Mental Health Content Writer

PAM SURANO

*** ******* ***** *****, ***** City, PA 16033 • 239-***-**** • ****************@*****.***

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Compassionate, hardworking community-oriented journalist. Experienced in TV reporting and anchoring, social services and fostering contacts and relationships as well as gathering information and working as a team to present news with integrity and high ethical standards. Trained in mental health, crisis management and outreach, versed at working with diverse people from all backgrounds and needs. Seeking a full-time position to combine a desire to make a difference with a love of journalism.

SKILLS

TV reporting and anchoring

Gathering, organizing, and writing concise information Building contacts and relationships

Collecting, fact checking and presenting breaking news quickly

WORK HISTORY

Writer/Assignment Editor/Producer

Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh

2022-Present

Writer for The Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine

Liaison to Catholic Schools coordinating Good News in our Schools Publication

Producer for Catholic Education Plus Radio airing on KDKA Radio

Assignment Editor for communications projects

Freelance TV Reporter

KDKA TV - Pittsburgh, PA

2018 - 2022

TV reporting

Multimedia reporting

News writing

Research and fact checking

Teamwork

Hard Working

Public Speaking

Live reporting to include breaking news, weather coverage and updating ongoing stories of significance Working contacts, enterprising stories and presenting story ideas as per sources/ connections with social service groups, community and law enforcement partner groups

Case Manager

Operation Safety Net, Mercy Behavioral Health - Pittsburgh, PA

2018

Outreach Specialist assisting those experiencing chronic and temporary homelessness. Working in collaboration with the Allegheny County Department of Human Services and HUD to place individuals with barriers to housing, enabling them to receive permanent housing as well as emergency shelter when needed and services to support them in crisis.

Worked with the street team and medical team providing intervention supports including mental, emotional, medical, addiction and other recovery services.

Conducted home visits and visits to homeless camps to evaluate needs not being addressed to ensure the safety, health and well-being of consumers were met.

Provided documentation to HUD, ACHS, SOAR and SS Departments

Worked as a support specialist in the women and mens emergency shelters aiding at times with crisis management and working with the Allegheny County Police to intervene and prevent those struggling from re-entering the criminal justice system.

When needed, provided advocacy and support for those who were re-entering the criminal justice system as well as those exiting the system by working with the Allegheny County jail and the Re-Entry Program.

Community Engagement Manager

Amachi Pittsburgh - 100 W. Station Square Drive # 620 Pittsburgh, PA 15219

2017 - 2018

Develop and implement outreach plan for Amachi Pittsburgh that included promotional and educational strategies as well as partner volunteer and family recruitment goals.

Gleaned mentors for children and families by way of individuals, corporations, service and social groups as well as churches, to partner with Amachi.

Developed educational materials and presentations communicating the identified needs of the agency and constituents.

Created flyers, press releases, brochures, and other outreach materials. Developed and implemented outreach and marketing activities and special events.

Managed and updated social media accounts and website. Served as a spokesperson for the organization in the community.

Volunteer experience in community engagement also included work with: Miss Nancy's Homeless Outreach, Reading Is Fundamental, Beverly's Birthdays, mentoring students through Gwen's Girls, Bible Camp teacher at Northway Christian Community Church and St. Alexis Catholic School. Former lector at St. Mary's Church in Delmont, PA, lector at St. Alexis Parish in Wexford. Speaker for Easter Seals, YWCA of the Mahoning Valley, breast cancer spokesperson for WYTV and partner hospital.

Program Coordinator, Team Hope Allegheny County

Catholic Charities - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

2015 - 2016

Oversaw the Severe Weather Homeless Warming Station while also working with Operation Safety Net, The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, St. Mary of Mercy, businesses, volunteers, donors and groups to run daytime shelter of 70+ at- risk community members

Supervise the Summer Enrichment and Lunch Program for children by coordinating with The Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank and nonprofits throughout Allegheny County to provide daily activities for children Coordinate and administer the Loving Hearts Holiday present program for children with a dozen parishes distributing 1,500+ gifts to children

Manage the Hearts to Soles shoe program working with outside donors to provide hundreds of shoes to those in need

Ran the Love Walk for the Poor with hundreds throughout Pittsburgh collecting donations for the hungry Acted as Outreach Specialist in the community with businesses and outside partner agencies, supported case Managers and intake specialists in the Susan Zubik Welcome Center

Preschool Teacher

St. Alexis Catholic School - Wexford, Pennsylvania, United States

2013 - 2015

Led vibrant class of young children using experience with child development and creative methods to inspire and motivate learning

Worked closely with families, support agencies and school incorporating the needs of each child, curriculum, and goals.

Addressed behavioral and learning issues with parents, encouraged good behaviors Maintained detailed records, including child files on enrollments, attendance, health and safety, emergency contact information and incident reports

Freelance TV Reporter

The Videohouse - Pittsburgh

2011 - 2012

Assisted with producing, writing, and researching corporate videos for clients: Giant Eagle, Newell Rubbermaid and large regional homebuilder.

Reporter/Producer for news and events for topical organizations such as: ET, America's Most Wanted, BBC as well as Heinz History Center.

Reporter/Fill-In Anchor

KQV Radio - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

2010-2012

Report daily news, live coverage of breaking news, enterprise stories, fill-in anchoring Write and voice local commercials

News Anchor/Reporter

WYTV-TV - Youngstown, Ohio

1998-2001

Hired to anchor/report 11PM nightly news

Promoted to anchor/report 5, 6 & 11PM nightly news

Anchor live specials in news, health, sports, community, breast cancer series

News Anchor/Reporter

WTOV-TV - Steubenville, Ohio, United States

1996-1998

Hired to anchor/report 11PM nightly news

Promoted to AM anchor

Live reporter on breaking news

Reporter

JET24 / FOX66 / YourErie.com - Erie, Pennsylvania, United States

1994-1996

Write and report multiple news stories daily

Live coverage of breaking news

Assignment Editor/Writer

WPXI-TV - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

01/1992 - 01/1993

Maintained contacts with law enforcement, local newsmakers, community members and agencies Confirm details, sources and schedule interviews

Assisted news producers, reporters, writers, photographers

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts: Journalism

Duquesne University - Pittsburgh, PA

1993

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Youngstown Area Hospital Spokesperson on breast cancer, AP Awards in broadcast Journalism and Women's Health Advantage Award Recipient of the Mahoning Valley

CERTIFICATIONS

Mental Health First Responder

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