Meet the staff of Saint Louis University's Transformative Workforce Academy.
Meredith Rataj
Program director
Meredith Rataj is the program director for the Transformative Workforce Academy. Rataj previously worked in immigrant services for 15 years at St. Francis Community Services, as a licensed bilingual (in Spanish) marriage and family therapist and later as the director of Immigrant Services.
Entering the world of reentry services in 2022, she noted the similarities in systemic barriers for justice-involved and immigrant populations and wanted to be a part of building bridges of integration for all community members to feel welcome and to thrive. Rataj most enjoys partnering with creative people to work together to implement solutions. When she’s not working, you can find her running on a paved trail, listening to an NPR podcast or on the side of a soccer or baseball field, cheering on her two teenagers.
Maddy Heil
Employment specialist
Maddy Heil joined the TWA team as the employment specialist right after the 2022 fall job fair and has been instrumental in developing our new pre-release services at five Missouri Departmet of Corrections facilities.
Before joining TWA, Heil worked with several organizations developing employment programs and opportunities for marginalized populations to find meaningful opportunities. Heil has also worked in property and restaurant management and has been a small business owner. She has a B.A. in English and sociology and has shared her passion for reading and writing while working as a writing mentor, ESL instructor and while working with the Literacy Council in Michigan.
In her free time, you will find Heil kayaking local waters and sharing her love of animals with her nephew or spending some quiet time reading a book by one of her favorite authors.
Amber Hunter
Employment specialist
Amber Hunter is TWA’s newest employment specialist, joining the team during the 2023 job fair season. Hunter's passion is to work with underserved populations to help them conquer the myriad of barriers they encounter in their daily lives.
Before landing at TWA, Hunter graduated with a B.S. in criminology and criminal justice, leading her to work with several social service organizations; her focus being on reentry services, substance use treatment and minority mental health.
Outside of work, Hunter loves to try new restaurants, see live music, travel, and adventure with her rescue bulldog.
Nikki Chilton
Strategic partnership manager
Nikki Chilton joined the team as strategic partnership manager in spring of 2024. She focuses on recruiting employers and building strong relationships with a variety of industries, companies and in the community.
Chilton brings an entrepreneurial spirit to SLU TWA with her diverse professional experience in both the corporate world and in higher education. Her experience in project management, program development, communication and strategy position her with a unique perspective and ability to see needs and connect people.
Chilton holds a BFA in graphic design and Master of Arts in Education in curriculum and instruction.
Chilton loves to read, create, get outdoors, and dabble in as many wellness modalities as possible. When she's not advocating for SLU TWA, she can be found teaching yoga, as she is a RYT200 certified yoga teacher or spending time with her husband, her two amazing kiddos, family and friends.