Human Services Professional
Skilled in managing and supervising facilities and staff, program creation and development, and organizing and mobilizing community members to take action on issues of concern. Although high in compassion and understanding for individuals, I am also very proficient with computers and web site development.
Education
University of Notre Dame
2015
Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Fund Development, including course work in Principles of Leading Transformational Nonprofits, Effective Grant Proposal Writing and Effective Nonprofit Fundraising Strategies.
McMaster University, Hamilton Ontario, Canada
1991-1994
Associates Degree in Addiction Studies and Counseling Methods.
Additional course work in Case Management and Pharmacology
Additional Training/ Certificates
Ordained Reverend (main coursework through Free Methodist Association)
Graduated Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) Academy – Risk Prevention Strategic Framework Training
Concerns Canada Certification Training. Topics of study included; special needs groups with addictions, dual diagnoses and concurrent disorders, and abuse issues, among others
First Matrix Grant Writing Training
St. John Ambulance First Aid Training
Crisis Intervention Training
Alcohol Drug Recovery Association of Ontario and Addiction Intervention Association Programs.
Experience
Handyman Self Employed
2015 – Present
Minor plumbing & electrical jobs, Repair and replacement of faucet, sink, vanity, toilet, water heater, fixtures, lights, plugs, switches, ceiling fan, etc. Installations, Renovations—kitchen & bath, Changing locks, filters, doors, etc., Spackling and painting, Building and repairing decks, sheds & docks, Outside clean up of yard, rain gutters, pressure washing, etc.
Store Owner Lighthouse Treasures, Tillsonburg, Ontario
08/2020 – 01/2024
Hiring of staff, strategic planning, oversee daily operations, inventory control and ordering, maintaining a website, fulfilling orders, event planning, and marketing.
Pastor Live Laugh Love Ministries, Grand Island, NY
01/2008 – Present
Initiated and developed every aspect of the ministry from inception, including establishment of 501C3 status, mission, goals, objectives, and by-laws
Plan and deliver all activities of ministry including community outreach events, youth mentoring initiatives, family fun nights and therapeutic programs
Conduct family, Pastoral, and substance abuse counseling
Plan services; message content, PowerPoints and music for worship services
Deliver sermons, involving interactive communication with listeners
Design and maintain web site
Conduct nursing home visits and services
Chair board meetings
Accomplishments:
Founded Live Laugh Love Ministries
Coordinator/ Chairman One Island, One Team – Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, Grand Island, NY
09/2007 – 01/2016
Lead monthly meetings and restructured the coalition to include a steering, assessment, analysis and action committees to initiate targeted interventions
Developed coalition capacity by involving all sectors of the community
Developed a Strategic Action Plan and trained coalition members regarding the Strategic Prevention Framework
Worked closely with Town and School boards to review and change policies
Networked with other coalitions and organizations such as CADCA, Genesee and Erie County Councils for Prevention of Alcohol and Substance Abuse (GCASA and ECPASA), and Kids Escaping Drugs, to share resources and ideas
Coordinated with outside agencies to plan and implement prevention initiatives
Met with community leaders to coordinate strategic initiatives
Designed and maintained web site
Accomplishments:
Received the Friends of Education Appreciation Award – August 2010 – for work with the Grand Island Schools and Organization of the Year Award for 2012.
Associate Pastor Akron Free Methodist Church, Akron, NY
02/2004-12/2007
Planned, organized and ran recovery & growth groups (Ex. Divorce Care, Coping).
Oversaw and led Hospitality and Connect Outreach Teams
Established and oversaw support/home groups. Developed systems for their sustainability. Planned and led meetings for these various groups and teams.
Developed systems to acclimate newcomers to the church.
Performed spiritual, emotional and psychological counseling with members of the congregation and community.
Delivered sermons to over 250 congregants.
Performed the duties of Office Administrator
Accomplishments:
Introduced and implemented support/home groups, growth groups, and healing groups in the church.
Outreach Worker Town of Grand Island, Grand Island, NY
10/2003-08/2005
Supervised a counseling staff of three and gave oversight and supervision to a staff of three others who ran a youth drop-in café. Gave assistance at the drop-in
Performed counseling and case management for clients on waiting lists from other agencies
Processed referrals from the school system, the town, and self referrals; completed and processed intakes and made referrals to counseling agencies
Developed administration tools and forms to aid in efficiency and streamlining of the town’s Enrichment and Referral department
Worked with other agencies to provide services to local residents
Kept statistics and made reports to the town
Accomplishments:
Introduced new concepts and illustrated how large community ideas can fit and benefit small community needs.
Introduced the principles of ASSET Development to the department and integrated them into various aspects of the work and outreach initiatives.
Program Manager Lighthouse Niagara, Niagara Falls, Ont
05/2002-09/2002
Planned and developed programs for youth at risk in the Niagara area
Hired and supervised new staff, set schedules, and planned training events
Updated agencies web site
Ran youth drop-in program
Ran fundraising events
Developed administration tools for new youth shelter project
Supervised renovation of new shelter site
Kept and reported on statistics
Accomplishments:
Developed a summer interim recreation and drop-in program.
Played an integral role in the planning and execution of the long anticipated youth shelter project.
Senior Addiction Counselor – Suntrac Recovery, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
1989-2002
Developed all aspects and components of the residential treatment program along with the Program Coordinator and was instrumental in growing the program to a staff of twelve other counselors and support staff
Worked in all areas of the 12 core functions at the facility and after-care program
Led daily group interaction classes, which included life skills management teaching and relapse prevention training
Maintained a counseling schedule of an average of ten clients a week
Practiced Case Management including Discharge Planning
Networked with other agencies to coordinate care of clients/patients
Conducted assessments, including all provincial standardized assessment tools
Maintained confidential records
Performed urine screens
Other duties: planned recreational outings, administered comfort allowances, crisis intervention, program planning and development, and trained new staff and student placements
Accomplishments:
Developed a residential alcohol and drug abuse program to meet a great need in our community and beyond. The program, which was developed from infancy, grew to be one of the most respected, recognized and effective programs in Ontario.
Promoted to Senior Counselor and oversaw the training of new staff, volunteers, and students.