Meet the MJRP Navigators & Coordinators

The Maine Job’s and Recovery Plan has committed $6 million dollars to address the workforce development needs of those disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Maine’s Department of Education/Adult Education will help eligible adults and employment sectors recover from the stresses of the pandemic through a variety of academic and job training supports, including Career Advancement Navigators and College and Career Success Coordinators.

The adult education-based Navigators serve primarily in geographic areas of the state with less access to post-secondary and other educational opportunities as well as support services. These areas include the counties of York, Kennebec, Androscoggin, Oxford, Lincoln, Waldo, Knox, and Sagadahoc. Navigators help people in their communities to take the next step in their careers. Adult education Coordinators will sit at each of the seven community college campuses.

Coordinators will be responsive to the needs of current and prospective community college students who may need additional assistance with advising and career planning or in acquiring the academic skills needed to successfully complete college-level work. Adult education students will also be provided with the assistance and support needed to make a successful transition to community college. CCSC Program Highlights.

3,229 learners have been served by College and Career Success Coordinators and Navigators (July 1, 2022 - December 31, 2023)
385 learners entered workforce training or employment
485 learners have entered the Maine Community College System
1,234 learners have created academic and career plans with Success Coordinators and Navigators
33% of learners enrolled in the CCSC program are multi-lingual learners (MLL)
98.5% satisfaction rate from learner anonymous surveys

Demographic data: Women 65%; BIPOC 37%; Multi-lingual learners 33%; Low Income 51%; Unemployed/Underemployed 75%; Justice involved 8%. (Data compiled from quarterly reports and MaineSTARS)


Career Navigators

Frank Spurr - Career Navigator for Androscoggin & Oxford County
Kate Points - Career Navigator York County
Cassie (Mary) Robichaux - Career Navigator for Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Waldo
Karen Morin - Career Navigator for Kennebc County

 

College and Career Success Coordinators

Brian Loring - College and Career Success Coordinator for Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC)
Bethany Huoppi - College and Career Success Coordinator for Northern Maine Community College (NMCC)
Carolyn Haskell - College and Career Success Coordinator for Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC)
Alice Shea - College and Career Success Coordinator for Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) 
Audrey Kimball - College and Career Success Coordinator for York County Community College (YCCC)
Sierra Melanson - College and Career Success Coordinator for Central Maine Community College (CMCC)
Aimee Morrison - College and Career Success Coordinator for Washington County Community College (WCCC)

 

Frank Spurr Image

Frank Spurr

Androscoggin & Oxford County

I am excited to meet new participants and to explore the different areas of my region. I am anxious to continue learning about the diverse needs of our communities. Participants can expect my full commitment to them and to their success. I take an active interest in people and try to be a great listener. Ultimately, I hope participants will find me easygoing, knowledgeable, and willing to work hard on their behalf!

Contact
Email: fspurr@lewistonpublicschools.org
Phone: 207-713-3467
Schedule with Frank

 

 

Kate Points Image

Kate Points

York County, Adult Education Hub 9

As a former teacher, I believe it’s important to meet people where they are and work from there. Maybe someone has never written a resume- I can help! Maybe someone is looking to enter a trade or apprenticeship and doesn’t know where to start- I can help! Maybe someone is ready for a different work situation, but isn’t sure what their next step should be - I can help with that, too! I’m really excited to do this work in the community where I live to help strengthen our community. I’m looking forward to helping people meet their career goals.

Contact
Email: kpoints@sanford.org
Phone: 207-977-6548
Easy Contact Form

 

Karen Morin Image

Karen Morin

Career Success Navigator for Kennebec County

I have extensive experience working with diverse populations. My background is in social services working with New Mainers, soldiers, veterans and people who just need a bit of support to recognize that they are resilient. I'm here to help those looking for a job, starting the process, or just don't know where to begin. My goal is to foster a trusting relationship that supports you through your journey; from resume building, interviewing, and searching for the "right" job fit. I look forward to working with you.

Contact
Email: kmorin@aos92.org
Phone: 207-830-0602

 

 

Cassie Robichaux Image

Cassie (Mary) Robichaux

Career Success Navigator for Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Waldo, Adult Education Hub 7

As an experienced adult learning, leadership, and career development professional, who has focused heavily on applying a diversity, equity, & inclusion lens to meeting the needs of all learners, my passion is helping every client build their personal and professional toolkit, particularly Mainers who are overcoming significant obstacles. I will advocate for people and connect them with their purpose, by providing the support, resources, and high-touch relationships that are so important to our individual and collective success.

Contact
Email: cassie_robichaux@msad40.org

 

 

Brian Loring Image

Brian Loring

College and Career Success Coordinator for Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC)

I am excited to be working with the diverse learning community at Eastern Maine Community College and adult education hubs throughout the greater Bangor region. With career experience in both high school and adult education spaces, I am looking forward to providing support to learners of all ages and backgrounds.

Contact
Email: bloring@emcc.edu
Phone: 207-974-4674

 

 

 

 

Bethany Huoppi Image

Bethany Huoppi

College and Career Success Coordinator for Northern Maine Community College (NMCC)

I love working with students to help them meet their educational/academic goals. I have been able to do this while previously working in Admissions and Academic Advising and am excited to use my experience in a different capacity. As a first-generation student, I am passionate about continuing and higher education and love helping students succeed. I consider myself to be a good combination of being both empathetic and supportive but also being a realist. I think this makes for a good combination when working with students through challenges and struggles and helping to advise them accordingly. I am pretty easygoing and down to earth!

Contact
Email: huoppib@sad1.org
Phone: 207-768-8722

 

 

Carolyn Haskell Image

Carolyn Haskell

College and Career Success Coordinator for Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC)

Interacting with students has been my passion during my 16+ years working in adult education. I get excited about advocating for students while modeling how they can advocate for themselves. I excel at building on students’ strengths while gently guiding them through their challenges. I firmly believe in the power of building relationships with students. Last fall a student who I had not heard from in ten years, tracked me down and asked for help. It was very fulfilling to realize that he still felt I was a resource for him. I also love seeing how students change and grow as they get more comfortable pursuing their academic and career goals. Students can expect a big smile and a lot of laughs when they meet with me. If it’s in person, I always have chocolate.

Contact
Email: chaskell@kvcc.me.edu
Phone: 207-453-3502

 

 

Alice Shea Image

Alice Shea

College and Career Success Coordinator for Southern Maine Community College (SMCC)

I am honored to work with so many diverse and vibrant students at Southern Maine Community College. Every day I meet people with incredible amounts of courage and grit stretching to better themselves through educational opportunities.

Contact
Email: ashea2@SMCCme.edu
Phone: 207-741-5584
Schedule with Alice

 


 

 

Alice Shea Image

Audrey Kimball

College and Career Success Coordinator for York County Community College (YCCC)

I’ve worked in adult education and college academic support for over 15 years and I am so happy to continue to serve these students as they take the next steps on their educational journey. I’m a great listener and I truly enjoy getting to know my students. When a student meets with me they can expect genuine interest, empathy, practical suggestions, and ongoing communication and support.

Contact
Email: akimball@yorkschools.org
Phone: 207-216-4482
 

 

 

Sierra Melanson Image

Sierra Melanson

College and Career Success Coordinator for Central Maine Community College (CMCC)

My passion for Education and Communication has prompted me to work with adult learners. I am dedicated to helping non-traditional learners overcome their educational and career pathway barriers. I am honored to work with such diverse learners and make a positive contribution to their education. When someone meets with me, they can expect a welcoming smile, judgment-free listening, a compassionate heart, and a willingness to challenge and support you.

Contact
Email: smelanson@cmcc.edu
Phone: 207-500-1954
 

 

 

Aimee Morrison

Aimee Morrison

College and Career Success Coordinator for Washington County Community College (WCCC)

Education has always been a passion of mine both professionally and personally. As a first-generation student, I can attest to the success that higher education can provide to individuals regarding their academic and professional goals. I am fully aware of the challenges that our diverse learning students face and aim to provide support and advocacy for their educational needs. I have an optimistic personality and convey a positive attitude with anyone I meet and hope to provide realistic goals for my clients and help navigate them through the multitude of available educational opportunities. 

Contact
Email: amorrison@msad37.org
Phone: 207-214-7666