Supported Employment Services

At Learning Perspectives Inc., we understand how important employment is to an individual’s well being and life satisfaction . A major component of this is the sense of accomplishment, confidence, self-worth and knowledge that come from one’s employment and service to the community. We believe that satisfaction is beyond the paycheck one receives. The satisfaction stems from a combination of pride, self-confidence, experience, and relationships formed while working. Guided by the belief that every human being possesses unique strengths to build upon, we work diligently to pair clients with person centered services and specialists who understand the complex challenges individuals face.

Supported Employment is a service that  facilitates success by matching individuals with a job or career that best suits their interests, abilities, and goals. Once the individual secures a position, Employment Specialists support them every step of the way as they learn new skills necessary to excel in their new position and successfully grow in their career. Learning Perspectives’s Supported Employment is synonymous to “customized employment” because jobs may be individually negotiated and developed. It is designed to meet the specific needs of the employer and is based on individual strengths, needs and interests of each person.


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“Prior to working with LPI, I was in a devastating financial postion. Once I was connected with the Supported Employment team at LPI, my life drastically improved. Their team of professionals helped me by focusing on the strengths I already had in order to discover what career path was right for me. They taught me viable skills needed to boost my confidence and prepare me for success!”

— Laquita, LPI Supported Individual

Personalized Services We Provide

  • Thorough person-centered assessment of individual skills, needs, desires, and capabilities as related to a personal career profile.

  • Professionally crafted resumes tailored to highlight each individual's unique skills and experience.

  • Effective skills assessments, work evaluations, job tryouts, and volunteer shadowing as needed to evaluate resources and skills.

  • One-on-one job application assistance, both online and in person, as well as follow-ups with each business the individual has contacted.

  • Efficient personalized interview preparation and mock interview practices.

  • Advocacy between site personnel and individuals to maintain open communications and achieve individual job placement plan towards employment objectives.

  • Individual development of pre-employment and employment skills, positive behavior interventions, problem solving, and building natural supports.

  • Continuous on-site support during the first three months of employment to ensure each individual masters the skills necessary to excel in their career.

Individuals We Serve

Learning Perspectives partners with North Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation, offering free and progressive services to individuals who have substance abuse, mental health, developmental, and physical or medical diagnoses. Once an individual contacts their county’s Vocational Rehabilitation office, they will be matched with a VR counselor who will help them develop an Individualized Plan for Employment to establish a goal for integrated employment based on their unique skills and abilities. Once this plan is established, the VR Counselor has the ability to refer the individual to Learning Perspectives where the journey to gainful employment begins.

Meet Our Team

  • Greg Cloninger

    CO-FOUNDER

    Greg Cloninger has worked in the social services field for over 40 years, and has a Bachelor’s from the University of Tennessee and Master’s from Appalachian State University. He was a Director at two other private, grass roots mental health agencies before launching Learning Perspectives, Inc. He has a long history in assisting individuals overcome various obstacles and gain beneficial and relevant employment in the workplace.

  • Katie Cheeseman

    SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT DIRECTOR

    Katie Ceesemanis the Lead Employment Specialist with Learning Perspectives Inc., a role that allows her to utilize her educational background and experience to provide high-quality support and care to all Supported Employment clients. Prior to joining the Learning Perspectives team over two years ago, Katie spent several years working with children in Australia and New Zealand. As an Appalachian State University graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education, Katie enjoys spending time outdoors, creating art, and working to make a difference in the lives of others.

  • Charity Moorhous

    EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST

    Charity Moorhous an Employment Specialist with Learning Perspectives Inc. In this role, Charity provides support for clients finding employment, disability management, and community outreach. Before joining Learning Perspectives, Charity served eight years in the Marine Corps and spent several years working with victims of sexual assault within the miiltary. Charity holds a Bachelors in Social Work and is pursuing a Masters in Clinical Social Work. Her diverse background provides the perfect foundation for providing client centered services and care.It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • Gale Fincannon

    CONTROLLER

    Gale Fincannon has been the administrative backbone of Learning Perspectives, Inc for over 16 years and has loved every moment. When asked what she does for work, Gale explains, “ I am a glorified bookkeeper because my title is Controller and that sounds too fancy.” Gale is a 66 year old grandmother of 2 girls and the mother of 1 son. Family is everything to her and she is always up for time with her son, granddaughters and daughter in law. Outside of work, Gale enjoys crafts of many kinds. She has recently started working in watercolors and loves it. She also greatly enjoys the art of working to make anything, from wreaths to ladybugs, out of rocks. Gale’s creativity, kindness, and upbeat spirit never fail to brighten everyone’s day as soon as they step food into the LPI office.

Employer Partnerships

Learn more about Learning Perspectives promotes growth and community by partnering with local businesses.

Get In Touch

Contact your local Vocational Rehabilitation office today to start your journey with Learning Perspectives!