Adonai Employment

We work together as a team with decades of experience in job placement for people with disabilities. Each consumer benefits from the shared experience and knowledge of all team members.  We share our networking connections and resources, experience and training, and we have developed a network of over a hundred employers.  We are a faith-based organization; and we share a passionate belief that each individual has value and abilities which, when connected with the right employer, will lead to long term success.

Tom Gauthier, President

Tom was one of the three partners who started Adonai Employment, and began as Vice President in January, 2008. Tom has more than forty-three years of experience on both sides of human resource work, interviewing, hiring, and training hundreds of individuals as part of management of a major corporation. For the past twelve years Tom has served as an employment specialist, helping individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment connect with meaningful jobs while helping employers meet their hiring needs. Tom is recognized for a unique approach to networking and advocacy and as a leader in job development.

Tom earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in the Honors Program. Tom has completed graduate level courses in English and Journalism, as well as certificate programs in human services and management.

Tom serves on the boards of six other non-profits in the Milwaukee area: secretary of the board for ABLE (Audio and Braille Literacy Enhancement), member of the Canticle Court-Juniper Court board, vice president and treasurer of the Canticle and Juniper Courts Foundation, vice president of the board for the Boulevard Theatre, member of the board of the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Liver Foundation (Great Lakes Division) where he was recognized as Volunteer of the Year in 2009, and a member of the advisory board for WUWM, Milwaukee Public Radio. Tom is past president and advisor to the board of the North Milwaukee Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

Tom lives in Glendale, and is the proud father of two children and grandfather of five.

 Debbie Posey-Arrington, Vice-President 

Debbie Posey-Arrington has been with Adonai Employment since April of 2008. Debbie was promoted to the position of the Vice President in 2010. She supervises three employment consultants and leads by example with impeccable work ethic and service to the community of greater Milwaukee. Debbie Posey-Arrington works with consumers by providing guidance in the areas of career exploration, personal grooming, job seeking skills, and community resources. She also assists newly employed individuals in the orientation to a company’s policies, procedures, products, services, standards, fringe benefits and opportunities. Debbie’s responsibilities also include case management, job training, job coaching and other employment related support services. Debbie-Posey Arrington ensures that every match made between an employer and a consumer will subsequently lead to success.

Prior to joining Adonai Employment, Debbie Posey-Arrington worked at Goodwill Industries of SE Wisconsin as the supervisor of Work Adjustment Community-based training. She provided direct consumer services and managed a case load of over 40 individuals. Debbie also provided ongoing training of staff in areas such as ethics, safety in the workplace and other policies and procedures.

Debbie Posey-Arrington completed and attended ongoing education and training in many areas of business, vocational services, and crisis intervention. In 2005 Debbie graduated from Goodwill’s Leadership Academy.

Debbie Posey-Arrington’s experience of over 16 years is a much valued asset of Adonai Employment.

Jose has been an employment consultant at Adonai Employment since July, 2008.  Jose has been working with individuals with disabilities for several years as an employment consultant, job coach and job site instructor.  He brings with him a wide range of experience from his previous positions in management, industry and maintenance.  These skills make him an excellent work instructor and job coach.  Jose enjoys seeing the change in individuals as they learn new skills and expand their horizons.

Jose is constantly seeking to build new relationships with potential employers.  He believes the in-person connection is best, so he is often introducing himself to managers and supervisors and talking about the work of Adonai Employment.

When Jose is not working he is spending time with his family.  He is married and has three children.  He enjoys the outdoors. Frequently, you will find him doing things to help others at work, at home and in the community.   He is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Jeffrey Montoya, Executive Assistant

Jeffrey Montoya joined the staff at Adonai Employment in December of 2009.  Jeffrey oversees the administrative and business aspects of the company, including accounting, technology and human resources. 

Jeffrey holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies and Philosophy from St. Norbert College, a Master of Arts degree in Religious Studies from Cardinal Stritch University and a Master of Divinity degree from the Anglican Divinity School.

In addition to his work at Adonai, Reverend Montoya is an ordained Anglican Priest.  He isalso an accomplished Reiki Master and Spiritual Guide.

Connie Kidwell, Employment Consultant 

Connie Kidwell started at Adonai in March of 2008. After a brief absence, Connie resumed her employment at Adonai in July of 2011. Connie has 10 years of experience in Special Education. She assisted in creating and implementing individualized plans for students with disabilities. She successfully worked in conjunction with school staff, parents, and students. She strived to coordinate services that would aid children in meeting their educational goals.

Connie has experience in recruiting, job development, job coaching, and job placement. Prior to joining the Adonai team, Connie worked at Goodwill as a site instructor for a community-based work program. Also, she conducted training programs for people with disabilities. She worked with consumers on resume preparation, interviewing skills, and time management. Connie helped many individuals overcome their barriers to employment and achieve their vocational goals.

Connie Kidwell has been a member of Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin since 2002.    

Timothy Young, Employment Consultant

Mr. Timothy B. Young joined the Adonai team in July of 2011. Mr. Young is an employment consultant who brings with him an extensive background in management, customer service, and marketing. Timothy Young held several leadership positions in the past, and achieved recognized success in the areas of marketing, sales, and real estate. As an employment consultant, Mr. Young works with a wide range of individuals. He has helped many complex consumers achieve vocational success.

Mr. Young’s education and technical experience are diverse and extensive. Timothy Young graduated from PEI Institute of Real Estate with a degree in Commercial Business Development, Residential Sales, and Marketing and Management. Mr. Young completed several workshops and courses in Call Center Management, Direct Marketing, Common Sense Negotiations, and General Management. Mr. Young is experienced and proficient in a wide variety of technical software. He has been successfully utilizing his education and experience in his new role as an employment consultant.

Mr. Young belongs to several professional organizations. He is an active member of S.C.O.R.E. – Chapter 28. His membership also includes participation in the REI Investment Club and First Business Bank Networking. Mr. Young served as a school council member at St. Marcus Lutheran School.