VR at Work

Cesar Cordero Jorge has been involved with the Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS) since August 2024.  He is a very friendly, outgoing, social, and highly motivated gentleman.  

Cesar has been successfully employed by Kohl’s since May 2025.  His job title is Housekeeping and Operations staff.  He works 20 hours per week.  His duties include ensuring the store is cleaned and organized before guests arrive.  Duties also include dry mopping, vacuuming, cleaning high touch surfaces and operating a trash compactor. 

Cesar was assisted by ORS with the following services: Project Search – Bally’s, Job Development, Job Placement, Job Retention and Supports along with Brokerage Services with Iraida Williams through LAZO and Assistive Tech Assessment/Equipment with Daniel Multer.  Cesar was assisted with his vocational services through Access Point RI and developed a great relationship with his Job Developer Jennifer Fraser and his instructor at Project Search Tammy Fonseca.  Cesar graduated from Project Search - Bally’s on 6/12/25. 

Cesar is doing phenomenal at his job and is an integral part of Kohl’s. He is affectionately known as the mayor by those close to him and his big personality and smile brightens everyone’s day. 

Tonia Croce

Perseverance should be Tonia’s middle name. Tonia came to the Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS) as a self-referral in August of 2022. As an older adult, Tonia qualified for services and underwent a vocational evaluation. This evaluation revealed so many strong aptitudes that were above average. Initially Tonia was thinking of a part-time position in an office environment assisting a business with their mission.

However, the story does not end there. After the company downsized in March 2023, Tonia set out to find her next career. Taking information from her first assessment counseling, along with the benefits planning she received, Tonia quickly decided to enroll in the Certified Work Incentives Counseling online training program out of Virginia Commonwealth University. This allowed her to become self-employed and to work in any state. Two and a half years later, Tonia has received her Certification, completed a 9-month Internship working in her new field and is currently setting up her home office. She is busy networking/making connections to better assist the clients she will be working with.

Another successful story, thank you Tonia.

Counselor: Olivia Butler

Angela Thomas’s story is one of resilience and renewal. Once ready to give up on life, she found strength through the support of the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department (SCVRD). During a difficult period of incarceration, Angela chose to see her time as a chance to start over. “My life before prison was not the best,” she reflects. Determined to change, she earned her SafeServ certification and began mentoring others who also sought a better path.

After her release, Angela worked with SCVRD to adjust to life beyond prison, gaining the tools, encouragement, and accommodations she needed to thrive in the workplace. With support from a dedicated rehabilitation technician, she built confidence, advanced professionally, and began shaping a future filled with hope. Her journey proves that transformation is always possible when second chances are met with determination and support.

Before his stroke, Shawn was the Executive Director of a trade organization in South Dakota that supports businesses. At the time, his organization partnered with vocational rehabilitation to promote the hiring of people with disabilities. His stroke happened during a business conference in Oregon; fortunately, Shawn was with friends who quickly contacted emergency services. He woke up in a hospital and immediately realized he was going to have to relearn how to do everything. Shawn underwent intensive therapy and then received help from vocational rehabilitation, including counseling and guidance, job exploration, assistive technology, and a benefits analysis. His perseverance, faith, family, and positive outlook were the real reasons behind his successful recovery. Now, Shawn is back at work as a program specialist with the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks. When it comes to vocational rehabilitation, Shawn says, “You are not just a number to them.” When he woke up in the hospital room after his stroke, he knew he would have to “climb the mountain all over again”—and vocational rehabilitation was happy to help.

Lydia Taylor, a 2024 graduate of Ravenwood High School, is already making big strides toward a successful future. While waitlisted for TCAT’s Cosmetology Program, she enrolled in the Business Education Technology program at the Tennessee Rehabilitation Center (TRC), where she quickly discovered a new passion. With support from TRC staff, Lydia built confidence, developed professional skills, and earned her Microsoft Office Specialist certification. She also obtained her driver’s permit—another step toward independence. TRC’s hands-on training and career readiness support helped Lydia prepare for real-world opportunities, including a highly competitive AWS summer internship with TennCare. Typically reserved for college upperclassmen, Lydia stood out during her interview and was offered the position on the spot. Lydia’s success is a testament to her determination and the valuable support she received through TRC. Her journey reflects how the right environment can empower young adults to thrive. The Tennessee Division of Rehabilitation Services is proud to celebrate Lydia and all of her success.

The Tennessee Division of Rehabilitation Services is proud to recognize Jacob O’Bryan. Jacob always dreamed of becoming a police officer. But as he explored the demands of the job, he began to question if it was the right fit due to his disability. Still drawn to public safety, he didn’t give up—he pivoted. With support from the Greenville Community Services Unit, Jacob enrolled in a criminal justice program and found a new path: Emergency dispatch. DRS Career Training Specialist Shiree Brown worked alongside Jacob, helping him build confidence and career readiness skills. They focused on communication, conflict resolution, organization, and resume writing — tools he’d need in the field. When a contact at ETSU encouraged Jacob to apply at the Carter County Dispatch Office, he was ready. Shiree coordinated mock interviews to prepare him, and Jacob walked into the real thing with confidence. He got the job. Today, Jacob is thriving in his new role — with Shiree continuing to check in as he settles in and grows.

Rising Strong: How VR Empowered Greyson McMurray to Rebuild Her Life and Chase Her Dreams 

As a survivor of domestic violence and a life-changing injury, Greyson McMurray found new hope through Texas Workforce Commission’s Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services. What began as a request for help walking again turned into a powerful journey of transformation. Vocational Rehabilitation Services helped Greyson receive a total hip replacement, physical therapy, and mobility supports, restoring her independence and confidence.  

With encouragement and counseling from her VR counselors, she discovered new strengths and set her sights higher, earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting with VR-sponsored tuition. When hearing challenges arose, VR provided hearing aids to ensure she could succeed in the classroom and beyond.  

Today, Greyson works for a Certified Public Accounting (CPA) firm and, with VR’s support, is completing her master’s degree at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. She’s pursuing a master’s degree to advance her career and broaden her opportunities in accounting and human resources, and she expects to graduate this December.  

Greyson’s story shines as proof that with the right support, determination and opportunity, lives can be rebuilt stronger than ever.  

Greyson quote: “Nelson Mandela said, ‘It always seems impossible until it’s done.’ TWC VR, my teachers and family have been my biggest cheerleaders and got me back into the workforce. Now, I am inspiring my son and hope to inspire other non-traditional students, survivors, and those who think the world has lost faith that they too can achieve their goals one step at a time.” 

Denise V. Nunez, owner and director of Signology LLC in El Paso, Texas, has made it her mission to create safe, motivating environments where Deaf clients can thrive. One of her most inspiring success stories came from her very first customer, an older Deaf man in his late 50s eager to return to work after COVID-19. Despite his extensive warehouse experience and an award recognizing him as an Outstanding Associate with a Disability, the job search stretched on for a year as employers hesitated. Denise applied to custodial, food service, and warehouse jobs on his behalf and advocated with local businesses, reminding them of the value and tax incentives in hiring individuals with disabilities. Finally, in 2021, a compassionate employer offered him an interview. Denise interpreted in ASL, and his enthusiasm shone through, leading to an immediate job offer. Since then, he has thrived in his position, receiving three raises and moving beyond minimum wage to financial stability. Denise calls this a defining moment for her and her company, showing how perseverance, advocacy, and opportunity can open doors at any stage of life. Today, through Signology, she continues to ensure Deaf job seekers are not just placed, but supported for long-term success and growth.

When Liam Dewberry connected with Texas Workforce Commission’s Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services, he dreamed of turning his love of languages into a career. Diagnosed with autism and a language processing disorder, Liam faced challenges early on. However, with guidance from his VR counselor and support from Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas and Dallas College, he found his path. 

After earning his GED and associate’s degree, Liam continued his studies at the University of North Texas, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in linguistics. Liam’s passion has taken him around the world. Last summer, he taught English in Japan, sharing his love of communication and culture. 

Through vocational rehabilitation counseling, academic assistance, and driving training, VR helped Laim gain independence and confidence. Today, he’s exploring future careers in computational linguistics, natural language processing, and AI ethics, proving that determination can turn dreams into reality. 

“I know for a fact I would not be where I am today without VR’s help. I am so grateful and thankful to be a part of this, and I hope people in this program continue to grow and achieve their dreams!” At 18, Maddy graduated high school and earned her associate degree through Early College High School. Now in her 20s, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is pursuing her master’s in Nursing for Executive Leadership.

With support from the Texas Workforce Commission’s Vocational Rehabilitation Services (TWC-VR) and her counselor, Jennifer, Maddy achieved her goals. “VR helped with my tuition, books, and so many other things,” she shared. Living with generalized anxiety disorder and ADHD, Maddy credits her faith, family, and Jennifer for helping her stay focused and confident.

Today, she’s saving lives in the ICU after spending more than three years in a Texas hospital emergency room — proof that with determination and the right support, anything is possible.