[sws_3_columns_2thirds_metrolo title=”” marginright=””]
Primary Assignment: IREX Foundation, Biblionet Program (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)
[arrow_list]Designed, coordinated, implemented, and evaluated community advocacy and awareness campaigns on domestic violence, gender issues, healthy living, and arts educations;
Mentored and collaborated with librarians/trainers across Romania to replicate these advocacy and awareness campaigns for sustainability;
Developed curriculum and facilitated trainings for librarians, adults, and youth on e-learning, use of social media tools for promotion, and business English skills;
Developed, coordinated, and implemented a USAID Small Project Assistance project with the Foreign Language Section entitled, “Multimedia Language Learning” to add modern equipment and training on use of multimedia in language education;
Facilitated partnerships and collaboration between Volunteers in Romania and their local Biblionet libraries;
Organized and facilitated round-table discussions on culture and current affairs with university students.[/arrow_list] Secondary Projects
[arrow_list]Facilitated music and art therapy groups for teens with disabilities. (Center for Inclusive Education)
Coordinated with partner NGOs and schools, developed materials, and promoted the Romanian national campaign “16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence” including a youth writing, art, photography, and film competition and culminating with an art exposition. (Gender and Development Committee, Sensiblu Foundation, IREX Foundation|Biblionet Program, UNDP)
Partnered with Volunteers and NGOs to develop, write, coordinate and implement a Training of Trainers for Romanian service providers on the GLOW (Girls Leading our World) and TOBE (Teaching Our Boys to Excel) models of experiential and nonformal learning techniques focusing on gender identity, healthy lifestyles, and leadership skills. (Peace Corps, IREX Foundation, NGO School of Life)
Managed a large-scale Volunteer-run project within Peace Corps Romania – the creation and publication of a commemorative photo book about Peace Corps in Romania to celebrate cross-cultural collaboration and understanding. Supervised five workgroups of fifteen Volunteers to do outreach to Volunteers, staff, Romanians, and Returned Volunteers, to solicit content using social media, to network in Romania and the US, to design the book, to market, publish, sell the book in Romania and the US.
Designed and facilitated trainings for service providers on Nonformal and Experiential Teaching Techniques, Strength-based Assessment, Teaching Young Learners, Creative Arts Therapies in Practice and Youth with Migrant Parents.[/arrow_list] Committees & Workgroups:[arrow_list]Treasurer and Grant Manage for the Gender and Development Committee
Member of Peace Corps Romania Information Communications Technology Committee
Project Manager of Peace Corps Romania Legacy Project – Commemorative Book[/arrow_list] [/accordion_panel][accordion_panel title=”Therapist & Trainer, International Development | May 2009 – Aug 2011″] United States Peace Corps | Targu Neamt, Romania
Primary Assignment: Foundation for Local Development: Hope
Center for Integration and Occupational Therapy for People with Disabilities
[arrow_list]Facilitated expressive arts therapies groups for youth and adults with a wide range of physical and mental disabilities.
Designed and implemented life skills and healthy lifestyles interventions for youth and adults with disabilities.
Initiated a community integration program for youth and adults with disabilities and recruited and trained staff to continue this program.
Trained staff and beneficiaries on adaptive recreation techniques for people with disabilities.
Developed and implemented a community Volunteer Club to support NGO operations at the Hope Foundation; Initiated an educative and recruitment campaign in local schools and community clubs about volunteerism/civic engagement, resulting in outreach to over 300 youth and adults in the community; Trained and supervised 80 youth and adult volunteers during their participation in the foundation’s campaigns; Trained and mentored staff on sustaining the club, volunteer retention, motivation, and management.
Developed curriculum and facilitated English courses for adult learners.[/arrow_list] Secondary Projects:[arrow_list]Developed curriculum and facilitated English classes for young learners using only nonformal techniques (Children’s Club)
Redesigned Peace Corps Trainee’s Online Welcome Manual to provide resources to incoming PCTs.
Redesigned Peace Corps Romania’s website in honor of the 20th anniversary.
Coordinated art exposition associated with a national campaign on gender violence (Gender and Development Committee, Foundation Sensiblu, UNDP).
Tutored eight local children and teens one-on-one or in small groups on conversational English.
Designed branding materials and designed, built, and maintained the online presence for Peace Corps Romania’s 50th anniversary Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build.
Participated in the Peace Corps – Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build.[/arrow_list] Committees & Workgroups
[arrow_list]Treasurer and Grant Manager for Gender and Development Committee
Member of the Peace Corps Romania Information Communications Technology Committee
Member of the 20/50 Anniversary Project Workgroup[/arrow_list][/accordion_panel][accordion_panel title=”Neuropsychology Technician (Series 0181; GS 09) | June 2007 – May 2009″]Veterans Affairs Medical Center | Durham, North Carolina
[arrow_list]Worked directly with combat veterans from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom
Assessed veterans for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from service-related incidents.
Performed face-to-face neuropsychological testing and assessment with veterans under supervision from a psychologist, screening for depression, suicidality, TBI, and PTSD.
Completed clinical documentation.
Actively participated on the treatment team for this demographic.
Communicated regularly with veteran clients educating them on the screening process to encourage voluntary participation.[/arrow_list] Committees & Workgroups
[arrow_list]Member of EEO Committee – Education & Training Subcommittee
Music Division Chairperson; National Veterans Creative Arts Festival (NVCAF) 2007 – 2009[/arrow_list][/accordion_panel][accordion_panel title=”Creative Arts Therapist & Mental Health Counselor (Series 0638; GS 10) | Jan 2004 – June 2007″]Veterans Affairs Medical Center | Durham, North Carolina[arrow_list]Planned and facilitated individual and group music, arts, and recreation therapies for 120-bed unit of inpatient veterans, including:[/arrow_list]
Assessed and completed individualized treatment planning.
Developed and completed clinical documentation of veteran progress.
Participated on treatment teams on Extended Care Unit and Inpatient Psychiatric Unit.
Coordinated arts events (art shows and music performances)
Recruited, supervised, and evaluated over 100 volunteers and their activities on the Extended Care Unit.
Initiated quality improvement projects in Extended Care Unit.
Planned and coordinated an All-Employee Outing to increase staff morale and motivation.
Coordinated and facilitated a staff development retreat for 35 therapists in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service.
Advocated for Music Therapy services through educational presentations given to the Social Work and Mental Health Service Lines.[/arrow_list] Committees & Workgroups
[arrow_list]Member of EEO Committee & Extended Care Cultural Transformation Committee.
Team Leader at 2006 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival (NVCAF).
Music Division Assistant for NVCAF (2007).
Graduate of Mid-Atlantic Advancement Program for Leadership.
Team Leader & Stage Crew at 2005 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival.[/arrow_list] [/accordion_panel][accordion_panel title=”Learning Strategies Specialist | Sept 2003 – Dec 2003″]Aiken Preparatory School | Aiken, South Carolina
[arrow_list]Provided one-to-one counseling to elementary, middle, and high school students who were having difficulties with adjustment to school and/or were coping with learning disabilities.
Sessions focused on learning styles, study skills, time management, and health coping mechanisms.[/arrow_list][/accordion_panel][accordion_panel title=”ESL Tutor | Feb 2003 – May 2003″]Center for Academic Achievement; Lesley University | Boston, Massachusetts
[arrow_list]Worked one-on-one with undergraduate and graduate international exchange students to improve reading, writing, and study skills[/arrow_list][/accordion_panel][accordion_panel title=”Music Therapy Intern | Sept 2002 – May 2003″]Community Music Center of Boston | Boston, Massachusetts
[arrow_list]Planned and facilitated individual and group expressive arts therapies for:[/arrow_list]
Assessed and completed individualized treatment planning.
Completed clinical documentation of client progress.[/arrow_list][/accordion_panel][accordion_panel title=”Family Music Teacher | Nov 2001 – Dec 2002″]Music Together of MetroWest | Marlborough, Massachusetts
[arrow_list]Planned and facilitated group music classes for children, ages newborn to four years, and parents, focusing on music development (melodic and rhythmic) parental modeling.[/arrow_list][/accordion_panel][accordion_panel title=”Music Therapy Intern | Nov 2001 – June 2002″]Pembroke Psychiatric Hospital | Pembroke, Massachusetts
[arrow_list]Planned and facilitated individual and group expressive arts therapies on inpatient units at an acute psychiatric hospital for:[/arrow_list]
Assessed and completed individualized treatment planning.
Completed clinical documentation of client progress.[/arrow_list][/accordion_panel][/accordion]
Romanian: Professional Fluency
French: Basic Skills[/arrow_list] [/one_half] [one_half_last]
Pursuing National Certified Counselor[/arrow_list] [/one_half_last] [/sws_3_columns_2thirds_metrolo] [sws_3_columns_last_metrolo title=””]
Program Development, Implementation, & Evaluation
Volunteer Recruitment, Management, & Supervision
Curriculum Development
Training & Facilitation
Non-formal & Experiential Learning Techniques
Counseling & Arts Therapies
Board Certified Music Therapist
Individualized Assessment & Treatment Planning
Clinical Documentation
Community Needs Analysis
Grant Writing & Management
Promotion using Social Media
Branding and Packaging
Establishing partnerships
Cross-cultural communication
Budget Development
Arts Administration[/arrow_list]
Youth
Adults
Seniors
Veterans & soldiers
Volunteers
People with disabilities
People with mental illnesses
People with complex medical issues (including HIV/AIDS)
Pople at the end of life
People with post-traumatic stress or traumatic brain injury
People in urban at-risk groups
People in rural areas
Multi-generational groups
Multi-cultural groups
[/arrow_list] [/sws_3_columns_last_metrolo]
SUMMARY
Masters-level therapist and trainer in health, development, and non-formal education with experience (domestic and abroad) performing individual and community needs assessments, developing, implementing, facilitating, and evaluating innovative programs and trainings for diverse and marginalized populations in collaboration with local, national, and international partners.
EXPERIENCE
[accordion auto_height=”false” ui_theme=”ui-smoothness” collapsible=”1″ active=”false”][accordion_panel title=”Therapist & Trainer, International Development | Aug 2011 – July 2012″]United States Peace Corps | Ramnicu Valcea, RomaniaPrimary Assignment: IREX Foundation, Biblionet Program (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)
[arrow_list]Designed, coordinated, implemented, and evaluated community advocacy and awareness campaigns on domestic violence, gender issues, healthy living, and arts educations;
Mentored and collaborated with librarians/trainers across Romania to replicate these advocacy and awareness campaigns for sustainability;
Developed curriculum and facilitated trainings for librarians, adults, and youth on e-learning, use of social media tools for promotion, and business English skills;
Developed, coordinated, and implemented a USAID Small Project Assistance project with the Foreign Language Section entitled, “Multimedia Language Learning” to add modern equipment and training on use of multimedia in language education;
Facilitated partnerships and collaboration between Volunteers in Romania and their local Biblionet libraries;
Organized and facilitated round-table discussions on culture and current affairs with university students.[/arrow_list] Secondary Projects
[arrow_list]Facilitated music and art therapy groups for teens with disabilities. (Center for Inclusive Education)
Coordinated with partner NGOs and schools, developed materials, and promoted the Romanian national campaign “16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence” including a youth writing, art, photography, and film competition and culminating with an art exposition. (Gender and Development Committee, Sensiblu Foundation, IREX Foundation|Biblionet Program, UNDP)
Partnered with Volunteers and NGOs to develop, write, coordinate and implement a Training of Trainers for Romanian service providers on the GLOW (Girls Leading our World) and TOBE (Teaching Our Boys to Excel) models of experiential and nonformal learning techniques focusing on gender identity, healthy lifestyles, and leadership skills. (Peace Corps, IREX Foundation, NGO School of Life)
Managed a large-scale Volunteer-run project within Peace Corps Romania – the creation and publication of a commemorative photo book about Peace Corps in Romania to celebrate cross-cultural collaboration and understanding. Supervised five workgroups of fifteen Volunteers to do outreach to Volunteers, staff, Romanians, and Returned Volunteers, to solicit content using social media, to network in Romania and the US, to design the book, to market, publish, sell the book in Romania and the US.
Designed and facilitated trainings for service providers on Nonformal and Experiential Teaching Techniques, Strength-based Assessment, Teaching Young Learners, Creative Arts Therapies in Practice and Youth with Migrant Parents.[/arrow_list] Committees & Workgroups:[arrow_list]Treasurer and Grant Manage for the Gender and Development Committee
Member of Peace Corps Romania Information Communications Technology Committee
Project Manager of Peace Corps Romania Legacy Project – Commemorative Book[/arrow_list] [/accordion_panel][accordion_panel title=”Therapist & Trainer, International Development | May 2009 – Aug 2011″] United States Peace Corps | Targu Neamt, Romania
Primary Assignment: Foundation for Local Development: Hope
Center for Integration and Occupational Therapy for People with Disabilities
[arrow_list]Facilitated expressive arts therapies groups for youth and adults with a wide range of physical and mental disabilities.
Designed and implemented life skills and healthy lifestyles interventions for youth and adults with disabilities.
Initiated a community integration program for youth and adults with disabilities and recruited and trained staff to continue this program.
Trained staff and beneficiaries on adaptive recreation techniques for people with disabilities.
Developed and implemented a community Volunteer Club to support NGO operations at the Hope Foundation; Initiated an educative and recruitment campaign in local schools and community clubs about volunteerism/civic engagement, resulting in outreach to over 300 youth and adults in the community; Trained and supervised 80 youth and adult volunteers during their participation in the foundation’s campaigns; Trained and mentored staff on sustaining the club, volunteer retention, motivation, and management.
Developed curriculum and facilitated English courses for adult learners.[/arrow_list] Secondary Projects:[arrow_list]Developed curriculum and facilitated English classes for young learners using only nonformal techniques (Children’s Club)
Redesigned Peace Corps Trainee’s Online Welcome Manual to provide resources to incoming PCTs.
Redesigned Peace Corps Romania’s website in honor of the 20th anniversary.
Coordinated art exposition associated with a national campaign on gender violence (Gender and Development Committee, Foundation Sensiblu, UNDP).
Tutored eight local children and teens one-on-one or in small groups on conversational English.
Designed branding materials and designed, built, and maintained the online presence for Peace Corps Romania’s 50th anniversary Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build.
Participated in the Peace Corps – Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build.[/arrow_list] Committees & Workgroups
[arrow_list]Treasurer and Grant Manager for Gender and Development Committee
Member of the Peace Corps Romania Information Communications Technology Committee
Member of the 20/50 Anniversary Project Workgroup[/arrow_list][/accordion_panel][accordion_panel title=”Neuropsychology Technician (Series 0181; GS 09) | June 2007 – May 2009″]Veterans Affairs Medical Center | Durham, North Carolina
[arrow_list]Worked directly with combat veterans from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom
Assessed veterans for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from service-related incidents.
Performed face-to-face neuropsychological testing and assessment with veterans under supervision from a psychologist, screening for depression, suicidality, TBI, and PTSD.
Completed clinical documentation.
Actively participated on the treatment team for this demographic.
Communicated regularly with veteran clients educating them on the screening process to encourage voluntary participation.[/arrow_list] Committees & Workgroups
[arrow_list]Member of EEO Committee – Education & Training Subcommittee
Music Division Chairperson; National Veterans Creative Arts Festival (NVCAF) 2007 – 2009[/arrow_list][/accordion_panel][accordion_panel title=”Creative Arts Therapist & Mental Health Counselor (Series 0638; GS 10) | Jan 2004 – June 2007″]Veterans Affairs Medical Center | Durham, North Carolina[arrow_list]Planned and facilitated individual and group music, arts, and recreation therapies for 120-bed unit of inpatient veterans, including:[/arrow_list]
- Veterans with mental illnesses, history of trauma, dementia, or substance abuse,
- Veterans with complex medical issues, problems with pain management, AIDs, or cancer
- Veterans in hospice care
Assessed and completed individualized treatment planning.
Developed and completed clinical documentation of veteran progress.
Participated on treatment teams on Extended Care Unit and Inpatient Psychiatric Unit.
Coordinated arts events (art shows and music performances)
Recruited, supervised, and evaluated over 100 volunteers and their activities on the Extended Care Unit.
Initiated quality improvement projects in Extended Care Unit.
Planned and coordinated an All-Employee Outing to increase staff morale and motivation.
Coordinated and facilitated a staff development retreat for 35 therapists in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service.
Advocated for Music Therapy services through educational presentations given to the Social Work and Mental Health Service Lines.[/arrow_list] Committees & Workgroups
[arrow_list]Member of EEO Committee & Extended Care Cultural Transformation Committee.
Team Leader at 2006 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival (NVCAF).
Music Division Assistant for NVCAF (2007).
Graduate of Mid-Atlantic Advancement Program for Leadership.
Team Leader & Stage Crew at 2005 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival.[/arrow_list] [/accordion_panel][accordion_panel title=”Learning Strategies Specialist | Sept 2003 – Dec 2003″]Aiken Preparatory School | Aiken, South Carolina
[arrow_list]Provided one-to-one counseling to elementary, middle, and high school students who were having difficulties with adjustment to school and/or were coping with learning disabilities.
Sessions focused on learning styles, study skills, time management, and health coping mechanisms.[/arrow_list][/accordion_panel][accordion_panel title=”ESL Tutor | Feb 2003 – May 2003″]Center for Academic Achievement; Lesley University | Boston, Massachusetts
[arrow_list]Worked one-on-one with undergraduate and graduate international exchange students to improve reading, writing, and study skills[/arrow_list][/accordion_panel][accordion_panel title=”Music Therapy Intern | Sept 2002 – May 2003″]Community Music Center of Boston | Boston, Massachusetts
[arrow_list]Planned and facilitated individual and group expressive arts therapies for:[/arrow_list]
- Clients with neurological impairments and brain injuries (Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital)
- Clients with developmental disabilities (Goodwill Industries)
- Clients with Alzheimers and Related Diseases (Rogerson Communities).
Assessed and completed individualized treatment planning.
Completed clinical documentation of client progress.[/arrow_list][/accordion_panel][accordion_panel title=”Family Music Teacher | Nov 2001 – Dec 2002″]Music Together of MetroWest | Marlborough, Massachusetts
[arrow_list]Planned and facilitated group music classes for children, ages newborn to four years, and parents, focusing on music development (melodic and rhythmic) parental modeling.[/arrow_list][/accordion_panel][accordion_panel title=”Music Therapy Intern | Nov 2001 – June 2002″]Pembroke Psychiatric Hospital | Pembroke, Massachusetts
[arrow_list]Planned and facilitated individual and group expressive arts therapies on inpatient units at an acute psychiatric hospital for:[/arrow_list]
- Clients with schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorders
- Clients with post-traumatic stress disorder and histories of abuse
- Clients with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
- Clients with behavioral problems and conduct disorders
Assessed and completed individualized treatment planning.
Completed clinical documentation of client progress.[/arrow_list][/accordion_panel][/accordion]
EDUCATION
Master of Arts
Mental Health Counseling & Expressive Arts Therapies | 2001 – 2003
Lesley University | Cambridge, Massachusetts
Bachelor of Arts
Psychology | 1995 – 2000
Furman University | Greenville, South Carolina
[/one_half]
[one_half_last]
Bachelor of Arts
Music Theory & Composition | 1995 – 1999
Furman University | Greenville, South Carolina
[/one_half_last]
[one_half]
LANGUAGES
[arrow_list]English: Native SpeakerRomanian: Professional Fluency
French: Basic Skills[/arrow_list] [/one_half] [one_half_last]
LICENSURES & CERTIFICATIONS
[arrow_list]Music Therapist-Board Certified: Certificate Number 06926Pursuing National Certified Counselor[/arrow_list] [/one_half_last] [/sws_3_columns_2thirds_metrolo] [sws_3_columns_last_metrolo title=””]
LINKS & DOWNLOADS
SKILLS & ABILITIES
[arrow_list]Project ManagementProgram Development, Implementation, & Evaluation
Volunteer Recruitment, Management, & Supervision
Curriculum Development
Training & Facilitation
Non-formal & Experiential Learning Techniques
Counseling & Arts Therapies
Board Certified Music Therapist
Individualized Assessment & Treatment Planning
Clinical Documentation
Community Needs Analysis
Grant Writing & Management
Promotion using Social Media
Branding and Packaging
Establishing partnerships
Cross-cultural communication
Budget Development
Arts Administration[/arrow_list]
POPULATIONS SERVED
[arrow_list]ChildrenYouth
Adults
Seniors
Veterans & soldiers
Volunteers
People with disabilities
People with mental illnesses
People with complex medical issues (including HIV/AIDS)
Pople at the end of life
People with post-traumatic stress or traumatic brain injury
People in urban at-risk groups
People in rural areas
Multi-generational groups
Multi-cultural groups
[/arrow_list] [/sws_3_columns_last_metrolo]