Leadership
Rebeca Howland
CEO and Owner
Bio
Rebeca Howland is driven by growth—personally, professionally, and for the clients and talent iDEAL Hire serves. With a background in Human Resources Management, she entered the healthcare staffing industry in 2007 and quickly found her calling. Just two years later, in 2009, she founded iDEAL Hire with a vision to bring something better to the table: more heart, more agility, and more results. As CEO, Rebeca leads with advocacy, empathy, and speed. She understands both sides of the staffing equation and never loses sight of the people at the center of it all. Her approach blends strategic insight with a deep commitment to service—ensuring that every decision reflects iDEAL’s core mission and values. Outside the office, Rebeca channels her competitive spirit into backgammon marathons with friends. She also enjoys recharging outdoors with a good book and a little peace and quiet.
Testimonial
Heather Jennings
President
Bio
Heather Jennings leads iDEAL Hire with a belief that people rise when they feel seen, supported, and trusted. When they rise, the organization rises with them. With 20 years in healthcare staffing, she has learned that real progress comes from serving others, setting clear standards, and doing the right thing even when it is harder. She believes leadership is not about titles. It is about steady action, calm judgment, and quiet resolve. At iDEAL Hire, Heather focuses on building people, systems, and culture that last. She listens first. She supports growth and holds the bar high. She believes courage and clarity matter most when decisions carry weight. She has led through change, scaled teams across markets, and supported national workforce initiatives. Today, her focus is building a company that grows with intention, strengthens the communities it serves, and creates opportunity for others to lead. She was honored to be named to the SIA Global Power 150 Women in Staffing list and credits this to the team she serves. She holds a BA in Corporate Communications from James Madison University. Outside of work, she is a certified kickboxing instructor and mom of two daughters.
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Tina Alvarez
Director of HR and Operations
Bio
Tina Alvarez brings over six years of experience in healthcare and education staffing to her role at iDEAL, with a background that spans recruiting, compliance, client services, and now HR and operations. Her approach is shaped by a deep commitment to people, a process-driven mindset, and a belief that when individuals feel supported and valued, they thrive. Known for her ability to connect the dots between day-to-day tasks and the bigger picture, Tina focuses on creating a positive impact—for clinicians, internal teams, and the systems that support them. Whether it’s helping someone navigate a new role or identifying opportunities to improve behind the scenes, Tina leads with empathy and dependable follow-through. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, discovering new restaurants, and winding down with a great movie marathon.
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Renee Miller MS, BCBA
Director of Education
Bio
Renee Miller is passionate about helping students thrive by connecting schools with professionals who are not only highly qualified but genuinely driven to make a difference. As the Director of the Schools Team at iDEAL Hire, she brings over 15 years of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Throughout her career, Renee has built and led behavior-based ABA programs, developed school-wide positive behavior support systems, and trained clinical teams to deliver evidence-based, impactful care. Her deep commitment to quality and long-term success led to the development of iDEAL’s Positive Behavior Support initiative—aligning clinical excellence with improved educational outcomes. Having worked directly as a school-based clinician, Renee understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities that school systems face. She views iDEAL Hire as a true extension of its school district partners, grounded in collaboration, communication, and commitment. Outside of work, Renee is a proud mom, a beach enthusiast, and a firm believer that leading with heart—and a sense of humor—makes all the difference.
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Accounting
Tara Chien
Accounting Specialist
Bio
Tara Chien is an Accounting Specialist with 20 years of experience in the industry, including 15 years dedicated to the staffing world. She brings expertise in managing complex payroll processes, navigating multi-state regulations, and ensuring compliance with client-specific billing requirements. Known for her precision and organized approach, Tara is committed to delivering accurate, timely results that keep operations running smoothly. Beyond the numbers, Tara finds fulfillment in supporting candidates directly—helping them understand their payroll and addressing questions with care and clarity. She’s passionate about the staffing industry and the ripple effect it creates—not only impacting the lives of candidates, but also the patients and students they serve every day. Outside of work, Tara enjoys cooking for her family, exploring new cultures and cuisines while traveling, and spending quality time with her two energetic dogs who always bring a smile to her face.
Testimonial
"I can’t say enough great things about Tara Chien! As a Travel Nurse, ensuring my hours are logged correctly is crucial, and Tara was absolutely on point. When one of the hospitals I worked at tried to falsely extend my lunchtime from 30 minutes to two hours—part of a known issue with financial misconduct—Tara stepped in immediately. She carefully reviewed my paycheck, caught the discrepancy, and made sure I was paid every dollar I rightfully earned. Her attention to detail, integrity, and dedication to doing what’s right are truly outstanding. She is a hardworking and reliable resource, and I am beyond grateful for her efforts. If you ever need someone who will go the extra mile to ensure fairness and accuracy, Tara is the one to trust! Highly recommend!" -Roxanne S., RN
"Tara Chien from payroll was so attentive with my pay and even messaged me if I had missed something. She would even respond to my weekly time emails. Such a sweet person and very efficient at her job." -Holly W., RN
Lorri Rossi
Accounting Specialist
Bio
With over 30 years of experience in accounting and financial management, Lorri Rossi brings both expertise and dedication to her work. Her career spans corporate, small business, and individual finance, where she has built a reputation for precision, reliability, and a deep understanding of financial systems. Whether navigating complex tax laws, managing audits, or supporting strategic growth, Lorri is known for her attention to detail and her commitment to helping clients achieve peace of mind. Outside the office, Lorri enjoys spending time with her dogs and relaxing in her backyard garden. Whether it’s a quiet morning with a cup of coffee or an afternoon planting new blooms, she values the balance that nature and her pets bring to her life. This grounded lifestyle is reflected in her professional approach—calm, thoughtful, and consistently dependable.
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Client Services
Virginia Rojas
Client Services Associate
Bio
Virginia Rojas lives by the belief that when life hands you lemons, you make lemonade—and that mindset has guided her throughout her journey, especially as a parent to a now-adult child with special needs. That deeply personal experience sparked a lifelong passion for supporting the special needs community and has shaped her path both personally and professionally. As a longtime advocate for special education, Virginia has helped countless families navigate the school system, ensuring they receive the resources and support their children deserve. In her role as an office manager at an ABA clinic, she was a go-to resource for both staff and families of children with autism—always ready with a listening ear, a helpful solution, and a deep sense of empathy. But it’s her role as a special needs parent that has given her the most profound insight. She’s walked in the shoes of the families she supports and built strong, collaborative relationships with educators and school staff—all with the shared goal of helping students thrive. Now at iDEAL Hire, Virginia continues to make an impact by partnering with schools and districts to meet their staffing needs. She takes pride in helping connect dedicated professionals to the students who need them most—because she knows firsthand how powerful the right support can be.
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Jessica Odvody
Senior Client Services Consultant
Bio
Jessica Odvody brings over a decade of experience in healthcare business development to her role as Senior Client Services Consultant at iDEAL Hire. Known for her perseverance, collaboration, and ability to turn challenges into opportunities, she partners with healthcare and educational institutions to deliver tailored staffing solutions that meet critical demands while building strong, lasting relationships. Her approach centers on open communication, flexibility, and attention to detail—ensuring that every client experience feels both seamless and impactful. Before joining iDEAL Hire, Jessica worked as a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner, where she combined her clinical expertise with a passion for helping others. Over the years, her career has grown to bridge both patient care and organizational success, giving her a unique perspective on the human side of staffing. Outside of work, Jessica’s competitive spirit shines through her background as a collegiate basketball player at Doane University. Today, that same drive fuels her commitment to her clients, her team, and the mission of creating meaningful connections that truly make a difference.
Testimonial
"I cannot underscore how much different/better this process has been than our previous experiences with other firms and we will be recommending y'all widely to other schools." Head of School - Charter School in Georgia
Namita Bhattacharya
Client Services Consultant
Bio
Guided by a commitment to impacting lives and leading with love and integrity, Namita approaches her work with empathy and purpose. She is dedicated to succeed on behalf of the schools and candidates she serves, exuding positivity throughout the hiring process and demonstrating an ability to adapt to the evolving needs of educational communities. Namita holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and American Studies from Colby College in Waterville, ME. She began her career in the classroom, where she gained firsthand experience with the profound impact that dedicated educators have on students’ lives. Building upon that foundation, Namita transitioned into educational recruitment and staffing, where she has spent more than five years supporting schools in identifying and hiring exceptional talent. Namita lives by the personal and professional philosophy of “leave it better than you found it,” a mindset that informs her approach to collaboration, relationship-building, and long-term partnership. Passionate about helping mission-driven schools and educators thrive, Namita is dedicated to creating lasting impact through every connection made, ensuring that every placement advances both professional fulfillment and institutional excellence.
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Direct Hire
Toniesha Friday
Direct Hire Talent Consultant
Bio
Toniesha Friday is driven by the opportunity to connect skilled healthcare professionals with the organizations that needs them most. She sees every placement as a chance to make a real impact—not just on a facility, but on patient care and professional lives. For her, it’s about more than filling roles; it’s about building strong, lasting teams that thrive. With 20 years of experience in healthcare and leadership recruiting, Toniesha specializes in permanent placements across clinical and executive roles. She holds a Global MBA with a focus in Human Resources from Friends University and has built a reputation for streamlining hiring processes, delivering high-quality talent, and fostering long-term partnerships with her clients. What sets Toniesha apart is her ability to combine strategic insight with genuine empathy. She’s a strong advocate for both her clients and candidates, always working to align goals, navigate challenges, and create meaningful outcomes in a fast-changing healthcare landscape. Outside of work, Toniesha enjoys spending time with family and friends, diving into a good book or movie, shopping, and exploring new flavors and great food. These moments keep her grounded and energized—fueling the passion she brings to her work every day.
Testimonial
"iDEAL Hire is a really good agency to work with. I took on my first travel assignment with them and it has been great. I was offered the best rate after comparing to other agencies at the same facility. My recruiter, Toniesha Friday, is awesome. She made this process very easy and explained everything in detail to help get the process started. She checks in with me weekly to see how things are going and she is also easy to communicate with. I hope that I can continue to work with this agency in the future as a travel nurse." -Teraneisha J., RN
"Have had a fantastic experience so far. Toniesha Friday has been fantastic to work with — very prompt to reply, answers any questions that I might have, and is very dedicated to her work. Could not highly recommend her enough." - Brandon G., DON
"Toniesha Friday was professional, supportive, and transparent throughout the process. She is an expert in her work and strives to create aligned connections between employers and candidates." -Kristinn F., Senior Director of Behavioral Health
"Toneisha Friday is a wonderful recruiter. She does her best to keep me constantly updated and provide me with tips/advice to get the best outcome possible. Very grateful for her." -Laura F., RN
"Toniesha Friday was fantastic, very helpful and professional. She offered great tips that boosted my confidence and improved my interview performance. Truly supportive throughout the process. Highly recommend working with her." Jazlynn G., RN
Education
Renee Miller MS, BCBA
Director of Education
Bio
Renee Miller is passionate about helping students thrive by connecting schools with professionals who are not only highly qualified but genuinely driven to make a difference. As the Director of the Schools Team at iDEAL Hire, she brings over 15 years of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Throughout her career, Renee has built and led behavior-based ABA programs, developed school-wide positive behavior support systems, and trained clinical teams to deliver evidence-based, impactful care. Her deep commitment to quality and long-term success led to the development of iDEAL’s Positive Behavior Support initiative—aligning clinical excellence with improved educational outcomes. Having worked directly as a school-based clinician, Renee understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities that school systems face. She views iDEAL Hire as a true extension of its school district partners, grounded in collaboration, communication, and commitment. Outside of work, Renee is a proud mom, a beach enthusiast, and a firm believer that leading with heart—and a sense of humor—makes all the difference.
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Megan Beattie
Education Team Lead | Talent Consultant
Megan Beattie
Education Team Lead | Talent Consultant
Bio
Megan Beattie is driven by the stories behind each career move—what motivates someone to shift paths, and how she can support them on that journey. Whether it’s a complete career change or a move to a new school district, she brings curiosity, care, and commitment to every search. With over four years of experience in recruiting, admissions, and team leadership, Megan is known for motivating teams, staying calm under pressure, and bringing a positive energy to everything she does. What makes her iDEAL is her agility in fast-paced environments, her empathetic consulting style, and her passion for uplifting both candidates and colleagues. She’s always open to trying new approaches and looks for ways to improve processes with creativity and efficiency. Outside of work, Megan enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, knitting new projects, and being around animals whenever she can. She’s recently been exploring the world of cooking—challenging herself with new recipes and discovering it as one of her favorite creative outlets
Testimonial
"Megan Beattie reached out to me via Indeed about a school nurse position in my district. She was always on point with communication throughout the entire hiring process and even now! She doesn't hesitate to answer any questions that I may have, nor is she afraid to find out if she doesn't know the answer herself! I've been very happy with Megan and the agency as a whole, I look forward to working with them in the future." -Ivory G., RN
"If you are looking for company that value their employees and have advisors such as the one I have you will find that you love your job more than you can ever imagine! Megan Beattie is the VERY BEST and I’m so glad to have her in my new career journey!!! Go Megan!!!!" -Chaslie L., Special Education Teacher
"Working at IDEAL Hire has been an awesome experience especially my support person Megan Beattie. I have been supported remotely because they are located in Miami FL and I live in Augusta GA. I love working for this company." -Dianne A., Paraprofessional
"Excellent experience with this company! My recruiter Meagan Beattie goes above and beyond to address all my question and concerns in a timely manner!" -Veronica Y., Paraprofesional
Marika Wholas
Lead Education Talent Consultant
Bio
Marika Wholas is driven by the belief that the right opportunity can change someone’s life, and she’s passionate about creating those meaningful connections. She began her journey with iDEAL Hire as a first-year recruiter and quickly advanced to the role of Lead Talent Consultant. With a background in applied behavior analysis and education staffing, Marika brings a strong understanding of both client needs and candidate goals. Her approach combines speed, care, and a deep commitment to service. What makes Marika iDEAL is her dedication to advocacy and empathy—she genuinely cares about the people she supports and strives to make every interaction count. Outside of work, Marika enjoys beach days, time in nature, traveling, and making lasting memories with family and friends.
Testimonial
"Working with Marika Wholas at iDEAL Hire has been an absolute pleasure! From the start, she was incredibly responsive and always made herself available to answer my questions. What truly stood out was how intentional she was about understanding my interests and finding a job site that was the perfect fit for me. Marika is not only professional but also warm, friendly, and easy to talk to—making the entire process smooth and stress-free. She addressed all my concerns in a timely manner and genuinely cared about my experience. She’s a joy to work with, and I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a dedicated and supportive recruiter!" -Latrishia B., Special Education Teacher
"Working with iDEAL Hire has been an amazing experience. I’m currently a School Based Speech-Language Pathologist with OCPS thanks to Marika Wholas. She reached out to me in the moment that I needed a change. Marika made sure I got the right placement for me and close to home. She is always reaching out to make sure everything is running smoothly and I feel comfortable in the school I am at. I have never met a recruiter that would go above and beyond for a candidate." -Joan C., Speech Language Pathologist
"iDEAL Hire recruiters search high and above to find you a perfect spot to fit in for your career. Marika Wholas an iDEAL recruiter gave me the best experience ever within this company , I have never had such a positive experience such as the one she gave me. Ms. Marika went out her way to place me in the school system shortly after having a baby. Marika stayed in contact with me and updated me each and everyday until she found me a placement. I highly recommend Ideal to anyone who is searching for a RBT position within the school system." -Shaetara R., RBT
"Overall great company to be apart of! I was able to work with one of the best recruiters Marika Wholas! She makes sure that she’s helpful and making your time at the company smooth and easy." -Monasia R., RBT
Alana O’Neal
Education Talent Consultant
Bio
Alana O'Neal brings over 11 years of experience in education and a heartfelt passion for supporting students, families, and professionals in the field. For the past year and a half, she has expanded her impact through talent acquisition with iDEAL Hire Schools, where she connects passionate educators and therapists with the schools and students who need them most. As a devoted mother of three—including a child with autism—she understands the importance of advocacy, individualized support, and inclusive education. Her personal and professional experiences continue to fuel her commitment to helping others thrive. Outside of work, Alana enjoys cheering on her child's football team, spending time outdoors with her family, and caring for her horses. She thrives on building meaningful relationships and making a positive difference in the lives of those she serves.
Testimonial
"Alana O'Neal was amazing. She helped me find a job that was a great fit and made the process seamless." – Katie E., Special Education Teacher
"I started working with iDEAL Hire in December 2023, and it’s been a great experience—thanks to my recruiter, Alana O'Neal. She’s patient, understanding, considerate, and dedicated to her clients. She always goes the extra mile. Alana is by far the best recruiter I’ve worked with, and I truly enjoy being part of this team." -Vanessa S., Special Education Teacher
"I am currently contracted through iDEAL for a public middle school in Georgia. Alana O'Neal is my contact person and initial recruiter. She is phenomenal and I have nothing but great things to say about her! I like that she continues to be my contact person through my employment as she is such a pleasure to work with! She has been wonderful as a source of information and as an advocate on my behalf. I am very well compensated due to her skill and willingness to go the extra mile for me. She readily answers my questions and updates me on whatever I need. Alana is the best recruiter I have ever worked with and she is awesome!" - Judith W., Speech Language Pathologist
"I am currently contracted through iDEAL Hire for a public middle school in Georgia. Alana O'Neal is my contact person and initial recruiter. She is phenomenal and I have nothing but great things to say about her! I like that she continues to be my contact person through my employment as she is such a pleasure to work with! She has been wonderful as a source of information and as an advocate on my behalf. I am very well compensated due to her skill and willingness to go the extra mile for me. She readily answers my questions and updates me on whatever I need. Alana O'Neal is the best recruiter I have ever worked with and she is awesome!" - Tahlee Y., Speech Language Pathologist
Gail O’Keefe
Education Talent Consultant
Bio
Gail O'Keefe is all about people—connecting them, advocating for them, and ensuring they feel heard, valued, and appreciated. With over six years of recruiting and HR experience spanning healthcare, industrial, professional services, and tech, Gail has found her niche in education staffing. She recruits top-tier talent for schools across the country, and nothing brings her more fulfillment than matching the right person with the right opportunity. Backed by a Bachelor's degree in Sociology, Gail has long been passionate about understanding people—and now channels that passion into helping them build careers they love. What makes Gail iDEAL is her commitment to building genuine relationships, not just filling roles. She's the kind of recruiter who cheers for your wins, advocates for your needs, and supports you every step of the way. Outside of work, Gail enjoys spending time with her family, diving into a good book, and crocheting cozy creations—sometimes all at once.
Testimonial
"Gail O'Keefe was amazing!!!! She kept constant communication and answered all my questions." -Jacelyn M., Special Education Teacher
"iDEAL Hire is a great company to work for! My recruiter Gail O'Keefe was absolutely amazing, she made the onboarding process go very smooth I was working in no time, not to mention she was able to get me great pay. I am so satisfied with this company. I would recommend any nurse looking for good people and a great company to work for." -Kareen C., LPN
Jamie Cadwallder
Education Talent Consultant & Account Manager
Jamie Cadwallder
Education Talent Consultant & Account Manager
Bio
Jamie Cadwallder is motivated by the opportunity to make a real difference—whether it’s helping a candidate take the next step in their career, meeting a client’s needs, or showing up for her team. With eight years of experience managing Direct, MSP, and VMS accounts, Jamie has worked across educational, clinical, allied health, therapy, and correctional settings. In addition to her expertise in recruiting and credentialing, she brings a deep understanding of the complexities of staffing in diverse environments. Her adaptability and dedication to high-level service have made her a trusted partner to both clients and candidates. What makes Jamie iDEAL is her grounded and authentic approach, paired with the flexibility and drive to navigate evolving challenges and explore new opportunities. Jamie genuinely enjoys building relationships with the people she works with and celebrating their successes. She believes in the power of teamwork and shared goals—because we're all in this together.
Testimonial
"Jamie Cadwallder always responds in a timely manner. She's very kind, patient and very good at what she does. She follows up with me on everything and explains very thoroughly. She always goes above and beyond no matter what the situation or circumstances are." -Alyssa F., LVN
Victoria Kennedy
Education Talent Consultant
Bio
Victoria Kennedy is a results-driven Talent Acquisition Specialist with over four years of experience recruiting top-tier professionals across healthcare and education, with a strong specialization in school-based staffing. As a former Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) withclinical ABA experience, she brings a unique perspective to recruiting and excels in identifying talent that meets both the behavioral and academic needs of students. Victoria has a proven track record of successfully staffing school districts by recruiting and placing Special Education Teachers, Paraeducators, Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs),school-based clinicians, and other high-demand roles. Her expertise in behavioral health and special education recruitment enables her to build strong candidate pipelines, decrease time-to-fill, and ensure long-term retention of quality hires. Known for her strategic sourcing, relationship-based recruiting style, and deep understanding of district needs, she consistently delivers top talent that drives student success and supports inclusive learning environments.
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Lesley Kirkland
Education Talent Consultant
Bio
Lesley Kirkland brings over 13 years of experience in education and a heartfelt passion for supporting students, families, and professionals in the field. For the past 6 months, she has expanded her impact through talent acquisition with iDEAL Hire Schools, where she connects passionate educators and therapists with the schools and students who need them most. Outside of work, Lesley loves hiking, reading, and traveling with her husband and dog and spending a lot of time with her family. Lesley is driven and focused on making a difference by building meaningful relationships with specialist and helping them find a place to make their own difference.
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Marketing
Morgan Henry
Marketing Coordinator
Bio
Driven by a passion for creativity and connection, Morgan Henry finds purpose in using storytelling to inspire and engage. Before joining iDEAL Hire in 2020, she spent 10 years in healthcare—beginning as a certified nursing assistant and later working in pediatric office nursing and administrative support. These experiences shaped her empathetic, service-oriented approach to marketing. As iDEAL’s Marketing Coordinator, Morgan brings the brand to life with authenticity and heart. Her background in healthcare gives her a unique understanding of the people iDEAL serves, and she’s dedicated to creating content that uplifts, informs, and reflects the company’s mission. Outside of work, Morgan is a homeschooling mom, a kids ministry leader at her church, and an avid lover of the outdoors. Supporting her daughter’s curiosity and creativity is one of her greatest joys and daily inspirations
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Stella Singh
Lead Generation and Sourcing Specialist
Bio
Stella Singh is inspired by iDEAL Hire’s mission to “connect people and create a path to thrive together”—a motto she embraces not just professionally, but personally. With over five years of experience in the healthcare industry, she has discovered her true strength on the frontlines of recruitment. As a Lead Generation and Sourcing Specialist, Stella thrives on identifying the right talent and building meaningful connections that support both individual and organizational growth. Her approach is rooted in empathy, guided by the belief that understanding others—truly seeing through their eyes—is the foundation for connection and peace. Proud of her strong cultural roots, Stella values being part of a company that celebrates diversity and shared values. She brings a thoughtful, people-first mindset to every interaction. Her personal motto, “Progress over perfection,” is a daily reminder that growth is a journey—and she’s committed to walking alongside candidates and clients every step of the way.
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Mikayla Miller
Lead Generation Specialist
Bio
Mikayla Miller is driven by the opportunity to make meaningful connections—between professionals and purpose, people and possibility. Helping talented individuals find the right opportunity isn’t just her job—it’s what motivates her every day. With a strong background in healthcare and education staffing, Mikayla brings years of experience generating high-quality leads that turn into long-term placements. Her strengths lie in understanding the unique needs of both medical and educational environments and delivering results through strategic, people-focused outreach. Mikayla leads with empathy and persistence. She doesn’t believe in one-size-fits-all recruiting—each candidate and client deserves tailored support and timely solutions. Her commitment to thoughtful communication and creative strategy is what sets her apart. Outside of work, Mikayla enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids and getting out for a good run when possible. Finding balance between a busy family life and a fast-paced career keeps her focused and grounded.
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People Resource
Robert Pickford
Compliance Coordinator II
Bio
Robert Pickford brings over 14 years of experience in healthcare to his role as Compliance Coordinator at iDEAL Hire. Known for his precision and dedication, he plays a critical role in ensuring that travelers meet the highest standards of compliance—while delivering a process that feels personalized and seamless. He approaches his work like solving a puzzle, embracing each challenge with thoughtfulness and care. Robert’s career has spanned both small and large medical operations, where he has overseen financial oversight and operational management. His passion lies in striking the balance between affordable, high-quality patient care and the overall success of medical organizations. Outside of his professional work, Robert has donated nearly four gallons of blood—a testament to his lifelong commitment to making a meaningful impact on others.
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Maryela Lopez
Compliance Coordinator I
Bio
Maryela Lopez is driven by a desire to make a difference. With about four years of experience in compliance, she discovered a deeper sense of purpose when she stepped into the world of credentialing. It was there that she realized just how impactful her work could be. For Maryela, compliance isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about supporting the professionals who do the essential work that not everyone can. She believes in balancing transparency with empathy, always keeping in mind that behind every file is a human being. Her time at iDEAL Hire has reinforced that belief and shown her just how much thoughtful compliance work matters to the candidates and teams she supports. Outside of work, Maryela enjoys going to concerts, planning her next travel adventure, exploring new coffee shops, and getting into a good true crime documentary.
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Travel
Rachel Southworth
Travel Team Lead | Account Manager & Talent Consultant
Rachel Southworth
Travel Team Lead | Account Manager & Talent Consultant
Bio
As Team Lead of the Travel Division at iDEAL Hire, Rachel Southworth brings over 14 years of staffing experience—including more than six in leadership roles. Her background spans both recruiting and account management, giving her a 360° perspective that helps her serve candidates, clients, and her sales team with clarity and care. Rachel stands out for her versatility and advocacy. She leads with empathy, adapts quickly to changing needs, and brings a strategic mindset to every interaction. Outside of work, Rachel is an adoring aunt and proud pet parent to her dog Nero and cats Jack and Penny. She finds joy in dancing, caring for her houseplants, and experimenting in the kitchen with cooking and baking.
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Alicia Tolson
Travel Talent Consultant
Bio
What drives Alicia Tolson is helping people feel seen, supported, and confident as they navigate their next career move. With a background in staff leadership and operations within the legal industry, she spent over a decade motivating teams and leading hiring initiatives—experience that naturally led her into high-volume recruiting, where she discovered her true passion. As the longest-tenured recruiter at iDEAL Hire, Alicia has had the privilege of working closely with healthcare professionals at every stage of their careers—from new graduates to seasoned experts. She has successfully staffed contract, non-clinical, clinical, permanent, and travel roles across a wide variety of healthcare settings. Alicia is dedicated to ensuring each candidate is aligned with opportunities that fit their lifestyle, values, and goals. What makes Alicia iDEAL is her unwavering commitment to advocate for every candidate as if they were family—offering honest guidance, thoughtful preparation, and career moves that truly make sense for the individual, not just the job. Outside of work, Alicia is a proud supermom, deeply family-oriented, and a chai tea enthusiast who cherishes quality time with her closest friends.
Testimonial
"Alicia Tolson is one of a kind. My contract and assignment started around the time Alicia had her baby, and no matter what time or day I called, Alicia always answered my calls and was there for me. She has been very supportive and kind. I'm grateful to work with you, Alicia, and I look forward to working with you on many more contracts to come." -Almaz A., RN
I give thanks to both Matthew and Alicia Tolson. Individually each recruiter made my experience electric! Matthew is very supportive and Alicia is the perfect job coach. What a team... I am now employed with a reputable company. iDEAL Hire is #1! -Peggy M., Pharmacy Technician
"iDEAL Hire has been such a pleasure to work with! My recruiter Alicia Tolson is always responsive, problem solving, encouraging, and eager to help with any need I have ever had! Thank you all and Alicia for being the dream team!" -Sarah H., Respiratory Therapist
"I’ve had the most wonderful experience working with Alicia Tolson at iDEAL Hire as my recruiter! Alicia truly goes above and beyond for her clients — she took the time to understand my goals, supported me through every step of the process, and connected me with amazing job opportunities that fit both my skills and personality. Her professionalism, warmth, and dedication made the entire experience seamless and enjoyable. I highly recommend Alicia and iDEAL Hire to anyone looking for their next great career move!" - Sashal H., Physical Therapist
Patrick Smith
Travel Talent Consultant
Bio
Patrick Smith is a seasoned recruiter with over 25 years of experience, including more than 15 years in the healthcare staffing industry. He is driven by success and guided by a strong belief that his travelers are his number one asset. Known for his results-driven mindset and unwavering customer-first focus, Patrick consistently delivers exceptional outcomes while building trusted, long-term relationships. His passion for the work he does is reflected in the results he achieves—he believes that genuine dedication produces exceptional outcomes. Outside of work, Patrick has been happily married to the love of his life for 26 years. Together, they’ve raised four beautiful children, who are the center of his world.
Testimonial
"My recruiter is the best recruiter I’ve ever worked with. Patrick Smith works hard to get the best assignments for his clients. He is easily available, and if there is an issue and you need him he is the best at finding a solution or contacting someone who can." -Norma G., RN
"My recruiter Patrick Smith and Tara Chien in payroll have been awesome to work with, always so helpful!" -Sherry Z., RN
"iDEAL Hire is a marvelous company to work for!! I am on my first travel nurse position in a great number of years and it has been an amazing experience!! Patrick Smith, my recruiter, worked tirelessly finding the perfect place for the first travel position!! And he always checks on me to make sure I am doing okay. Robert Pickford does a fantastic job at onboarding also!! Very patient man!!! And Tara Chien goes out of her way to assist you with sending readable time cards to her !! The whole team is amazing to work with!!! If you are going to travel , iDEAL Hire is the way to go!!" Cynthia D., RN
"Wonderful company. My recruiter, Patrick Smith, is amazing! He did completed the impossible task of finding me an amazing work from home nursing position with wonderful compensation. He always checks in on me and advocates for me. And I wouldn’t trade him for the world." -Crystal A., RN
Tisha Hamilton
Travel Talent Consultant & Account Manager
Tisha Hamilton
Travel Talent Consultant & Account Manager
Bio
Tisha’s passion for healthcare started early—when she was just six years old, a family friend who was a nurse gave her a stethoscope, and she was hooked. That moment sparked a lifelong love for the field that led to a nursing career and, eventually, over 15 years in healthcare staffing. Now, as an Account Manager, Tisha brings together her clinical background and deep staffing experience to build strong, lasting partnerships. She’s known for her ability to adapt quickly, advocate fiercely, and bring genuine empathy to every conversation—whether she’s supporting a traveler or collaborating with a facility. Tisha believes in creating positive experiences on both sides of every placement, and she’s proud to play a part in strengthening the healthcare system from the inside out. At home, she’s a proud mom of three and stays motivated knowing her work helps make a difference for families just like hers across the country. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her enjoying quality time with her kids—and maybe even reminiscing about that first little stethoscope that started it all.
Testimonial
Jessica Todero
Travel Talent Consultant
Bio
Jessica Todero is an experienced healthcare recruiter with more than a decade in the industry, dedicated to connecting skilled clinicians with rewarding travel assignments across the country. Based in New Orleans and an active traveler herself, Jessica brings firsthand insight into the excitement and challenges of life on the road. She takes pride in guiding healthcare professionals to their next opportunity through a personalized and supportive approach, whether it’s their first assignment or their fiftieth! With a strong foundation in recruitment leadership, talent development, and strategic placement, Jessica is passionate about creating lasting connections that empower clinicians and strengthen healthcare teams nationwide.
Testimonial
"iDEAL Hire is an amazing company to work for! I was extremely nervous to start my first travel assignment and my recruiter Jessica Todero made the transition incredibly smooth and easy. She was able to get me the assignment I wanted and competitive pay! If I had any questions she would answer them quickly and efficiently and always has a positive attitude! If you are looking for a new recruiter Jessica Todero is definitely the one!!!!" -Whitney B., MRI Tech
"My recruiter, Jessica Todero, was extremely helpful. I had a two-years gap while pursuing my master’s degree, and most hospitals refused to hire me. I had been in contact with other recruiters for over four months, but none were able to secure a contract for me. When my current recruiter reached out, I was hesitant to go through the process again and risk another rejection. However, she successfully got me a contract at Cleveland Clinic in less than two weeks. I highly recommend her." -Melad M., Respiratory Therapist
Bob Benda
Travel Talent Consultant
Bio
Bob Benda has been in the healthcare industry for over 14 years, working on both the client-facing and recruiting sides. With a deep understanding of what it takes to create successful partnerships, Bob is passionate about matching the right candidates, whose skills and values align, with the client’s needs. Guided by his motto, “Building a good relationship is by listening, open and honest communication, and building trust,” Bob approaches every connection with compassion and genuine care. His dedication to helping others is what motivates him every day. Outside of work, Bob has been happily married for 16 years and is a proud father of two teenage children. His home is also filled with love from his two rescue dogs.
Testimonial