Karen Young, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Founder & President

Karen A. Young capitalizes on her more than 30 years of experience in human resources as she and her team utilize savvy strategy to develop solutions that produce real results. Karen believes that when the HR pieces fall into place, an organization begins to run like a well-oiled machine.

Karen inspires CEOs, CFOs, and other Accidental HR^® managers to fulfill the organization’s mission while strengthening their workforce. She is committed to going the extra mile for clients, helping them build an HR framework that results in improved workplace culture and lower HR costs.

Karen is a sought-after speaker, trainer, and author. Her latest book, Sought-After: How to Be Heard, Be Trusted, and Be Recognized for Your Expertise, provides a fail-safe formula for career success and social mobility, along with entertaining anecdotes about potentially career-ending moves that became a solid foundation for forward trajectory. Her book, Honest and Real: An Essential Guide for Drama-Free Human Resources, reimagines HR fundamentals in a post-pandemic world while offering advice on effective HR practices that will reduce the daily drama that business leaders experience.

Karen holds degrees from Lebanon Valley College and Saint Francis University, as well as certificates in Strategic HR Management from both The Wharton School of Business and Cornell University. Karen is professionally certified by the HR Certification Institute as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) as well as the Society for Human Resource Managers as a Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP.)

Karen resides in Harrisburg, PA, with her husband and retired racing greyhounds. She is an active member and leader in area business chambers and professional organizations.

Melissa Pattison, SHRM-CP

Director of HR

Melissa has been part of the HR Resolutions team since 2014. She brings a practical and realistic approach that helps clients minimize risk and strengthen their HR practices. Working closely with clients, she develops and implements HR strategy that allows clients to identify, address, and overcome human resource challenges, allowing both teams and companies to grow and succeed.

Melissa is a graduate of Susquehanna University. She is an active member of the Harrisburg Rugby Club and enjoys volunteering at a local horse rescue and taking her dog for long runs.

Pamela A. Cruey, SHRM-SCP

Sr. HR Manager

Pam joined the HR Resolutions team in February 2023. Recently retired from a senior-level HR position, she is excited to continue using her HR skills and expertise to benefit our clients.

Pam is a graduate of Duquesne University and held executive-level human resources positions for more than 25 years. She has worked across multiple industries, ranging from warehousing and distribution to sales and education.

Pam lives along the Susquehanna River with her two beloved rescue dogs and shares her home with a small flock of chickens and a busy bee colony. When she is not working, Pam values the moments she gets to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures in life. Reading, traveling, fishing, kayaking, and spending time with family and neighbors are all things that bring her happiness and fulfillment.

Jennifer Volker, PHR

HR Manager

Jennifer Volker is a certified Professional in Human Relations (PHR) as credentialed by HRCI. She has extensive experience in working with small companies, many of them start-ups. Based in Stamford, CT, Jennifer works with HR Resolutions clients in New York and New Jersey, and oversees all client recruiting.

Jennifer is pleased to be building meaningful partnerships and relationships and expanding HR Resolutions’ reach into new markets.

When she is not lending her professional expertise to clients, Jennifer is an avid animal lover who loves to travel the world, indulge in foodie passions, and watch tennis.

Andrea H. Parcell, SHRM-CP

HR Generalist

Andrea Parcell brings nearly 30 years of experience in customer service to the HRR team. Most recently, she spent seven years as a recruiter and HR representative for a small medical staffing company. She is excited to provide great service to HRR clients and be part of the company’s exciting growth.

Andrea holds the SHRM-CP (Certified Professional) certification from the Society for Human Resource Management. She is also SHRM People Manager Qualified and holds her HR Department of One certification.

Andrea is a self-proclaimed crazy animal lady, whose current menagerie includes three cats, two dogs, and two parakeets. She enjoys music, baking reading, and spending time with her husband, John, and their kids, grandkids, and parents.

Melissa Melnick

Recruiter/HR Generalist

Melissa is passionate about recruiting, building relationships, and helping clients find the best fit as they grow their teams. Melissa has built her career working with staffing agencies and home health and health care facilities. Before joining HR Resolutions, she served as Executive Director at a personal care home.

When she isn’t focused on supporting clients, Melissa prioritizes spending time with her daughter and boyfriend. They love sports, especially hockey, and throughout the year, you’re likely to find them at some type of sporting event! Melissa also enjoys road trips to new places, trying new restaurants, and going to concerts.

Ben Murray

HR & Operations Specialist

Ben is thrilled to be part of the HR Resolutions team as it provides excellent HR services to companies in the greater Harrisburg region and beyond.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in human capital management with a minor in information systems management from Penn State. Prior to joining HRR, Ben served as a YMCA department coordinator and completed two HR consulting internships.

Ben lives in Harrisburg with his wife. He enjoys going for long-distance runs with their dog, playing board games, reading great books, and serving at church. He played the French horn for 11 years, and still attends local high school band shows, Drum Corps International competitions, and Harrisburg Symphony concerts.