Meet the Center for Professional Development's staff, dedicated to helping individuals, businesses and organizations determine their next step on the pathway to career success.

Eleta Jones
Associate Director of the Center and Director of the Career Counseling Department
Eleta earned a Ph.D. in guidance and counseling from the University of Michigan in 1978, beginning her exceptional career in the counseling profession. Eleta is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Connecticut and nationally certified since 1984. In 1995, she became the director of the counseling department and in 2002 she was named assistant director of the Center. More recently, she was named associate director of the Center. During her time at the Center, Eleta has established new programs, such as the Institute for Leadership & Talent Management which provides training pertinent to new and mid-level managers, supervisors, project leaders, team leaders, emerging leaders and human resources professionals. She is also an adjunct faculty member at the University of Connecticut MBA program and at St. Joseph College. An engaging public speaker, she has worked with many organizations within the Greater Hartford area, including UTC Corporate Headquarters, Pratt & Whitney, American Eagle Federal Credit Union and Hartford Hospital. Eleta's many contributions were recognized in 2006, when she received the "Distinguished Professional for 2006" award from the Connecticut Counseling Association. Beyond her work at the Center for Professional Development and as an educator, the long time West Hartford resident is a mother of two. In her leisure time, she enjoys jazzercise, hiking, singing and travel. She has traveled throughout Europe, Asia and Central and South America.

Ron Clinton
Career Counselor
Now with a 30+ year history in career counseling, Ron was delighted to join the staff of the Center for Professional Development in 1998. He began his counseling career after obtaining his master's degree in educational research and psychological testing. Ron also holds a CAGS in guidance and psychological services. He maintains a special interest in assessment of individual talents and inclinations as they relate to choosing career and life activities. In his spare time, Ron spends time with his two daughters and wife of 36 years. He enjoys athletics, playing guitar and carpentry.

Cathy McCloud
Career Counselor
After completing her master's degree in social work at the University of Wisconsin, Cathy relocated to the east coast, where she began an extensive career in both career and personal counseling. Cathy has been a career counselor at the Center for Professional Development for over 20 years. In addition to working with the diverse members of the public that utilize the Center, Cathy has also had the opportunity to provide career counseling to employees of several of the Center's corporate affiliates. The mother of two has lived in Suffield for 21 years. In her spare time, Cathy enjoys gardening, reading and hiking.