With over three decades of experience in vocational rehabilitation and disability advocacy, Genia has dedicated her career to empowering individuals - especially veterans and their families - to achieve meaningful, purpose-driven lives. Currently leading a national team of Certified Rehabilitation Counselors, Employment Analysts and Small Business Counselor at Paralyzed Veterans of America, she directs the delivery of tailored vocational planning and support that bridges the gap between individual potential and real-world opportunity. Genia’s work spans private industry, federal agencies, and local governments, with deep expertise in navigating complex benefits systems such as SSDI, VA VR&E, OWCP, and Workers' Compensation. She has served as a vocational expert witness, managed national workforce development programs, and facilitated CARF accreditation processes—all with a focus on holistic, client-centered services.
Atlanta, GA
Rodney Lee (USA, Ret.)
Employment Analyst
Phone: (202) 416-6480
(Nationwide)
Rodney Lee is an Army veteran who retired from the military as a First Sergeant. He has over 20 years of experience in Recruiting Operations and Human Resource Management. Rodney joined PVA’s Veterans Career Program in 2018 as an Employment Analyst. He assists his clients in all areas of the employment process from the job search to salary negotiations, but places focus and emphasis on resume development and relationship/partnership building. Rodney is also a contributing member of PVA’s DEIB advisory committee.
San Diego, CA
Darah Gerou, M.S., CRC
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
(AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, NV, OR, WA)
Phone: (202) 416-6477
Darah is a San Diego native. Having grown up in a large military family, she is passionate about ensuring that service members and their families obtain holistic, wraparound services both during their service and after their transition back to civilian life. Darah has also been an active member of the disability community since 2010; and is an advocate, an activist, a proud dog mom, lover of all things Disney, and identifies as a person with a disability.
David Martinez is a Marine Corps veteran with a robust background in career counseling and talent acquisition. He empowers his clients with a structured strategy to secure employment, focusing on enhancing resumes, building professional networks, and mastering interview techniques.
Minneapolis, MN
James “Jim” Arndt, M.S., CRC
Sr Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Phone: (202) 416-6476
(IA, IL, MI, MN, ND, NE, SD, MT, WI, WY)
Jim has been a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with PVA’s Veteran Career Program for nearly 15 years. He’s from the Minneapolis area and covers the upper Midwest area. His specialties include developing relationships and opportunities in the Federal sector; and he looks forward to continuing his mission helping veterans find vocational support. Jim is a long-time guitarist.
Danielle Hetu is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) with over 30 years of experience supporting individuals with disabilities in achieving their educational, social, vocational, and independent living goals. Danielle focuses on supporting veterans, caregivers, and the broader veteran community through her certifications as a CRC, Community Work Incentives Counselor (CWIC), Benefits Planner for Veterans (VET-C), and employer partnerships. Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2001, Danielle has cultivated a profound commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential.
Richmond, VA
Alex Spangler, M.A., CRC
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Phone: (202) 416-6481
(DC, IN, KY, MD, OH, TN, VA, WV)
Alex Spangler is a dedicated Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with a passion for helping veterans and their family members towards fulfilling their career goals. With over 10 years of experience in career exploration and personalized job coaching, Alex excels at helping his clients navigate the complexities of finding a job with confidence. Outside of work, Alex enjoys spending time camping with his wife and five children around Virginia.
San Antonio, TX
Joel Hoots, M.S., CRC
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Phone: (202) 416-6479
(CO, KS, NM, MO, OK, TX, UT)
Joel Hoots is an Army Veteran with a background in healthcare who has been working as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with PVA for 5 years. His unique background allows him to focus on assisting Veterans understand the benefits available to them and how to use them proficiently to attain their career goals.
Tampa, FL
Heidi Claypool, M.S., CRC
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Phone: (202) 416-7688
(AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, PR, SC)
Heidi Claypool is a former military spouse and caregiver. She has over 13 years of working with veterans and their families through non-profit and VA services. She has a Masters in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from USF as well as being a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. She looks forward to supporting veterans and their families through PVA’s Veterans Career Program.
Audie earned her Masters in Business of Art and Design / Business Administration and Management from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Counseling Psychology. Audie brings over five years of experience advising small businesses, mentoring entrepreneurs, and serving as a judge for local pitch contests. Her passion for marketing, branding, and strategic planning has empowered countless business owners to grow and thrive.
Boston, MA
Micaela Black, MEd, CRC, LMHC
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Phone: (202) 416-7650
(CT, DE, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI VT)
Micaela has extensive experience working with Veterans, Service Members, and their families including with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in the VR&E program and then as a VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) counselor. She is passionate about rehabilitation counseling, advocacy, and the value of work for people with disabilities. She is able to assist with all VA Education benefits, Ch 31 benefits, supporting Veterans’ medical and mental health needs, career exploration, advocating for policy change, and connecting to VA services. Micaela actively collaborates with area colleges all over New England and maintains close relationships with community agencies as well as all VA business lines.
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