Rev. Dr. Avril L'Mour Weathers, Ph.D.avril.weathers@gmail.com

(088) 885-1530

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Communications—Veteran radio and newspaper journalist, broadcast programmer, host and engineer, public relations specialist and social media advocate. Means of engagement include public lecturing, individual and group counseling, communal advocacy, conference facilitation furthered by a task-oriented training of trainers.

Facilitation--Self-motivated transformation leader, state policy developer, with proven talent for educating stake holders, engaging communities; and, cultivating the strategic, culturally competent, vertical and horizontal partnerships.

Advancement--Complimentary strengths in institutional advancement including strategic planning for long range recovery initiatives; and, fund development capabilities for multifaceted contracting, grant writing, development and procurement. (Foundation Center & Government Grants Training)

Analysis--Career history includes 15 years of experience with survey development, data collection, analysis, reporting and technical assistance for an international service organization, several state organizational divisions; and regional public health conglomerates and institutions.

R&D-- Published qualitative institutional researcher, cited and publicly broadcast, with knowledge of Microsoft Access, Excel, PowerPoint and the Statistical Program for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Experienced program developer, trainer, and module writer in the public service arena in general; and, more specifically in service of public health.

___________________________________________________________________________________EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION

Masters of Divinity, Candler School of Theology, Emory University of Atlanta, GA 2010-2013

Contextual Education: International Interfaith & Health Division, School of Public Health Assistant to Director Sandra Thurman, International AIDS Czar for the Clinton Administration

Behavioral Health Certifications 2005-2007

Certified Recovery Support Specialist; Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Facilitator; DRS/DMH Supported Employment Certification; DRS/DMH EBSE Implementation Specialist

Doctorate of Philosophy, Organizational Behavior--Northwestern University of Evanston, IL 2000

Multidisciplinary degree in Psychology, Sociology and Business Management

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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

African Methodist Episcopalian University (AMEU)2013-Present

The Bryant Theological Seminary Chair, Christian Counseling Program Chair of Research Initiative, AMEU Ebola Taskforce

Research Précis: Detraumatization -- A Response to the Crisis of Liberian Wellness in the 21st Century

Assistant Professor of Theology, Bryant Theological SeminaryHIV/AIDS, Endemic Crisis & the Role of the Church (THCE 212)

Development, Design & Proposal of the Christian Counseling Program Representative on National Ebola Task Force Psychosocial Services

Committee

Consulting Program Developer, Crisis Detraumatization InitiativeMinistry of Information, Culture & Tourism--Program Development & Evaluation Partnered with MICAT Ministry of Culture to establish culturally-based

programming. Constructed data-base to evaluate program fidelity of program sites. Training of Detraumatization Specialists and providing ongoing support.

Peer Counseling Initiative: Liberians Helping Liberians to Cope in Crisis

Integrative Mental Health Systems, MHO/CEO/QMHP/CRSS 2006-2009Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Subcontracting

Formed horizontal alliances to secure federal funding. Recognized contracting opportunities and initiated expansion. Supervised and counseled recovery specialist team.

Increased number and quality of strategic partnerships with government entities, local agencies, and practicing providers to cooperate with contracted initiatives in vertical alliance.

Consulting Systems Analyst, Mental Health Recovery ProgramsDHS Division of Mental Health--EBSE Program Data Development & Analysis Constructed data-base to evaluate program fidelity of EBSE Program sites. Trained Supported Employment Specialists and provided ongoing technical support. Partnered with DHS Systems Analyst to establish in-house mainframe data-base access. Retooled survey and data collection for participation in Johnson & Johnson Studies.

DHS Division of Healthcare and Family Service--EBSE Program Strategy Advisor Advised Medicare Infrastructure Committee Director in strategic planning methods.

Devised plan for systems mapping for cross disability EBSE State implementation. Constructed sample map of State employment resources for persons with disabilities. Reviewed corporate responsibility presentations for partnering opportunities.

Consulting Provider, Mental Health Recovery Support ServicesDHS Division of Rehabilitative Services--Recovery Counseling & Supported Employment Services Educated DRS staff and consumers about recovery paradigm shift. Provided Recovery Counseling to DRS assigned consumers, initiated individual WRAP plans. Presented Advocacy Services to DRS assigned consumers, guided toward self-advocacy. Administered Supported Employment Services and Supported Housing referrals.

Greater E. St. Louis Health Consortium Consultation Senior Health Education Conference: “Wellness of Heart & Mind”Consortium Mental Health Conference--Program Development Advised conference committee on mental health content for our Elder population. Devised plan for peer focus groups and coordinated implementation and evaluation. Developed strategic partnerships with appropriate Agency Directors for facilitation.

Heaven’s Cove Outreach Ministries of Atlanta Consultation Consulting Clinical Program Coordinator

Substance Abuse/Mental Health Agency—Institutional Advancement & Recovery Counseling Composed service plan for compliance with State provision and supervised implementation. Provided Recovery Counseling and delivered weekly Sermons on Spirituality of Wellness. Directed Programming and Operations for the Ministerial and Clinical aspects of the facility.

___________________________________________________________________________________PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS

Disabilities Services Advisory Committee (IL-DSAC) 2008-2009Policy Recommendation to Mandate Recovery Services in Federally Funded AgenciesMedicare Infrastructure Grant Committee (IL-MIG) 2007-2009Region V Representative: Mental Health SubcommitteeVocational Services Steering Committee (IL-VSSC) 2005-2009Strategic Planning Leadership Council (SPLC); Mental Health Subcommittee

Supported Employment and Consumerism 2007

Guest Lecturer Regional Conference, National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI)The Recovery Movement in Mental Health and Beyond

2007 Guest Lecturer Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville (SIUE), Special Education SeminarUnderstanding Supported Employment

2006 4th Annual Mental Health Consumer Conference Workshop LecturerSpirituality in Recovery: The Missing Link

2005 3rd Annual Mental Health Consumer Conference Workshop Lecturer___________________________________________________________________________________

Madison’s Who’s Who in American Industry 2008Outstanding Service Provision—Health Services, Mental Health

National Black MBA Association 1994Chicago Chapter Outstanding Member of the Year Award

United States Senate Page/Intern 1976-79The Honorable Senators Thomas F. Eagleton; and, W. Stuart Symington