Rae Waters
CEO
Rae Waters, CEO started her career with Career Development Center in 1992. Rae has a bachelors degree in Special Education from Eastern Illinois University. Rae has vast experience with all positions at CDC from working as a DSP to a member of Management and for the last 24 years, CEO.
Rae leads a team of 5 managers that implement and manage the ground level Mission and Vision.
"My Passion for individuals with special needs is something that has always been within me. I have an older sister that was born with special needs and she has shaped and influenced my life. There is nothing I enjoy more than working with, leading, and advocating for individuals rights, dignity, choice and respect. They are able to teach us so much more than we could ever teach them." Rae Waters, CEO
A Bit About Us
Working for a Better Tomorrow
Here at Career Development Center, we’re committed to investing our expertise and resources in order to further achieve our cause. Since 1965, we’ve been supporting our Individuals with developmental disabilities in a variety of ways and measuring our success not by monetary size, but by more qualitative measurements such as the scale and effectiveness of our efforts. Just imagine what we can achieve together!
Key People
Coming together from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, our skilled team of professionals is the backbone of Career Development Center. Their ideas help shape the direction and mission of our organization as it continues to develop.
Shelly Goodman
Shelly Goodman, Operations Manager began employment with Career Development Center in 1994. Shelly has established an accomplishments- driven career which has led to progressive responsibilities and achievements. Shelly started her employment as a DSP where she enjoyed several years working directly with the individuals we serve. In 1997 Shelly accepted the position of Payroll Clerk and in 2009 she advanced to Director of Manufacturing and became a member of the management team. As Director of Manufacturing Shelly secured job contracts, Managed Wayne County Recycling, Production, and the Pallet Shop. In 2016 Shelly was promoted to Operations Manager and works with the team to oversee the daily operations of the agency with he direction of the CEO.
“Every single day that I work with individuals with special needs, I am in awe of their strengths, abilities, and continued smiles. I am amazed at how they see the world. My brother with special needs and my job at CDC have truly made me a better person personally and professionally. "
Erica Penrod
Erica Penrod, QIDP/Director of Employment began
working at Career Development Center in 2002.
Erica has an Associate in Science degree from Frontier
Community College and a Bachelor's Degree in
Elementary Education from Eastern Illinois University.
Erica started as a member of the management team as the Internal Program Director. In 2017, Erica was promoted into an administration oversight role by becoming the Director of Employment. Erica has a caseload of 19 Consumers and supervises 4 staff. Erica coordinates all of the transportation services as well as completes all of the intake paperwork for all new individuals.
"After obtaining my degree, I worked in the local school systems for a few years before deciding I wanted to try a new path. I found Career Development Center to be an extremely rewarding career. It was refreshing to meet people who wanted to work, learn and grow. I have learned so much from the individuals we serve and am thankful for the opportunity to be able to work with them."
Beth Ann Colclasure
Beth Ann Colclasure, QIDP/Director of Resale began working at Career Development Center in 2004. Beth Ann has a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Beth Ann started her career in the Developmental Training Building as a QMRP and then moved to CDC’s New 2 U when it relocated to the former Fairfield Lumber Company Building in 2005. In 2007, she was promoted to supervisor of six staff and became the Director of Resale at CDC’s New 2 U. Beth Ann carries a caseload of 25 consumers while overseeing the daily operations of the Resale Store.
“I will admit that I didn’t have much experience working with individuals with disabilities when I started at CDC. It didn’t take me long to realize that I work with some of the kindest, compassionate, funny and optimistic individuals that I’ve ever met. The consumers have taught me so much over the years. I hope I’ve also made an impact on their lives.
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