Serving talent development professionals in Greater Akron-Canton and surrounding areas.
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Dear Members, We are well into a new year and your CVATD board has been hard at work to provide you with timely and consistent programming and opportunities for networking so you can learn today and shape tomorrow. We have seen great discussions in our article and coffee chats so far around lifelong learning, storytelling, and the role of learning and development in employee engagement. The inaugural meeting of our chapter book club is just around the corner in April, and it has had so much interest that we had to open additional seats. No matter what is happening in the world outside, I can consistently count on this group to pull together, engage, and support one another. We are something special, and the fact that we continue to grow is a testament to that. Every meeting I attend, I see new faces and existing members welcoming them into the fold. That’s the way it should be. With the members we have, I have all the confidence that we will reach our goal of hitting 100 active members this year. Of course, all this programming doesn’t happen by itself, and our team can always use extra support from our members. If you are interested in volunteering (or just chatting), my inbox is always open: cvatdpresident@gmail.com. I can tell you that giving back comes with invaluable experience and connections with worthwhile colleagues and lifelong friends. As I start my first term as CVATD president, I hope to give back to the great group of people who make up this organization, people who took me in, helped me, and continue to help me every step of my career journey. Together in learning,
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Exclusive Members-Only Event: Experience the Flying Starship SimulationWednesday, April 16
1–5 p.m.
Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce
Join our very own Cindy DiLauro as she takes us through the Flying Starship Simulation. The workshop offers a hands-on experience that contrasts a command-and-control leadership style with the dynamics of a high-performing organization—all within a few hours.
Participants become "employees" of the fictional Flying Starship Company and dive into the task of producing paper origami Starships in a traditional assembly line setting. Following the initial production run, the socio-technical and economic outcomes are analyzed, often revealing surprising results. Cutters and Folders clash, Painters express frustration, and everyone points fingers at the tools provided.
In the second phase, employees take control of managing their own work. This shift leads to remarkable changes: increased production, fewer rejects, higher earnings, and dramatic improvements in quality. As initial anxiety gives way to deep engagement, the company hums with energy and enthusiasm.
Discover this transformative experience for yourself. Register today!
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Click on the images below to learn more about these upcoming events:
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ATD25: Collective Insights. Lifelong LearningWashington, DC May 18 - 21
Join thousands of learning professionals for best practices, solutions to training challenges, a peek into the future of learning, and inspirational stories that will lift your work long after the event ends.
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RECORDINGS OF PAST EVENTS
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Missed the latest CVATD event? No worries! We've got you covered. Members can simply log in to our website and navigate to "Members-Only Content" > Meeting Recordings & Handouts.
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New & Prospective Member Webinar!Tuesday, April 15 | Noon–1 p.m. | Zoom
Join our Co-Directors of Membership, Amy Browne and Allana Bowman, for our first "Making the Most of CVATD Membership" webinar!
The "Making the Most of CVATD Membership" presentation is a FREE session designed for new and prospective members to explore the benefits of CVATD. It provides an overview of membership levels and programming opportunities, such as Coffee Chat & Contacts (CCC), book clubs, workshops, and special interest groups (SIGs).
The session also covers the advantages of Power Membership, group membership discounts, and sponsorship opportunities that further support professional development and networking.
Additionally, attendees will explore CVATD's online resources, including the website and LinkedIn. Our hope is that this session helps members maximize their CVATD experience. Invite friends or colleagues who may benefit from our organization and want to learn more! |
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New Members:
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Pamela Biragbara
Sara Carleton
Erika Carpenter
Jessica Cervenak
Ryan Freeman
Amanda Garrini*
Steph Kelly
Anna Olsen
Lauren Romance*
Lauren Sempers-Scott
Courtney Tschantz
Amy Vogt
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* Denotes ATD Power Members
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Ryan Freeman
Ryan began his career teaching High School English for 7-12 grade but quickly pivoted into the corporate fields for training and instructional design. He worked for 10 years for Signet Jewelers as a seasonal and operations trainer, then moved to Concora Credit where he was a senior operations training manager for 6 years.
He is currently with NexaMotion Group as one of two HR Training and design specialists in the automotive aftermarket industry. He recently celebrated my first anniversary with NMG this past month. Ryan is am currently taking certification classes through various organizations (including ATD) to enhance my skills in instructional design and adult learning.
What made you decide to join CVATD?
My previous director and mentor directed me to ATD as a resource for growth and development. I then discovered my longtime friend, Cindy DiLauro, is a part of CVATD. I am very thankful I have found ATD and that it offers such great opportunities for growth, development, and networking.
What is your favorite Spring past-time or tradition?
My family loves getting outside in the nicer weather and enjoying those moments. We are a big outdoors family, so any opportunity to get outside is our favorite thing to do! My girls especially love camping and ATV riding, so we want to do those as soon as possible. |
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Courtney Tschantz
Courtney is currently the Training Specialist at Seaman Corporation in Wooster, a role which she's held since 2021. Courtney graduated from Liberty University in 2016 and began her HR Career in the Talent Acquisition function at Seaman Corporation. She is a certified Everything DiSC Facilitator (she's a CD/DC Style) as well as a LeanSigma Green Belt. She loves being in learning because it gives her the ability to ask questions and learn new things in so many different areas of the business.
What made you decide to join CVATD?
I am looking forward to learning from others in this profession who have created successful L&D functions in their organization.
What is your favorite spring pastime or tradition?
I live near an arboretum, so I love going on walks and watching the flowers bloom. |
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Amy Vogt
Amy has over fifteen years of experience in training and development. Her last position was with University Hospitals, where she had the opportunity to lead training and change management efforts for major technology deployments and seven hospital acquisitions. Amy specialize in simplifying technical content for a wide range of audiences. She's looking for positions where I can support others to grow and make a positive impact.
What made you decide to join CVATD?
I was previously involved in ATD and the Society for Technical Communication (STC), and I wanted to reconnect with the ATD community. I want to thank Jennifer Yaros for inspiring me to join! I look forward to keeping up with new trends in the industry, expanding my knowledge, reconnecting with previous colleagues and friends, and meeting others in the field.
What is your favorite Spring past-time or tradition?
In the Spring, I like to spend time in nature and go on hikes with my husband and our dog, Gus. I love seeing all the Spring flowers emerging from their Winter sleep and all the birds returning to our area.
My wedding anniversary is also in April, and my husband and I like to celebrate together by either going on vacation or doing something special locally. I have had the opportunity to go on some beautiful Spring skiing trips in the mountains. Spring skiing trips are definitely one of my favorite traditions! |
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Thank you to all of our sponsors. We appreciate your partnership! |
ADVOCATE SPONSOR
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SUPPORTER SPONSOR
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IN-KIND SPONSOR
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The Cuyahoga Valley Chapter of ATD provides a variety of opportunities for businesses to reach Talent Development professionals from the Akron/Canton (and beyond) region of Ohio. Through our sponsorship program, we aim to create "Win-Win-Win" solutions for our sponsors, chapter, and membership.
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ABOUTThe Cuyahoga Valley Association of Talent Development (CVATD) is a professional organization that can help you meet other professionals in your area of expertise, develop skills through a full calendar of learning activities and expand leadership skills through volunteer opportunities. |
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MEMBER BENEFITSCVATD offers our members upskilling webinars, in-person and online workshops, Lunch and Learn events, as well as Special Interest Group meetings. Visit our website at cvatd.org for program information and to access Members-Only content, like our membership directory, virtual meeting recordings and program handouts. |
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2025 Officers and Board of Directors
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President:
Kate Graham Past President:
Amy Salapski
Secretary:
Brad Babcock
Treasurer:
Stephanie Steirn Programming:
Rachel Crane
Janet Kendall White
Membership:
Allana Bowman
Amy Browne
Marketing and Communications:
Derek Hasselbusch
Jennifer Grimes
Technology:
Cindy DiLauro
Amy Salapski
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