READY FOR WORK WAS CREATED BY CARDINAL’S NEST FOUNDERS, JAN HIRTZ & PAM DUNNAVANT, IN 2018.
Both Pam and Jan are certified teachers through the Virginia Department of Education and nationally certified Global Career Development Facilitators.
Currently, with over 24 years of experience in K-12 education, we are focused on maximizing our impact on our community. Our goal is to administer career development, academic support, and wraparound services. We have a personal understanding of the challenges rural students face and a desire to provide programs that increase graduation rates, job readiness, and college admissions. We are committed to identifying and implementing career development, educational strategies that increase work readiness and life skills.
Jan Hirtz, GCDF
Jan Hirtz received her master’s degree in Organic Chemistry and worked in the research and development sector for large pharmaceutical for 8 years until deciding to switch careers. She has taught for over 13 years with experience in public and online school instruction. She is currently working on a doctorate in instruction and curriculum and is aligning this with her teaching experience and Global Career Facilitator Certification to develop interactive career exploration curricula for youth.
“I have a personal understanding the importance of matching interests and skills to a career path”
Pam Dunnavant, GCDF
Pam Dunnavant received her bachelor’s degree with an endorsement in Biology from Longwood University. She holds a professional teacher license and has experience in both middle and high school instruction. Being awarded “Teacher of the Year” during her tenure of teaching and helping to establish the first Go Green Team and recycling program are some of her most recognized accomplishments. As a nationally certified Global Career Development Facilitator, she is equipped to provide career development for individuals of all ages.