Mental Health Program Development

KATHLEEN MERRITT

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PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Seasoned DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) practitioner, plans and directs different types of student and adult centered services. Well-versed in providing counseling, training, program development, program management and overseeing operations. Over 20 years of progressive experience in an institution of governance and education.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Collaborated with team of 6 in the development of a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Curriculum for Catholic Secondary Schools in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston. (this project is ongoing) Awarded the Papal Medal, Benemeriti for being a strong voice for African Americans (March, 2021) SKILLS

Program development

Curriculum writing

Project Management

Cultural awareness

Conflict resolution

Verbal and written communication

Detail-oriented

Planning and Coordination

Supervision

Relationship-Building

Grant Writing

Strategic Planning

Consulting

Department Head

Budget development and managemnet

Mentoring and training

Problem solving skills

WORK HISTORY

03/2001 - Current

Director of Office of Ethnic Ministries

Roman Catholic Diocese Of Charleston - Charleston, SC Analyzed needs and program cost data to determine budget priorities. Develop and manage department's budget. Monitor spending and provide justification of spending reports. Train, supervise, evaluate and implement corrective action to staff in consultation with Human resources as needed.

Identified and recruited diverse group of volunteers. Led projects and analyzed data on feasibility of Vietnamese Catholics having their own Church. Conducted Diversity assessment on "Diversity Climate" of all Diocesan Catholic Schools. Developed and successfully accomplished goals and objective several 5 year pastoral/strategic Plans. Diocesan DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) practitioner, consultant, trainer and facilitator. Facilitate Simpsonville, SC 29681 864-***-**** *******@*********.*** DEI webinars for Priest, staff, parishioners, religious, school personnel and community. Developed Diocesan publications documenting History of African Americans, Hispanics and Asian and Pacific Islanders in Charleston Diocese.

Grant writer for special Diversity initiatives. Prepare reports and data analysis on program effectiveness. Develop Leadership Development programs for African American, Hispanic, Asian and Pacific Islanders and Native Americans.

Provide guidance on policies and procedures to harmonize responses, provide appropriate investigation actions and reach resolution of grievances involving various ethnic groups being served by Ethnic Ministries and Diocese.

Provide resolution to complex and confidential issues. Coordinated ongoing technical training and personal development classes for Ethnic Ministries staff and volunteers.

Represent Diocese on various boards and committees locally and nationally. Collaborate and assist other diocesan departments, Catholic and community organizations with diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Incorporate Catholic Social Teachings, Pastoral Letters and Papal Papers in development of DEI initiatives.

Write and produce yearly Diocesan TV Christmas special celebrating diversity in Charleston Diocese. 02/1990 - 03/2001

Psychotherapist

Self-employeed - Greenville, SC

Contract Work with Compass of Carolina, Greenville, SC Group Therapy for Domestic Violence victims and perpetrators. Youth Intervention counselor for court ordered families of truant middle and high school students .

Provided clients with recommendations to community resources. Assisted clients to better understand roles as parents, focusing on developing skills to nurture and guide children.

Developed and taught life skills classes to clients of Greenville Homeless Coalition. Facilitated Old 96 Girl Scout Council 's program on Diversity " Green Circle" to over 1000 youth in South Carolina.

Facilitated career counseling for college bound high school students. Developed grant sponsored "Resource Center" for residents of public housing community. Resources that were made available in center included; GED Classes, Girl and Boy Scouting programs, library, and employment counseling.

Adhered to HIPAA confidentiality requirements by safeguarding files Maintained thorough records and submitted timely reports of project activities, findings and recommendations

EDUCATION

PH.D. Candidate in Interdisciplinary Studies

Union Institute & University - Cincinnati, OH

Majored in Social Psychology

Completed all course work earning 76 Hours

Currently working on Dissertation

05/1997

Master of Arts: Counseling

Webster University - St Louis, MO

05/1985

Bachelor of Arts: Psychology

University of South Carolina Upstate - Spartanburg, SC Member of Alpha Xi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc

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