About Us

Home

History and Success
Turning Point Applied Learning Center, Inc. was developed to provide pre-employment training for long-term unemployed and hard to employ, and under-employed persons in Highland County. Turning Point opened its doors in October 1998 with support from the community. There were 12 participants and two teachers along with Melody Johnson and Pat Ormes.

Tom Wyatt and Nancy Wisecup had an idea that became reality when Turning Point opened its doors. They wanted a program which could help provide the community with trained, productive people for local industry. They recruited the help of Melody Johnson to be the first Coordinator and then the Director of Turning Point. Melody is now a member of the board of trustees, representing Great Oaks.

Today, we have 29 participants, 4 teachers, and a staff of 4. Our participants are trained 6 hours a day in manufacturing to learn work skills and 2 hours a day of classroom training.

Turning Point Board

President: Nancy Wisecup, Southern State Community College
Vice President: Lem Bailey, Ghent Manufacturing
Treasure: Jim Evans,
Secretary: Betty Bishop, Retired, Turning Point
Financial Advisor: George Hersey, Highland County Data Services
Member: Steve Hunter, Wellers Plumbing
Member: Melody Johnson, Great Oaks
Member: John Joy, Southern State Community College
Member: Robert Moots, Weastec, Inc.
Member: Pam Nickell, Wilmington College
Member: David McCollum, Double Arches Management
Member: Tom Wyatt, Retired, Great Oaks

Staff

Ms. LuAnn Winkle, Executive Director

LuAnn Winkle has served as Executive Director of Turning Point Applied Learning Center since August 2004. She has over 26 years of experience in public and private sector business management including eight (8) years experience successfully managing non-profit organizations. She holds an AS in Teacher Education and is completing BA degree requirements from Xavier University. She is a national and state award winner in areas of marketing and organizational development.

Mr. Oliva Taylor, Work Component Supervisor

Oliva Taylor has over 30 years experience in educational administration and human resources management. Mr. Taylor is licensed as a school administrator and school counselor and brings a background in workforce development to his position at Turning Point. He holds MS degrees in School Administration and Education as well as a BA degree in Business Administration.

Ms. Jacqueline Freshour, Assistant Supervisor Special Needs and Job Coach

For three years Jacqueline Freshour has been Assistant Supervisor in charge of Special Needs as well as Supervisor/Trainer for the WIA Summer Youth Program for three years. She has 10 years experience as a Job Trainer, working primarily with adults with Developmental Disabilities. Jackie holds licensure as a State of Ohio Vocational Trainer.

Ms. Shawn Gall, Office Manager

Shawn Gall has been employed at Turning Point Applied Learning Center, Inc. since March 2001. She oversees Turning Point’s financial department and is the office manager. Ms. Gall has over 10 years experience in customer service and finance. She is currently studying to become a Certified Bookkeeper.