The Choice Group

09/04/2026

If you spend any time with The Choice Group, you're no stranger to his work over the last fourteen years! Give John Callahan some applause and celebrate with us!

John really makes the most of every second he works, and puts his all into supporting his team. He said, "One of the things that I’ve always appreciated about being part of The Choice Group is that the work matters. Helping people build skills, become more independent, and reach goals they’ve worked hard for is still incredibly rewarding after 14 years. It is a privilege to work with such a dedicated group of Counselors and Technicians, and I am proud of the impact that they make every day."

And we're proud of YOU, John!

The Choice Group CEO, Chris Lavach, shared a core memory in appreciation. "John Callahan has been with the Choice Group for fourteen years! Throughout his tenure, John has done it all for The Choice Group. Early in his TCG career, John won a very prestigious awards called “The Advocate Award". It was made especially for John because of the way he supports his clients and how he always goes that extra mile!"

Chris continued, "Not long after, John became a manager for our Northern Virginia region where he continues to advocate for TCG’s clients. Not only in the community, but now on a much larger scale. Happy work anniversary, John. TCGs’ clients are fortunate to have you out there leading the way!"

We thank you for fourteen years of success!

08/19/2026

Meet Michael!

Michael has worked at a hospital since July 2021. After completing a successful internship through his involvement with The Choice Group's Project SEARCH during the 2020-2021 school year, his manager at the hospital created the Telemetry Runner position FOR him to fulfill certain needs between nursing departments and the telemetry department all across the hospital campus. Michael’s hard work was so valuable to the hospital that they made Telemetry Runner a full-time position, and eventually hired an additional Project SEARCH graduate to be a second Telemetry Runner!

This spring, as a result of all of his hard work showing "proof of concept", Michael also earned "The Right-Hand Award” because the team considers his efficiency indispensable.

Michael's Vocational Counselor at The Choice Group, Rita Dee, wanted to make sure Michael got this well-deserved shout-out, for earning the award and for proving so vital that the hospital continues to build the Telemetry Runner position using his hard work as the model. She said, "Michael completes his job diligently and always with a smile. He serves as a Project SEARCH mentor for new interns which is an additional responsibility. Michael is a great representative of the mission of The Choice Group."

We are so proud of you, Michael, and so happy for all of your exemplary accomplishments!

08/13/2026

It's not lost on us that Rebecca's in a field of sunflowers...

Rebecca Keith celebrates 5 years at The Choice Group as a Vocational Counselor, and we're thrilled she's with us!

Her manager, Heather, shared, "Rebecca is a great asset to TCG and the SW Team and we are lucky to have her! She is passionate about those that she serves and comes to work everyday with a smile on her face and a can-do attitude."

When asked about her time with the company, Rebecca said, "I have enjoyed every moment working with The Choice Group. The Choice Group is a unique company of collaborative, innovative and supportive people from top to bottom. Seeing the people we serve being given choices, chances, and opportunities to improve their quality of life through employment and other life choices, The Choice Group fulfills my 'why' 100%, and I love it!"

And we love that you're here! Thank you Rebecca! Congratulations on 5 years!

Give her a shout in the comments.

08/12/2026

Congratulations are in order, everyone! In just a few months at The Choice Group, Charleen was promoted to Vocational Counselor. Go, Charleen, go!! We're so happy you're with us.

Shout out in the comments!

08/08/2026

Trust us... we're ALWAYS by our telephones!

Sound the bells everybody, Jaime Smith is celebrating three years with us at The Choice Group!

Jaime's first thought when considering her time at The Choice Group was about her clients: "I enjoy working at The Choice Group because I am able to make a difference in the lives of my clients. I am inspired when I see them overcoming challenges, and working hard to reach their goals. I am happy to be a small part of their journey!"

She also wanted to share some insight about her team! "It is wonderful to work with our Choice Group team in Richmond, who also care deeply for their clients' success and well-being. I am a member of an excellent team, and am happy to have spent 3 years helping others find satisfaction and joy in their own employment."

We're so grateful for Jaime's hard work over these three years. And remember... she's always a telephone call away!

07/29/2026

Let's hear it for Rita Dee, everybody! We're celebrating her 13 years with The Choice Group, and hopefully she's just getting started...

On her time with us, Rita shared, "I love being part of The Choice Group's mission. The clients, their families, and my co-workers are all wonderful in their own way, and have contributed uniquely to my 13 years at The Choice Group." And we're sure all those she mentioned took equal lessons and experiences from her as well!

Ericka Neville, Regional Manager at The Choice Group, had plenty of powerful words to share about Rita's time here as well. "Rita has created an undeniable legacy here at The Choice Group, and continues to be one of the best Counselors and leaders that The Choice Group has ever had!"

Thank you for your hard work, Rita!

07/17/2026

Meet Rachel!

Rachel has a BA Degree from Davis & Elkins College and a Pastry Arts Certification from Sunflower Bakery. She accepted a position as a cake decorator at Walmart in 2024.

And WOW! has she grown as a cake decorator! She received the Fresh Food and Consumables Champion of the Month Award in July 2025, and was recently presented with the Walmart Integrity Pin for Respect, Excellence, Service, and Integrity, presented to her by the Walmart Corporate Marketing Team.

Her Supervisor Lana said that Rachel is “awesome to work with and just keeps getting better and better.”

Rachel's Vocational Counselor at The Choice Group, Debby Henry, shared, "It has been an amazing experience to watch Rachel’s techniques improve and her confidence in her skills increase!"

And, fun fact - during this exchange, a customer picking up one of Rachel's cakes commented that it was "perfect!"

Check out Rachel's amazing and artistic skills in the pictures, and be sure to drop her some confetti to celebrate with her in the comments!

We are in awe of you, Rachel, and so happy that your hard work is being recognized. You deserve it!

07/15/2026

Meet Will!

Will has worked with The Choice Group since 2023, starting with Pre-ETS. After graduating, Will completed our PEERS® Social Skills course, which helped him in his job searching and interviewing shortly after. Will accepted a position at Wegmans and said his experience with PEERS® helped him feel more comfortable interacting with others. He is well loved at his job and is a part of a great team!

Will shared, "PEERS helped a lot with my interview with Wegmans to get my job. I also think it's easier now to talk to my coworkers."
He said that now he has no problem walking up and talking to his coworkers, and that he gets along with them. He has been able to find a lot in common with his coworkers.

Will's Vocational Counselor at The Choice Group, Christine, said, "I've worked with Will for over 3 years and saw a big improvement in his communication and social skills once he completed Peers. He is more comfortable with conversation, speaking up for himself, and speaking with and helping customers. His confidence has increased and his first review received all positive reviews from his manager!"

We're so happy that Will's time with The Choice Group and in our PEERS® curriculum program has helped him achieve his work goals. Make sure to give him some accolades in the comments!

Congratulations on all your success, Will! You earned it!

07/09/2026

A goat with a G.O.A.T.?! If you know, you know.

Rachel here had a successful nine years at The Choice Group as a Vocational Counselor and Lead Transitions Counselor before taking a break to stay home with her sons. Now, we're celebrating her second year back with us, in her new role as a Work Incentives Specialist Advocate (WISA).

On her time with The Choice Group, Rachel said,
"Something that has been consistent in every role I have had with The Choice Group is that our company is always putting client’s needs first. I have always felt incredibly supported by my team and my supervisors in the work that we do. I have been lucky to have the most amazing managers who are extraordinary role models and have motivated me to provide the best services I can."

"I am just so grateful I get to work with such a wonderful group of people. I'm so happy to be back and though Vocational Counseling will always have a special place in my heart, I am so appreciative to have the opportunity to explore a new role!"

And we're so happy to have her back with us! Rachel, thanks for all of your hard work - we know your clients are in great hands! Congratulations!

Be sure to give Rachel a shout in the comments!

07/08/2026

Meet CJ!

"CJ is not only a pickle ball gold medalist, but he is also a valued team member of the Serve Pro family. He has worked there for more than five years and continues to receive accolades for his performance and dedication to the company. It has been my pleasure working as CJ’s Counselor since 2018. Keep up the good work!" Zach Sisisky, M.ED., BCBA, LBA; Behavioral Services Manager at The Choice Group.

Check out this news article with interviews on CJ's undefeated preliminary round in pickleball at the Special Olympics USA Games!

It was a thrilling week inside the NSC Sports Hall as pickleball made its official Special Olympics USA Games debut. The week was full of close finishes and exciting storylines. One athlete that st…