MEET THE PARTNERS
Bradley Ehrlich founded Career Opportunities Group, Inc. in 2002. In 2019, Bradley brought on two partners, Adam Normoyle and Sandra Thomas who had the same vision and mission to provide quality vocational services to Washington State workers and employers. Serendipitously, both Sandra and Adam’s careers also began in 2002 in vocational services/claims.
Bradley Ehrlich, MA, CRC, Founder/Partner
Phone: 206-547-4601, ext. 1
Fax: 206-547-2917
Bradley graduated from Antioch University with a Master of Arts degree in Psychology in 1993. He immediately began working as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. In 2001, he began volunteering with the Washington State’s Chapter of the International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals (IARP), where he served on the Board until 2019. He was the President from 2007-2008 and Treasurer/Secretary from 2002-2006.
In 2002, Bradley founded Career Opportunities Group, Inc., where part of the mission is to “recognize that the manner in which we perform our work reflects life committed to excellence.” Most recently, Bradley was a part of the Vocational Recovery Pilot with the WA State Department of Labor and Industries and the beginning of the golden age of Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling.
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Counties Served: Pierce, King, and Snohomish County
Sandra Thomas, MA, CRC, CDMS, PGAP / Partner
Phone: 206-547-4601, ext. 3
Fax: 360-831-0551
Sandra started her career as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in 2002. Sandra has her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, and a Master of Arts Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Western Washington University. Sandra is both a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and a Certified Disability Management Specialist.
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Sandra is passionate about education for clientele and within the rehabilitation field. She served on the WA State International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals (IARP) Board from 2017-2020. Sandra was the Washington State Chapter President in 2018 where the Chapter was awarded the Chapter of the Year from the National IARP Board.
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Sandra enjoys providing quality vocational rehabilitation services, helping workers and employers find the light at the end of the tunnel in claims. Sandra excels at helping both workers and employers learn how to take a proactive approach to the claims process. Sandra is a certified PGAP Coach and believes strongly in the power of this intervention.
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A native to the Pacific Northwest, in her spare time, you can find Sandra spending time with her family, traveling, or somewhere in the great outdoors.
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Counties Served: Thurston, Lewis, Pierce and King County
Adam Normoyle, CDMS, PGAP Partner
Phone: 206-547-4601, ext. 2
Fax: 253-203-6798
Adam Normoyle graduated from The Evergreen State College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1999 and has 14 years of proud public service experience. He began his public service career working as a Constituent Caseworker for the Washington State House of Representatives before becoming a Journeyman Level Claims Adjudicator for The Department of Labor and Industries in 2002.
While at Labor and Industries he provided review, adjudication, and consultation at multiple levels of claims with the highest degree of complexity. He began working in the private sector as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in 2013. He excels at helping workers, employers and medical providers understand and navigate the Workers’ Compensation System.
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Outside of work: Adam was a high school and middle school basketball coach for 10 years. He is an avid sports fan and outdoor enthusiast.
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Counties Served: Thurston, Lewis, Pierce, King, and Kitsap Counties
TEAM COG
Angie Westling, CDMS, CEES, PGAP
Phone: 206-547-4601, ext. 5
Fax: 360-746-6333
Angie earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Oregon.
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Angie has over 25 years of experience as a registered Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with Washington State’s Department of Labor and Industries consulting with employers, injured workers, insurers, and medical professionals within the workers' compensation field. Angie has several years’ experience administering vocational and aptitude testing evaluations for individuals who have been injured on the job. Angie is credentialed with her Certified Disability Management Specialist certification. She earned her Certified Ergonomic Evaluation Specialist credential in 2017 and provides ergonomic assessments to prevent workplace injury and assist workers returning to work with job modifications. Angie is a certified PGAP Activity Coach.
Angie provides rehabilitation counseling in the field of worker’s compensation. Over the years, she has truly enjoyed working with all stakeholders to assist in a successful return to work outcomes and claim resolution. She believes education is the key to this process.
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Angie is a member of IARP and served as IARP President-Elect 2018-2019, and President 2019-2020.
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Outside of work, Angie enjoys spending time with her family and friends as well as skiing and traveling.
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Counties Served: Thurston, Lewis, Pierce and Grays Harbor County​
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Serena has been a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor working on State Fund claims since 1999 and has been a Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS) since 2009. She graduated from Western Washington University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. During the course of her education, she completed a one-year internship with the Child Protective Services unit for the Division of Children and Family Services. Thereafter, she worked in the Deferred Compensation unit at WA State Department of Retirement Systems before moving on to vocational rehabilitation.
Serena has provided private sector vocational rehabilitation services since 1999. She especially enjoys analyzing, collaborating, and bringing complex cases to resolution. Outside of work, Serena enjoys music, reading, camping, and cherishing the moments spent with family and friends.
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Counties Served: Thurston, Lewis, Pierce and Grays Harbor County
David has been a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor since 2011. After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Western Washington University, David served at a non-profit organization from 2000-2008, providing community access and health services to individuals with developmental disabilities. David then joined the Department of Labor and Industries, performing claims management as a Workers’ Compensation Adjudicator until moving to vocational rehabilitation in 2011. With a focus on compassion and personal respect, David uses his expertise in claims management to help injured workers, employers, and medical providers navigate complex claims processes, working to develop successful outcomes and reduce work disability.
David is a member of the International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals, and is also an avid musician and recording engineer, with over 20 years of experience performing and capturing sounds in the Puget Sound region.
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Counties Served: Thurston, Lewis, Pierce and King County
Leah graduated from The Evergreen State College in 2002 with a BA Degree. She started in the workers' compensation industry in 2005 as a paralegal and obtained her CDMS credentials in 2014. Leah has been a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor since 2015 and strives for the optimal outcome with every claim.
Leah enjoys her work, walking, writing, and going to comedy shows. She prefers not to talk too much about herself but still manages to build strong working relationships with clients and various stakeholders.
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Counties Served: Thurston, Pierce, Lewis, King, and Kitsap County
Brittany began her career as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in 2020. Brittany has her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Grand Canyon University and is a Certified Disability Management Specialist. Brittany previously worked as a Doctoral University Counselor at her alma mater from 2016-2020, assisting Master program graduates with successful transitions into Doctoral programs. Brittany then joined Career Opportunities Group Inc. to extend her passion for guiding people through elaborate processes. She enjoys using her communications background and attentive personality to thoroughly understand her client’s goals and to help them reach successful outcomes.
Outside of work, Brittany enjoys traveling, being outdoors, and spending time with friends and family.
Samantha Eyres, BS, CDMS
Phone: 206-547-4601, ext. 18
Fax: 253-356-5898
Samantha has been working as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor since 2007, after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Puget Sound. Since beginning her career in 2007, Samantha has gained a strong background in all aspects of vocational services. Samantha has been a member of the International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals in the past and served as a Board Member from 2011-2012. She values the diversity of the field and being able to guide and mentor
others.
Born and raised in Washington State, Samantha has spent most of her life in the Pacific Northwest, where she developed an early love of fishing and our Orca whale population.
Outside of work, Samantha enjoys writing, cooking, and spending time with her family, close friends, and her cat, Judy, who would prefer to be left alone.
TEAM COG
Jennifer Jimenez, MS, CRC, PGAP
Phone: 206-547-4601, ext. 12
Fax: 360-227-8210
jennifer@career-opps.com
Jennifer graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from West Virginia University. Jennifer has her Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential.
Jennifer has a background in behavior consulting, community mental health, and state vocational rehabilitation.
Jennifer is passionate about the mental health of clientele with newly acquired disabilities, their return to work, and overall quality of life.
Outside of work, Jennifer has been a foster mom since 2016 and is an advocate for the foster children living in her home. Jennifer loves spending time with her large family and her Cane Corso. Jennifer can be found fishing, reading, or in her backyard gardening.
Catherine Michaels, CDMS
PGAP Provider
Phone: 206-547-4601, ext. 17
Fax: 206-785-2744
catherine@career-opps.com
Catherine graduated from Central Washington University with a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 2010. Shortly after graduation, she began working as an Employment Specialist where she developed a passion for supported employment and finding creative solutions for return-to-work barriers. Catherine then transitioned to the role of Vocational Rehabilitation intern and earned her Certified Disability Management Specialist Certificate (CDMS) in 2014. After several years working as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, she moved to Austin Texas where she served as an Expert Witness for Social Security Disability. Since her return to Washington State, Catherine has continued to share her aptitude for creative problem solving and passion for job placement with injured workers throughout King and Snohomish counties.
Outside of work, you will find Catherine participating in competitive show jumping with her horse or out having adventures with her partner and two dogs.
Molly graduated from Washington State University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and Sociology. Following graduation, she joyfully served her community by dedicating her time to helping multiple organizations such as House of Neighborly Service, Disciples Ministry, Fort Collins Rescue Mission, and Boys and Girls Club.
Molly joined Career Opportunities Group in 2021 as a Vocational Rehabilitation Assistant intern where she was able to continue providing acts of service to workers in need and finds delight in fostering relationships with individuals while helping them through the workers' compensation process.
Molly earned her Certified Disability Management Specialist (CDMS) certificate in 2024 and is now a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.
Emily Martin, CDMS
Phone: 206-547-4601, ext. 16
Fax: 253-356-5783
emily@career-opps.com
Emily earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Washington State University. While at university, Emily participated in various community service projects, her favorite being the Ronald McDonald House. After earning her degree, she worked as a behavioral technician for two years.
Emily joined Career Opportunities Group Inc. as a Vocational Rehabilitation Intern in May of 2022 and became a full counselor in 2024. She strives every day to use her passion for helping others and desire to be constantly learning in her work as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.
Outside of work Emily enjoys reading, working out, and indulging in all things Marvel or Star Wars. On the weekends, you can catch her attending as many Seattle sporting events as possible.
Alyssa has her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work with a Minor in Sociology from Eastern Washington University. While in school, Alyssa was an intern at The Department of Children, Youth, and Families, while also participating in philanthropy events and intermural sports until graduating in 2021.
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After graduating, she made the move over to Seattle to begin her career helping others. She worked as a Behavior Technician in a middle school for one year, then followed with a brief time as a nanny in the greater Seattle area. Alyssa started at Career Opportunities Group in 2023 and is looking forward to using her passion for working with people in her community to guide her work as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.
In her free time, Alyssa enjoys spending time with her two cats and exploring the beautiful scenery and city life of Western Washington.
Alex Padilla, VRC Intern
Phone: 206-547-4601, ext. 20
Fax: 360-728-3475
Email: alex@career-opps.com
Alex earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with a Minor in History from Washington State University. During the course of his education, Alex was a member of Phi Gamma Delta, where he gained leadership values and lifelong relationships. Following graduation, he spent two years working as a customer care representative, addressing consumer demands and delivering a positive experience.
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Alex then joined Career Opportunities Group Inc. in 2024 as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Intern. Being fluent in both English and Spanish has motivated Alex to influence positive changes in the lives of those affected by language barriers. He plans to use his experience and passion to assist injured workers transition back to the workforce.
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Outside of work, Alex enjoys traveling with his partner, spending time with his family, and
following sports. He has taken up a new hobby, training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which constantly
keeps him humble.
Desiree Barahona, VRC Intern
Phone: 206-547-4601 x22
Fax: 360-395-9071
E-mail: Desiree@Career-Opps.com
Desiree earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science with a minor in Small Business Administration from the University of Maryland University College. After graduating, Desiree worked in the auto insurance industry as a complex claims adjuster, helping clients transition through high-impact losses. With the experience of helping people through difficult and complicated scenarios, Desiree
comes to the Career Opportunities Group to assist in the vocational rehabilitation process.
Outside of work, Desiree enjoys spending time with her family and traveling throughout the United
States.
​Counties Served: Clark, Cowlitz, and Thurston
Ashlyn Romiza, VRC intern
Phone: 206-547-4601, ext. 10
Fax: 206-735-3827
Email: ashlyn@career-opps.com
Ashlyn earned a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communications with a Minor in Public Relations from the University of North Alabama. During the course of her education, Ashlyn was a member of Alpha Delta Pi.
Following graduation, she spent two years as a flight attendant for Frontier Airlines with the goal of traveling the world and engaging with individuals from all walks of life. She was then a Patient Service Representative for a private
healthcare clinic, moving up to team lead within her first year.
Ashlyn then joined Career Opportunities Group Inc. in 2024 as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Intern to continue her passion for working closely with individuals to better their work journey.
Outside of work, Ashlyn enjoys golf and pilates. Besides sports, she spends her free time reading.
Jennifer Nguyen, VRC Intern
206-547-4601, ext. 21
Fax: 360-544-6046
Email: jnguyen@career-opps.com
Jennifer Nguyen graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts in Society, Ethics, and Human Behavior. While in school, Jennifer gained valuable experience working at a chiropractic clinic full-time, where she honed her skills in a professional healthcare setting. Fluent in both Vietnamese and English, Jennifer brings a diverse cultural perspective to her work.
Recently, Jennifer joined Career Opportunities Group Inc. to further her commitment to helping others. With a passion for assisting individuals in navigating complex career
transitions, she is excited to contribute to the team’s mission of providing exceptional support and guidance.
In her free time, Jennifer loves to cook, travel, and spend time with her adorable puppy, Coco.
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Arianna Pernella, VRC Intern
206-547-4601, ext. 9
Fax: 360-544-6046
Email: apernella@career-opps.com
Arianna graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. She was drawn to the field through a passion in helping others. Her favorite subjects while in university were Development through the Lifespan, Behavioral Sciences and Labor Organization. She hopes to make a positive impact on others through community building and her previous work experience in public records research.
In her personal time, she works on crafts and painting with a focus in floral designs. Arianna also enjoys swimming and weightlifting. She aspires to someday do unassisted pull ups and paint enough art pieces to create a gallery showing. For now, she'll continue to spend her time cuddling her cat and making sourdough.
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Kim Tran, VRC Intern
206-547-4061, ext. 14
Fax: 360-544-6046
Email: ktran@career-opps.com
Kim graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. While in school, Kim gained experience working as an administrative assistant. Following graduation, Kim gained experience working as a disability career consultant with a focus in the youth community. Kim is also a self-employed beauty content creator with a niche in Asian makeup and skincare.
Kim joined Career Opportunities Group Inc. to further her commitment in supporting individuals with disabilities. Kim believes it’s important to have positive change and to be positive no matter what.
Outside of work, Kim enjoys traveling, Kpop, Anime, gaming, photography/film, and working out.
Call us today: 206-547-4601
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