The HEAL staff recently conducted its annual retreat at the Sanctuary on the River.
The day-long retreat featured several guest presenters as well as visits from HEAL board members.
“Our advocates attend trainings all over the state all year long, but hosting a retreat specific to their needs allows us to collect and provide education on the most current and relevant subjects. For staff, it’s also a great opportunity to step away from the trauma of shelter work and connect with their coworkers on a more personal level,” explains HEAL Executive Director, Coleen Widell.
Each of the Advocates gave presentations on their areas of expertise. Widell, who planned and facilitated the meeting, spoke about women in the media and legislative challenges facing the Violence Against Women Act. Office Manager Sue Francis educated on conflict management and Media Liaison Lesley Kring spoke to the necessity of engaging all employees in marketing and public relations of the free services offered at the Nest.
Audrey Gochenour provided a presentation on infectious diseases and infection control. Gouchenor, a recent graduate of nursing school, is a regular visitor to the Nest. She educates women and children on health topics and self care.
Licensed Massage Therapist Jessica Sherman, who regularly shows up at the Nest to perform free massages for the Nest residents, provided a workshop on the benefits of massage. Recognizing the stressful nature of being an advocate, Sherman taught staff members helpful techniques for both self-massage and co-worker massage.
The Nest’s own licensed therapist Maurice Gudgel was on hand to inform on proper de-escalation techniques. Gudgel has worked for the Nest for the past three years, providing one on one counseling services and group education classes for the residents.
Incoming HEAL Board President Danny Sisson arrived with long stemmed, red roses to thank the staff for their dedication and hard work on behalf of domestic violence survivors. Sisson shared that he looks forward to his term as president and intends to be a very visible leader. Outgoing HEAL President Jamie Estes was greeted with a round of applause. His term will end June 30.
The retreat ended with the presentation of HEAL’s 2012 Employee of the Year. The recipient of the 2012 award will be the subject of a future news article. Stay tuned.
