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Meet the Team

Karen Young HR Resolutions

Karen Young, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Founder & President

Karen A. Young capitalizes on her more than 30 years of experience in human resources as she and her team utilize savvy strategy to develop solutions that produce real results. Karen believes that when the HR pieces fall into place, an organization begins to run like a well-oiled machine.

Karen inspires CEOs, CFOs, and other Accidental HR® managers to fulfill the organization’s mission while strengthening their workforce. She is committed to going the extra mile for clients, helping them build an HR framework that results in improved workplace culture and lower HR costs.

Karen is a sought-after speaker, trainer, and author. Her latest book, Sought-After: How to Be Heard, Be Trusted, and Be Recognized for Your Expertise, provides a fail-safe formula for career success and social mobility, along with entertaining anecdotes about potentially career-ending moves that became a solid foundation for forward trajectory. Her book, Honest and Real: An Essential Guide for Drama-Free Human Resources, reimagines HR fundamentals in a post-pandemic world while offering advice on effective HR practices that will reduce the daily drama that business leaders experience.

Karen holds degrees from Lebanon Valley College and Saint Francis University, as well as certificates in Strategic HR Management from both The Wharton School of Business and Cornell University. Karen is professionally certified by the HR Certification Institute as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) as well as the Society for Human Resource Managers as a Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP.)

Karen resides in Harrisburg, PA, with her husband and retired racing greyhounds. She is an active member and leader in area business chambers and professional organizations.

melissa pattison

Melissa Pattison, SHRM-CP

Director of HR

Melissa has been part of the HR Resolutions team since 2014. She brings a practical and realistic approach that helps clients minimize risk and strengthen their HR practices. Working closely with clients, she develops and implements HR strategy that allows clients to identify, address, and overcome human resource challenges, allowing both teams and companies to grow and succeed.

Melissa is a graduate of Susquehanna University. She is an active member of the Harrisburg Rugby Club and enjoys volunteering at a local horse rescue and taking her dog for long runs.

Pam Cruey HR Resolutions

Pamela A. Cruey

HR Manager

Pam joined the HR Resolutions team in February 2023. Recently retired from a senior-level HR position, she is excited to continue using her HR skills and expertise to benefit our clients.

Pam is a graduate of Duquesne University and held executive-level human resources positions for more than 25 years. She has worked across multiple industries, ranging from warehousing and distribution to sales and education.

Pam lives along the Susquehanna River with her two beloved rescue dogs and shares her home with a small flock of chickens and a busy bee colony. When she is not working, Pam values the moments she gets to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures in life. Reading, traveling, fishing, kayaking, and spending time with family and neighbors are all things that bring her happiness and fulfillment.

Pam Cruey HR Resolutions

Jennifer Volker, PHR

HR Manager

Jennifer Volker is a certified Professional in Human Relations (PHR) as credentialed by HRCI. She has extensive experience in working with small companies, many of them start-ups. Based in Stamford, CT, Jennifer works with HR Resolutions clients in New York and New Jersey, and oversees all client recruiting.

Jennifer is pleased to be building meaningful partnerships and relationships and expanding HR Resolutions’ reach into new markets.

When she is not lending her professional expertise to clients, Jennifer is an avid animal lover who loves to travel the world, indulge in foodie passions, and watch tennis.

Karen Young HR Resolutions

Andrea H. Parcell, SHRM-CP

HR Specialist

Andrea Parcell brings nearly 30 years of experience in customer service to the HRR team. Most recently, she spent seven years as a recruiter and HR representative for a small medical staffing company. She is excited to provide great service to HRR clients and be part of the company’s exciting growth.

Andrea holds the SHRM-CP (Certified Professional) certification from the Society for Human Resource Management. She is also SHRM People Manager Qualified and holds her HR Department of One certification.

Andrea is a self-proclaimed crazy animal lady, whose current menagerie includes three cats, two dogs, and two parakeets. She enjoys music, baking reading, and spending time with her husband, John, and their kids, grandkids, and parents.

Support Staff

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Eugene Young

The newest support staff member, Penrose Eugene, was adopted through Nittany Greyhounds. Eugene is responsible for Quality Control and Taste Testing as is obvious through almost all his pictures! Eugene violates many HR rules because he is a hugger—our first that physically hugs Mommy and Daddy.

RemiPacker

Remi Pattison

Remi Rebel Nubbin (AKA Remi), a purebred German Shorthair Pointer, was brought home from a small breeder located in Lewisburg, PA. In her free time, Remi enjoys training her humans to throw Frisbees soaked in enough slobber to hydrate half the backyard, as well as gallivanting around with her two pygmy goat sisters (who, more often than not, want nothing to do with her.) As Director of Canine Affairs, Remi is responsible for the cuteness factor of the Support Team.

RemiPacker

Bahama Mama

WW Bahama Mama “Mama” joined the staff on 1/5/2023 as our new Director of Recess and Relaxation. She came to the Young family through Nittany Greyhounds. Karen asserts Willow sent Mama to them because Barry’s favorite Island Cocktail is a Bahama Mama and her birthday is the same date as Karen’s. A coincidence? We think not!

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Copper Young (Emeritus)

6/4/2014 – 11/29/2019

Copper “Craigie Coldshot” was adopted through Make Peace with Animals and took over the reins of being the wild child in the office. Copper was appointed Director of Party Time as you can tell by his picture—he was a flurry of activity. (This picture was from his FIRST DAY in our house!)

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Dusty Young (Emeritus)

1/1/2006 – 12/25/2017

The fifth child of the Young’s, Dusty “Indiper” Young was adopted through the Humane Society of the Harrisburg Area after a few years off the track. As the eldest of the pack, Dusty was appointed Director of Security and Nap Time. She ensured that everyone received sufficient breaks to stay fresh for the next round of snacks.

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Willow Young (Emeritas)

? – 12/23/2023

The eldest of the Young’s, Willow “Kelso’s Devilment” Young, was adopted through Make Peace with Animals. Mom continues to explain her antics as, “But she’s only 7…” to which Dad replies, “You’ll still be saying that when she’s 10!” Willow is the Director of Security and Nap Time, and it’s very difficult keeping track of all the activity in multiple offices.