Darelle Bergeron, Southeast LA Regional Coordinator

Career Compass Starting Year: 2009 

College Alma Mater(s): Louisiana State University 

Degree(s): M.A. Education 

High School Alma Mater: Centerville High School, Centerville, LA 

Being a Career Compass coach is the best job ever because I get to help students develop a plan for success for their future. I become their number one fan, encourager, and helper. Sometimes just knowing someone is on your team is enough to start a fire within, which can lead to unlimited potential in students all over the state. I am blessed to be able to reach so many students through one organization. The success stories are infinite. 

Bonaventure, Mary

Career Compass Starting Year: 2019

College Alma Mater(s): McNeese State University

Degree(s): B.S. FACS, B.S Business, additional certification in Middle School Math

High School Alma Mater: Orangefield High School, Orangefield, TX 

I decided to become a Career Coach because I saw a need that I could help fill. Many students do not have the help they need in order to be adequately prepared for life after high school graduation, and I believe that Career Compass connects students with leaders that can help fulfill that need!

Crochet, Johnie

Career Compass Starting Year: 2018

College Alma Mater(s): Nicholls State University, University of New Orleans

Degree(s): B.A. Dual Elementary and Special Education; M.A. Education

High School Alma Mater: Terrebonne High School, Houma, LA 

After recently retiring with 26 years of teaching experience, I decided I wanted to work with a group of dedicated coaches that enjoy helping students prepare for post-secondary opportunities.

Dozar, Laura

Career Compass Starting Year: 2013 

College Alma Mater(s): Nicholls State University 

Degree(s): B.S. Business Education 

High School Alma Mater: Morgan City High School, Morgan City, LA 

Working as a Career Compass Coach really IS the best job ever! Being a senior Career Compass coach has allowed me to continue to help students even after I retired from the classroom after 30 years of teaching. Helping students realize their future potential and making their post-secondary dreams come true is just one perk of my job. It is the best feeling knowing that maybe, just maybe a child will continue his "college" education because of the guidance and knowledge that we were able to give as Career Compass coaches.

Ellender, Karen

College Alma Mater(s): University of Louisiana at Monroe 

Degree(s): B.A. Business Education 

High School Alma Mater: Terrebonne High School, Houma, LA 

I spent 35 years educating and working with young high school students. After retiring, I missed the interaction I developed with my students. Working with Career Compass of LA has given me the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young adults once again. These young adults keep me laughing and feeling renewed! Thank you, CCLA, for making a difference in my life and giving me the opportunity to pay it forward. 

Labat, Ann

Career Compass Starting Year: 2017 

College Alma Mater(s): Nicholls State University

Degree(s): B.S. Secondary Education

High School Alma Mater: Ascension Catholic High School, Donaldsonville, LA

I became a college & career coach upon my retirement as a teacher so that I could still help students and make a difference in their lives.

Mathews, Courtney

Career Compass Starting Year: 2016  

College Alma Mater(s): University of Louisiana at Lafayette 

Degree(s): B.A. Elementary Education 

High School Alma Mater: Ovey Comeaux High School, Lafayette, LA 

Being a Career Compass coach is the best job ever because even though I am no longer in the classroom, I still feel like I have a great impact on the students I work with. The students are so appreciative, and I feel like my impact is significant! 

Medine, Marsha

Career Compass Starting Year: 2018

College Alma Mater(s): Nicholls State University

Degree(s): M.A. Education/Leadership +30 

High School Alma Mater: Assumption High School, Napoleonville, LA

As got closer to retirement, I found did not want to give up the rewarding feeling of helping students reach their potential. Each encounter I have helps bring a young adult closer to their dreams and their future careers, which is truly inspiring. I am truly blessed to be associated with such a worthy establishment!

Organski, Ashly

Career Compass Starting Year: 2018

College Alma Mater(s): Sowela Technical Community College; McNeese State University

Degree(s): A.A. Accounting; B.A. Sociology with a concentration in Family and Child Studies 

High School Alma Mater: 

Being a Career Compass coach is the best job ever because I am making a difference in the lives of the students that I work with. I am giving them options that they didn’t know they had before I began working with them. Every student deserves to further their education, and I am there to help them take the right steps to be able to do so. 

Tate, Stephanie

Career Compass Starting Year: 2019

College Alma Mater(s): Nicholls State University

Degree(s): B.A. Elementary Education, Mild-Moderate Special Education Certification; M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction, 30 + Administration

High School Alma Mater: Edward Douglas White Catholic High School, Thibodaux, LA

I decided to become a Career Coach because working one-on-one with students was what I missed most in retirement!

Wiley, Gina

Career Compass Starting Year: 2015 

Degree(s): B.A. General Studies, M.Ed. + 30 Graduate Hours 

College Alma Mater(s): Louisiana State University, Nicholls State University 

High School Alma Mater: Central Catholic High School, Morgan City, LA 

It is so rewarding when you are able to help a student realize their dreams, especially when they do not realize all the options available to them. Last week, I was able to help a senior pay the admissions fee to Louisiana State University. She was so excited that she wanted to text her mom to give her the good news. Just the look on her face was worth a million dollars.