Workforce Development Training Team

The Workforce Development Training Team (WFD) originated within the Office of Emergency Preparedness with funding from the CDC Workforce Development Grant. The team’s purpose is to facilitate and coordinate workforce development training based on the individual needs of the Local Health Districts and Offices.

Supporting VDH’s Competent and Valued Workforce

Our team of facilitators have diverse skill sets and proven experience coordinating special projects. We are geographically mobile being located across multiple regions of Virginia. We’ve produced training for De-escalation, Conflict Resolution, Team Building and other workforce training needs specific to the requesting department or office. These trainings can be virtual, in-person, hybrid, or created as self-paced online learning, depending on your specific requirements.

Now Accepting Special Consultation Projects

Local Health Departments and Offices are encouraged to submit a request for workforce development training or consultation using this consultation request form. Our team looks forward to working with you.

Our Team

Steve Smith, Team Supervisor

Steve leads the team supporting agency wide training initiatives. Steve has over 10 years of experience as a trainer in different industries including Strategic Legal Practices, Colonial Downs, and Verizon. His office is on the 11th floor of the Madison Building in Richmond. He can be reached at steve.smith@vdh.virginia.gov.

Dorothy Hayden, MS, APTD, Training Consultant

Dorothy brings ample experience in training, workforce development, and employer relations with her. She has consulted with several businesses and non-profits on web accessibility and virtual learning environments and has certifications in virtual training facilitation and career coaching. Dorothy is an avid volunteer and has volunteered with domestic abuse shelters, vocational programs, and veterans-focused programs in Rockbridge, Roanoke, and Fairfax counties.

Robyn Maitland, MAOM, Training Consultant

Robyn Maitland has cross-industry experience in change management, training program design, course development, and learning facilitation. Robyn’s public service with the Commonwealth include working with the DOA in the state-wide implementation of the Cardinal HR/Payroll system, and, most recently, with DBHDS serving as training system lead for a new provider licensing system. Robyn is interested in emerging learning technologies that meet the goals of organizational change initiatives fostering public health and well-being for Virginia.

Susan Margaret, Instructional Designer

Susan came to VDH through CDC early in the COVID-19 pandemic as an Educator and Trainer and now develops, presents, facilitates and coordinates educational materials and training sessions for the broad array of stakeholders across VDH. She brings over a decade and a half of training development and presentation experience with her. Susan’s experience allows her to use her understanding of adult education for course development and design to create engaging and informative solutions for the VDH workforce.