CORE Program
Formerly Kent Transition Center CORE - Career Orientation Readiness Experiences
CORE helps high school students who are not yet ready for independent and competitive employment transition from school to work.
Students in CORE prepare for adult life as they focus on learning career and employability skills. Students gain soft skills and valuable job skills training through career readiness experiences.
The main components of the program are:
- Functional Academic Skills
- Pre-Vocational Skills
- Vocational Skills
- Communication Skills
- Interpersonal Skills
Meet the Instructors
Lori Dulak
Hello! My name is Lori Dulak. I have 24 years of teaching experience in Special Education, starting in North Carolina, then five years in Texas, and the rest here in Michigan. My passion is working with students in the area of transition. I enjoy helping students achieve their highest potential and ability.
I have a Master of Education Degree in Special Education, with an emphasis on Learning Disabilities, from Grand Valley State University and a Bachelor of Education Degree in Special Education, with an emphasis in Cognitive Impairments and Learning Disabilities, from Purdue University.
My husband, Todd, and I are very blessed to have four wonderful children, Nick, Caleb, Ryan, and Kai. We also have a spoiled lab named Luna. I enjoy spending time with my family & friends, hiking, reading, being at the lake, boating, four-wheeling, and traveling.
Heather Kelley
Hello! My name is Heather Kelley. I am the CTE Specialist for the CORE program! I assist students in learning job skills, making them more prepared to begin a job force. I have a passion to help students be the best they can be! I am so excited to be a part of the CORE program and excited for an awesome year.
I graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Sociology. I have over 7 years of experience working directly with both adults and children diagnosed with developmental, cognitive and/or mental disorders. During that time, I spent 3 years working in a community-based program where I was able to assist adults with a range of abilities, learning activities of daily living skills both in the home and in the community. Soon after, I worked 4 years working case managing for families who have a child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder along with other developmental disabilities, and connected them to community resources and advocated for them. Lastly, throughout that time I have also worked doing Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy with children with autism in the home and in the center.
My husband, Lucas, and I are raising one teenage foster son with Autism Spectrum Disorder, one dog, two cats, and four chickens. Our house is always an exciting, busy place. My hobbies include swimming, hiking, hammocking, and traveling.
Learn more about CORE!
School News Network article: KCTC and CORE students roll up their sleeves to help reduce water runoff at KENT ISD.
School News Network article: Working at the Y Opens Doors for CORE Students: A Transforming Experience
CORE students toured The Rapid (city bus) and explored the Central Station: Ride the Rapid
