Berks & Beyond can easily manage the workforce they supply and consistently send us experienced employees that need very little training.
Aida Meijia,
Giorgi Mushroom Co.
Meet Our Team!
Did you know that the average turnover rate in the staffing industry is more than 35% per year?
At Berks & Beyond, we are really proud of our team, and we have one of the lowest turnover rates for internal staff in our industry. For you, this means that when you call us, you will speak to these people, time and time again.
Chris Garner
President
After spending years working for both local and national staffing companies, Chris learned a lot about the staffing industry, specifically what NOT to do. He knew there was a better way, so in 1998, he founded Berks & Beyond knowing that he could provide a better solution than what was in the marketplace. And are we glad he did! Working hard for our customers and seeing their companies grow, that is what keeps Chris going.
Chris was born and raised in the Berks County area. In 1996, he married his high school sweetheart, Allison, and they now have three beautiful children. As a family, they enjoy boating on the Chesapeake, running to the kids' sporting events (every night) and (according to the kids) going to DisneyWorld.
Chris is not only passionate about his business, but is very involved in our community as well, sitting on the boards of the PA Staffing Association, Camp Fire Boys and Girls, Rotary Club of Reading, as well as being an Ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce.
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Katie Barker
Branch Manager, Allentown
Katie is our own personal success story, working her way through many promotions here at Berks & Beyond. From her beginning as a receptionist to a recruiter and finally to branch manager, Katie understands every aspect of this business. She truly enjoys her work and finds it rewarding to help people start their careers.
When she is not climbing our "corporate" ladder, Katie enjoys going to the beach, shopping and spending time with family and friends (especially her nieces). Since Katie comes from a large family, she would like a large family of her own one day. We figure she needs no less than 9 kids to have her own coed softball team.
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Tiffany Garner
Operations Manager
Another Berks & Beyond success story, Tiffany is our "go-to" girl. She started as a recruiter in our Reading office and has advanced to Operations Manager. She will be responsible for managing operations of six locations throughout Eastern Pennsylvania. She will also manage the Worker's Compensation and Unemployment Compensation for all locations of Berks & Beyond Employment Services. She is also involved in many marketing projects (including assisting with this website ).
When we are able to spare her, Tiffany loves traveling to exotic locations and exploring new places. She is enjoying being a newlywed with her husband Joshua. She also enjoys attending concerts with her co-workers, playing sports and spending time with family and friends.
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Jaime Nace
Assistant Manager, Reading
With a dedication to client satisfaction, Jaime ensures that each candidate she places is a good fit for the company, and the candidate. She takes great pride in her work which is why promoting her to assistant manager was an obvious choice.
A backyard horseshoe champion, Jaime likes to attend Rally Car and Sprint races, and participates in the "Red Neck Olympics" (We are not sure what it is either!).
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Allison Turner
Branch Manager, Reading
With more than 10 years of experience in the staffing industry, including 3 as On-Site Account Manager for Ryder Transportation in Atlanta, we were glad that Allison found us when she returned to Pennsylvania in 2006.
When she is not trying to keep up with her 2 active sons, Allison enjoys reading, watching sporting events and traveling to warm destinations. As the President of the Def Leppard Fan Club Berks County chapter, she keeps us rockin'!
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Jodie Ziegler
Assistant Manager, Allentown
Our success stories continue with Jodie. After starting as a receptionist in 2006, Jodie was quickly promoted to a recruiter, and is now the Assistant Manager. Jodie strives to contine the climb up the corporate ladder.
When she is not enjoying our company, Jodie loves to go camping, spending time with her family and friends and chasing her son. She is also looking for new competition in her bowling league, as she has been league champion 3 years in a row. Any takers?
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Lucy Santiago
Recruiter, Carlisle
Un gran activo a nuestra familia aquí en Berks & Beyond, Lucy es nuestro reclutador bilingüe.
Lucy brings more than 5 years experience in the staffing industry to her job as recruiter. She recently relocated from Reading to the Carlisle/Camp Hill area and will be a great asset to our onsite partnership with Ross Distribution in Carlisle.
An active member of her church and local community, Lucy likes to spend time with her family. A true food enthusiast, Lucy enjoys a variety of delicacies over her lunch break. So, if you can't decide what to have for lunch, and ever need a good recommendation - call Lucy.
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Danielle Gould
Recruiter, Pottstown
After acquiring a degree in Marketing and Fashion Illustration, what else would one do than go into investing? That is precisely what Danielle did before entering the high-fashion staffing industry.
In her spare time, Danielle enjoys drawing and watching crime dramas (although not at the same time). She loves spending time with her husband, her two step kids, and eight feline family members. No, that is not a typo. She has 8 cats and was voted "Miss Cat Lady 2009" by her neighbors.
Julie Essig
On Site Recruiter, Godiva
Julie is another Berks & Beyond success story. While finishing up her college education, Julie started as a file clerk. She the advanced to the receptionist/front desk patrol person in the Reading office. From there Julie continued to grow and is now an On Site Recruiter for Godiva.
In her spare time, Julie is enjoying her married life and showing her husband who's boss, hoofing it to NYC to enjoy Broadway plays, going to the beach, and spending time with her family.
Heidi McCarthy
Branch Manager, Pottstown
Heidi joins the Berks & Beyond team after working 23 years in the HR and Staffing fields.Heidi is the proud parent of a daughter who is currently serving our country in Afghanistan and a son who keeps her busy playing baseball. She also has 3 dogs at home.When she is not busy working or taking care of children and dogs, Heidi likes to garden, ride her Kawasaki 550, and snow mobile.
Penny Milligan
On Site Manager, Godiva
Penny is our “Biker Girl”! She and her husband love to ride in her spare time. Penny comes to Berks and Beyond with a lot of experience. For 17 year she was an Operations Manager for a large retail store and most recently has 10 years of Staffing Industry experience as a Branch and Regional Manager. With only 2 jobs in almost 30 years, we plan on her being with us for a long time. Berks and Beyond is very lucky to have her join our team as our Godiva On-Site Manager. (Just don’t tell her that, she might get a big head!). We look forward to many years with Penny.
Christina Bare
Recruiter, Reading
Christina started with Berks & Beyond Employment Services as our receptionist and quickly exceeded expectations. Now in the recruiter role she continues to bring great customer service skills and is taking on new responsibilities every day.
During her free time she enjoys going to the gym after work, shopping, hanging out with her husband and friends, and visiting her 6 nieces and nephews. She can also be found playing tennis, going camping and on vacations, going to the beach, relaxing, and watching reality TV.
Deidra Mohn
Payroll Specialist
A graduate of Kutztown University with a BA in English, Deidra somehow finds herself working with numbers each day, and enjoying it immensely! She brings over 10 years corporate payroll and human resources experience to the table, and is taking her first steps into the staffing industry proudly with the Berks & Beyond team!
Born in Berks County, Deidra moved to Ohio for 10 years and still considers herself a buckeye at heart. Go Tribe! Outside of work, Deidra enjoys watching cooking shows and The Big Bang Theory with her husband and two bad cats. She also is a local Starbucks regular (although she hates coffee!), an Us Weekly addict, and a total shop-a-holic. One can never have too many shoes or scarves! !
RoseMarie Larson
Sales Manager
“Roe” was recently promoted to the position of Sales Manager. She now has primary responsibility for the continued growth and management of both new and current Berks and Beyond clients. Ms. Larson’s rise through the staffing industry ranks can only be described as “exceptional.” Since beginning her staffing career in 1982, she has steadily worked her way up through a number of sales and management positions with both local and national firms. Most recently, Ms. Larson worked as Business Development Manager for Berks & Beyond Employment Services. The industry veteran brings a wealth of staffing know-how to her new position. In addition to temporary, temporary-to-hire and direct-hire services, Ms. Larson has extensive experience in implementing successful on-site partnerships – placing her among the top 10% of Berks & Beyond’s sales staff company-wide. Her impressive credentials also include developing and executing innovative recruiting, retention and safety programs. Over the years, she has designed comprehensive HR solutions for hundreds of local, regional and national clients.
Ms. Larson currently resides in the Lehigh valley and enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She is a member of the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM), the American Staffing Association (ASA) and her local Chamber of Commerce.
Rebecca Jarzyna
Recruiter, Reading
Rebecca has been in the staffing industry for approximately 5 years, where she focused on mostly clerical, accounting and professional placements. She started at Berks and Beyond in August of 2010, and is excited to be part of a fun, dynamic environment. Rebecca resides with her husband, VERY active 3 year old, and two dogs. Originally from Long Island, she spends many weekends traveling "home" to visit friends and family. She is a huge dog lover and dreams of opening up a doggie day care center one day. When she is not chasing her daughter, she enjoys doing crossword puzzles and participating in Sudoku contests.
Glenn Revitt
Recruiter, Allentown
Glenn graduated from Penn State University in May 2008 with a degree in Labor and Employment Relations. He started shortly thereafter in September '08 working as a staffer and on-site coordinator for a large company in Harrisburg. Glenn then moved back to the Bethlehem area in March of 2010. Glenn joined the team of Berks & Beyond Employment Services, and has worked as both an on site and a recruiter for the Allentown location. In his spare time he likes to watch sports and go out with friends.
Christina Talarico
Mom. Rebel. "Troublemaker". Art Lover. Savvy Job Expert. Author. Dreamer. Music Freak. SERIAL Entrepreneur. Goodwill Ambassador for Berks and Beyond.
After receiving a Degree in Business and Fashion from The art Institute of Philadelphia and working in the Fashion Industry for over 11 years, Chris worked 5 jobs to save money to start her own staffing company at the age of 26, Chris Talarico & Associates, Inc., Employment Services (CTA Inc.). CTA Inc. was founded in January 1992 with only $500 and a dream; it quickly evolved into a multimillion dollar company and has helped hundreds of companies throughout the United State secure outstanding personnel.
Most recently, she and Chris Talarico & Associates has joined forces with Berks and Beyond Employment Services, the best just got better! By combining their teams and expertise, both companies can even better assist their clients with all of their staffing needs. Chris has been featured in Entrepreneur's Magazine- Business and Start-Ups. Staff Digest, The Eastern PA Business Journal,The Reading Eagle and Times, Business to Business Magazine, interviewed on KYW Newsradio (Philadelphia) and on MSNBC.
She is currently on the Marketing Committee for Berks Economic Partnership, she also serves on the Penn State Entrepreneurial Advisory Board. Chris is a member of The Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce, The Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and an avid supporter of the arts as well as many other non profit organizations. In her spare time Chris enjoys hanging out with her son Connor, her three dogs and cat Mojo, traveling, especially to New Orleans, writing, art, fashion and going to concerts/gigs and yes, reality TV, too.
Erica Spayd
Recruiter, Reading
Erica has recently joined our Berks and Beyond team. Although new to our team, Erica has been in the staffing industry for 6+ years with a background in clerical placement and administrative experience. She is excited to be a part of the Berks and Beyond team and looks forward to a successful future here.
Outside of work, Erica enjoys every single minute of spring and summer and dreads every single minute of fall and winter. She enjoys visiting with her dad, taking frequent trips to NJ to spend quality time with her nephew Jake and niece Jackqueline, walking and watching some good reality TV. "Yes, I'm one of those," she says.
Jennifer Roeder
On Site 3rd Shift, Godiva
After spending the last ten years working for a non-profit organization, Jen started working for Berks & Beyond on her birthday. So far, she thinks it's been a great present! Jen lives in Wernersville, and all of her children have four legs. After spending a brief period riding on the back of her husband's motorcycle, Jen decided to get her own. She enjoys riding her motorcycle with friends and family, hiking with her dogs, sewing, gardening, and recently completed her first 5k!
Edwin Kauffman
Branch Manager, Carlisle
Ed grew up right outside York. He moved to Texas for college and was a Wildlife Researcher. Ed traveled extensively throughout the North America, as a wildlife researcher. He then moved back to PA to be closer to his family. He was looking for a career and found an opportunity at Berks and Beyond. His days with Berks and Beyond are “wilder” than any experience he had captured as a researcher. Ed has taken on more responsibility very quickly at Berks & Beyond and continues to grow our newest branch in Carlisle, PA. Ed plays bass guitar in a band with some friends from high school. If you want to see this “superhero” perform you will have to contact him for details. He likes to listen to music and enjoys going to see shows. His all time favorite band is Modest Mouse. He spends most of his free time (weather permitting) kayaking, camping, fishing, hunting, and any other outdoor activities. Ed enjoys reading and watching movies. He also has traveled extensively and enjoys doing so.
Dana Reiff
Recruiter, Reading
With over 14 years of experience in the staffing industry with Chris Talarico & Associates, Dana takes the time to get to know the people she interviews and the clients she represents and seeks to not only fill a position, but to find a perfect match for both employee and employer. Dana is the kind of friend everyone loves to have. She is fun loving and outgoing, and she is the person everyone runs to for advice, or a shoulder to cry on. That very personable, caring, people oriented attitude makes Dana an outstanding recruiter.
Born in New Jersey, Dana grew up in Honey Brook, Chester County, graduating from Twin Valley High School, and attended Kutztown University. Although she lives in PA, Dana says she will always be a Jersey Girl at heart! In her spare time, Dana loves spending time with her 2 children and her 3 dogs. She loves the warmth of a summer day, lounging by the pool, and going to the beach. Dana also loves to ride her motorcycle, traveling, going to the movies, rock & roll music and spending time enjoying the company of her friends.
Kelly Allebach
Recruiter, Pottstown
Kelly joined Berks & Beyond in January of 2011. After spending 10 years working in the restaurant industry, doing everything from bartender, to waitress, to finally co-owner, Kelly left to start a family. When she was returning to the work force, she realized that her superb communication skills and great sense of humor would be a great fit for our Pottstown team! She can always be counted on to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Kelly says she is a proud Temple mom! Her son is currently attending Temple University on a full academic scholarship in Mathematical Economics, where he maintains a 4.0 GPA. WOW! Kelly enjoys spending her weekends shopping at Zern's. She also likes going to the beach as well as spending time with family and friends.
Kayla Anderson
Recruiter, Carlisle
Kayla is one of the newest members to the Berks & Beyond team. She is a recent graduate from Shippensburg University with a major in Human Resource Management. She was a cheerleader for the university and a member of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM).
She enjoys traveling, working out, and watching movies. Kayla is excited to grow within the company, take on new responsibilites, and expand the Carlisle branch with her team.
Diane McDonnell
Branch Manager, York
Diane brings to Berks & Beyond an extensive background in investment banking. She has worked at many different levels of banking and also has a degree in accounting. Diane started as our receptionist, and then quickly moved up into a recruiter position. Diane's success story doesn't end here, she is now the Branch Manager of the York office. Diane enjoys the fast-paced environment staffing brings, and is excited to be a part of the Berks & Beyond team and is striving to see the York office reach it's full potential. She said "it's a whole different world!"
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her two children. They always keep her on her toes with their sports! As an animal lover, she takes care of her pets or zoo, which includes 4 cats, a dog, a rabbit and fish - she is looking to add more!
Sabrina Green
Recruiter, Carlisle
Sabrina has an extensive human resources background that she brings to Berks & Beyond. Prior to coming to the staffing industry, she worked for a large distribution center and also in the corporate environment, as both a HR Assistant and then a HR Specialist. She has an extensive knowledge of payroll, FMLA, benefit administration and hiring processes. At both employers, she was also in charge of coordinating health fairs, job fairs, and flu shots. This experience, coupled with her passion to assist employees, will benefit Sabrina tremendously in the staffing industry.
In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and children. When she’s not spending time with them, she can be found shopping, going to the movies or enjoying a game of basketball.
Andres Vega
Business Developement Manager, Harrisburg
Andres has been in the staffing industry since 1996. He has an extensive background and is familiar with all aspects of the industry. He was even part owner of an employment service in the past. Andres has the knowledge and experience Berks and Beyond needs to anchor the Harrisburg market. In his free time he likes to reflect on his days of playing baseball as a child.
Griselle Caceres
Recruiter, Harrisburg
Griselle is one of the newest additions to Berks and Beyond, and she’s certainly one of the bubbliest! She always is quick with a smile and a kind word. You can certainly tell she is a people person and enjoys working in a team environment! Griselle is fluent in both English and Spanish, as she was born in Puerto Rico and moved here to Pennsylvania a few years ago. Prior to joining B&B, she was a receptionist and HR assistant at a packaging and supply chain company. She was also involved in the training of new employees. She has two children, a boy and a girl, and when she is not on “mommy duty,” she enjoys going out with friends and having a good time.
Megan Amorino
Recruiter, Allentown
Although recently promoted this is not Megan's first time working in the staffing field. She previously worked as a recruiter last fall while she was home from BYU Idaho. Megan applied with Berks and Beyond looking for something in customer service. She was then hired as the receptionist and quickly moved into a recruiter position.
Megan is a Vocal Performance major at Brigham Young University of Idaho. She loves Musical Theater and has been performing since she was a little girl. In her spare time she enjoys reading, hanging out with friends and spending time with her nieces and nephews.
Cory Nelson
Recruiter, Harrisburg
"Who is Cory Nelson?" Cory is one of the newest members to Berks and Beyond, and has already taken on huge responsibilities. He is a recent graduate of Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York. He graduated with a major in business administration and played division I baseball as a pitcher for Le Moyne. He is putting what he learned in college to good use and is quickly learning the ropes of the staffing industry.
When Cory is not working, he enjoys spending time with his fiancee, watching baseball, working out and visiting his family in Syracuse. If you are still wondering "Who is Cory Nelson?" follow this link to find out.
Stephani Williams
Branch Manager, Harrisburg
Although new to the Berks & Beyond team, Stephani brings along 5 years of experience in the staffing industry specializing in onsite development and partnerships. Stephani has been responsible for successfully managing several of the Harrisburg area's largest accounts in both an onsite capacity and remotely from a field office. With experience in all aspects of temporary staffing, Stephani has reduced turnover, improved fill rates, increased productivity and found qualified associates to join her clients' workforce.
Outside of work, you can find Stephani in Philadelphia cheering on her favorite sports teams - the Flyers & Phillies! She enjoys spending her downtime with her puppy, friends, and family, as well as exploring the world, having visited 9 countries in 2011.
Brandon Trautman
Recruiter, York
Brandon is one of the newest members of the Berks and Beyond team. He has a background in Sales Management and has a degree in Journalism from the Pennsylvania State University. He currently works as a recruiter in the York office. Brandon brings a ton of energy to our York location and loves that fast paced environment of the recruiting business.
Outside of work Brandon enjoys working out, playing Soccer, snowboarding, reading and attending Penn State Football games. He is a huge Steelers and Penguins fan.
Sterling Harr
Sales, Allentown/Pottstown
After many years in sales within the mortgage industry, Sterling is now applying her extensive experience as the newest member of the Berks & Beyond sales management team. With her drive and professionalism, Sterling fits right in with our team.
An avid animal lover and philanthropist, Sterling spent the last few years in Florida. While not only soaking up the fun and sun, she lent her talents as a volunteer for a number of human interest groups. She is ecstatic to return "home" to the Delaware Valley with her two loves: an adorable pug named Skittles and a fuzzy shih tzu named Peyton (after her favorite QB, of course).
Taryn Maysonet
Recruiter, Reading
Taryn Maysonet is one of the newest editions to both the Berks & Beyond family and the state of Pennsylvania. She hails from Brooklyn, NY – where she was born and raised. Before coming to Reading, she worked in Manhattan, where she was both a scheduler and a closed caption writer for Broadway Video – owned by SNL creator, Lorne Michaels. Taryn recently seized the opportunity when the bilingual recruiter position opened in Reading. She has hit the ground running, and taken on this huge responsibility with pride and enthusiasm. Taryn is a mother of 3: Rebecca, 18, who is currently in the Army Reserves, Sky, 13, a seventh grader in Northwest Middle School, and Donovyn, 5, who will be in kindergarten this fall. In her spare time, Taryn loves to go to the movies, shoot some pool, and dance the night away. She is just as content staying home and cooking/baking with her children, reading, or catching up with the DVR. She loves a good cause and has been known to have a bake sale or two to raise money! She attends AIDS Walk NY every year, and has been doing so since 1997. Taryn loves a good joke and loves to make people laugh… She believes laughter is the best medicine. Luckily, she happened to join a group who feels the same. She says she hopes to hit the lotto one day so she can change the company name to “Taryn & Beyond”. We’re not letting her play the lottery. Make sure you smile and say hello to her when you come by!
David Schollenberger"DJ""Charlie"
Maintenance Man
DJ is the official maintenance man of Berks & Beyond. He keeps the office looking exceptional as only he and his crew can. He is only a phone call away if we need anything, but most times he can be found just down the street having a "good time" at his friend Dave's. He starts each day off by saying "hello Angels" and that is why we call him Charlie.