in English from California State University, Fullerton. With nine years of dedicated service at Partners in Careers, she currently excels as the Program Coordinator and Grant and Per Diem (veteran housing) Case Manager.

A 2023 graduate of Leadership Clark County, LaDonna is passionate about the transformative impact of PIC’s work, believing it can significantly improve lives and help individuals achieve a brighter future.

Beyond her professional commitments, LaDonna is an avid wine enthusiast. She enjoys collecting wine, visiting wineries, and even spends her weekends pouring at a local winery. LaDonna and her husband, Todd, are recent empty nesters, celebrating 24 years of marriage. Together they enjoy cooking, baking, and sharing their love of wine.

Uliana Lomakovska | Partners in Careers Staff

Uliana Lomakovska

LEP Employment Specialist

Uliana Lomakovska is an Employment Specialist with a diverse background in both humanitarian and wellness fields. With experience working at the UK-based nonprofit LoveBristol, she spent two years supporting refugees through social assistance and empowerment programs. Uliana is certified in Project Management and CPR and brings over six years of professional experience as a licensed esthetician, holding more than 20 certifications in skincare and wellness.

Her passion lies in helping individuals grow—whether it’s through gaining meaningful employment, restoring confidence through beauty, or offering encouragement rooted in faith.

She currently serves on the media team at her church and is committed to uplifting women by integrating inner strength, spiritual values, and practical support.

Uliana is also a dedicated learner and fitness enthusiast who believes in showing up with excellence in every season.

Peter Batsalai | Partners in Careers Staff

Peter Batsalai

LEP/BFET Employment Specialist

Peter Batsalai is an Employment Specialist at Partners in Careers. His favorite saying is “Never stop learning.” He doesn’t believe in perfect timing; he believes in taking action. He sees every moment as a chance to grow and become more mindful of himself and others.

Peter doesn’t compare himself to others, only to the person he was yesterday. Rather than focusing on what’s been lost, he chooses to value the journey he has already taken.

Every day is an opportunity to grow, support someone, be inspired, and make small but meaningful changes. In his work, Peter values respect, honesty, and a shared desire to grow as a team. He believes we are all capable of more than we think — we just need to keep moving forward.

Irina Tracy | Partners in Careers Staff

Irina Tracy

LEP Program Manager

Irina Tracy,  a Job Developer at PIC, supports immigrants and refugees on their path to employment and self-sufficiency.

Originally from Russia, she holds a master’s degree from a Russian university and a master’s from the University of Oregon. Irina is passionate about helping others reach their goals and finds great joy when her clients get hired or achieve their milestones.

Outside of work, she enjoys outdoor adventures with her twin sons and husband, as well as gardening, photography, and art.

Courtney True | Partners in Careers Staff

Courtney True

Executive Project Specialist & Veteran Housing Specialist

Courtney True is an Executive Project Specialist at Partners in Careers, where she supports veterans through the Grant Per Diem program and contributes to mission-focused projects across the organization. She joined Partners in Careers after several years of volunteer service with local nonprofit organizations and educational institutions while raising her three children, who are now attending college.

Prior to staying home and raising a family, Courtney worked as a caseworker for the State of Oregon, assisting children with family reunification following cases of abuse and neglect. She holds a degree from George Fox University, with studies in political science, psychology, and social work.

Outside of work, Courtney lives on a small farm with her husband and their yellow lab, and spends time hiking, camping, and exploring the outdoors.