Meet the Team

Our Leadership Team

The Ardent Staffing Leadership Team is a force to be reckoned with. The definition of the word Ardent is passionate enthusiasm and you will feel that passion in every interaction with every member of our team. Because we stay in close and constant contact with local employers and candidates we always have an accurate pulse of the market and the economy. This helps us stay proactive to help our customers plan, but also always us to be nimble to respond to unexpected staffing needs.

Our goal is to provide our customers with valuable staffing and recruiting services and our employees with meaningful temporary or permanent employment. Our recruiters pride themselves on their ability to think creatively, listen intently, and offer effective results for even the most complex staffing challenges.

Connect With Us

Daphne Phalon

Founder & President

Hometown: Southborough, MA

One Piece of Advice for Someone on the Job Hunt: Be bold and take a chance.

Pump Up Song: I Am Woman, by Emmy Meli

What’s on My Desk: Always, always, always a cup of coffee (maybe two) and the Christmas cactus my mom gave me on the first day of my first job!

Favorite Color: Ardent Blue, of course!

Experience: I can confidently say I have held just about every position in staffing including Recruiter, Sales, HR, Safety Manager, COO, and Business Owner and I have learned something different from each. Here at Ardent Staffing I get to work with some incredibly dynamic and inspiring people and bring everything I know and love about staffing together to deliver a different level of service. Outside of Ardent Staffing, I am active with the American and the Massachusetts Staffing Associations and a member of the Marlborough and Worcester Chambers of Commerce.

What Makes Me Tick: Family and faith above all else, but community is a close third. I love being engaged with people. One could say that people are my passion!

Education: Bachelor’s from UMass, Lowell, Certified SPHR, SHRM-SCP) and ASA Certified Staffing Professional.

Kerry Wanamaker

Staffing Specialist

Hometown: Hudson, MA

One Piece of Advice for Someone on the Job Hunt: Be patient & don’t settle - trust the process, it will all come together in the end!

Pump Up Song: I Ain’t Worried, by OneRepublic

What’s on My Desk: A cold cup of coffee from my morning coffee run, my cell phone, and my favorite hand sanitizer!

Favorite Color: I can’t pick one - Red, Purple, & Navy

Education: Bachelor's from Worcester State University & Masters degree from American International College in Early Childhood Education

What Makes Me Tick: My family for sure! I’m a proud mom of 4 talented and thoughtful kids, a wife to an outstanding husband, and a Dog Mom to our Bernedoodle pup, Frankie. Being a mother has been the single most, greatest achievement in my life. I’m grateful and blessed to see them grow, develop, and follow their own dreams!

Experience: My background is in the Education field and Kindergarten was my favorite grade level. After many years, I suddenly felt called to do something new. I followed my passion for helping others into the world of Staffing! It’s been a fun learning experience and further proof that we can always learn something new!

Chris Fedina

Sr. Technical Recruiter

Hometown: Niantic, CT

Customize your resume and cover letter for each job application to highlight your relevant experiences and skills. Tailoring your application materials to align with the job requirements can significantly improve your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers.

Pump Up Song: Solsbury Hill, by Peter Gabriel

What’s on My Desk: POn my desk, you’ll always find a refreshing Coca-Cola and a bottle of water to keep me hydrated and energized throughout the day. With constant conversations and tasks, a sip of caffeine is just what I need to stay focused and productive.

Favorite Color: Orange

What Makes Me Tick: My world revolves around my beautiful bride, April, my amazing son, Cameron, and my cherished grandchildren, Jacob, and Charlotte. Whether it’s driving my Jeep on the Cape dunes or simply spending quality time together, family is everything to me. April is not only my wife but also my best friend, and we share everything, making every moment together truly special. Can’t forget about my best furry friend – Smudge my cat!

Experience: With 25 years of experience in the recruiting industry, I’ve held prominent roles such as Director at a full-service staffing firm and Talent Acquisition Manager at esteemed organizations like Smith & Wesson, Comcast New England, and MassMutual. Additionally, I’ve provided consulting services through my own company, CCRS, LLC, catering to a diverse range of industries including biotech, manufacturing, IT, retail, engineering, healthcare/hospital, power, cable, and insurance sectors. My extensive background uniquely positions me to offer strategic insights and solutions tailored to the specific needs of each client and industry I serve.

Education: Holy Cross College, Worcester MA – Full Division I Basketball Scholarship

Katie Kalinowski

Social Media & Marketing Director

Hometown: Southborough, MA

One Piece of Advice for Someone on the Job Hunt: You should feel inspired by what you do & the people you work with. If you feel trapped, lost or have no passion for what you do… move on and find something that inspires you!

Pump Up Song: Pumpin’ Blood (Jane Doze Remix), by NONONO

What’s on My Desk: My paper planner, giant glass of water and more rainbow pens than anyone reasonably could ever need!

Favorite Color: Yellow, the brighter the better!

What Makes Me Tick: I love bright colors and a little sparkle. For me being surrounded by bright, energetic colors brings out my own energy. I am also very, very organized…sometimes it's a little too organized, but I make it work!

Experience: Since graduating from USC, I have engaged in various creative positions and acquired experience in social media management, photography, content writing & SEO, branding more. I am passionate about showcasing the value that small businesses have to offer.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Retail - Fashion Merchandising & Digital Innovation from University of South Carolina

shelby

Our Mascot

Shelby, The Ardent Rescue Dog

I am Daphne’s favorite thing on the planet, at least I think I am! Daphne and her family rescued me from a shelter when I was just 6 weeks old. I am one lucky pup because I get kind of pampered. (I even sneak onto the couch sometimes when my family isn’t home) Best of all, sometimes I get to go to the office with Daphne. Most days you can find me cuddled up under Daphne’s desk on my favorite Red Sox blanket or waiting patiently by her door. I love to meet new people and often escape from Daphne’s office to greet candidates who are coming for an interview. Even when I’m not in the office, my portrait hangs on the wall!

Favorite Activity: Chasing a Chuck-it ball (or the deer) in the back yard or swimming in any lake

One Piece of Advice for Someone on the Job Hunt: I don’t know anything about jobs or job hunting, but I like snacks so you should give me one!

Our Passion is People

Let Ardent Staffing Help You Find Your Next Temporary or Permanent Position!

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Ardent is an expert in connecting talented people with amazing companies.

For Employers: Let Ardent help with all your staffing needs.

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