Emily Shields, from Client to Counselor

September 23, 2025

Emily Shields had a good job as an academic advisor, but something was missing. She longed for work that truly changed lives.


“I wanted to do true counseling,” Emily recalls. “I wanted to help people discover their goals, not just choose courses. I wasn’t happy, and I knew I needed something more.”


That “something more” came from her counselor at Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VR) at Workforce Solutions East Texas, who saw potential she hadn’t yet recognized. “He told me, ‘You have the right credentials to be a VR counselor.’ He encouraged me to send my transcripts to the state and explained the classes I needed to take to move forward. That conversation opened a door I hadn’t considered before.”


Emily acted on that advice, completing the necessary courses to become eligible for a VR counselor position. Along the way, challenges arose—like technical issues with her Work In Texas account—but each obstacle led to a new connection and opportunity.


When she reached out for help, she met Debra Holcomb, an Employment Service Representative, who encouraged her and guided her toward growth opportunities.


“She told me she thought I would be perfect for a VR role and encouraged me to go for it,” Emily says. Debra also suggested she attend the Job Connection Workshop, where Emily met Shantel Jackson, who helped her gain confidence, improve her resume, and prepare for interviews. Emily shares. “Shantel helped calm me, gave me strategies for interviews, and helped me tweak my resume so it spoke directly to the role I wanted. I walked away feeling confident and prepared.”


Her persistence paid off—Emily was offered a position as a VR counselor. “I’m working in my dream career. I’m so happy to be a VR counselor,” she says proudly. Now, she finds fulfillment helping others as she was helped. One client’s gratitude reminded her why she chose this path. Emily reflects, “I was having a tough week, and then I worked with a client who was getting hearing aids, just like me. At the end of her meeting, she hugged me and thanked me. In that moment, I thought—oh yeah, everything is totally worth this moment.”


For Emily, counseling is about seeing the whole person, not just their disability. “Even something like hearing loss can impact you mentally. Behind every disability is a person with feelings, goals, and opinions. As a counselor, I have the privilege of helping them see what’s possible.” For Emily, that privilege is personal. She once stood where many of her clients stand today, unsure of the next step, but willing to reach out for help. Her journey shows the power of believing in yourself—and letting others believe in you.


Emily urges others to use local workforce resources: “Don’t overlook your local workforce office. People think it’s just for unemployment and it’s not. There are so many resources and programs to help you get where you want to go in your career, so take advantage of them.”


Today, Emily isn’t just working a job—she’s living her dream, helping others discover their own. And for her, that’s what makes it all worthwhile.

August 4th Regionwide Job Fair Employers List

July 28, 2026
Tuesday, August 4 | Athens, Longview, Marshall, Palestine, and Tyler

Texas Job Market Grows by More Than 177,000 Positions Over the Year

July 20, 2026
Texas added 43,400 nonfarm jobs in June to reach a total of 14,469,600 positions. Over the year, the state added 177,900 jobs for an annual growth rate of 1.2 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.9 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,904,900 after adding 3,400 people over the month. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 29,700 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas registered at 4.4 percent. “Texas’ continued job growth is a testament to the strength of our employers and robust workforce development system,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “The addition of more than 177,000 jobs over the year reinforces Texas’ reputation among employers as the best place to start and grow a business.” The Professional and Business Services industry had the largest private sector over-the-month increase in June after adding 25,500 jobs. Leisure and Hospitality added 10,300 jobs over the month while Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 6,400. “The growth of the Texas labor market highlights the incredible talent and dedication of our state’s workforce,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “The Texas Workforce Commission is committed to ensuring every Texan has the support they need to thrive, whether through training opportunities to gain new skills or specialized programs that help our foster youth transition into successful careers.” The Midland metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.6 percent in June. It was followed by the San Angelo MSA at 3.9 percent and the Abilene MSA at 4.0 percent. “With an annual growth rate of 1.2 percent, Texas continues to outpace the national average and demonstrate economic resilience,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “Both job seekers and employers can seek customized career services and recruitment assistance by visiting our TWC website or their local Workforce Solutions office.” Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. * All estimates are subject to revision. To access this and more employment data, visit TexasLMI.com . The Texas Labor Market Information Data for July is scheduled to be released on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. (CT).

Building Connections, Strengthening Child Care

July 20, 2026
Workforce Solutions East Texas Child Care Services is proud to partner with the Panola County Chamber of Commerce to support child care leaders across the region. Through this partnership, the Chamber provides a welcoming meeting space for Directors Connect training designed to help early learning program owners and directors connect, learn, and grow together. The partnership was made possible through the support of Keri Perot-Vance, Executive Director of the Panola County Chamber of Commerce, whose commitment to community collaboration helped create a space where child care leaders can come together to share ideas, discuss challenges, and strengthen their leadership skills. The partnership began in 2025 in response to daycare owners expressing a need for accessible training opportunities. Recognizing this need, Panola County Chamber of Commerce graciously offered to host the Directors Connect training in its beautiful historic building. This collaboration provides child care professionals with the opportunity to earn professional development hours required to remain in compliance with Child Care Regulation and Texas Rising Star. Tonia Crawford and Aerial Jones, Business Industry Specialists for Child Care Services and facilitators of Directors Connect, say the program has evolved into so much more than a training opportunity. It has become a space for meaningful conversations, professional connections, and shared solutions. Through these gatherings, directors are strengthening their businesses, growing as leaders, and ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided to children and families throughout East Texas. Workforce Solutions East Texas Child Care Services is grateful for the Panola County Chamber of Commerce's ongoing support and looks forward to continuing this impactful partnership for years to come. Together, we are investing in stronger leaders, stronger child care programs, and stronger communities.
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