Team

"Teamwork makes the dream work." – Anonymous

managing member & HR consultant

Dr. Patrick K. Collard

Dr. Collard and his business partner founded the company in 1991. He has been a trusted, evidence-based HR practitioner and employment background check professional for over 30 years. Dr. Collard’s responsibilities include FCRA compliance, quality assurance, human resources, technology, and client relations.

He enjoys weightlifting, yoga, swimming, movies, sartorial styles, horology, and dining at San Diego restaurants.

Doctor of Management
University of Maryland - Global Campus
Dissertation - Recruiting the Untapped Talent Pool of Hiring a Candidate with a Criminal Record: A Systematic Review
Master of Human Resources & Employment Relations
Penn State University
Concentration: Employment & Labor Law
Thesis: Minimizing Discrimination in Recruiting, Interviewing, and Screening
Bachelor of Arts
Penn State University
Major: Law & Society
Certifications
FCRA Advanced Certificate (PBSA)
Associations
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA)
Phi Kappa Phi
Office
San Diego, CA
Contact Information
1-888-462-2251, Ext. 83

member & controller

amy A. Schmidt, MST, CPA

Ms. Schmidt and her business partner founded the company in 1991. She is responsible for client accounts, company financials, budgeting, and forecasting.

She enjoys festivals, bicycling, tennis, DIY home projects, and gardening.

Master of Science - Taxation
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Bachelor of Business Administration
Marquette University
Major: Accounting
Licensing
Certified Public Accountant
Associations
National Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Beta Alpha Psi
Office
Brookfield, WI
Contact Information
1-888-462-2251, Ext. 84

research manager & sr. researcher

Jodie Rivera

Ms. Rivera has been with the company since 2007. She is responsible for our Research Network and performing key in-house searches for our top clients.

She enjoys her dogs, swimming pool, and traveling to her daughter’s NCAA volleyball competitions.

Key Searches Performed
Federal Criminal and Federal Civil
U.S. and International Education and Employment Verifications
Certifications
FCRA Basic Certificate (PBSA)
Associations
Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA)
Office
San Diego, CA
Contact Information
1-888-462-2251, Ext. 80

drug screening expediter & sr. researcher

Louree Burriss-Yap

Ms. Burriss-Yap has been with the company since 2012. She is responsible for expediting our client’s drug screening and performing specific in-house searches for our top clients.

She enjoys traveling, sports, volunteering, and reading.

Key Searches Performed
FACIS^®| Federal + 50 States
International Criminal
National Sex Offender Registry
OFAC+
Certifications
FCRA Basic Certificate (PBSA)
Advanced Paralegal Certificate (CSU-San Marcos)
Associations
Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA)
Office
San Diego, CA
Contact Information
1-888-462-2251, Ext. 88

Executive Administrative Assistant

Kristi Tipton

Ms. Tipton has been with the company since 2023. She is responsible for our company’s administration, assisting the team, onboarding new clients, and client relations.

She enjoys spending time with her children, traveling, gardening, writing, and producing her own podcast.

Marketing & Public Relations

Joelle L. Garfinkel

Ms. Garfinkel has been with the company since 2000. She is responsible for our company’s marketing, public relations, website content, and social media accounts.

She enjoys cooking, yoga, healthy eating, and wine.

virtual client success manager

Sonia

Like Cher, Madonna, and Beyoncé, our virtual client success manager, Sonia, only needs one name. Sonia is a tireless member of our team. She helps with our YouTube channel and website.

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is that of trustHR | GObackgrounds and should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances. The contents are intended for general information only, and you are urged to consult a lawyer concerning your situation and any specific legal questions you may have.