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
Education can take many forms. My passion is helping individuals achieve their short—and long-term goals. Being part of an organization integrating modern technology with education allows me to guide students toward those goals.
Ciara Venne
Program Director
I’ve worked with students in various educational roles since 2016. Building relationships, identifying personal goals, and guiding individuals toward success drives me. I’m excited to meet new learners and help them stay on track with their academic and career aspirations.
Megan Philipsek
Operations Coordinator
Megan Philipsek joined the Crescent Career Center team in 2025 after experiencing the support we provide firsthand as a client. As Operations Coordinator, Megan welcomes clients with a smile and supports students through their tests, along with some behind-the-scenes work to ensure that every day flows easily and energetically. She loves the opportunity to help train people for career advancement and thinks Crescent’s wide range of courses is one of our best features.
Born and raised in Calgary, Megan is a native Canadian living in Eagan, MN. She grew up wanting to be a pilot and says her weirdest job was “cleaning plants” in office buildings and homes. However, she’s found a home here helping others realize their career dreams. In her spare time, Megan loves reading, watching movies, and solving puzzles. She and her family also enjoy outdoor activities in the summer and winter, such as skating, sledding, hiking, and camping.
Martez J. 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.
Lisa Loken
Owner & CEO
As a woman in the IT world, I’ve seen the industry’s unlimited potential. Being part of someone’s professional development fuels a passion I want to continue forever. Crescent Career Center is the beginning of your journey. It’s up to you to see it through.
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.