John Scalise, President & CEO
John Scalise has always loved to help other people. With this in mind, he pursued his Bachelors of Science in Recreation Therapy, graduating in 1995 from the University of Central Missouri. After graduation, he worked in various fields for 27 years before finding his way to Job Point, including behavioral health services, crisis response and crisis intervention training. In 2015, John began working at Job Point, quickly being named employee of the year only one year after his employment began, was promoted to Manager, then Director of Rehabilitation Services, and now President. He’s proud to supervise such a talented team that works to improve others’ lives. He is a Certified Work Incentives Counselor, and participates in the following community organizations: MO State Benefits Planning Specialist Network, Special Education Committee – Columbia Public Schools, Transition Academy – Columbia and Jefferson City Public Schools, Columbia Transition Team, Columbia Employment Consortium. He was honored as Administrator of the Year in 2023 by the Missouri Rehabilitation Association and received the Point of Light Award in 2023 from the Missouri Brain Injury Association. Asked what he likes his about his job, John said, “It’s an amazing feeling to help people achieve their employment goals…no one does this better than Job Point.”
Brenda Overkamp, Executive Vice President
Brenda Overkamp has been employed with Job Point since 1990, serving in various capacities. Brenda has a Bachelor’s degree in English Education from the University of Missouri. She says, “The employment opportunity at Job Point came immediately after college. I worked with some amazing individuals who had experienced a life-changing medical condition. I had found my calling. And, for thirty-odd years, I’ve been lucky enough to put my individual talents to work at Job Point supporting others to find theirs.”
Dena Blakely, Chief Financial Officer
Dena has an Associate’s Degree of Science, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting. Dena brings over 25 years of accounting experience to Job Point. Dena is also a member of the Whitman Air Force Base Community Council, as well as a Life Time Member of the Girl Scouts USA. Dena is a member of the Auxiliary Eagle’s Club #4027 and previous Chaplain. Other former positions Dena has held include: President of the Board of Administration and Finance Secretary for her church, volunteer for Mentors of Youth at Honeywell International, and Ambassador for the Freeport IL Chamber of Commerce.
Tania Cook, Skills Training Coordinator
Employed at Job Point since 1985, Tania is our longest tenured staff member, and has been Employee of the Year four times. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Office Education, she completed certification in Rehabilitation Administration through the University of Missouri in 2005. Tania serves as instructor for our Office Technology programs as well as Advisor for all skills training participants. She was Show-Me State Games Female Volunteer of the Year in 2009. In 2013, she won the President’s Call to Service, the Truman State University Bulldog Forever Volunteer of the Year, and Elk’s Lodge 594 Officer of the Year. She is an alumni of Leadership Columbia through the Chamber of Commerce. In 2019, Tania earned the highly prestigious Stevinson Award from the Missouri Association of Rehabilitation, and she is currently serving as President of the Elks Lodge.
Jerrell Morton, Director of YouthBuild
Jerrell Morton has two Bachelor’s degrees: Accounting and Business Administration. He is a certified Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) Instructor and has been working with youth since 2006. He has been employed with Job Point since 2011. He is Chair of YouthBuild (YB)USA’s Membership Committee, a member of the National YB Director’s Council and Network Reaffiliation Subcommittee, a YB USA Director’s Leadership Fellows, and 2024 winner of the Service and Solidarity Award. He is a member of the Central Missouri Region Workforce Development Board and the Juvenile Detention Alternative Sentencing Initiative. In 2022 he was selected as the Most Impactful Staff Member and honored with a 20 Under 40 Award by local CoMo Magazine in 2023. As a U.S. Army veteran, he served as Automated Logistics Specialist with the Missouri National Guard.
Liz Sensintaffar, Director of Marketing
Liz Sensintaffar graduated from the Missouri School of Journalism and has devoted her career to serving the Columbia community with over a decade of working professionally in non-profit communications and fundraising. Liz joined the Job Point team in 2021. She is active in the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, supporting the business community as a Chamber Ambassador and serves Columbia’s youth through the Columbia Kiwanis Club.
Staff
Job Point staff are highly trained and qualified. Advisors hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation or similar field and related experience. Business Consultants have a Bachelor’s degree in business, human resources, marketing, rehabilitation or a related field and two years of professional experience. Instructors are required to hold a Bachelor’s in Education or related field or at least 3 years professional experience. Employment Consultants are required to have a high school diploma or equivalent, with 3 years work experience. Related work experience may be substituted for educational qualifications.
A valid Class E Missouri driver’s license, excellent driving record, Positive Behavior Supports training, First Aid and CPR is required of all professional services staff. Background checks conducted on all new staff include verification of Social Security Number, criminal check, sex offender registry, driving records upon employment (twice per year thereafter), and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Worker Registration. These are periodically re-checked.
