My professional experience in the mental health field began in 1984 as a regional marketing and public relations director for a group of chemical dependency treatment centers. That ultimately lead me to the STAR Foundation in California and Arizona and the decision to further my education. I remained with STAR until 2006 and concurrently worked as a Hospice Social Worker and Director of Social Services for a large nursing home in Eastern North Carolina. My focus has always been the pursuit of wholeness for those I serve. I continue to advocate for those who are stigmatized and marginalized within our society. Education, advocacy and social connections are the areas of focus for my work. My personal and professional experiences have encouraged me to seek progressive alternatives in mental and physical health care. Wellness is a state of being for everyone and a process rather than an end goal. It is my strongest belief that wholeness is within every person and that I have a personal and social responsibility to create those opportunities in all I do.Specialties: Workshops and Consultting:1) Advanced Level WRAP Facilitator2) Intentional Peer Support Trainer3) Mental Health First Aid Trainer 4) Certified Peer Support Specialist Trainer - MAPSS5) Healing Trauma6) Trauma Informed Care7) Death, Dying, Bereavement8) Grief/Loss9) Women's Issues10) Advocacy and education for mental health and substance use consumers11) Wellness and Recovery as a Human Right.12) Organizational Excellence Workshops13) Pre and peri-natal psychology
Listed skills include Relapse Prevention, Community Organizing, Caregiving, Mental Health, and 29 others.
