OUR COMPANY

We Are On a Mission…

Our mission is to help individuals overcome barriers to employment, ultimately leading to long-term employment that meets our client’s needs.

Our Mission is intended to provide successful outcomes in:

Competitive, Integrated Employment

Customized Employment 

Self-employment

We Offer Help for Your Employment Journey

Pacific Opportunities provides services to adults who have barriers to employment. We help these adults gain employment, so they can eventually become financially independent. Our employment specialists and job coaches are qualified professionals with training and experience to support your business and your new employee. We offer support from start to finish.

“We help you find what you’re looking for!”

Clients complete an assessment process and are selected by our company because they are motivated, reliable, and enthusiastic candidates. We recommend the best candidates for the job. We provide job coaching at no cost to the employer and will assist with completing and sending in all tax credit paperwork. We are a small, locally owned company, NOT an employment agency that charges for its services.

Our Team

  • Having worked “on the ground” in supported employment services in the Portland area for more than a decade, Janet has placed and coached clients in every industry, mentored a generation of employment support professionals, and helped countless hiring managers meet their firms’ objectives. She boasts a roster of long-term clients, a cadre of whom she has supported for many years continuously, and others who return to her for services when they wish to make a vocational change. Despite her lengthy tenure, Janet is no less animated today by helping clients to find meaningful, durable work than she was at the beginning, arriving to the field with many years of experience working in and managing restaurants.

    Holding a degree in culinary arts, Janet believes that a job can provide purpose along multiple dimensions, including a passion for service, and she loves helping clients realize the various rewards in the work they have chosen.

    In her spare time, Janet enjoys spending time outdoors with family and friends (and canine friends) throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

  • Erik joined Pacific Opportunities in 2017, and had previously worked in various roles in healthcare, legal services, academia, and manufacturing. He appreciates the diverse ways employees contribute to organizational excellence across many industries. His unbridled enthusiasm for nurturing each individual’s talents and aspirations informs his customized approach to consulting on job development, and supports his mission to help companies achieve a high-performing, sustainable workforce.

    In mid-2020, Erik and his wife moved to Albania, a geographic shift that had been in the works for a while, and one that unexpectedly took place amidst a worldwide pandemic. In his down time, Erik can be found snorkeling at dawn, trail running around Roman ruins and mid-century bunkers mid-morning, and after a ten-souvlaki lunch, trying to make street handball happen in the Balkans. Erik and his wife like nothing more than to spend a Sunday learning Shqip and getting involved with local humanitarian, agricultural, and animal rights organizations. Erik holds a Master of Public Administration degree and is, at the speed of Zen, realizing that maybe, perhaps, he doesn’t need to complete that PhD just yet.

  • Corinne was a professional baby whisperer and toddler wrangler for the good part of a decade before joining us at Pacific Opportunities in 2019. She has a real passion for helping people and hopes to inspire positivity and optimism in her clients.

    Outside of work, Corinne enjoys spending time with her family, reading books in hammocks, listening to murder podcasts, and eating pastries.

  • Born and raised in a sleepy Los Angeles suburb, Kevin moved to Portland in the summer of 2015 in pursuit of bigger and better things. Having been raised in a Spanish-speaking household, Kevin is bilingual (just don’t ask him to prove it). He attained his degree in film from Cal State Northridge and worked in post-production for a number of years before moving up to Portland. Kevin is passionate about his job at Pacific Opportunities and loves giving back to his community. He feels an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment working and establishing long-term relationships with his clients.

    In his spare time, Kevin is an avid fan of video games, quiet evenings in, pop culture, and punk music.

  • Megan Schreuder, a Montana State University alum with a rich background in education and adult disability services, made her way to Oregon in 2017, drawn by its vibrant community and diverse opportunities. Her career, marked by roles from teaching in rural classrooms to excelling in the corporate sector, reflects her dedication to inclusivity, mentorship, and organizational excellence. Now, as a Senior Employment Specialist, Megan blends her professional expertise with her passion for social impact, striving to make a difference in the lives of those she serves.

    Beyond her career, Megan's life is filled with simple joys and adventures. Rainy days see her immersed in puzzles alongside her two cats, while summer brings the excitement of paddleboarding with her husband. Megan's move to Oregon not only signified a new chapter in her professional journey but also a deeper exploration of her personal interests and hobbies, embodying a perfect balance between her commitment to work and her love for life's quieter moments.

  • April received her B.A. in Theater from California State University Northridge and worked in theater and comedy troupes, sang back-up in several popular LA bands, and studied improv at the famous Groundlings Theater, all while holding down high-level administrative 9-5 jobs and singing in church. She is currently is the front woman for a Portland blues band, aside of course, from being our administration queen.

  • Melissa joined our team the summer of 2023 as the first HR employee at Pacific Opportunities. She has a bachelor’s in business administration with an emphasis on human resources. Helping to keep information organized, compliance items on track, and payroll running - Melissa is in her element.

    In her downtime, she enjoys walks with her dogs, dinners with friends, and adventures with her family.

    If you’d like to join our team, or just have some questions about working with us, feel free to reach out to Melissa.

  • Originally from Ohio, Emily spent her teen years in Germany with her family where she went to school on a NATO base. She then lived in Michigan and Idaho before moving to Portland in 2010 to complete her Bachelor’s of Social Work at PSU.

    Emily has worked with the I/DD community since 2014 in various roles, including caregiver, job coach, and case manager. Over that time she has seen the impact that employment has on building a person’s confidence, sense of purpose, and belonging. Emily loves being part of that journey, and helping individuals identify and build on their strengths.

    In her free time, Emily is an avid crafter of all sorts and enjoys sourcing vintage home goods, watching movies with her partner and 2 cats, playing board games with friends, and spending time in nature.

  • Seth has been working with populations with diverse abilities since 2018. He attended Iowa State University where he received his bachelor’s in philosophy. Since college, Seth has worked almost exclusively with individuals living with developmental disabilities (I/DD). He has helped administer grant funds for individuals qualifying for housing assistance and managed five I/DD group homes. These experiences have given Seth a strong skill set in vocational rehabilitation. He finds great satisfaction in helping people find permanent jobs.

    In his free time, Seth enjoys Esports, going to the gym, camping, backpacking, and playing the piano.

  • Christina has enjoyed a career thus far of working to better the lives of others. She has a bachelor’s focusing in psychology and education from Western Oregon University. Her experience includes working with at-risk youth in an inpatient program, providing therapeutic support and structure for teens. She spent a couple of years in Wisconsin where she got her start as an employment specialist and quickly became skilled in many areas of the vocational rehabilitation field. Christina returned to her home state of Oregon in 2023 to work with us and continue her passion of helping others.

    In her free time, Christina enjoys adventures with her pup, reading, and learning more about the world around her.

  • Erica is an Oregon native who grew up CODA to a deaf mother and stepfather, giving her in-depth life experience supporting adults with disabilities. She has worked in vocational rehabilitation services since 2016 and works with a wide variety of clients of varying needs, abilities, and interests. Erica likes getting to know her clients and partnering with local businesses to find unique and personalized jobs.

    Outside of her career, she enjoys spending time with her family and German Shepard. They can be found snowboarding in the winter or paddleboarding, wakeboarding, and camping in the summer.

  • Karla has over 10 years of experience working with populations of diverse abilities and holds a Return to Work (RTW) certification from the State of Oregon. She has built expertise in creating person-centered employment opportunities that includes job development, job coaching, and job stabilization for participants in a wide variety of occupations. Karla fosters a collaborative team approach that brings out the best in others. She is committed to establishing and strengthening community partnerships and extending professional services to new areas.

    Karla is a native Oregonian who enjoys photography, travel, camping, live music, and the arts.

  • Emily has her bachelor’s in psychology and has been volunteering in human services since she was fifteen. As a job coach, her enthusiasm for people-centered endeavors shines through.

    In her spare time, Emily enjoys hiking, traveling, video games, baking, and cuddling with her dog.

  • Nym joined Pacific Opportunities in 2023. He has a variety of past work experience, including as a cook, a farm hand, and a certified peer support specialist for adults in recovery from addiction. He enjoys being a helpful resource to our clients in their workplace.

    When not working, Nym enjoys composing and recording his own music.

  • Alaina has her bachelor’s in psychology with a minor in French studies. She puts her passion for helping others to use at Pacific Opportunities where she finds great satisfaction in using her skills and education to help others reach their goals.

    In her free time, Alaina loves to cook, practice ceramics, read, and hang out with her dog, who by all accounts appears to be an opossum in disguise.

  • Hailing originally from Romania, Eliza joined our team in 2023 with over 20 years of experience in retail and grocery services.

  • Rachael is the founding member of Pacific Opportunities, which she established in 2009, stemming from her desire to help people in need as well as the community at large. Since then, her once one-woman show has assisted hundreds of adults with employment barriers in the Portland Metro area. Rachael handed the reigns over to Tom in 2022.

  • Tom hails from Phoenix, Arizona and serves as Pacific Opportunities Executive Director and President.

    He graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy with a B.S. in marine engineering. After graduating, Tom was commissioned in the U.S. Marine Corps and served on both active duty and the reserves before honorably separating as a Captain.

    Aside from the Marines, he has held various corporate management and project management roles. Tom has lived and worked in many countries, most recently leaving a three year assignment in Japan.

    Tom lives with his wife in Portland. They love dogs, the outdoors, cooking, and travel.

  • Originally from Minnesota, Rebecca relocated to the Pacific Northwest by way of the Arizona desert. After years of self-exploration and on and off again schooling, she obtained her bachelor’s in sociology with a minor in care, health, and society from the University of Arizona. Rebecca has always known that she wanted to work in a helping profession. Her work history ranges from retail and bartending to health and wellness. As an employment specialist, Rebecca primarily works with clients on job preparation. She finds great purpose in this role because interview skills did not come naturally to her, and she loves helping others shape these skills and recognize their potential.

    In her free time, Rebecca enjoys adventures with her dog Tux or curling up to watch The Office for the umpteenth time.

  • Peyton has his bachelor’s in psychology from the University of North Dakota. He gained work experience in the retail and service industries, and more recently worked at a transitional correctional facility assisting ex-convicts with reentering society. Peyton enjoys working with people who face barriers to employment because he likes to help his clients realize their potential and achieve their goals.

    Drawn to the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty and milder winters, he can be found traveling, running, or hiking in his free time.

  • Amber is a born and raised Portlander who has held many retail management positions over the years. After 22 years with the same company, she was ready to spread her wings and try something new at a place where she could continue her passion of working with people, but in a more meaningful way. At Pacific Opportunities she is able to utilize her people skills and spread her optimism.

    In her free time, Amber enjoys all things houseplant related (she has over 60!), spending quality time with her boyfriend and adorable bulldog Mater, and volunteering at the food bank.