The team at Crescent Career Center works hard every day to offer comprehensive training for every student. We walk with you from your first class to the moment you enter a new role. Whether you’re exploring IT careers, project management, or office administration, we have a path that fits your goals. Our courses lead to industry-recognized certifications, giving you the practical skills and confidence to grow.
Mission
We believe in second chances and real opportunities for success. Our purpose is to guide you toward the skills you need, sharpen your talents, and help you create a future that matches your ambitions.
Approach
- Tailored courses in IT, project management, office administration, and more.
- Certification-focused training aligned with today’s job market.
- Hands-on, real-world support from enrollment through job placement.
Testing Center
We maintain a dedicated testing center at 1171 Northland Dr in Mendota Heights. This authorized Pearson VUE site offers flexible hours, easy scheduling, and a secure environment for industry exams. There is ample parking, and an elevator leads to our second-floor proctor room.
You’ll check in with a valid ID, store personal items in a locker, and follow the proctor’s instructions. We support both individual and group testing, and our staff is here to keep your exam day stress-free.
Memberships & Partnerships
Location
We’re in Mendota Heights, Minnesota, near Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Our On-The-Job Career Training Center at 1210 Northland Drive and our Testing Facility at 1171 Northland Drive are easy to reach, just off Highway 55 and I-35 E. We’re one block from the bus line on Mendota Heights Road, and plenty of parking is nearby.
Our spaces are designed for focused learning and hands-on practice. Let’s take the next step together and build a future you can look forward to!
Nicole Linscheid
Business Development Manager
Nicole Linscheid joined Crescent Career Center in 2022, bringing a strong background in higher education and relationship building. As Business Development Manager, she nurtures partnerships, develops training ideas, and supports her team, often by “managing the chaos” behind the scenes.
Nicole was drawn to Crescent Career Center while looking for a place where she could blend her skills with her passion for helping others. She loves that the company evolves its training based on real needs from businesses and clients.
Originally from White Bear Lake, Nicole now lives in Cottage Grove with her husband Jake, daughters Eleanor and Charlotte, and their three cats—Maya, Boots, and Dora. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, attending family events, and playing board games at home with her crew.
Ciara Venne
Program Director
Ciara Venne joined Crescent Career Center in 2023. She leads the On-the-Job Training Program, working closely with students new to tech, helping them build professional skills, craft strong résumés, and secure jobs in the field. Her passion lies in guiding each student from start to success!
As a former educator, Ciara appreciates Crescent Career Center’s focus on alternative pathways for students who may not be college-bound. She loves helping people discover their passions and the tools to pursue them.
Originally from South Minneapolis, Ciara now lives in Shakopee with her husband Josh, their daughter Theo, and two huskies, Ash and Tucker. She enjoys hiking, reading, and playing board games with friends. One of her earliest jobs was working a change booth at the Minnesota State Fair’s Playland Arcade—complete with air conditioning!
Martez “MJ” Porter
On-The-Job Training Instructor
Martez joined Crescent Career Center to prepare young adults to achieve their goals in IT. As an On-The-Job Training instructor, he helps give those looking for a new career practical experience in IT. He specifically trains on the CompTIA suite of technical certifications, reviews the curriculum, and creates lesson plans and classes for students.
Martez believes in Crescent Career Center’s mission of providing its students with a world of possibilities. He loves watching them progress through professional development, education, technical training, and career placement.
Growing up in Minneapolis and now living in Apple Valley, Martez likes to spend his free time landscaping, hitting the gym, and building home networks.
Michael “Mike” McRae
On-The-Job Training Director
My passion is guiding students to master real-world IT systems. I have a background in help desk support, system administration, and project engineering. My goal is to simplify complex IT tasks, such as installing servers or managing Office 365 migrations. Hands-on training is at the heart of everything we do here.
Outside of work, Mike enjoys camping and exploring nature with his family. He, his wife, and three adult children often hike state parks or ride along the Cascade River.
Leah Sullivan
Student Services Coordinator
Leah joined Crescent Career Center in 2025 and is often the first person visitors or callers meet. She helps students enroll in courses that align with their career goals and also serves as an on-site proctor, ensuring a calm and supportive testing environment.
She was drawn to Crescent Career Center for its focus on community, education, and student support, which aligns perfectly with her passion for helping others succeed. Leah especially enjoys the center’s trusted role as a primary testing site in the community.
Originally from North Minneapolis and now living in South Minneapolis, Leah shares her home with her partner Ryan and two cats, Mao and Banshee. Outside of work, she enjoys live music, kayaking, camping, and biking around the lakes. One of her most unique jobs was teaching English to kindergarteners in Seoul, South Korea.
Mars Ward
Student Services Coordinator
Mars Ward joined Crescent Career Center in 2025 and helps connect dislocated workers, veterans, and young adults to career-ready training programs. They provide counseling for job placement, résumé preparation, mock interviews, and more, especially for students entering the workforce through Crescent Career Center’s On-the-Job Help Desk program.
Mars was drawn to Crescent Carrer Center for its supportive team and mission-driven culture. Their favorite part of the job is career readiness counseling, which helps individuals access tools and guidance they may not have had access to before.
Originally from Pontiac, Michigan, Mars now lives in Minneapolis with their partner Akanni and a baby girl on the way. Outside of work, Mars enjoys illustrating, singing, playing games, attending community events, and learning just about anything, from languages to new art skills.
Lisa Loken
Owner & CEO
Being a female leader in the IT world showed me this industry’s true, limitless potential. Being a core resource in someone’s professional development is a unique experience that fuels a passion you want to carry out forever. Crescent Career Center is the beginning of your journey to success; it is up to you to achieve it.
Traci Leffner
President
I’m committed to delivering the best possible IT learning experience. Technology offers incredible possibilities, and I want everyone to see what can be achieved with the right knowledge. Our team is on a mission to remove the fears and frustrations of learning about IT. We’re here to build trust and partnerships that stand the test of time.
FAQ
You’ll have many questions regarding our programs and how we can help you launch a new career.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us for any reason.