Deidre Koppelman
Founder & CEO
Since founding PEAR™ in 2003, Deidre has worked closely with business owners, senior-level executives, and organizational teams providing strategic business management consulting across a variety of industries. Deidre puts her focus into strategic planning, organizational development, leadership development, and workplace behavioral issues for her clients. Deidre is one of 5 individuals in the State of New York that is a Kolbe® Certified Consultant.
In 2016, Deidre created GutwiZdom, a movement to help others succeed in business, and in life, by sharing the "wiZdoms" and journeys of thought leaders around the globe. GutwiZdom launched as a weekly radio show that aired on WCBS Newsradio 880 every Saturday night. The on-air episodes can be found here, where you can listen to interviews with: CEO of JetBlue, Robin Hayes, on creating a culture of accountability; Mark Sanborn, leadership speaker and best-selling author of "The Potential Principle"; Dr. Jonathan Winston, a highly regarded nephrologist along with Dr. John Puskas, Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery (both from the Mount Sinai Health System); as well as Executive Editor of INC Magazine, Laura Lorber, and many more.
Deidre is a national speaker for Vistage International; a group dedicated to increasing the effectiveness and enhancing the lives of Chief Executives. As a long-time student of Strategic Coach, Deidre is always on the path to increase her knowledge so that she can share what she learns with every client.
Her well-developed “toolbox” allows her to be creative in helping her clients solve their most difficult challenges. Deidre provides insight and confidence to all she works with in order to help assist with creating the changes necessary to achieve results.
David Freedman, SHRM-SCP
Vice President of Organizational Development
Dave has over 20 years of experience in HR consulting, working with companies of all sizes and in many industries, from startups and small family business to many of the Fortune 100, as well as state and federal government agencies.
His wide-ranging experiences include outsourced HR management, workplace investigations, harassment training, employee handbooks, talent management system development, engagement, and culture surveys, exit surveys, and multi-rater feedback processes. Additionally, he is also experienced in talent acquisition, including developing job descriptions, structured interviews, role-plays, and onboarding processes that ensure new hire success.
Dave’s unique combination of professionalism, approachability, and passion for solving problems means that PEAR’s clients can be assured that he will confidently guide them to the best solutions for their needs.
Furthermore, Dave’s focus on compliance and position success plans ensures that all of our clients are legally compliant and that each individual has a plan designed for them to help them grow with intention.
Stephanie Quinn-Schulman, SHRM-CP
Director of Human Resources
Stephanie has provided stellar HR support to PEAR clients since 2014. She graduated from Adelphi University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, with a focus in Human Resources and a minor in Communications.
Stephanie’s expertise includes HR legal compliance and audits, payroll and benefits, HR technology know-how, employee relations, and navigating federal and state leaves of absences. Stephanie is best known for her calm demeanor on the outside and serious diligence to provide the absolute best in service to our clients.
As a SHRM certified professional and trusted member of the PEAR team, Stephanie continues to take on more challenges and is always seeking to enhance the performance of PEAR Core Solutions and our clients.
Michel Lukas, SHRM-CP
HR Generalist
Michel is a graduate of Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, where he studied Organizational Leadership and was President of the National Communications Association. After graduation, Michel relocated from Bloomsburg, PA to New York City and immediately found himself immersed in the NYC hospitality industry, where he spent 17 years in various leadership roles, developing his skill and passion for employee relations and performance development.
As a member of the PEAR team, he focuses on ensuring client compliance, talent acquisition, employee relations, performance development, and HR administration.
PEAR’s clients benefit from Michel’s thoroughness, enthusiasm, and positive attitude!
Kelly Rothwell, SHRM-CP
HR Generalist
Kelly brings wide-ranging HR experiences to her work at PEAR, having worked in multiple industries and with companies of varying sizes. She is a graduate of Queens College, where she majored in Clinical Psychology.
Kelly is passionate about providing employees with personalized support and stellar customer service. Her expertise includes onboarding, labor laws and compliance, compensation and benefits, and employee relations.
Prior to working in HR, she was in the hospitality industry where she learned the importance of customer service and employee support, and this inspired her to become an HR professional.
Nathalia Colmenares
HR Administrator
Nathalia is a graduate of St. Elizabeth University in Morristown, NJ where she majored in Criminal Justice. She is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree at St. Elizabeth's with a specialization in Human Resource Management.
Prior to joining PEAR, she gained experience in HR, and she is thrilled to be a part of the PEAR team. Nathalia is passionate about HR and supporting PEAR’s clients!
Camille Pavelko
HR Administrator
Camille has wide ranging experience in all aspects of HR, having spent a decade developing her skills in the healthcare and warehouse industry. She is particularly passionate about compliance management, team building, employee relations, ethics, and performance development and has deep experience in other areas of HR such as compensation and benefits, payroll, and talent acquisition.
Camille is a graduate of Herzing University, where she studied Business Administration and Management. Prior to her work in the HR field, Camille worked as restaurant general manager, which was the spark that fueled her passion for all things HR.
Camille is excited to be a part of the PEAR team and assist our clients with all their HR needs.
Tom Weiss
Talent Acquisition Specialist
Tom joins PEAR with 10 years of Human Resource experience in the Healthcare field. He is particularly passionate about recruiting and onboarding. Tom enjoys his role in connecting with prospective employees, finding the right fit for each open position, and ensuring a positive onboarding experience.
Prior to his time in Human Resources, Tom was a Marketing/Advertising executive for various advertising agencies in NYC.
Tom’s focus on thoroughly understanding each client and candidate’s needs will ensure that our PEAR clients will consistently receive highly qualified candidates to meet their ongoing staffing needs.