Tony,
I don't know of anyone in your area myself but here are a couple of approaches that might play out. The first is to visit and get to know the people at a GOOD local camera store and start talking about what you're trying to accomplish. Someone there, or a good regular, at the store may be able to serve as a mentor. The other is to find a local professional photographer whose work you admire and stop in to see them. My approach would be to explain that you're an aspiring photographer who's trying to make the transition from high end amateur to pro and ask them if they know of any classes or people that may serve as a mentor. You may also ask how they transitioned to the professional level. I' think you'll find that people who love their craft also love to talk about it and teach it. Don't come outright, at least at first, and ask if they would be willing to do it. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if he didn't offer to have you help out on some shoots. He gets free labor and you get an education.
BTW, on your current post I would have had her turn her head a little more to the left so that only half of her left eye was visible. The other thing would have been to use a gold or silver reflector to add some fill to the right side of her head to add some snap to the photo.
Hope this helps,
Jim
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