*
serves on the National Advisory Council (NAC) for the federal Center for Mental
Health Services of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration where the role is to "advise, consult with, and make
recommendations to..." the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the
Administrator of SAMHSA and the Director of CMHS
*
been a human rights/mental health advocate/activist for over 25 years
*
supported the Atlantis Community in Denver in 1978 during a sit-in and blockade
of the bus system and created the first curb cuts in the nation for people with
physical disabilities
*
As student body President in college, wrote the first student Bill of Rights
and Responsibilities including rights for people with disabilities and women
*
built/created a statewide mental health consumer/survivor network in Colorado
in the mid-80's by starting over 40 self-help, peer support groups around the
state
*
helped secure a federal grant for Colorado to support people with mental health
issues owning and operating their own businesses
*
worked as part of the first consumer/peer supporters in the country (Denver
Consumer Case Manager Aide Program) and went on to work as an Intensive Case
Manager and then a therapist on a locked Acute Treatment facility
*
moved to California 1991 to be director of a $1-million patients' rights agency
*
taught mental health consumers/survivors in peer support as employees of the
county mental health system (first in country) and developed the original
program that later was adopted by Mary Ellen Copeland as WRAP
*
moved to Oregon in 1997 and was active with OCTA (Oregon Consumer Technical
Assistance) and other mental health consumer/survivor activities
*
moved to Ohio in 2005. Serves on Ohio Legal Rights Services Commission (Ohio's
Protection and Advocacy Agency) and the state Mental Health Planning Council
*
serves on NARPA (National Association for Rights Protection and Advocacy) Board
and Witness Justice Board and previously on NACM (National Association of Case
Management)
Summary of Qualifications
RESUME/VITA
Pat Risser
(Patrick Alan Risser, B.A.)
154 Ronald Ave.
Ashland, OH 44805
(419) 281-3078 – home
(419) 908-5770 – cell
email: parisser@att.net
alternate email: patrickrisser@gmail.com
Experience Summary
Ø
Extensive
experience as an author, trainer, facilitator, presenter and consultant
Ø
Human
rights activist, mental health advocate and trauma champion for over
twenty-five years
Ø
Knowledgeable
perspectives as consumer/survivor, professional provider, administrator and
family member
Ø
Developed
self-help, peer support groups, built and directed statewide consumer network
and directed a patients' rights program
Ø
Special
expertise in training on trauma issues, mental health recovery and
recovery-oriented systems, self-determination, case management and on employing
consumers as part of the mental health workforce
National
Recognition (Awards)
Ø
NMHA
(National Mental Health Association) Clifford Beers Award in 2005
Ø
NACM
(National Association of Case Management) XCEL Award as Consumer Case Manager
of the Year in 2000
Articles
(sample)
Ø
Partners
in Recovery: A Model for Creating and Measuring a Recovery-Oriented Mental
Health System
Ø
Identifying
and Overcoming Mentalism: Treatment Induced Oppression, Discrimination and
Trauma
Ø
Beyond
Components: Using Fidelity Scales to Measure and Assure Choice in Program
Implementation and Quality Assurance
Ø
Positive
partnerships: How consumers and non-consumers can work together as service
providers
Ø
Barriers
to Self-Determination for People who have been Identified as Having Mental
Illness in Western Society
Organizations
Provided Consultant Services
Ø
Mandt
Behavioral Health Training
Ø
IAPSRS
(International Association of Psycho-Social Rehabilitation Services)
Ø
NAMI
(National Alliance for the Mentally Ill)
Ø
USBH
(United States Behavioral Health)
Ø
Kaiser
Permanente Center for Health Research
Ø
CIMH
(California Institute for Mental Health)
Ø
CASRA
(California Association of Social Rehabilitation Agencies)
Ø
PSU-RRI
(Portland State University – Regional Research Institute)
National
Mental Health Achievements (1981 - Present)
Ø
Alternatives
2006, 2007 and 2009 National Conference Planning Committees
Ø
SOCSI
(Subcommittee On Consumer/Survivor Issues) advisory to federal government
(SAMHSA and CMHS [Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and
Center for Mental Health Services]) on National mental health consumer/survivor
issues
Ø
NARPA
(National Association for Rights Protection and Advocacy) Board of Directors
(also Past President)
Ø
NACM
(National Association of Case Management) Board of Directors
Ø
PAIMI
(Federal Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness) Peer
Reviewer
Ohio
Mental Health Achievements (2006 - Present)
Ø
Ohio
Empowerment Center (Statewide Consumer/Survivor Organization) Steering
Committee member
Ø
Ohio
Community Support Planning Council Member
Ø
Ohio
Adult Recovery Network Board Member
Ø
Ashland
County Mental Health and Recovery Board Member (appointed by Ohio Department of
Mental Health)
Ø
Ohio
Legal Rights Service (OLRS) Commissioner (appointed by Ohio Senate President,
Bill Harris) and PAIMI (Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental
Illness) Council member
Oregon Mental Health Achievements (1998 - 2005)
Ø
Oregon
State Mental Health Planning Council member
Ø
Oregon
State Mental Health Advisory Board member (appointed by Oregon Governor John A.
Kitzhaber)
Ø
Clackamas
County Mental Health Council member (Past President)
Ø
Oregon
Advocacy Center (P&A) Board of Directors
Ø
Oregon
Advocacy Center PAIMI (Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental
Illness) Council member
Ø
Oregon
Consumer/Survivor Council member
Ø
S.P.I.R.I.T.
(Service Provider Individualized Recovery Intensive Training), curriculum and
program developer/trainer/consultant
ü
crisis
management
ü
symptom
management
ü
benefits
ü
systems
and advocacy
ü
peer
counseling
ü
networking
ü
today's
mental health system
ü
paperwork
ü
diagnostic
labels
ü
medications
ü
case
management
ü
disabled
rights movement
ü
mental
health consumer rights movement
Ø
OCTA
(Oregon Consumer Technical Assistance), a program operated by the Oregon Health
and Sciences University Center on Self-Determination, lead training associate
California
Mental Health Achievements (1991 - 1998)
Ø
California
State Mental Health Planning Council member
Ø
CALMHB
(California Association of Local Mental Health Boards) member
Ø
Contra
Costa County Mental Health Commission (appointed by County Supervisor, Jeff
Smith) member
Ø
California
PAIMI (Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness) Council
member
Ø
MHCC
(Mental Health Consumer Concerns, Inc.), contractor for Contra Costa County
Patient Rights, Advocacy and Training and the Contra Costa Network of Mental
Health Clients (over $1 million non-profit contract agency), Co-Executive
Director
Ø
Mental
Health Association of Contra Costa County Board of Directors (Past President)
Ø
S.P.I.R.I.T.
(Service Provider Individualized Recovery Intensive Training), curriculum and
program developer/trainer/consultant (also called O.F.F.I.C.E. – Office
For Family Involvement and Consumer Empowerment)
Ø
Project
GEO (Generating Employment Opportunities) University of San Francisco, McLaren
School of Business, Department of Rehabilitation Administration, San Francisco,
California, Training Faculty.
Provided trainings (based upon core curriculum values and philosophy)
in:
ü
Career
Planning and Goal Setting (Consumer Directed)
ü
Psychiatric
Disabilities & Assessment of Abilities (including psychopharmacologic
issues)
ü
Client-Directed
Services
ü
PsychoSocial
Rehabilitation Values and Philosophy in a Consumer Directed System
ü
Assessment
and Planning in a Consumer Directed System: Values and Philosophy
Colorado
Mental Health Achievements (1981 - 1991)
Ø
Colorado
State Mental Health Planning Council member
Ø
Mental
Health Advisory Board for Service Standards and Regulations (appointed by
Colorado Governor, Roy Romer), member
Ø
Bethesda
(Southeast Denver) Community Mental Health Center Board of Directors
Ø
MHCD
(Mental Health Corporation of Denver) (appointed by Denver Mayor, Federico
Peña), a merger of the four Community Mental Health Centers in Denver, Board of
Directors
Ø
PAIMI
(Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness) Council member
Ø
SCCORE
(Statewide Consumers of Colorado On the Rise for Expression), the first
statewide consumer/survivor organization, Founder and President
Ø
Denver
Consumer Case-Manager Aides, Member of first class in the nation of this
training of consumers to be mental health professional service providers
Ø
NIMH
(National Institute of Mental Health) CSP (Community Support Programs) grant to
form a statewide consumer network (Statewide Consumers of Colorado On the Rise
for Empowerment – SCCORE), co-author of grant and project facilitator
ü
Started
over forty consumer self-help, peer support groups and consumer-operated
drop-ins
ü
Started
17 local AMI (Alliance for the Mentally Ill) support groups
ü
Created
award winning newsletter to share the information and facilitate communication
between support groups
Ø
NIMH-CSP
grant to start consumer owned and operated businesses (Phoenix Project),
co-author of grant and project facilitator
ü
Taught
people to write effective business plans
ü
Provided
ongoing technical assistance and supportive oversight to assure continued
success of fledgling businesses
ü
Helped
people obtain 501(c)3 non-profit, tax exempt status where needed
Summary/Bio
Pat
Risser has extensive experience as a trainer, facilitator, presenter, author
and consultant. He has been a human rights activist and mental health advocate
for over twenty-five years. His lived experience includes working as an
Intensive Case Manager, work as a therapist on a locked, acute inpatient unit,
over ten years as a "mental patient," developing self-help groups,
building and directing a statewide consumer network and directing a patients'
rights/advocacy/self-help program.
His special expertise is training on trauma issues, recovery,
self-determination and on employing consumers as part of the mental health
workforce.
While in Colorado, Pat was part of a couple of exciting
nationally funded activities. The
first was an NIMH-CSP (National Institute of Mental Health-Community Support
Program) grant to form a statewide consumer network. Pat donated hundreds of hours to this project and traveled
the state, helping to start consumer self-help, peer support groups. Pat started over 40 self-help, peer
support groups and consumer-operated drop-ins. He also started 17 local AMI (Alliance for the Mentally Ill)
support groups. He created an
award-winning newsletter to share the information and facilitate communication
between these various groups.
Another activity in Colorado was an NIMH-CSP grant to help
start consumer owned and operated businesses. Pat traveled the state and taught people how to write
effective business plans. From the
various submissions, several were selected for seed funding and Pat then
provided ongoing technical assistance to assure continued success for the
fledgling businesses. He helped
people obtain a 501©3 non-profit, tax exempt status where necessary and he
provided supportive oversight to newly formed businesses.
Pat was lured away from Colorado by an offer to be Director
for a Patients¹ Rights Advocacy (and self-help) organization in
California. While with this
organization, he and his staff there represented thousands of people in civil
commitment and medication competence hearings. While there, the agency had the highest ³release² rate in
the state for years. Pat helped
grow the agency budget to over $1 million.
Pat was
part of the first group of consumers in the country to be trained as providers
of mental health services (in Denver, Colorado) in the early 1980¹s. As a result, he got to travel the
³conference circuit² and speak about his experiences. He got to know others and other programs around the country
and expanded his knowledge until he was able to create his own model program in
California and Oregon. Pat
developed a highly successful recovery training program to teach mental health
clients successful community living skills as well as how to work as employees
for the public mental health system. Topics covered included successful crisis
management, symptom management, benefits, systems and advocacy, peer
counseling, networking, today's mental health system, paperwork, diagnostic
labels, medications, case management, the disabled rights movement and the
mental health consumer rights movement.
From this work, he developed the Crisis Recovery Individual Support Plan (CRISP) model for recovery from
which the WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) was derived a couple years
later.
Pat served for several years on the faculty of Project GEO
(Generating Employment Opportunities) of the McLaren Graduate School of
Management at the University of San Francisco for several years, co-presenting
the skills unit on "(Consumer Directed) Career Planning and Goal
Setting." He also presented on the subjects of "Client Directed Services,"
"PsychoSocial Rehabilitation Values and Philosophy in a Consumer Directed
System," "Assessment and Planning in a Consumer Directed System:
Values and Philosophy," and ³Psychiatric Disabilities & Assessment of
Abilities (including Psychopharmacologic Issues),² all based upon Core
Curriculum Values and Philosophy.
Pat has consulted with and provided
technical assistance to Managed Care organizations, the National Alliance for
the Mentally Ill (NAMI), the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, the
Regional Research Institute at Portland State University and the University of
Illinois, Chicago – National Research and Training Center.
Pat is a former Chairman of the Contra Costa Mental Health
Association in California. Pat has
served on the Board of Directors of NARPA (National Association for Rights,
Protection and Advocacy) and is a Past President of that organization. He is a member of the PAIMI Council in
Ohio and is a former member of and the former chair of the PAIMI (Protection
and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness) Councils in Colorado,
California and Oregon. He is on
the state Mental Health Advisory Board in Ohio and previously served on the
state Mental Health Advisory Boards in Colorado, California and Oregon. He is a member of the Mental Health and
Recovery Board for Ashland County and has served in a similar capacity in
counties in Colorado, California and Oregon as well as several other working
and advisory boards and committees.
He has been an active member of the Consumer/Survivor organizations in
Colorado, California, Oregon and Ohio.
A more
detailed listing of Pat's various mental health involvements can be found at
his personal website at http://www.PatRisser.com.
He received the NACM (National Association of Case Management) XCEL Award as
the Consumer Case Manager of the Year in 2000 and he received the prestigious
Clifford Beers Award from the National Mental Health Association in 2005. He
was one of the consumer/survivors whose role it was to advise the federal
government (SAMHSA and CMHS [Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration and Center for Mental Health Services] on mental health
consumer/survivor issues as a member of SOCSI (Subcommittee On
Consumer/Survivor Issues) and currently serves on the National Advisory
Council.
Pat has a significant other/partner (Trish) and they have
two furry kids (Pekinese) at home and between them they have four grown kids
and two grandkids living away from home.
They are active in the local community with the Stoney Creek Sewing Club
(http://www.ashlandkidquilters.com)
and the mental health peer recovery center, Lifeworx (http://ashlandcountylifeworx.org/).
*******************************************************************
PRESENTATION OF QUALIFICATIONS
PATRICK ALAN RISSER
154 Ronald Avenue
Ashland, Ohio 44805
(419) 281-3078
Email: parisser@att.net
__________________________________________________________________
PROFESSIONAL OBJECTIVE
Working within mental health or related fields where my diverse experience and
personal abilities will be effectively utilized to improve conditions for those
in need of services from these systems.
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
A solid background that encompasses several years of professional experience
and knowledge within the mental health and related fields including the
following attributes and strengths:
* Polished and experienced presenter and trainer;
* Excellent administrative and management skills;
* Strong leadership ability;
* Accepts authority and the responsibility that accompanies authority;
* Ability to motivate and involve others;
* Strong mediation, negotiation, conflict management/resolution skills;
* Thorough knowledge of mental health issues from client, provider, family,
administrator and community perspectives;
* Thorough knowledge of patients' rights laws and advocacy issues;
* Thorough knowledge of issues related to mental health including self-help
models, housing, employment, vocational rehabilitation, social security, social
services and other entitlement programs;
* Thorough knowledge of various theories of mental health/illness and different
treatment modalities;
* Ability to facilitate positive interaction between diverse individuals and
groups;
* Ability to be flexible and creative in planning and implementing projects and
manage the fiscal and personnel resources connected with those projects;
* Ability to thoroughly analyze situations and objectively weigh and choose
options;
* Extensive knowledge of inclusive planning and working processes;
* Ability to assimilate a great deal of knowledge very quickly and then to
effectively convey this knowledge to others through strong written and verbal
communication skills;
* Ability to effectively establish and maintain a strong rapport with users of
mental health and related services, fellow employees and other interested
parties and to build coalitions and linkages between various systems and
individuals;
* Over twenty years of extensive intimate personal experience in both the
public and private sectors of mental health and related systems as an
administrator, professional provider, family member and consumer.
EDUCATION
C.I.T. (Crisis Intervention Team),
Ashland, Ohio 2007
University of Denver Law School,
Denver, Colorado (1983-1985)
B.A. - Philosophy/Psychology, The
Colorado College, Colorado Springs, Colorado (1981)
A.A. - Political Science/Social
Science, Arapahoe Community College, Littleton, Colorado (1979)
Cuyahoga Community College, Cleveland, Ohio - Electrical/Electronic Engineering
Technology (1970-1972)
Training for "Trainers" - Training in Professional Presentation
Skills, University of San Francisco, McLaren School of Business, Department of
Rehabilitation Administration, San Francisco, California, (1995)
certificate - Vocational
Financial/Disability Benefits Analyst Specialist, DisAbility Works, Inc.,
Lakewood, Colorado (1991)
certificate - Case Manager Aide
(including benefits acquisition), Community College of Denver/Regional
Assessment and Training Center, Denver, Colorado (1987)
certificate - Grant Writing for
Human Service Professionals, Rocky Mountain Resource and Training Institute,
Lakewood, Colorado (1990)
certificate – Supported
Employment in Mental Health, Rocky Mountain Resource and Training Institute,
Lakewood, Colorado (1990)
certificate – How to Make
Social Security Work for You, Rocky Mountain Resource and Training Institute,
Lakewood, Colorado (1990)
certificate – Colorado
Outward Bound School, Denver, Colorado (1988)
continuing education – Over
1,000 hours of continuing education contact hours in mental health and related
fields (1987 - present)
MENTAL HEALTH AND RELATED AFFILIATIONS AND ACTIVITIES
*SAMHSA/CMHS (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration/Center
for Mental Health Services) National Advisory Council – 2010 to present (appointed
by Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius May 7, 2010 to
full four-year term)
* Ohio Legal Rights Service
Commission (OLRS) – 2008 to present (appointed by Ohio Senate
President, Bill Harris December 10, 2008; reappointed to full term May 6, 2010)
* SAMHSA/CMHS Invited
Participant at Past, Present, and Future: SAMHSA Efforts to Promote Consumer
Inclusion -- 2010
* SAMHSA/CMHS (Substance
Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration/Center for Mental Health
Services) Grant Reviewer for ³Training and Technical Assistance Center for
Primary and Behavioral Health Care Integration (Short Title: TTA-PBHCI)² grant
proposals – 2010
* SAMHSA/CMHS (Substance
Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration/Center for Mental Health
Services) Grant Reviewer for ³Mental Health Transformation² grant proposals
– 2010
*SAMHSA/CMHS (Substance Abuse
and Mental Health Services Administration/Center for Mental Health Services) Peer
Mentor in Leadership Institute – April - October 2010
* SAMHSA/CMHS (Substance
Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration/Center for Mental Health
Services) National Trauma Campaign Workgroup – 2010 to present
* National
Mental Health Consumers¹ Self-Help Clearinghouse Advisory Committee –
2010 to present
* National Association for
Rights, Protection and Advocacy (NARPA) – President,
2001-2002; Board Member, 1995-2006 and 2008 to present; Member 1987 to present
* Witness Justice – Board of Directors (National organization focused on
trauma issues) – 2010 to present
* Ohio Legal Rights Service
(OLRS) PAIMI (Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness)
Council – Member, 2007 to present
* Ohio Community Support Planning Council – 2007 to present
* SAMHSA/CMHS (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration/Center
for Mental Health Services) Grant Reviewer for ³Statewide Consumer Network²
grant proposals – 2009, 2010
* Mental Health and Recovery
Board of Ashland County, Ohio – 2006-2009 (appointed by Ohio
Department of Mental Health)
* Ohio Empowerment Center (OEC - State Consumer/Survivor Organization) Steering
Committee – 2008-2009
* Ohio Center for Advocacy,
Training and Support (OCATS - State Consumer/Survivor Organization) Board
Member – 2008-2009
* SAMHSA/CMHS National
Advisory Council – Subcommittee
On Consumer/Survivor Issues (NAC-SOCSI) to advise SAMHSA/CMHS – Appointed
2004 to serve until 2007
* National Alternatives Conference Planning Committee – 2005, 2006, 2007,
2009
* Adult Recovery Network of Ohio – Advisory Board (alternate member)
– 2006-2007
* National Association of Case Management (NACM) – Board Member, 2000-2009
* SAMHSA/CMHS (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration/Center
for Mental Health Services) PAIMI
(Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness) – Federal
Peer Reviewer, February 2004, February 2005, February 2006, November 2006,
February 2007, February 2008, February 2009
* Oregon Consumer/Survivor Council – Advisory to the Director of Oregon
Office of Mental Health and Addiction Services – 2003-2005
* Oregon State Trauma Policy Advisory Committee – 2002-2005
* Empowerment Initiatives – Board of Directors, 2004-2005
* PAIMI (Protection and Advocacy for the Mentally Ill) Advisory Council of the
Oregon Advocacy Center – Chair, 2000-2001; Member, 1998-2002; Member
2004-2005
* Clackamas County Mental Health Council – Appointed by the Clackamas
County Board of Commissioners to
serve from May 2003-May 2006 – Member 2003-2005; President 2004-2005
* Clackamas County Mental Health Quality Improvement Committee – June
2003-2005
* Mental Health Advisory Board, Mental Health and Developmental Disability
Services Division – Member, 2000-2003 (appointed by Oregon Governor
John A. Kitzhaber)
* Quality and Utilization Improvement Committee, Ceres Behavioral Healthcare
Systems, LLC, an Affiliate of Magellan Behavioral Health – Member,
1999-2004
* InforMed Health Publishing & Training – Faculty, Consultant, 1999
to present
* Oregon Mental Health Consumers Association (OMHCA) – Board Member,
2001-2005
* Oregon Mental Health
Planning and Management Advisory Council – Member, 1999-2005
* Oregon Advocacy Center (OAC) – Board Member, 1998-2000
* O.C.T.A (Office of Consumer Technical Assistance) – Annual Mental
Health Consumer Conference Planning Member, 1998-2003
* O.C.T.A (Office of Consumer Technical Assistance) – Advisory Board
Planner, Mini-Grant Panelist, Volunteer, Consultant, and Hiring Committee
Member, 1998-2003
* Mental Health Association of Oregon – "Successful Community
Living" Conference Project Planner and Consultant, 1999-2000
* Oregon Office of Mental Health and Addiction Services –
"Successful Community Living" Conference Planner, 1999
* Oregon Office of Mental Health and Addiction Services – CMHS Block
Grant Application Performance Indicator Review and Planning Committee,
1999-2005
* University of San Francisco, McLaren School of Business, Department of Rehabilitation
Administration – Faculty/Consultant/Trainer, 1993-1999
* O.F.F.I.C.E. (Office For Family Involvement and Client Empowerment) –
Volunteer Technical Advisor/Consultant, Classroom Instructor, Resource
Specialist, Empowerment Trainer, Member of Steering, Coordinating, Curriculum
and Hiring Plan Committees, 1991-2002
* Contra Costa Mental Health Commission – Member (appointed by County
Supervisor, Jeff Smith), 1993-1996,
Adult Committee, Executive Committee, Ad Hoc Planning Committee, Ad Hoc Housing
Plan Committee
* Mental Health Association of Contra Costa County – President, 1993-1994, Board Member and Professional Advisory
Committee, 1992-1995
* California Network of Mental Health Clients – Member, 1991-1996
* Contra Costa Network of Mental Health Clients – Member, 1991-1996
* Contra Costa Coalition for Mental Health – Member, 1991-1996
* California State Mental Health Training Plan Committee – Member
1994-1996
* Zoning and Land Use Compliance Project Advisory Committee of Housing Rights,
Inc. – Member, 1994-1996
* National Association of Psychiatric Survivors – Member, 1988-1996
* National Mental Health Consumers Association – Member, 1988-2000
* California Association of Mental Health Patients Rights Advocates (CAMHPRA)
– Member, 1991-1996
* CALMHB/C (California Association of Mental Health Boards and Commissions)
– Board Member, 1994-1996
* Bay Area Regional Mental Health Board – Member, 1994-1996
* California Adult Mental Health Services System of Care Training Conference
Committee (AKA, California Case Management Council) – Member, 1993-1994
* Mental Health Consumer Concerns, Inc. – Board Member, 1992-1995;
Personnel and Grievance Committee, 1993
* National Mental Health Association – Member, 1988 to present
* Bay Area Patients' Advocates Coalition (BAYPAC) – Member, 1991-1992
* Bay Area Network of Mental Health Clients – Member, 1991-1992
* Solano County Network of Mental Health Clients – Member, 1992
* Contractors' and Friends Alliance of Contra Costa County – Member,
1991-1992
* California Logistical Task Force (planning committee for Alternatives `91
Conference) – Member 1991
* SCCORE – Statewide Consumers of Colorado On the Rise for Expression; Founder, 1988; First President, 1989-1990; President Emeritus, 1990; Technical Assistance Advisor and Consultant,
1987-1994
* Mental Health Advisory Board for Service Standards and Regulations –
Board Member (appointed by Colorado Governor, Roy Romer), 1989-1991
* Mental Health Corporation of Denver – Board Member (appointed by
Denver Mayor, Federico Peña),
Personnel Committee, Consumer/Human Rights Committee, Clinical Review
Committee, 1988-1991
* The Legal Center, Inc. – Federally Mandated State Protection and
Advocacy Agency for Persons with Mental Illness in Colorado – Advisory
Board Member, 1990-1991
* The Phoenix Project, Inc. – Original Incorporator (in Colorado) and
Board Member, 1988-1991
* Colorado Mental Health Consumer Run Business Project – Technical
Assistance Advisor, 1988-1991
* Colorado Association of Community Mental Health Centers and Clinics –
Executive Board Member, 1989-1991
* Colorado State Mental Health Planning Council – Member, 1988-1991
* Member of several search committees for various Colorado State Mental Health
Personnel including, State Mental Health Department Director, Assistant
Director, Colorado State Hospital in Pueblo Director and CSP Director,
1988-1991
* Colorado State Division of Mental Health "Five Party" Advisory
Council – Member, 1989-1991
* Colorado Outpatient Civil Commitment Task Force – Member, 1989-1991
* Colorado Independent Case Management Task Force – Member, 1986-1991
* Colorado Coalition for the Advancement of Rights in Treatment – Member,
1989-1991
* Colorado Social Legislation Committee – Member, 1988-1991
* Colorado Coalition for Community Mental Health – Member, 1987-1991
* National Teleconference Project – Participant, 1990-1993
* Denver CMI Study – Key Informant, 1988, 1989, 1990
* Robert Wood Johnson/Mental Health Corporation of Denver Study – Key
Informant, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991
* Colorado Mental Health Association, Denver Children's Campaign Study –
Key Informant, 1989, 1990
* Colorado Mental Health Association – Member, 1988-1991
* National Alliance for the Mentally Ill – Member, 1987-1991
* Colorado Alliance for the Mentally Ill – Board Member, 1987-1989
* Denver Alliance for the Mentally Ill – Member, 1987-1991
* Bethesda Community Mental Health Center Advisory Board – Board Member
1989
* Mental Impairment in Civil Rights Task Force – Member, 1988 to passage
of the Bill by the Colorado Legislature during the 1989 session
RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL AND
EDUCATIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE
INFORMED HEALTH PUBLISHING
& TRAINING
Faculty. InforMed Health
Publishing & Training is a new organization that is dedicated to providing
people with accurate, clear, and up-to-date information about issues in mental
health treatment. Our publications and training programs are designed for
anyone interested in mental health, including people who use mental health
services and those who provide them. They are intended to address mental health
issues from a perspective that considers the whole person (not just a
diagnosis) and includes individuals in making decisions about their own mental
health services.
SELF-EMPLOYED CONSULTANT
Mental Health Consumer/Human Rights Advocate, Social Activist, Philosopher.
Work as Consultant and Technical Assistant for various projects. Pursue
activist causes such as psychiatric survivor rights, anti-stigma campaigns,
disabled peoples rights, benefits and entitlements. Present to audiences on
topics ranging from employment to housing to civil rights to empowerment.
Special expertise in the following topics:
* Recovery and Recovery Oriented Systems
* Consumers as Workers in the Mental Health Workforce
* Trauma Issues
* Dealing with Mentalism (AKA Saneism)
* Case Management
* Building Empowerment
* Employment Issues
* Building a Modern and Progressive Mental Health System
* Helping Consumers, Families, Professionals and Others Collaborate Together
* Patients' Rights
CLIENTS HAVE INCLUDED:
*
Mandt, Richardson, Texas
Consultant, Curriculum
(Training Manual) Editor for The Mandt System®, developed by The Mandt System,
Inc. provides systematic training programs to human service organizations
(staff at residential facilities supporting people affected by intellectual
disabilities, developmental disabilities, and mental health, as well as for the
staff at community mental health centers) that desire to decrease workplace
violence by increasing the safety of all the stakeholders through the use of
Positive Behavior Support.
* UNIVERSITY OF SAN
FRANCISCO, McLaren School of Business, Department of Rehabilitation
Administration, San Francisco, California
Consultant. Provide trainings in "Career Planning and Goal Setting
(Consumer Directed)," "Psychiatric Disabilities & Assessment of
Abilities (including psychopharmacologic issues)," "Client Directed
Services," "PsychoSocial Rehabilitation Values and Philosophy in a
Consumer Directed System," "Assessment and Planning in a Consumer
Directed System: Values and Philosophy," all based upon Core Curriculum
Values and Philosophy.
* UNITED STATES BEHAVIORAL
HEALTH, San Francisco, California
Consultant. Conducted networking and assessment for potential bid on provision
of Managed Care services to San Diego County. Gathered information and produced
written report of activities and recommendations for action.
* PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY,
Portland, Oregon
Consulted with the Regional Research Institute on developing a fidelity scale
for the IPS+ (Individual Placement and Support Plus) supported employment
model. Developed a model which incorporates IPS Supported Employment, PACT
(Program of Assertive Community Treatment), Supported Housing, and which fully
respects client choice.
* OREGON ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY
MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS (AOCMHP)
Consulted on defining 2004 goals using the President's New Freedom Commission
on Mental Health Report as a platform
* NAMI (NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR
THE MENTALLY ILL), Arlington, Virginia
Consulted on developing and expanding the model for successfully adding and
integrating consumer providers onto PACT (Program of Assertive Community
Treatment) teams.
* CIMH (CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE
FOR MENTAL HEALTH), Sacramento, California
Consulted on developing a model for a recovery oriented mental health system.
Compiled data and defined domains and tasks of consumers, providers,
administrators, support staff and families. From the domain and task
definitions, a curriculum was developed to aid in training in the recovery
model.
* INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF PSYCHOSOCIAL REHABILITATION SERVICES (IAPSRS)
Subject Matter Expert for the IAPSRS Certification Test Development Project.
Participant on the Role Delineation/ Content Validation Panel for the design of
the Certification/Competency test for certification as a Psychiatric
Rehabilitation Practitioner.
* CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF
SOCIAL REHABILITATION AGENCIES (CASRA), Sacramento, California
Consultant in the development of a training curriculum for certification of
Psycho-Social Rehabilitation Practitioners.
* KAISER PERMANENTE CENTER
FOR HEALTH RESEARCH, Portland, Oregon
Consultant on Grant to SAMHSA for a study to examine what processes contribute
to recovery from serious mental illnesses.
Empowerment Initiatives, Portland, Oregon
S.P.I.R.I.T. (Service Provider
Individualized Recovery Intensive Training) Trainer for Clackamas County
Empowerment Initiatives is a non-profit agency that provides education and
training as well as being the only fully consumer/survivor operated "brokerage" in the country. Board Member, volunteer
technical assistant, paid project co-coordinator and independent
contractor/consultant. Helped develop the concept and design for a program to
train mental health clients to work in the mental health system as providers of
services. Co-designed and created the curriculum and co-facilitated/taught
mental health consumers in an intensive eight-week fast track program format.
Topics covered included symptom management, benefits, systems and advocacy,
peer counseling, networking, today's mental health system, paperwork,
diagnostic labels, medications, case management, the disabled rights movement
and the mental health consumer rights movement. Participated in the education,
outreach and sensitivity increasing activities necessary to gain key
endorsements of the program by County Mental Health Administration, County and
Contract mental health staff, local family member groups, local communities,
local community college systems and local consumer networks among others. Worked
on various other aspects involved with a program this size including fund
raising, job development, on-the-job supports and continuing education. Taught
this training several times and trained others as trainers for the program.
O.C.T.A. (Office of Consumer Technical Assistance), Portland,
Oregon
Training Associate, volunteer technical assistant, paid part-time staff and
independent contractor/consultant. OCTA is a consumer-run organization
affiliated with Network Behavioral HealthCare, primarily funded by the Oregon
Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Services Division. The mission of
OCTA is threefold: (1) To assist consumers in development of programs in their
local communities; (2) To increase consumer involvement in community mental health
provider systems and managed behavioral healthcare organizations; (3) To
increase consumer impact on policy development and implementation at local,
state and federal levels. To achieve these goals, OCTA provides consultation,
local and regional training, and a toll-free resource and referral line for
consumers, consumer-run groups and mental health service providers throughout
the state.
O.F.F.I.C.E. (Office For Family Involvement and Client
Empowerment), Martinez, California
Volunteer technical assistant, paid project co-coordinator and independent
contractor/consultant. Helped develop the concept and design for a program to
train mental health clients to work in the mental health system as providers of
services. Co-designed and created the curriculum and co-facilitated/taught
mental health consumers in an intensive ten week fast track program format.
Topics covered included symptom management, benefits, systems and advocacy,
peer counseling, networking, today's mental health system, paperwork, diagnostic
labels, medications, case management, the disabled rights movement and the
mental health consumer rights movement. Participated in the education, outreach
and sensitivity increasing activities necessary to gain key endorsements of the
program by County Mental Health Administration, County and Contract mental
health staff, local family member groups, local communities, local community
college systems and local consumer networks among others. Worked on various
other aspects involved with a program this size including fund raising, job
development, on-the-job supports and continuing education. Taught this training
several times and trained others as trainers for the program.
MENTAL HEALTH CONSUMER
CONCERNS, INC., Martinez, California
Program Director for a
client/ex-client agency - Directed activities related to Patient Rights,
Advocacy and Training and the Contra Costa Network of Mental Health Clients;
managed agency activities, contracts, finances, and personnel; directed
community outreach programs including self-help, advocacy, education and
training; assisted in training staff in use of computers and other office
equipment; coordinated local activities with regional, state and national
activities; organized self-help network activities; provided editorial
assistance to network newsletter; provided supervision, technical assistance
and training to all staff; provided direct advocacy services by providing
representation to clients in involuntary certification probable cause hearings,
independent clinical reviews for minors, involuntary medication capacity
hearings and investigated and resolved issues in accordance with federal law
and the California Welfare and Institutions Code and the California Code of
Regulations, Title 9 and Title 22; expanded agency activities by obtaining new
contracts including a contract to assist in the formation of a network in
Solano County and a contract to represent clients in "Riese"
medication competency hearings; provided technical assistance to staff in
obtaining information about and applying for grants and developing plans for
drop-in centers. Part of team in developing an NIMH Systems Improvement Grant
Project.
THE PHOENIX PROJECT, INC., Colorado
Was one of the founders and original incorporators for this project to start
and maintain consumer operated businesses. Served on the Board of Directors and
as technical assistant. Performed fundraising, grant writing, policy and
business plan development as part of a personal service contract.
S.C.C.O.R.E. (Statewide Consumers of Colorado On the Rise for
Expression), Colorado
Founded this statewide mental health consumer/survivor network with over forty
self-help groups. Developed data base to track membership. Voted first
statewide President by unanimous vote. Coordinated conferences. Provided
outreach and technical assistance. Represented the consumer voice on numerous
Boards, task forces and policy committees.
CITYWIDE SERVICES ACUTE
TREATMENT UNIT (TRANSITIONS), Denver,
Colorado
Mental Health Worker II - Performed needs assessments, diagnosed clients,
performed standard intake and evaluation, and generated treatment plans based
upon client needs in an acute inpatient psychiatric alternative to
hospitalization unit, provided crisis intervention services, implemented treatment
plans through group and individual therapy and case management services
SANFORD ROSE AND ASSOCIATES,
Cleveland, Ohio
Employment Counselor - recruited and matched potential employees with potential
employers through this professional placement agency
CAPITOL INSURANCE COMPANY,
Cleveland, Ohio
Health Insurance Underwriter, Claims Specialist, Policy Owner Service Director,
Sales Force Trainer, New Policy Research and Development - obtained broad base
understanding of various disabilities, medical and legal terminology
ARAPAHOE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
WORK/STUDY POSITIONS, Littleton, Colorado
* G.E.D. Representative for Arapahoe Community with Colorado Employment and
Training Act for Carpenters Union Apprenticeship Program
* G.E.D. Representative for Arapahoe Community College (testing and evaluation)
at Fort Logan State Mental Hospital Adolescent Units
* Math Lab - Established and administered tutorial program (basic math through
calculus); established tutorial program for special needs students (those who
were blind or had other handicapping conditions)
* Counselor Aide - Administered orientation processing including placement and
advisory tests
* Records and Admissions Clerk - Assisted in evaluation and processing of new
student applications
* Biology Lab - Lab Assistant
* G.E.D. Lab - Teaching Assistant; assessed students educational and emotional
needs through various testing mechanisms and then taught students to overcome
any identified deficiencies thus raising the students' level of competence and
confidence sufficiently high for them to obtain a G.E.D. covering topics
ranging from science, math, reading, writing and social studies
* English Lab - Teaching Assistant; assisted in all areas of teaching from
testing and evaluation to administration to implementation of direct teaching
methodology primarily through direct individual tutoring in topics ranging from
basic spelling to word, sentence and paragraph structure to advanced paper
writing
* Reading Lab - Teaching assistant; assisted in all areas of teaching from
testing and evaluation to administration to implementation of direct teaching
methodology primarily through direct individual tutoring in topics ranging from
basic word comprehension to etymology through advanced speed reading
THE COLORADO COLLEGE, Colorado
Springs, Colorado
Continued working as teaching assistant and tutor in same areas as at
Arapahoe Community College
PUBLICATIONS, PAPERS,
WORKSHOPS AND PRESENTATIONS
09/10 Trauma
Relevance to Advocacy – Trauma informed advocacy simply means that
the advocacy provided is informed by an understanding of trauma and traumatic
stress, and how those things impact people emotionally, behaviorally,
psychologically, physically, and socially. Many individuals with disabilities
have been traumatized by sexual, physical, or emotional abuse and neglect, and
their trauma history impacts their reactions to current stressors. This
workshop provides an overview of trauma and its effects, and effective
strategies to educate others about trauma informed care. The perspective of a
former psych patient will be shared.
Learning
Objectives:
1. Understand trauma and retraumatization, and the
prevalence among individuals with disabilities.
2. Describe what trauma informed care and trauma
sensitive services are, and how to incorporate this into advocacy.
3.
Be motivated to advocate
for disability systems to be more trauma informed and trauma sensitive.
Presented at the third annual
Mid-Ohio Recovery Conference in Mansfield, Ohio
09/10 Trauma
Informed Advocacy – Trauma informed advocacy simply means that the
advocacy provided is informed by an understanding of trauma and traumatic
stress, and how those things impact people emotionally, behaviorally,
psychologically, physically, and socially. Many individuals with disabilities
have been traumatized by sexual, physical, or emotional abuse and neglect, and
their trauma history impacts their reactions to current stressors. This
workshop provides an overview of trauma and its effects, and effective
strategies to educate others about trauma informed care. The perspective of a
former psych patient will be shared.
Learning
Objectives:
4. Understand trauma and retraumatization, and the
prevalence among individuals with disabilities.
5. Describe what trauma informed care and trauma
sensitive services are, and how to incorporate this into advocacy.
6.
Be motivated to advocate
for disability systems to be more trauma informed and trauma sensitive.
Presented at the National Association for Rights
Protection and Advocacy (NARPA) Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia
08/10 Sticks
and Stones May Break Bones, But Words Can Really Hurt! – This
workshop presented a "unified theory of oppression" with an
exploration of how mentalist language allows others to see us as "Šless
than" and thus the subject of abuse, neglect, trauma, seclusion,
restraints, tasers, and other forms of physical and social oppression.
Presented at the OEC (Ohio Empowerment Coalition ³Honoring Our Past, Building
Our Future² first Annual Conference in Columbus, Ohio
06/10 Trauma
Informed Advocacy – Trauma informed advocacy simply means that the
advocacy provided is informed by an understanding of trauma and traumatic
stress, and how those things impact people emotionally, behaviorally,
psychologically, physically, and socially. Many individuals with disabilities
have been traumatized by sexual, physical, or emotional abuse and neglect, and
their trauma history impacts their reactions to current stressors. This
workshop provides an overview of trauma and its effects, and effective
strategies to educate others about trauma informed care. The perspective of a
former psych patient will be shared.
Learning
Objectives:
7. Understand trauma and retraumatization, and the
prevalence among individuals with disabilities.
8. Describe what trauma informed care and trauma
sensitive services are, and how to incorporate this into advocacy.
9.
Be motivated to advocate
for disability systems to be more trauma informed and trauma sensitive.
Presented
at the National Disability Rights Network Annual Conference in Los Angeles, California
05/10 Working in a Consumer-Driven, Evidence-Based,
Culturally Competent, Trauma-Informed, Recovery Oriented, Ethical System of
Care: Is It Possible? – Presented at ³Hope, Resilience and Recovery,²
the Addictions and Mental Health Division Integrated Annual Conference 2010 in
Salem, Oregon
05/10 Men and Trauma – This workshop discussed
issues for male trauma survivors, including the importance of
gender-specificity in understanding and responding to experiences of violent
victimization. Data was presented
regarding the prevalence of trauma experiences among boys and men; the impact
of trauma; characteristic male coping styles; and models for male trauma
recovery and healing. Attention
was paid to different types of trauma exposure and to the role of race and
culture in men¹s trauma experiences. Presented at ³Hope, Resilience and
Recovery,² the Addictions and Mental Health Division Integrated Annual
Conference 2010 in Salem, Oregon
10/09 Trauma-Informed Peer Support and Crisis
Alternatives – Violence and abuse pervade
our culture and our mental health systems, creating trauma. Most mental health consumers are trauma
survivors. People do recover from
trauma with the right services and support. Trauma-informed peer support offers
safer alternatives and opportunities for healing, growth, freedom and dignity.
Co-presented at Alternatives 2009 Conference in Omaha, Nebraska
10/09 Men and Trauma – This workshop discussed
issues for male trauma survivors, including the importance of gender-specificity
in understanding and responding to experiences of violent victimization. Data was presented regarding the
prevalence of trauma experiences among boys and men; the impact of trauma;
characteristic male coping styles; and models for male trauma recovery and
healing. Attention was paid to
different types of trauma exposure and to the role of race and culture in men¹s
trauma experiences. Presented at Alternatives 2009 Conference in Omaha,
Nebraska
09/09 Trauma and Recovery – This workshop provided an overview of abuse, neglect
and trauma and the impact on the lives of people receiving mental health
services. Specific sub-topics
included:
§
Trauma basics;
§
Self-Inflicted Violence
including an exploration of the meaning and purpose of self-injury, a commonly
misunderstood aspect of many people¹s lives;
§
Specific issues related
to Men and Trauma.
Etiology, diagnostic
implications, and treatment strategies were explored. Data was presented along with suggestions for coping,
recovery and healing from trauma.
Participants were offered some resources to help address issues related
to trauma and recovery. The
presenters were both survivors of abuse, neglect and trauma and shared personal
stories and positive success in recovering from the effects of both primary and
secondary trauma. Presented at the
second annual Mid-Ohio Recovery Conference in Wooster, Ohio
09/09
Sticks
and Stones: Trauma and Healing – Keynote address Ashland Mental
Health and Recovery Board Annual Dinner in Ashland, Ohio
09/09 Trauma-Informed Peer
Support and Crisis Alternatives – This workshop discussed how trauma-informed
modalities in peer support offers survivors opportunities for healing, growth,
self-determination, freedom and dignity; common sources of trauma to which
clients may be exposed, both within and outside the client/survivor movement;
and trauma-informed models of personal, organizational, systems and culture
change. Co-presented in Phoenix, Arizona
09/09 Supporting Clients'
Rights, Dignity, Wellness and Recovery in Mental Health Courts: A Roundtable
Discussion – Given that most of the nation's recent proliferation of
mental health courts were not designed in consultation with mental health
clients or legal advocates, how can these courts best uphold the rights,
dignity, wellness and recovery of mental health clients/survivors charged with
crimes? This roundtable discussion
examined these issues.
Co-presented in Phoenix, Arizona
04/09 Innovations in
Recovery – Invited as expert discussant for topic areas of Crisis
Alternatives (these are community-based, peer-driven programs to assist
individuals through a mental health crisis), Recovery-Based Accreditation (what
are the standards and protocols needed to accredit mental health service
organizations that facilitate mental health recovery?), Consumer Issues
Involving Health Information Technology (this includes electronic health
records, telehealth, privacy issues, and personal health records), and
Promoting Hope (how can learned helplessness be overcome to assist consumers in
taking the first step on their journey of recovery?), in Rockville, Maryland
03/09 Social Inclusion: From Life on the Margins to Life
in the Community – Invited as expert discussant in Rockville,
Maryland
03/09 Trauma-Informed Care State Dialogue Meeting –
Invited as expert discussant in Baltimore, Maryland
03/09 It takes MORE than a Village: It takes ALL of us!
– Keynote address North Dakota
First Annual Consumer Conference in Grand Forks, North Dakota
03/09 Recovery and Healing: Healthy Individuals in Healthy
Communities – Workshop Presented at the North Dakota First Annual
Consumer Conference in Grand Forks, North Dakota
02/09 Sticks and Stones: Trauma and Healing
– Keynote address at the "Healing Trauma – 'We Can Do It!':
Supporting Each Other, Raising Awareness, Empowering Our Movement" Annual
Client Forum for the California Network of Mental Health Clients in Foster
City, California
02/09 Men and Trauma – This workshop (for everyone) will discuss the basics
of trauma and issues specifically for male trauma survivors, including the
importance of gender-specificity in understanding and responding to experiences
of violent victimization. Data will be presented regarding the prevalence of
trauma experiences among boys and men; the impact of trauma; characteristic
male coping styles; and models for male trauma recovery and healing. Attention
will be paid to different types of trauma exposure and to the role of race and
culture in men¹s trauma experiences. Presentation at the "Healing Trauma – 'We Can Do It!':
Supporting Each Other, Raising Awareness, Empowering Our Movement" Annual
Client Forum for the California Network of Mental Health Clients in Foster
City, California
02/09 Is Integrated and Trauma Informed Care Possible In
The Present Medical System? –
This workshop looks at the question
of whether the integration of peer advocacy and those things seen as trauma
sensitive can truly ever be effective in a Œdeficits/disease¹ paradigm of
medical model services and payments. This workshop looks at ways the system
would have to change to create a real alternative that adequately addresses
trauma. Presentation at the "Healing
Trauma – 'We Can Do It!': Supporting Each Other, Raising Awareness,
Empowering Our Movement" Annual Client Forum for the California Network of
Mental Health Clients in Foster City, California
02/09 Empowering Peer Specialists As Providers Of
Services – Half-day presentation in Eugene, Oregon
10/08 Sticks and Stones May Break Bones, But Words Can
Really Hurt! – This workshop presented a "unified theory of
oppression" with an exploration of how mentalist language allows others to
see us as "Šless than" and thus the subject of abuse, neglect,
trauma, seclusion, restraints, tasers, and other forms of physical and social
oppression. Presented at Alternatives 2008 Conference in Buffalo, New York
10/08 Engaging Personal Trauma Informs Social Justice
– This Institute discussed how the self-help model should include
recognition of the roles of "infant and childhood trauma" and
"trauma of treatment."
This frame empowers active participation in building community, where we
become voices and participants in society's future. From accommodating behavior management we'll move to helping
"build cultures of peace through social justice." Presented at Alternatives
2008 Conference in Buffalo, New York
10/08 Boundaries for Peer Support Workers –
Two-day training to prepare peer specialists for entry into the Benton County
mental health workforce. Presented in Corvallis, Oregon
10/08 Sticks and Stones May Break Bones, But Words Can
Really Hurt! – This workshop presented on how words must be more than
just politically correct. Words
must reflect genuine change in attitudes in order for the system to evolve or
transform. Consumer driven, evidence based, culturally competent, trauma
informed, recovery oriented, gender sensitive, ethical systems of care are
possible. We must overcome the attitudes that allow others to see us as
"less thanŠ" When we are
referred to as a label, our humanness is lessened and this prejudice,
discrimination or stigma has a cumulative effect of allowing others to see us
as "less thanŠ" This in
turn leads to a social trauma where we are oppressed without guilt.
Guilt free society comes
about when we are devalued as people and "put in our places." Words
are used to train people in ways that devalue us as people and this allows the
use of force, coercion and intimidation.
We become "just mental patients" who NEED to shut up and be
compliant. Secluding us in
sub-standard housing is okay because we're "just mental patients."
Restraining us with leather straps or even with mental health courts is okay
because we're "just mental patients." Ignoring our pain and TASERing us is okay because we're
"just mental patients."
We believe that if you treat
a person as he is, he will remain that way. If you treat a person as he can be, he will become that
person. We will discuss ways in
which language hurts us and ways in which language can help change attitudes
and end mentalist oppression. We
will address the issues in ways that will facilitate discussion and provide
people with the tools to understand and fight against social and institutional
oppression.
This workshop presented a
"unified theory of oppression" with an exploration of how mentalist
language allows others to see us as "Šless than" and thus the subject
of abuse, neglect, trauma, seclusion, restraints, tasers, and other forms of
physical and social oppression. Presented at NARPA Conference in Austin, Texas
09/08 Trauma-Informed Care – Workshop
presentation at the first annual Mid-Ohio Recovery Conference in Ashland, Ohio
08/08 From Recovery to Wellness:
A Consumer Driven, Evidence Based, Culturally Competent, Trauma Informed,
Recovery Oriented, Ethical System of Care
– Keynote and full day presentation at the annual conference for the
Delaware Rehabilitation Association in Newark, Delaware
07/08 WNCO Radio on the Ashland Recovery Conference
– Co-presented on the upcoming "Recovery Conference" in
Ashland, Ohio
07/08 Helping Kids: The Story of Stoney Creek Club
– Don't Turn Your Back: What You Can Do In Your Community –
This workshop presentation discussed the award winning program that helped
local kids through sewing and other activities in the home of a local
resident. Presented at the
National "Dare to Transform" Trauma Conference in Washington, D.C.
07/08 Development of Peer Training/Mentoring: Addressing
the Lived Experience of Trauma – An invited attendee at this
Consumer/Expert Workgroup Meeting sponsored by NASMHPD/CMHS (National
Association of State Mental Health Program Directors/Center for Mental Health
Services) National Center for Trauma-Informed Care in Washington, D.C.
05/08 Men and Trauma – Workshop presentation at the 4th Annual
Clinical Forum on Mental Health, "Turning Knowledge into Practice" in
Bismark, North Dakota
05/08 Empowerment Within the Consumer Culture –
Workshop presentation at the 4th Annual Clinical Forum on Mental
Health, "Turning Knowledge into Practice" in Bismark, North Dakota
05/08 Overcoming the Language of Oppression:
Promoting Cultural Change with Words – Workshop presentation at the 4th Annual Clinical Forum on
Mental Health, "Turning Knowledge into Practice" in Bismark, North
Dakota
05/08 Trauma-Informed Case Management Services
– Workshop presentation at the 4th Annual Clinical Forum on
Mental Health, "Turning Knowledge into Practice" in Bismark, North
Dakota
05/08 Working in a Consumer-Driven, Evidence-Based,
Culturally Competent, Trauma-Informed, Recovery Oriented, Ethical System of
Care: Is It Possible? – Keynote presentation at the 4th
Annual Clinical Forum on Mental Health, "Turning Knowledge into
Practice" in Bismark, North Dakota
04/08 Introduction to Trauma Informed Peer Support
– Presentation at Lifeworx Recovery Center in Ashland, Ohio
11/07 Working in a Consumer-Driven, Evidence-Based,
Culturally Competent, Trauma-Informed, Recovery Oriented, Ethical System of
Care: Is It Possible? – Keynote presentation at the "Recovery
Fair" with the following objectives: 1) Describe a process by which one
becomes a "mental patient"; 2) Explain the concept of
"mentalism" and how to overcome these attitudes that create
retraumatization; 3) Define the terms recovery and empowerment. Presented in
Cincinnati, Ohio
10/07 National Anti Stigma Campaign – Expert
Peer Grant Reviewer for SAMHSA/CMHS
10/07 Review Draft Model/Standard "Permission for
Release of Information Form" for Ohio Department of Mental Health
10/07 From Recovery to Wellness – This
half-day institute addressed how one moves along a path from "mental
patient" to passionate advocate to a transformed system. Tips and tools
included clues about how to overcome trauma and other obstacles and barriers.
Topics covered included: 1) How one develops a "mental patient" identity;
2) How to overcome this "mental patient" identity; 3) How to move
from "mental patient" to recovered self; 4) How to overcome mental
patienthood through employment; 5) How to become an "Advocate"; 6)
How to identify and overcome "mentalist" attitudes; 7) Trauma informed
care and it's relationship to improved services; 8) Systems transformation.
Presented this institute at the National "Alternatives 2007"
Conference in St. Louis, Missouri
10/07 Retraumatization and Mutual Support –
This half-day institute focused on retraumatization from neglect and abuse.
Constructing one's self to manage trauma must be a socialization process.
Retraumatization hinders building trust and being responsible. Prejudice
challenges social justice, poverty challenges well-being, manipulation challenges
mutuality, and torture degrades Being. The alternative involves taking
responsibility and being socially accountable. The institute discussed advocacy
against retraumatization and finding mutual support. Presented this institute
at the National "Alternatives 2007" Conference in St. Louis, Missouri
10/07 Men and Trauma – This half-day institute
discussed issues for male trauma survivors, including the importance of
gender-specificity in understanding and responding to experiences of violent
victimization. Data was presented regarding the prevalence of trauma
experiences among boys and men; the impact of trauma; characteristic male
coping styles; and models for male trauma recovery and healing. Attention was
paid to different types of trauma exposure and to the role of race and culture
in men's trauma experiences. Presented this institute at the National
"Alternatives 2007" Conference in St. Louis, Missouri
10/07 Seclusion and Restraints: Supporting Evidence,
Best Practices and Tools for Advocacy – This half-day institute
focused on mentalism, trauma, advocacy, legislation, and networking for change.
Mentalism is a form of abuse and discrimination and can reflect the attitudes
of professionals allowing them to justify the harm they do to people. Trauma is
the result of this harm. Trauma has a cumulative effect and becomes more
harmful when human caused. To be this traumatized may evolve into the
impossibility of recovery. Participants learned how to advocate for coercion
and abuse free environments and help deter the effects of trauma.
Consumers/Survivors must begin taking a stronger role in advocating for
coercion free environments. Consumer/survivor driven success stories were
discussed. Another route to advocate for change regarding S&R is through legislation.
Attorney Morrison helped draft and later lobbied for a bill that created
uniform statewide standards on both restraint and seclusion of people labeled
as having mental illness. The California Legislature passed this bill and
Governor Gray Davis signed it into law in 2004 making California the first
state in the nation to have a landmark Restraint & Seclusion Law.
Participants were encouraged to initiate the same in their state through
resources that was offered through discussion and handouts. Additional advocacy
opportunities were discussed especially through each state's Protection and
Advocacy program and PAIMI advisory council. The overall focus of the
presentation was to offer a challenge to all consumers/survivors to become
empowered to effect change regarding the reduction and elimination of seclusion
and restraints in their states. Presented this institute at the National
"Alternatives 2007" Conference in St. Louis, Missouri
10/07 Seclusion and Restraints: Supporting Evidence,
Best Practices and Tools for Advocacy – This workshop focused on a
"Roadmap to Seclusion and Restraint Free Mental Health Services."
This presentation involved panel discussion and interactive dialogue. Many
states, providers, and consumer/survivors are still struggling to understand
how to reduce the use of seclusion and restraint (S&R) and, that while some
facilities have made great progress, best practices are not widely known or
practiced in many settings. Best practices will be identified and "The Roadmap
to Seclusion and Restraint Free Mental Health Services" will be discussed.
The Roadmap is an initiative from SAMHSA/CMHS involving consumer/survivor
participation to assist with implementing an S&R initiative. Real life
success stories were also shared of state initiatives from the S&R State
Initiative Grants, facilities that have achieved success, and alternatives to
S&R. Presented this workshop at the National "Alternatives 2007"
Conference in St. Louis, Missouri
10/07 Working in a Consumer-Driven, Evidence-Based,
Culturally Competent, Trauma-Informed, Recovery Oriented, Ethical System of
Care: Is It Possible? – Presented to a Graduate School of Social Work
at the University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
10/07 Mental Health Consumers Surviving Trauma
– This half-day institute discussed trauma issues for consumers/survivors
in the mental health system. The institute defined "trauma" and
discussed the importance of gender-specificity in understanding and responding
to experiences of violent victimization. In addition, the workshop talked about
some specific efforts to help people recover from trauma including the
reduction of seclusion and restraints in a forensic inpatient setting and
others. There was important discussion of the ways in which trauma and violence
affect consumers/survivors in the mental health system. Consumers/survivors
often present with pre-existing trauma issues. In addition, there was
discussion of many of the retraumatizing effects of service system practices
(mentalism). The institute discussed issues for trauma survivors, including the
importance of gender-specificity in understanding and responding to experiences
of violent victimization. Data was presented regarding the prevalence of trauma
experiences; the impact of trauma; characteristic coping styles; and models for
trauma recovery and healing. Attention was paid to different types of trauma
exposure and to the role of race and culture in trauma experiences. Data was
presented about seclusion, restraints and other forms of traumatizing and
retraumatizing practices and how they impact upon people and impede the
healing/recovery process. There was discussion about the obstacles often faced
in acknowledging trauma and seeking help. Some of the contextual factors -
family and community, race and ethnicity, class and gender role expectations -
that play a role in violence and recovery from violent trauma were outlined.
The institute concluded by communicating a sense of hopefulness about recovery
and some of the unique ways in which people have overcome the effects of
trauma. There was a presentation of some of the ways in which the use of
seclusion and restraints have been diminished or eliminated in a variety of
settings including forensic, emergency rooms, inpatient psychiatric and even children's
facilities. Presented at the Fifteenth National Case Management Conference in
Louisville, Kentucky.
10/07 Come Rap with Pat and Pam – Back by
popular demand! Last year in Salt Lake City, this was a well-attended workshop
and received high praise from the attendees. This year, the workshop was
expanded as Pat was joined by another leader of the consumer/survivor movement.
This half-day institute was designed for people to have the opportunity to
interact with "consumer/survivor" leaders and to discuss such topics
as, "What's gone wrong with the concept of recovery?" Attendees were
invited to come and discuss their issues and concerns. Success stories and
stories of system failure were presented by two storytellers extraordinaire who
are outspoken and successful, vocal advocates. Presented at the Fifteenth
National Case Management Conference in Louisville, Kentucky.
10/07 From Recovery to Wellness – This
half-day institute addressed how one moves along a path from "mental
patient" to passionate advocate to a transformed system. Tips and tools
included clues about how to overcome trauma and other obstacles and barriers.
Topics covered included: 1) How one develops a "mental patient"
identity; 2) How to overcome this "mental patient" identity; 3) How to
move from "mental patient" to recovered self; 4) How to overcome
mental patienthood through employment; 5) How to become an
"Advocate"; 6) How to identify and overcome "mentalist"
attitudes; 6) Possible pitfalls in employment and how to avoid or overcome them
(including some brief discussion of benefits systems); 7) Trauma informed care
and it's relationship to improved services; 8) Systems transformation.
Presented at the Fifteenth National Case Management Conference in Louisville,
Kentucky.
08/07 Promoting Cultural Change with Words –
Culture change means being open to willfully changing one's thinking, one's
feelings and one's behavior. Crisis Intervention Team Training seeks to end the
prejudice, discrimination and fear of people with mental illness. CIT is
dedicated to change from fear to people first. The heart of CIT is to use
words, not weapons, to understand the situation of a person who has a mental
illness. This presentation focused on the development of policies and
partnerships that promote a positive culture for law enforcement and people
labeled with mental illness. Leadership by example will also promote the change
necessary to make a difference in our culture. Co-presented this workshop at
the 2007 CIT National Conference in Memphis, Tennessee
08/07 Development of Peer Training/Mentoring: Addressing
the Lived Experience of Trauma - An invited attendee at this
Consumer/Expert Workgroup Meeting sponsored by NASMHPD/CMHS (National
Association of State Mental Health Program Directors/Center for Mental Health
Services) National Center for Trauma-Informed Care in Alexandria, Virginia
07/07 Empowerment and Consumer Culture - This
full-day consumer-oriented workshop introduced participants to the
contributions of the consumer/survivor movement and how they are influencing
the provision of services for mental health and substance use conditions today.
Current terms such as "recovery" and "empowerment" were
explored in depth, along with strategies for achieving these goals both personally
and within our professional work with clients. A discussion of potential
barriers and obstacles to achieving a recovery-oriented system was included,
along with strategies for overcoming these barriers and achieving a truly
transformed system of services. Consumers and service providers were encouraged
to attend this workshop together. Learning Objectives: 1) Define the terms
recovery and empowerment, 2) Explain the political structure of federal and
local level mental health systems, 3) Discuss the goals of a transformed
system, 4) Describe at least three methods for facilitating recovery. Presented
at the 36th Annual Summer Institute in Newark, Delaware
[http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dsamh/summerinst07.html]
07/07 Self-Advocacy and Negotiations - The
consumer-driven self-advocacy movement for recovery and transformation has
awakened the need for change at all levels of the mental health and substance
use system. One particular call for change encourages consumers and their
families to become advocates for their rights and treatment needs. This
full-day, consumer-oriented, interactive workshop engaged participants in
identifying and developing strategies of self-advocacy and negotiation within
the mental health and substance use system. Topics included developing tools
for active participation in the treatment team and treatment planning process.
Role-play and other forms of practice helped to reinforce these tools and
strategies. There was also a discussion of the consumer-driven progress
accomplished thus far, and areas of yet-needed change for achieving true
systems transformation. Learning Objectives: 1) Describe various ways in which
a person might be an advocate, 2) Explain three tools of negotiation, 3)
Describe skills for accomplishing positive change. Presented at the 36th Annual
Summer Institute in Newark, Delaware
[http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dsamh/summerinst07.html]
07/07 Recovery, Trauma, and Empowerment - This
full-day consumer-oriented workshop presented the history of the
consumer/survivor movement and its roots in other civil rights movements. There
was discussion about the two different aspects of the movement, self-help and
advocacy, and how these aspects converge into a system that is
recovery-focused. Additional topics included the impact of trauma on the lives
of people in the mental health and substance abuse system. More specifically,
ways in which the system can help in healing past traumas as well as ways in
which it can re-traumatize the individual and stifle the healing process were explored.
Discussion focused on how helping others can facilitate the healing process for
oneself, and suggested ways for people to get involved in the trauma-sensitive,
self-help, peer support movement. Learning Objectives: 1) Describe
trauma-informed service systems, 2) Explain the concept of
"mentalism" and how to overcome these attitudes, 3) Explain the two
branches of the modern mental health "consumer" movement and describe
how they differ. Presented at the 36th Annual Summer Institute in Newark,
Delaware [http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dsamh/summerinst07.html]
07/07 WNCO Radio on Consumer Provided Services - A
panelist on the topic of consumer/survivor provided services on this 1-hour
program in Ashland, Ohio.
03/07 Recovery and All That Jazz - This half-day
keynote presentation was part of the "Recovery Model Toolbox" Series.
The presentation covered: (1) Consumer Rights and Recovery; (2) Recovery Model
from a consumer's/survivor's perspective; (3) Recovery model, past, present and
10 years from now; (4) Evidence based practices of consumer staff models,
working in partnership; (5) How/what staff and consumers should be doing to
prepare for this transformation; and, (6) Latest cutting edge information on
recovery. Presented at the Franconia Road Treatment Center in Alexandria,
Virginia
01/07 Recovery Wellness Workshop - This half-day
keynote presentation was designed to encourage people to take the journey from
"mental patient" to recovered worker as a Peer Specialist. The
presentation covered recovery and wellness as well as advocacy, employment and
trauma issues. Presented on behalf of Orange County Mental Health in Orange
County, California.
01/07 MindFreedom Radio - Featured presenter on the
topic of overcoming and recovering from oppression by the psycho-pharmaceutical
industry.
11/06 Justice-Involved Men and Trauma - This
federally convened national workgroup discussed issues related to justice
involved men and trauma as well as the growing crisis in trauma among veterans.
Washington, D.C.
10/06 Men and Trauma - This institute discussed
issues for male trauma survivors, including the importance of
gender-specificity in understanding and responding to experiences of violent
victimization. Data was presented regarding the prevalence of trauma experiences
among boys and men; the impact of trauma; characteristic male coping styles;
and models for male trauma recovery and healing. Attention was paid to
different types of trauma exposure and to the role of race and culture in men's
trauma experiences. Co-Presented this institute at the National
"Alternatives 2006" Conference in Portland, Oregon
10/06 The Culture of Grassroots Organizing:
Transformation and Accountability - Veteran grassroots organizers discuss
bringing the "grassroots underground to the surface." Real
transformation means changes in the social infrastructure through sensitive,
often unheralded detail work. Grassroots work commonly taken for granted must
truly be valued and appreciated. "Transformation" obliges being accountable
to people whose recovery situation is transformed. Co-Presented this institute
at the National "Alternatives 2006" Conference in Portland, Oregon
10/06 How Consumer/Survivors are Working to Reduce and
Eliminate the use of Seclusion & Restraints - How consumers/survivors
are contributing to the reduction of restraint/seclusion. More about advocacy
opportunities to eliminate the use of restraint and seclusion. Mentalism and
trauma discussed in detail. Co-Presented this workshop at the National
"Alternatives 2006" Conference in Portland, Oregon
10/06 Rap With Pat - This workshop is designed for
people to have an opportunity to interact with a "consumer/survivor"
leader and to discuss such topics as, "What's gone wrong with the concept
of recovery?" Presented at the 2006 National Association of Case
Management (NACM) conference. Salt Lake City, Utah
10/06 Men and Trauma - This institute discussed
issues for male trauma survivors, including the importance of
gender-specificity in understanding and responding to experiences of violent
victimization. Data was presented regarding the prevalence of trauma
experiences among boys and men; the impact of trauma; characteristic male
coping styles; and models for male trauma recovery and healing. Attention was
paid to different types of trauma exposure and to the role of race and culture
in men's trauma experiences. Presented this Institute at the 2006 National
Association of Case Management (NACM) conference. Salt Lake City, Utah
10/06 Solving the Problems of Mentalism: Recognizing and
Overcoming Treatment Induced Oppression, Discrimination and Trauma - This
workshop identified several different forms of oppression, discrimination and
trauma related to mental health treatment with an exploration of how and why
these occur. Mentalism and prognostication, as well as mentalism as it relates
to psychotropic medications, physical environment, and language were covered.
In addition, the consumer/survivor perspective of decontextualization was
explored. The workshop concluded with a discussion of how to overcome problems
of mentalist attitudes. Presented at the 2006 National Association of Case
Management (NACM) conference. Salt Lake City, Utah
10/06 Effective Supervision of Peer Case Management
- This workshop discussed issues for supervisors. Supervisors have often been
promoted to their position without benefit of any formal training. Problems can
arise when untrained supervisors confuse their role as supervisor with their
previous role as therapist/case manager. Role confusion can become more
complicated when supervising consumers/survivors who have not yet developed
full roles within the provider agency. Presented at the 2006 National
Association of Case Management (NACM) Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah
09/06 Men and Trauma - This workshop discussed
issues for male trauma survivors, including the importance of
gender-specificity in understanding and responding to experiences of violent
victimization. Data was presented regarding the prevalence of trauma
experiences among boys and men; the impact of trauma; characteristic male
coping styles; and models for male trauma recovery and healing. Attention was
paid to different types of trauma exposure and to the role of race and culture
in men's trauma experiences. Presented at the 11th International Conference on
Violence, Abuse and Trauma in San Diego, California
09/06 Recovery: Hopes and Dreams of Real Transformation
- Keynote presentation at the 20th Annual Statewide Mental Health Consumer
Conference hosted by Knowledge Empowers You (KEY) in Indianapolis, Indiana
07/06 Recovery: Hopes and Dreams of Real Transformation
- Keynote presentation at the Fourth Annual "Celebration Recovery"
Conference of the Ohio Adult Recovery Network in Akron, Ohio
05/06 Solving the Problems of Mentalism: Recognizing and
Overcoming Treatment Induced Oppression, Discrimination and Trauma - This
workshop identified several different forms of oppression, discrimination and
trauma related to mental health treatment with an exploration of how and why
these occur. Mentalism and prognostication, as well as mentalism as it relates
to psychotropic medications, physical environment, and language were covered.
In addition, the consumer/survivor perspective of decontextualization was
explored. The workshop concluded with a discussion of how to overcome problems
of mentalist attitudes. Presented at the 2006 Mental Health Consumer &
Family Education and Leadership Conference. Anchorage, Alaska
12/05 To Be A Mental Patient - Keynote presentation
at the Annual Meeting of the Mental Health Association of Collier County in
Naples, Florida
11/05 Men and Trauma - Coordinated presentation of
this workshop at the NARPA (National Association for Rights Protection and
Advocacy) Conference in Hartford, Connecticut
10/05 Men and Trauma - Presented this workshop at
the National Alternatives Conference in Phoenix, Arizona
10/05 How are Consumer/Survivors helping to
Reduce/Eliminate the use of Seclusion and Restraint? (Part I) - How
consumers/survivors are contributing to the reduction of restraint/seclusion.
How to get your state's Protection and Advocacy organization to be more
effective. In depth coverage of de-escalation techniques and the use of comfort
rooms. Co-Presented this workshop at the National Alternatives Conference in Phoenix,
Arizona
10/05 How are Consumer/Survivors helping to
Reduce/Eliminate the use of Seclusion and Restraint? (Part II) - More about
advocacy opportunities to eliminate the use of restraint and seclusion.
Mentalism and trauma discussed in detail. Co-Presented this workshop at the
National Alternatives Conference in Phoenix, Arizona
06/05 Solving the Problems of Mentalism: Recognizing and
Overcoming Treatment Induced Oppression, Discrimination and Trauma - This
workshop identified several different forms of oppression, discrimination and
trauma related to mental health treatment with an exploration of how and why
these occur. Mentalism and prognostication, as well as mentalism as it relates
to psychotropic medications, physical environment, and language were covered.
In addition, the consumer/survivor perspective of decontextualization was
explored. The workshop concluded with a discussion of how to overcome problems
of mentalist attitudes. Presented at the 2005 National Association of Case
Management (NACM) conference. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
05/05 Disconnect: Changing Social Relations and
Combating the Psychology of War - The present war mentality focuses on
'getting evil to behave', on producing conformity to "globalized"
society. Along a similar path, we must find a means of attending to the problem
of moving mental health from a 'mental disease' concept to a 'democratic
dialogue' (Gergen) and to do so we must deconstruct the social basis of that
"replacement" psychology. We must target turning the deficit-based
behavioral medicine paradigm into an asset-based trauma work collaborative.
This workshop was focused on how to build tools for constructing dialogue
between the "client/survivor" movement and psychologists and
counselors on the basis of social justice and enhanced mutual respect beyond
what generally obtains now. Veteran activists engaged participants in a
roundtable style conversation. Presented at the 2005 Psychologists for Social
Responsibility and Counselors for Social Justice conference. Portland, Oregon
05/05 Solving the Problems of Mentalism: Recognizing and
Overcoming Treatment Induced Oppression, Discrimination and Trauma - This
workshop identified several different forms of oppression, discrimination and
trauma related to mental health treatment with an exploration of how and why
these occur. Mentalism and prognostication, as well as mentalism as it relates
to psychotropic medications, physical environment, and language were covered.
In addition, the consumer/survivor perspective of decontextualization was
explored. The workshop will concluded with a discussion of how to overcome
problems of mentalist attitudes. Presented at the 2005 Psychologists for Social
Responsibility and Counselors for Social Justice conference. Portland, Oregon
02/05 Outcomes and Perspectives on the National Dare to
Act Trauma Conference of 2004 - Presented to the National Advisory
Committee - Subcommittee On Consumer/Survivor Issues, Washington, D.C.
02/05 The "Consumer" Movement: Past, Present
and Future - Presentation as a guest lecturer to a class on Evidence-Based
Interventions for Community Mental Health Practice at the Graduate School of
Social Work at Portland State University. Portland, Oregon
01/05 Effective Communication with Mental Health
Consumer/Survivors - Presentation to Oregon State Department of Health
Services Reception Staff. Portland, Oregon
01/05 Effective Communication with Mental Health
Consumer/Survivors - Presentation to Oregon State Department of Health
Services Reception Staff. Hillsboro, Oregon
12/04 Men and Trauma Institute - This institute
addressed lessons learned from male trauma survivors, including the importance
of gender-specificity in understanding and responding to experiences of violent
victimization. Presenters discussed the prevalence of trauma experiences among
boys and men; the impact of trauma; characteristic male coping styles; and
models for male trauma recovery and healing. Attention was paid to different
types of trauma exposure and to the role of race and culture in men's trauma
experiences. The institute considered both effective trauma-specific
interventions and the development of trauma-informed approaches to services for
men. Actively planned and presented during this full day institute as part of
the National Dare to Act conference on Trauma. Baltimore, Maryland
12/04 Trauma in the Lives of Men: Impact, Services, and
Recovery - Co-Presented this workshop at the National Dare to Act
conference on Trauma. Baltimore, Maryland
10/04 How to Develop a Statewide Mental Health Trauma
Policy - Co-Presented at Alternatives 2004 Conference. Denver, Colorado
07/04 Peer and Self-Advocacy and Serving on Advisory
Boards and Councils - Training provided to consumers/survivors in Southeast
Oregon. Coos Bay, Oregon
11/03 NARPA 101 - Presented at the NARPA 2003:
United for Social Justice Conference. (NARPA is the National Association for
Rights Protection and Advocacy.) Austin, Texas
11/03 Critical Connections - A professional/consumer
panel interacting with each other and the audience to enhance case management
and consumer case management practice and mutual respect and understanding.
Presented this plenary session as a panelist at the National Association of
Case Management (NACM) conference. Nashville, Tennessee
10/03 Solving the Problems of Mentalism: Recognizing and
Overcoming Treatment Induced Oppression, Discrimination and Trauma -
Presented at: Celebrate Wellness IV: A Statewide Conference Promoting the
Health and Wellness of Oregonians with Disabilities. Portland, Oregon
10/03 Risser, Pat (2004). Barriers to Self-Determination
for People who have been Identified as Having Mental Illness in Western Society
- In UIC NRTC's National Self-Determination and Psychiatric Disability
Invitational Conference: Conference Papers (J. Jonikas & J. Cook, Eds.),
pp. 209-230., Chicago, IL: UIC National Research & Training Center on
Psychiatric Disability.
06/03 Consult on Mental Health Courts - Met with and
provided consultation to representative from Yamhill County regarding Mental
Health Courts and how to keep them from becoming oppressive toward those whom
they are designed to serve. Lake Oswego, Oregon
05/03 Solving the Problems of Mentalism: Recognizing and
Overcoming Treatment Induced Oppression, Discrimination and Trauma - Presentation
at National Association of Social Workers-Oregon Chapter, annual conference.
Tualatin, Oregon
03/03 Developing a Statewide Mental Health Trauma Policy
- Presentation at the 9th National and 2nd International Conference on the
Abuse of Children and Adults with Disabilities. Riverside, California
02/03 Consumer/Survivor Perspectives on Public Mental
Health Services - Presentation as a guest lecturer to a class at the
Graduate School of Social Work at Portland State University. Also discussed the
Recovery Model of service provision and how social workers can be more
sensitive and better partners with consumers in the assessment and diagnosis
process and the history of the C/S/X
(Consumer/Client/Survivor/Ex-inmate/Ex-patient) movement as a social change
movement and a review of issues of self-determination. Portland, Oregon
01/03 Capitol Voices - Presented as part of this
full day training for mental health consumers on how the legislative process
works (or doesn't). Salem, Oregon
01/03 Consumer/Survivor Perspective on Mental Health
Services - Presented half-day as guest lecturer to a class of Senior
nursing students at Oregon Health and Sciences University. Portland, Oregon
12/02 History of the C/S/X
(Consumer/Client/Survivor/Ex-inmate/Ex-patient) Movement - Presented to
Renaissance Peer Counseling support class (part of Cascadia Behavioral
HealthCare, Inc.) in Portland, Oregon
12/02 Peer and Self Advocacy 102 - Presented this
two-day training on Mental Status Exam, Diagnosis and Psychiatric Medications
to the Circle of Hope Drop-in Center in Corvallis, Oregon
11/02 Recognizing and Overcoming Internalized Oppression
- Presented this workshop at "NARPA (National Association for Rights
Protection and Advocacy) 2002: Rights Under Siege" Conference in Portland,
Oregon.
11/02 Consumers as Case Managers from Different
Perspectives - Presented this workshop as a panelist at the National
Association of Case Management (NACM) conference in Washington, D.C.
10/02 Consumer/Survivor Perspective on Mental Health
Services - Presented half-day as guest lecturer to a class of Senior
nursing students at Oregon Health and Sciences University. Portland, Oregon
10/02 Hints and Tips on Effective Presentations -
Presented each of five evenings at the "Fall Institute on
Self-Determination" (An Activity of the Real Choice Systems Change Project
of the Oregon Office of Mental Health and Addiction Service). Topics included:
Assertiveness; Stress Management; Use of Multi-Media; Ice-Breakers; Reading and
Connecting with an Audience and Role Play. Portland, Oregon
10/02 Employment as a Critical Element of
Consumer/Survivor Self-Determination - Half-day intensive learning module
presented at the "Fall Institute on Self-Determination" (An Activity
of the Real Choice Systems Change Project of the Oregon Office of Mental Health
and Addiction Service). Portland, Oregon
10/02 Introduction to Consumer/Survivor
Self-Determination - Half-day intensive learning module presented at the
"Fall Institute on Self-Determination" (An Activity of the Real
Choice Systems Change Project of the Oregon Office of Mental Health and
Addiction Service). Topics included: History of Consumer/Survivor
Self-Determination; Values and Principles of Consumer/ Survivor
Self-Determination; Philosophy of Recovery. Portland, Oregon
10/02 Self-Help and Community Centers: From the
Patients¹ Rights Era to the Present with Mental Health Consumer Concerns,
Inc. - Presentation at the 25th Anniversary Celebration, "Remembering Our
Past & Celebrating the Future! A Tribute to the Successes of the Second
Oldest Consumer-Run Organization in the U.S.A.!" for Mental Health
Consumer Concerns, Inc. in Concord, California
09/02 Real Conversations - Workshop presented at
Alternatives 2002 Conference. In the course of developing a process that would
lead to a National Organization for the consumer/survivor/ex-patient movement
differences had to be overcome and ways of communicating and trusting had to be
developed. This workshop discusses some of how that happened. Atlanta, Georgia
09/02 Recovery From Trauma - Workshop presented at
Alternatives 2002 Conference. People who have survived trauma are often given
psychiatric labels, but the traumatic causes of their distress are often not
identified or may even be denied by those providing services. Existing mental
health treatment often re-traumatizes the survivor. This workshop will discuss
issues around recovery from trauma. The definition of trauma will be explored,
as well as the long-term manifestations of trauma in people's lives. Current
diagnostic issues and rationales for treatment will be critically examined,
especially with respect to the punitive use of the diagnoses. Atlanta, Georgia
09/02 Introduction to Peer and Self-Advocacy - Two
day training presented to consumer/survivors at Circle of Hope Drop-In Center
in Corvallis, Oregon
08/02 Starting and Governing a Consumer Operated Drop-In
Center - Training presented on behalf of OCTA (Oregon Consumer Technical
Assistance) to consumer/ survivors from Sweet Home Drop-In in Albany, Oregon,
from On Our Own Drop-In in Albany, Oregon and from Circle of Hope Drop-In in
Corvallis, Oregon
08/02 Grant Writing and Fundraising - Training
presented on behalf of OCTA (Oregon Consumer Technical Assistance) to SHAMA
(Self-Help And Mutual Assistance) Drop-In House in North Bend, Oregon
08/02 The Case Against the Use of Force and Coercion in
Mental Health Care - Testimony before a sub-committee of President Bush's
New Freedom Commission on Mental Health in Washington, D.C.
07/02 Identifying and Overcoming Mentalism -
Co-authored this article which is currently in press (Community Mental Health
Journal) with Coni Kalinowski, M.D.
07/02 C.R.I.S.P. (Crisis Recovery Individualized Support
Plan) - This article outlining a successful method of reducing inpatient
hospitalizations for people who have been labeled with psychiatric disabilities
is currently in press (Community Mental Health Journal).
06/02 Trauma Awareness and Responsive Mental Health
Service - Co-presented this training to mental health professionals to
increase the knowledge level and awareness of participants about the permanent
and changeable effects of serious trauma and neglect. Participants learned
about actions and supports to assist trauma survivors in their recovery. New
trauma-focused treatment approaches revealing positive results were discussed.
Responses that might trigger reactions arising out of old trauma were
identified, and the possible interaction of trauma effects with offered mental
health services were explored. The training was also designed to sensitize
mental health staff to the experiences of trauma survivors and the potential
for triggering and retraumatization.
06/02 Recognizing and Overcoming Internalized Oppression
- Presentation at Camp OCTA Leadership Conference, this was an interactive
workshop with participants identifying their own internalized oppression based
on examples provided by the workshop facilitator. Participants were also
challenged to learn to be assertive in giving up those internalized oppressions
and thus be better able to suggest changes to the mental health system.
"As advocates, we can't challenge oppression in ourselves and others and
thus make the system better, if we can't recognize the oppression that
exists." Presented at Camp Magruder at Rockaway Beach, Oregon
06/02 History of the C/S/X Patient's Rights Movement
- Co-Presented at Camp OCTA Leadership Conference, this was an interactive
workshop that traced the history of the struggles of our movement through it's
roots in self-help/peer support to the current situation with the American's
with Disabilities Act and the Olmstead decision. (C/S/X = Consumer or Client,
Survivor, Ex-Patient or Ex-Inmate) Presented at Camp Magruder at Rockaway
Beach, Oregon
05/02 Introduction to Advocacy and Activism -
Presentation at O.C.T.A. (Office of Consumer Technical Assistance), for Oregon
Trail Project III to train consumer/survivors in how to get more involved in
local public policy by participation on Advisory Boards. Presented in Portland,
Oregon
05/02 Introduction to OCTA - Presentation to mental
health consumers in Burns, Oregon
05/02 State Hospitals: Worst Case Scenarios -
Workshop presentation to mental health service providers (Case Managers and
Adult Foster Care Home Workers) in Burns, Oregon
05/02 Successful Community Living - Workshop
presentation to mental health service providers (Case Managers and Adult Foster
Care Home Workers) in Burns, Oregon
05/02 Human Sexuality and Mental Health Recovery: The
Final Taboo - Workshop presentation at the Spring 2002 CASRA (California
Association of Social Rehabilitation Services) Conference. Presented in Walnut
Creek, California
04/02 Beyond Components: Using Fidelity Scales to
Measure and Assure Choice in Program Implementation and Quality Assurance -
Co-Authored with Robert Paulson, Rachel Post and Heidi Herinckx. Abstract:
Fidelity scales have become an accepted part of intervention research.
Initially, fidelity scales focused on critical components of an intervention.
In this paper we argue that the next generation of fidelity scales should
include key process variables such as choice. Since choice is an essential
element in all empowerment and recovery driven intervention models, a fidelity
scale for an enhanced version of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS)
supported employment model that incorporates choice as a fundamental component
was developed as part of a SAMHSA community action grant. The process for
developing the choice component and the dimensions measured are also described.
Community Mental Health Journal, 38 (2): 119-128, April 2002
04/02 Psychological Trauma Policy Statewide Regional
Forum - Presented consumer/survivor perspective at this forum to discuss
the draft of a new statewide proposed policy. Helped facilitate discussion
group. Presented in Eugene, Oregon Also presented in 3/02 in Wilsonville,
Oregon
01/02 Meaningful inclusion of people with psychiatric
disabilities in White House decision making on mental health issues, better
enforcement of civil rights laws and support for the national expansion of
peer-run service approaches - Co-Presented to President Bush Domestic
Policy Advisors in Washington, D.C.
01/02 Crisis Planning to Avoid Hospitalization and
Advance Directives - Co-Presented at Renaissance (a program with Cascadia
Behavioral HealthCare, Inc.) in Portland, Oregon
11/01 What Is Recovery? - Article in Westward Union,
Newsletter of the National Empowerment Center on the West Coast. Volume V, No.
1; Fall 2001
10/01 History of the C/S/X (Consumer/Client/Survivor/Ex-inmate/Ex-patient)
Movement and a Review of Issues of Self-Determination and Recovery -
Presentation at Open Door Consumer Center in Astoria, Oregon
10/01 Consumer Perspectives on Public Mental Health
Services - Presentation to a class at the Graduate School of Social Work at
Portland State University. Also discussed the Recovery Model of service
provision and how social workers can be more sensitive and better partners with
consumers in the assessment and diagnosis process and the history of the C/S/X
(Consumer/Client/Survivor/Ex-inmate/Ex-patient) movement as a social change
movement and a review of issues of self-determination - Presented in Portland,
Oregon
09/01 History of the C/S/X
(Consumer/Client/Survivor/Ex-inmate/Ex-patient) Movement and a Review of Issues
of Self-Determination and Recovery - Presentation to Psychiatric Interns at
OHSU (Oregon Health Sciences University) in Portland, Oregon (also presented in
6/01)
08/01 Human Sexuality and Mental Health Recovery: The
Final Taboo - Workshop presentation at the "Alternatives 2001"
Conference. Presented in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
08/01 An Overview of Consumer Involvement in Public
Policy: The Consumer Movement, It's History, Empowerment and Recovery -
Presentation at Mental Health Community Forum in association with O.C.T.A.
(Office of Consumer Technical Assistance). Presented in Corvallis, Oregon
07/01 Human Sexuality and Mental Health Recovery: The
Final Taboo - Workshop presentation at the World Assembly for Mental
Health: Respecting Diversity in a Changing World Conference. Presented in Vancouver, British
Columbia, Canada
06/01 History of the C/S/X
(Consumer/Client/Survivor/Ex-inmate/Ex-patient) Movement - Presented to
Renaissance Peer Counseling support class (part of Network Behavioral
HealthCare, Inc.) in Portland, Oregon
05/01 An Overview of Consumer Involvement in Public
Policy: The Consumer Movement, It's History and Empowerment - Presentation
at O.C.T.A. (Office of Consumer Technical Assistance), for Oregon Trail Project
II to train consumer/survivors in how to get more involved in local public
policy by participation on Advisory Boards. Presented in Portland, Oregon
05/01 Roles of Partners in Recovery - Co-Presented
this workshop on the roles of various important people necessary to build a
recovery oriented public mental health system at the CASRA (California
Association of Social Rehabilitation Agencies) 2001 conference in Walnut Creek,
California
04/01 History of the Consumer/Survivor Movement;
Balancing Empowerment, Recovery and Advocacy - Presented to the members of
"A Place Of Our Own" Drop-In Center in Tillamook, Oregon
04/01 Recovery: More Than Just Another Name for the Same
Old Thing - Co-Presented this workshop on a new "model" of
recovery at the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare's "In
the Public Interest: Strategies and Solutions for Tomorrow" Annual
Training Conference in Portland, Oregon
04/01 Consumers as Colleagues: When Consumers become
Co-Workers - Co-Presented this workshop about "consumers" in the
mental health workforce at the National Council for Community Behavioral
Healthcare's "In the Public Interest: Strategies and Solutions for
Tomorrow" Annual Training Conference in Portland, Oregon
02/01 Incorporating Concepts of Recovery and Wellness
into the Old Paradigm - Keynote presentation to the MVBCN (Mid-Valley
Behavioral Care Network) Third Annual Quality Colloquium: Creating a
Consumer-Centered System in Salem, Oregon
11/00 The Consumer Perspective on Recovery and the Value
of Work with the IPS+ Program - Full day training presented to Washington
and Multnomah County IPS+ (Individualized Placement and Support) providers who
are part of start-up, pilot projects to provide intensive case management and
supported employment services. Presented in Portland, Oregon
11/00 The Journey from Mental Patient to Psychiatric
Survivor: Overcoming Mentalism - Workshop presented at the "NARPA
2000" (National Association for Rights Protection and Advocacy)
conference; Taking Power to the People: Knowledge Plus Action. Many psychiatric
survivors have overcome many of the effects of the trauma of mentalism. This
interactive workshop focused on helping people to identify mentalism, its
effects and steps in overcoming mentalist attitudes within a recovery
framework. Presented in Sacramento, California
10/00 Mental Health Treatment that Works: National and
Local Perspectives - Co-Presented this workshop at Mental Health and the
Law conference sponsored by Multnomah County NAMI. In this workshop, consumer/survivors
and advocates together discussed recovery-based, consumer-focused programs that
result in long-lasting, successful outcomes with increased community tenure. We
also exposed some of the prevalent myths around mental illness, such as the
violence myth and the myth of the need for forced treatment, and how these and
other myths are hurting rather than helping people get the services they need
to prosper. Presented in Portland, Oregon
10/00 Consumer Perspectives on Public Mental Health
Services - Presentation to a class at the Graduate School of Social Work at
Portland State University. Also discussed the Recovery Model of service
provision and how social workers can be more sensitive and better partners with
consumers in the assessment and diagnosis process and the history of the C/S/X
(Consumer/Client/Survivor/Ex-inmate/Ex-patient) movement as a social change
movement and a review of issues of self-determination - Presented in Portland,
Oregon
10/00 Consumer/Providers from Different Perspectives
- Co-Presented on this workshop panel to look at issues regarding consumers as
providers. This panel blended together the different perspectives of
individuals who have had experience in either hiring or being a
consumer/provider at the Eighth National Case Management Conference sponsored
by the NACM (National Association of Case Management) in Kansas City, Missouri
10/00 The Journey from Mental Patient to Psychiatric
Survivor: Overcoming Mentalism - Workshop presented at "Alternatives
2000" conference. Many psychiatric survivors have overcome many of the
effects of the trauma of mentalism. This interactive workshop focused on
helping people to identify mentalism, its effects and steps in overcoming
mentalist attitudes within a recovery framework. Presented in Nashville,
Tennessee
08/00 Choosing Meaningful Employment: The IPS+ Model
- Co-Presented this workshop at "Voices of Hope" conference (Oregon
consumer/survivors second annual conference) sponsored by OCTA (Oregon Consumer
Technical Assistance). IPS+ is Individual Placement and Support Plus, a
Supported Employment Model. Presented in Portland, Oregon
08/00 The Journey from Mental Patient to Psychiatric
Survivor: Overcoming Mentalism - Workshop presented at "Voices of
Hope" conference (Oregon consumer/survivors second annual conference)
sponsored by OCTA (Oregon Consumer Technical Assistance). Many psychiatric
survivors have overcome many of the effects of the trauma of mentalism. This
interactive workshop focused on helping people to identify mentalism, its
effects and steps in overcoming mentalist attitudes within a recovery
framework. Presented in Portland, Oregon
08/00 The California System of Patients' Rights Advocacy
- Presentation to Joint Judiciary Committee Work Group on Advocacy in Eugene,
Oregon
08/00 A Public Mental Health System Without Coercion
- Facilitated this roundtable discussion at the NARMH (National Association for
Rural Mental Health) conference in Portland, Oregon
04/00 Recovery and the Modern Mental Health System -
Presentation to the Governor's Mental Health Alignment Work Group in Turner,
Oregon
04/00 Beyond Components: Using Fidelity Scales to
Measure Choice in Program Implementation and Quality Assurance -
Co-Presented this workshop on IPS+ (Individual Placement and Support Plus),
Fidelity Scales and Consumer Choice at "Building on Family Strengths"
(A National Conference on Research and Services in Support of Children and
Their Families) in Portland, Oregon
01/00 Recovery - Article in Paradigm, a quarterly
publication of The Office of Consumer Technical Assistance
11/99 Consumer Empowerment and Advocacy; Increasing the
Voice of Consumers in the Mental Health System - Co-Presented this full day
training with OCTA (Oregon Consumer Technical Assistance) in Grants Pass,
Oregon
11/99 Recovery Model - Workshop presented twice at
Oregon State's Successful Community Living Conference in Springfield, Oregon
09/99 Changing Our Minds: A Conversation About Work and
Our Mental Health - Panelist at workshop with OCTA (Office of Consumer Technical
Assistance) and IPS+ (Individual Placement and Support Plus) in a town hall
style discussion about employment and its impact on mental health in West Linn,
Oregon
05/99 Recovery: Consumer/Survivor Perspectives -
Workshop to introduce people to the idea of "mental health" instead
of "mental illness" and talk about recovery and independence instead
of the limitations which are stereotypically placed on mental patients.
Presented on how people can learn to overcome their limitations and acquire the
skills to live and thrive successfully in the community in ways which promote
independence and freedom. Presented at "Visions of Strength"
conference (Oregon consumer/survivors first annual conference), Springfield,
Oregon
05/99 Recovery and Empowerment - Plenary Panel
member for opening night panel at "Visions of Strength" conference
(Oregon consumer/survivors first annual conference), Springfield, Oregon
1998 Risser, P. (1998). In Solomon, M., Jonikas, J., Cook,
J., Kerouac, J. (Eds.) Positive partnerships: How consumers and nonconsumers
can work together as service providers. Chicago: National Research and
Training Center on Psychiatric Disability.
06/98 Consumer-Directed Planning & Career
Development for People with Psychiatric Disabilities - As faculty,
facilitator/consultant, co-presented/trained as part of University of San
Francisco's "Generating Employment Opportunities" contract with the
California State Departments of Mental Health and Vocational Rehabilitation,
"Building Employment and Community Connections" program, a
Values-Based Curriculum for Serving People with Psychiatric Disabilities, to
Sutter/Yuba Counties Mental Health Services in Marysville, California -- Also
presented "Career Counseling and Goal Planning (Consumer
Directed)" in 03/97 in
San Diego, California in 11/96 in
San Ramon, California; 05/96 in
Orange, Davis, Fairfield and San Bernardino, California; in 04/96 in Phoenix, Arizona; in 02/96 in San Ramon, California; in 06/95 in Pomona, Fresno, Madera, Eureka, and Riverside
California; in 05/95 in Orange,
California; in 02/95 in San Ramon,
California; in 01/95 in Orange,
California; in 04/94 in Orange,
California; in 02/94 in Los
Angeles, California and in 01/94
in San Ramon, California
05/98 Let`s Understand Each Other - Presentation of
all day workshop designed to promote unity, partnership and understanding in
celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month sponsored by Yolo County Mental
Health (YCMH), Yolo Consumer Self-Help, Advocacy and Peer Support (CSHAPES) and
Yolo Community Care Continuum (YCCC) to the Yolo County, California Mental
Health Community in Woodland, California
04/98 Empowering Mental Health Clients -
Presentation to Yolo Consumer Self-Help, Advocacy and Peer Support (CSHAPES) in
Woodland, California
04/96 Psychiatric Disabilities & Assessment of
Abilities (including Psychopharmacologic Issues) – As faculty,
facilitator/consultant, co-presented/trained as part of University of San
Francisco's "Generating Employment Opportunities" contract with the
California State Departments of Mental Health and Vocational Rehabilitation,
"Building Employment and Community Connections" program, a
Values-Based Curriculum for Serving People with Psychiatric Disabilities, San
Diego, California
04/96 The O.F.F.I.C.E. Program for Training Mental
Health Consumers to Work in Public Mental Health - Co-presented at graduate
student training for The Union Institute, San Francisco, California
10/95 Planning a Community Based System: A Consumer
Directed Program - The Colorado Model of the Colorado Consumer Case Manager
Program - Presentation to Rosebridge Graduate School of Psychology, Concord,
California
07/95 Phoenix Enterprises, Inc. - Consulted on
Federally funded RFP for development of residential treatment services at a HUD
811 construction site for 14 units to serve those identified as the most
"Seriously and Persistently Mentally Ill" people in the county,
Concord, Contra Costa County, California
07/95 Training and Career Development (for Mental Health
Consumer/Providers) - Co- facilitated workshop at "Working the System:
Comparing & Sharing Experiences with Peers" Conference in Denver,
Colorado
06/95 PsychoSocial Rehabilitation Values and Philosophy
in a Consumer Directed System - As faculty, facilitator/consultant,
co-presented/trained as part of University of San Francisco's "Generating
Employment Opportunities" contract with the California State Departments
of Mental Health and Vocational Rehabilitation, Building Employment and
Community Connections" program, a values based curriculum for serving
people with psychiatric disabilities, Santa Barbara and Santa Maria California
05/95 Mental Health Client Work Force Training -
Co-presented at JOBS NOW: Meaningful Employment of Clients in Public Mental
Health, Oakland, California (Also served on the Conference Planning Committee)
05/95 Developing Housing for People with Psychiatric
Disabilities - Co-presented at HOUSING CALIFORNIA '95 Conference,
Sacramento, California
04/95 The O.F.F.I.C.E. Program for Training Mental
Health Consumers to Work in Public Mental Health - Co-presented at CASRA
(California Association of Social Rehabilitation Agencies) Annual Conference,
Oakland, California
04/95 The O.F.F.I.C.E. Program for Training Mental
Health Consumers to Work in Public Mental Health - Co-presented at the
Tenth Annual Wealth of Health Conference, San Mateo, California
03/95 Assessment and Planning in a Consumer Directed
System: Values and Philosophy - Faculty/Consultant with University of San
Francisco, McLaren School of Business, Department of Rehabilitation
presentation to Future of the State Hospitals Task Force; Assessment Work
Group, South San Francisco, California
12/94 The O.F.F.I.C.E. Program for Training Mental
Health Consumers to Work in Public Mental Health - Co-presented at graduate
student training for The Union Institute, Tiburon, California
08/94 Providing Support Over the Telephone to the
Chronically Mentally Ill Repeat Caller - Co-presented to Crisis and Suicide
Intervention of Contra Costa phone worker training, Walnut Creek, California
06/94 The Americans with Disabilities Act and It's
Implications for People with Mental Disabilities - Presentation to The
Alliance for Mentally Ill of Contra Costa, Concord, California
05/94 Clients in the Mental Health System Workforce:
Pro's and Con's of Clients Working in the Mental Health Field -
Presentation at the Sonoma County Client Empowerment Training Part II, Consumer
Speak Up Conference: Clients Networking for Real Change, Santa Rosa, California
04/94 Employing Consumers as Mental Health Providers: Is
It Possible? - Presentation at California State Conference; Empowering the
Mental Health Community: Real Options for Rehabilitation. Sacramento,
California (presentation was also made in Fresno, California in March, 1994)
04/94 Planning a Community Based System: A Consumer
Directed Program - The Colorado Model of the Colorado Consumer Case Manager
Program - Presentation to Rosebridge Graduate School of Psychology, Concord,
California
03/94 Experiences in Empowerment and Mental Health Board
Activism - Presentation as part of Panel at Sonoma County Mental Health
Board Client Empowerment Training - Part 1, Santa Rosa, California
10/93 Phoenix Enterprises, Inc. - Consultant on
State funded RFP for development of residential treatment services in a secure
Board and Care type facility for 10 Seriously and Persistently Mentally Ill
people coming out of State Hospitals, Riverside County, California
08/93 Hiring of Consumers Within the Public Mental
Health System: Is It Possible? (Peer Support for
Consumer/Ex-Patient/Survivor Service Providers) - Presentation at Alternatives
'93 Conference, Columbus, Ohio
05/93 Planning a Community Based System: A Consumer
Directed Program - The Colorado Model of the Colorado Consumer Case Manager
Program - Additional topic; Stigma from the client perspective. Presentation to
Rosebridge Graduate School of Psychology, Concord, California
03/93 Social Security Work Incentives - Presentation
for National Teleconference Project based in Lawrence, Massachusetts
10/92 A Survival Guide for Families of Mentally Ill
- Presentation on Patients' Rights as part of this nine week Martinez Adult
Education course, Martinez, California
8/92 Informed Consent and Capacity Hearings; Skill
Building and Strategizing Around Specific Problems for Medication Capacity
Hearing Representation - Presentation at the Annual State Patients' Rights
Conference, Burlingame, California
5/92 Case Management: A Systems' Change Strategy -
Two day Institute presentation at the International Association of Psychosocial
Rehabilitation Services (IAPSRS) Annual Conference, Oakland, California
11/92 Disability Benefits Analysis: Social Security Work
Incentives Programs - Presentation at 11th Annual Conference on the Rights
of Persons with Psychiatric Labels or Developmental Disabilities sponsored by
NARPA (National Association for Rights Protection and Advocacy). Kansas City,
Missouri
09/92 A Survival Guide for Families of Mentally Ill
- Presentation on Patients' Rights as part of this nine week Martinez Adult
Education course, Martinez, California
05/92 Planning a Community Based System: A Consumer
Directed Program - The Colorado Model of the Colorado Consumer Case Manager
Program - Presentation to Rosebridge Graduate School of Psychology, Concord,
California
04/92 The Contra Costa Network of Mental Health Clients, plans
for a consumer run drop-in center and ways in which churches and consumers can
interact to provide support for people with severe emotional problems
provide better community education and outreach to combat stigma. Presentation
to Martinez Ministerial Association, Martinez, California
04/92 A Survival Guide for Families of Mentally Ill
- Presentation on Patients' Rights as part of this nine week Martinez Adult
Education course, Martinez, California
04/92 An Empowering Journey - Published in "The
Journal", Volume 3, Number 2, a quarterly publication of the California
Alliance for the Mentally Ill.
02/92 Consultant to "Self Help Live" panel.
This live national closed circuit broadcast was a presentation on
"Employment" including areas on the ADA, Reasonable Accommodation,
SSI Work Incentives, Public and Private Sector Employment and How to Find and
Keep a Job
02/92 "Informed Consent and `Riese' Capacity
Hearings" - Organized Training regarding informed consent and
involuntary medications in Contra Costa County and presented on local concerns
from a Patients' Rights Advocate perspective, Walnut Creek, California
02/92 Consumers Working in Mental Health -
Presentation at 9th Annual Consumer Speaks Conference, Sacramento, California
02/92 A Survival Guide for Families of Mentally Ill
- Presentation on Patients' Rights as part of this nine week Martinez Adult
Education course, Martinez, California
10/91 Disability Benefits Analysis: Social Security Work
Incentives and Their Impact on Other Benefits Systems - Presentation at
10th Annual Conference on the Rights of Persons with Psychiatric Labels or
Developmental Disabilities sponsored by NARPA (National Association for Rights
Protection and Advocacy). Austin, Texas
10/91 A Survival Guide for Families of Mentally Ill
- Presentation on Patients' Rights as part of this nine week Martinez Adult
Education course, Martinez, California
08/91 Role of Advocate in Consumer Movement -
Presentation at Patients' Rights Advocacy Training Conference, Burlingame,
California
08/91 Training and Self-Advocacy - Presentation as
part of this workshop at Patients' Rights Advocacy Training Conference,
Burlingame, California
08/91 Transition from Client to Advocate: From Receiving
Services to Giving Services - Presentation as part of an Advocacy Workshop
at Alternatives `91 Conference, Berkeley, California
08/91 Consumer Case Management - Presentation at
Alternatives `91 Conference, Berkeley, California
08/91 Support Services - Presentation at Conference
orientations at Alternatives `91 Conference, Berkeley, California
08/91 Consumers as Service Providers: Overcoming the
Barriers - Presentation at Alternatives `91 Conference, Berkeley, California
08/91 Sensitivity Training. Presentation to various
community agencies in various settings prior to the Alternatives `91 Conference
to provide information about the Support Services that would be available at
the conference. Berkeley, California
07/91 Alternatives and How It Changes Peoples' Lives
- Presentation at Contra Costa County Alternatives `91 Kickoff Luncheon,
Concord, California
05/91 Working Together and Sharing in Our Diversity
- Presentation at 2nd Annual SCCORE Conference, Grand Junction, Colorado
04/91 Consumer Advocates Call Others to Action -
Published Interview in "InSites", Vol. IV, No. 2, a
publication of The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Program on Chronic Mental
Illness
02/91 Representing Respondents in Mental Health Actions
- Presentation as part of the Continuing Legal Education branch of the
Disability Law Committee of the Colorado Bar Association, Denver, Colorado
02/91 Testified before a Colorado State Legislative
Committee to kill an oppressive electroshock bill, Denver, Colorado
02/91 Featured Presenter in Educational video produced by
Colorado Division of Mental Health on Local Area Planning and Participation
in Accordance with P.L. 99-660, Denver, Colorado
12/90 Changing Roles of Consumers and Family Members in
the Delivery of Mental Health Services - Presentation at Colorado
Association of Community Mental Health Center and Clinics Policy Forum, Denver,
Colorado
11/90 The Need for a Comprehensive Public Mental Health
System: Access Issues for the Medically Indigent - Presentation on behalf
of the Colorado Health Care Campaign `90 to a federal and state legislative
panel, Denver, Colorado
10/90 Brief article opposing the Alliance for the Mentally
Ill published in "Dendron News", Issue #19
09/90 Consumers Work - Presentation at First Annual
National Case Management Conference, Cincinnati, Ohio
09/90 Overcoming Obstacles in Consumer Empowerment -
Presentation at First Annual National Case Management Conference, Cincinnati,
Ohio
09/90 Mental Health Consumers as Service Providers -
Presentation at First Annual National Case Management Conference, Cincinnati,
Ohio
07/90 Work and Other Methods to Achieving
Self-Sufficiency - Presentation at Hearthstone Day Treatment Program,
Denver, Colorado
07/90 The Phoenix Project: Empowerment Through
Employment and Other Consumer- Run Alternatives - Presentation at
Alternatives `90 Conference, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
07/90 Assembling the Building Blocks of a Statewide
Organization - Presentation at Alternatives `90 Conference, Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania
05/90 Peer Self-Help, Empowerment and Advocacy -
Opening Address presentation at First Annual SCCORE Conference, Estes Park,
Colorado
05/90 Grievance Procedures - Workshop presentation
at First Annual SCCORE Conference, Estes Park, Colorado
05/90 SCCORE Position Papers – Authored and
presented these first consumer/survivor "position papers" to the
statewide network for vote. These
papers were against the use of force and coercion in treatment and in favor of
personal empowerment and self-determination in recognition of the fact that
people can and do "recover." Plenary presentation at First Annual
SCCORE Conference, Estes Park, Colorado
05/90 Overprotectiveness and Fear of Loss of Services
and Friends - Presentation at First Annual Developmental Disabilities
Planning Council "Empowerment" Conference, Denver, Colorado
05/90 Consumer Self-Advocacy - Presentation at First
Annual Mental Health Advocates Forum, Evergreen, Colorado
10/89 Consumer News. Produced, edited and wrote
several articles for the first Colorado Statewide Mental Health Consumer
newsletter
10/89 The Consumer Case Manager Program in Colorado
- Presentation at Regional CSP Conference, Phoenix, Arizona
10/89 What Consumers Want - Plenary panel
presentation at Regional CSP Conference, Phoenix, Arizona
10/89 What is Mental Illness? - Presentation to
church group for Colorado Alliance for the Mentally Ill. Co-presented with
Colorado State Director of Mental Health for Mental Illness Awareness Week,
Denver, Colorado
11/88 Testified before Colorado State Legislature at sunset
hearings on "Mental Impairment in Civil Rights," Denver,
Colorado
06/88 Coalition Building: Increasing AMI Membership
through Consumer Involvement - Presentation at NAMI Annual Convention;
Leadership Conference, Boulder, Colorado
06/88 Developing Supported Employment for CMI Clients:
The Nuts and Bolts - Presentation at workshop featuring Andrea Blanch,
Denver, Colorado
04/88 Battered and Abused - Unpublished
autobiography on the subject of my history of abuse both as a child and a
mental patient
09/87 Change From Within: The Consumer Movement in
Colorado - Presentation at Annual Colorado Mental Health Conference,
Breckenridge, Colorado
03/87 The Self Defeat of Perfectionism -
Presentation to the first class of Consumer Case Manager Aide Trainees, Denver,
Colorado
AWARDS
* 06/05 National Mental Health
Association Clifford Beers Award
* 02/05 Certificate of Appreciation for contributions to The
Mental Health Planning and Management Advisory Council from the Oregon
Department of Health Services, Office of Mental Health & Addiction
Services, 1999 - 2005
* 10/00 National Association of
Case Management XCEL Award as the Consumer Case Manager of the Year in recognition of years of leadership and training in
the field of Case Management. Presented at their annual national conference in
Kansas City, Missouri
* 06/95 Appreciation Award from
first class of graduates of Solano County Mental Health Consumer Service
Provider Training Class, Fairfield, California
* 12/94 Appreciation Award from
second class of graduates of Contra Costa Mental Health Consumer Service
Provider Training Class, Pleasant Hill, California
* 04/94 Certificate of
Appreciation from first graduates of Contra Costa Mental Health Consumer Service
Provider Training class, Concord, California
* 12/93 Certificate of
Appreciation presented by Mental Health Consumer Concerns, Inc., California
* 05/91 Outstanding Lifetime
Service Award presented by SCCORE, Colorado
* 12/90 Special Recognition Award
presented by The Phoenix Project, Colorado
* 05/90 Outstanding Leadership
Award presented by SCCORE, Colorado
* 04/90 Certificate of
Appreciation presented by Colorado Alliance for the Mentally Ill
* 10/89 Communications Award in a
Print Medium presented by the Mental Health Association of Colorado for concept
and production of first statewide mental health consumer newsletter
* 07/89 Plaque in Appreciation of
Service presented by Bethesda Community Mental Health Center Advisory Board,
Colorado
* 06/88 Letter of Appreciation
presented by the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill for 1988 National
Conference participation and leadership, Colorado
* 1979 - 1983 President's and
Dean's List continuously at The Colorado College and Arapahoe Community
College, Colorado
* 04/83 Award of Recognition
presented by The Colorado College for being the top fundraiser during the
Annual Alumni Fundraising Drive, Colorado
* 06/81 Who's Who in American
Junior (Community) Colleges, Arapahoe Community College, Colorado
* 05/81 Certificate of Recognition
for Outstanding Service presented by Arapahoe Community College for service as
Student Body President, student advocacy, work on the Affirmative Action
policy, and researching and writing the first "Student Handbook of Rights
and Responsibilities", Littleton, Colorado
* 1976 Letter of Recognition
presented by the Muscular Dystrophy Association for top
fundraising effort by an independent group, Cleveland, Ohio
* 1975 Commendation Trophy for
Outstanding Service in Promoting Company Growth presented by Capitol Insurance
Company, Cleveland, Ohio
* 1974 Commendation for
Outstanding Community Service presented by the Boy Scouts of America for work
as an inner city Assistant Scoutmaster, Cleveland, Ohio