Who is at Adaptiva HR?
Jennifer Jacobs, MA
Business Owner, Human Resource Consultant
Jennifer has a Master’s degree in Counseling and is a registered psychotherapist with the State of Vermont. Up until becoming a business-owner, her career journey was exclusively in the nonprofit sector and included roles as a clinical mental health counselor, an administrator, a program developer, and an experiential educator. She came into Human Resources “sideways” when she realized how much this kind of support was needed by her small business clients as she was providing employee counseling and management coaching. Picking up the technical knowledge easily and deftly applying it to real world situations, Jennifer’s reputation as a capable and compassionate resource to local small business owners quickly grew. In a few short years, her one-woman business blossomed into a strong team of Employee Counseling, Human Resource, and Training & Development professionals.
“I really love working collaboratively. When I was alone in my business I was not happy. Having a talented team that is both extremely competent and dedicated to the vision I have for creating healthy places to work is an amazing gift. I really feel like we are making a meaningful, if subtle, difference. I see it when a business owner, manager, or employee earnestly tells me how grateful they are for our support.”
Karen Blumberg, MA, LCMHC
Management Consultant, Employee Counselor, Trainer
Karen holds a Master’s degree in counseling psychology and is licensed as a psychotherapist. She is trained in several clinical modalities including couples counseling, family systems counseling, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Hypnotherapy, and Narrative therapy. Karen also holds a Certificate in Training and Facilitation from Marlboro College.
In addition to her clinical work, Karen has a significant background in training and development. She organizes and leads most of our workshops and also provides management coaching on topics related to the systems and support for people at work. Karen really enjoys helping managers become stronger leaders.
“It is an honor to sit with people, hear about their lives, and help them find solutions and resources, and also to notice patterns of thinking and behaving. I love working with businesses as we look at similar dynamic systems; it is great to help figure out what is holding productivity back, how the work culture is impacting employees, what systems and structures need re-thinking.”
Robin White, BA, BCC
Employee Counselor & Wellness Coach
Robin White is a registered psychotherapist with the State of Vermont and also is a board-certified Health/Wellness Life Coach and Psychosynthesis Counselor. She is an adjunct teacher of Psychosynthesis and Synthesis Coaching for Synthesis Northeast, Brattleboro, VT. Additionally, Robin is a 500-hour Yoga Alliance teacher and she offers workshops in Compassionate Communication, Compassion Fatigue, Mindfulness, Yoga & Psychosynthesis.
Robin’s approach to providing assistance is anchored by these two questions: What’s going on in your current life? How can I help support you in moving through the situation? With a background in social services, Robin is skilled in helping clients locate and connect with necessary resources as well.
“I started out as a school teacher, moved into social work, and then trained to become a psychotherapist and eventually a life coach. Every experience has helped me become the person I am today and allows me to be present for those who come through the door here at Adaptiva HR. Having lived a full life while seeking to find peace, balance, and ease offers me a unique perspective on many of the common reasons clients come in for support.”
Angela Earle Gray, BA, SPHR
Human Resource Consultant
Angela is an accomplished Human Resource consultant who came into the profession by necessity at one of her first jobs. As with many nonprofits, there was no one in an HR role so she had to fill in all the gaps. She realized this was something she had an affinity and capacity for, and went on to a robust career in Human Resources at several other companies. Angela’s combination of HR expertise, business acumen, and original studies in social sciences make her well-suited to provide critical support to small businesses.
“I believe that employers succeed when they are taking care of their employees. With a low unemployment rate, there is increasing competition for talent. Employers are being forced to think creatively in order to recruit and retain the staff members they need. I am passionate about helping small businesses recognize ways they can support, empower, and engage employees.”
Christina Hayden, BA
Human Resource Specialist
After studying psychology, Christina discovered an interest in human resources while working at a software company. She has many years of experience in the field and has accrued a broad spectrum of knowledge of human resource needs. She is passionate about supporting small businesses via strategic and holistic human resource needs. Her strategic approach to the employment life cycle, including recruiting and retention, coupled with her experience in structuring diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives make her a valuable asset to Adaptiva HR’s clients. Christina enjoys being in nature and cooking for her family.
Molly Ritvo, BA, MFA
Communications Specialist
Molly holds a Master’s degree in Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Emerson College and a BA in English and Judaic Studies from Tufts University. She has a significant background in communication and writing across many disciplines including fiction, creative nonfiction, journalism, and marketing. She has worked in higher education and for empowering nonprofit organizations. A natural storyteller, Molly is compelled to create content that inspires and nurtures her readers. At Adaptiva HR, Molly leads all communication work, tells our story, and shapes the brand to authentically reflect our values and work.
Molly strives to bring a sense of curiosity and joy to all that she does, whether that is making a beautiful slide deck, an informative newsletter, or a resource for a client.
“Create whatever causes a revolution in your heart.”