We Provide Job Skills Training, Work Experiences, And Job Placement Opportunities To Individuals With Disabilities
CORE was created from a vision: a passion for educating others. CORE was founded in 2009 by two high school teachers who shared a vision to provide job skills training to young adults with disabilities in a real-world environment. Today, CORE serves as a Vocational Rehabilitation provider for the State of Indiana offering on-site job skills training, work experiences, and job placement opportunities at various business in 13 counties throughout Indiana to individuals of all ages. Our partnerships with various businesses throughout Indiana allow us to provide a wide range of employment opportunities to our participants while helping businesses meet their employment needs. Connections, Opportunities, Resources, Experiences – at the core of CORE.
Our Team
CORE is comprised of dedicated staff who work with participants and local businesses to support the disabilities community and assist with the economic development of the communities we serve. CORE’s vocational training program is led by Amber Martinez, Program Director, who supervises a team of Employment Specialists and support staff to ensure our participants receive the specialized support they need to attain meaningful and gainful employment. By partnering with local businesses throughout our service areas, CORE provides its participants on-site, individualized job skills training, work experiences, and job placement opportunities in a variety of careers. The partnership between local businesses and community members is the CORE principle of our organization. What We Believe: Individuals with disabilities need opportunities for job skills training, work experiences, and job placement. Local businesses see value in employees with disabilities.
Lori Heiges is a co-founder and current Executive Director of CORE. During her 30 years as a high school teacher, Lori noticed that many of her former students with special needs were often inactive and unemployed after graduation. She was aware of her students’ vast capabilities and wondered how she could assist them in developing jobs skills that would assist them in acquiring gainful employment. CORE was founded in 2009 and has since become a progressive and innovative Vocational Rehabilitation provider for the state. Lori retired in 2018 after 30 years of teaching high school students in both East Allen County Schools and Fort Wayne Community Schools to focus on developing the organization. Lori holds a BS in English Education, an MS in Secondary Education, and is a certified Library Media Specialist and Journalism teacher.
Being in the education field, Amber Martinez’s curiosity for transition opportunities for graduating high school students arose when she worked as a paraprofessional for Northeast Indiana Co-op at Dekalb Central. Amber came to CORE in June of 2019 as an Employment Specialist with the intention of working during the summers and other scheduled breaks during the school year yet remaining in the classroom. Amber quickly had a change of heart while teaching job skills needed for those with disabilities. She finds great happiness through the success of others. Amber did not return to the classroom and began working full time as the Lead Employment Specialist with CORE. A year later, Amber was promoted to her current position as Program Director.
Josh Vigar was excited to join the team at CORE in October 2024 brining expertise to our Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), Josh now serves as an Employment Specialist, Pre-ETS Specialist, and Support Specialist for TRANSFR virtual simulation software. With a background working with individuals with disabilities, Josh brings knowledge for growth and creating paths from barriers to bridges seeking solutions to building relationships with employers who seek ways to give back to our community. Josh is passionate about teaching and educating participants and is committed to empowering individuals through skill development, career exploration, and workplace readiness. Josh’s extensive experience working within high schools has given him a strong understanding of diverse student populations and the ability to adapt services to effectively meet the needs of each group.
With six years of experience combating wildfires in Australia, including time spent in management roles, Kiana Marshman developed a strong foundation in teamwork, leadership, and people-focused support. During her time in management, she gained hands-on experience in onboarding, training, and supporting staff, which strengthened her interest in human resources and employee development. In November 2025, Kiana relocated to the United States and joined the CORE team as an Employment Specialist and currently serves as CORE’s HR Specialist. She brings a collaborative approach to her work, drawing on her background in staff support, training, and workplace coordination to support individuals to grow their skills and confidence. Kiana looks forward to using her experience to assist both individuals and the organization while continuing to grow within the HR field.
Erica Hageman has been with Bryan City Schools for 15 years with the transportation department. Twelve of those were spent directly with the students that have special needs. These students are very important to her, and she wants to see these students, and others like them, succeed in their adult life with an amazing career. Currently, she is furthering her education by obtaining a degree in Social Sciences. Erica serves as the Ohio Coordinator as well as the Pre-ETS Specialist for Ohio handling services for adults and students, ages 14-22 years old, with employment and future readiness for employment.
Our Board
Jane Surbeck, President
Jane is currently president of the following boards: Allen County Christmas Bureau, St. Joseph Academy Alumnae Association, and Shepherd’s House, Inc. Jane is also Chair of NPR Association, Vice Chair of RMSM Foundation, and serves on the board of the Terra Brantley Foundation. She has a history of board service in Fort Wayne, including terms with the following boards: Indiana State Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Catch a Falling Star, Inc., Three Rivers Festival Executive Board, Inc., Eagle’s Nest Youth Centre, Inc., Masonic Learning Center for Children, Inc., and One Church One Offender.
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