Lunch WISE Wednesday - Substance Abuse Awareness

Description

This collaborative  series exclusively for women is being co-hosted by the Richland Area Chamber of Commerce, Mind Body Align, and the Small Business Development Center at Ashland University.  Each month we'll have a time of powerful networking, a motivational "TED-type" talk as well as a chance to learn more about your community.  We look forward to having you join us!

Substance Abuse Awareness Panel:

Traci Willis, LSW
Raised in Mansfield, Traci grew up sheltered and continues to be optimistic about many aspect of life. However, like many, Traci has endured situations that have taught her to be cautious and challenging. These circumstances have transferred into strengths and have shaped many aspects of life. Prior to graduating from Lexington High School in 2012, Traci began as public speaker to address the local addiction epidemic. In total, she spoke to over 50 classrooms, 5 public forums, and on a college campus. While enrolled at The University of Findlay, Traci studied social work and political science. After obtaining her Bachelor?s degree and License in Social Work, Traci moved home to Mansfield. Although she believed the move would be temporary, she quickly noticed the positivity surrounding the area and, in effort to understand, began to reach out to different outlets. Within the week, Traci was immersed into a downtown community of advocates, mentors, and influencers. Within the month, Traci was offered a service position with Downtown Mansfield Incorporated and, within the past two years, has been involved in a variety of projects.
To date, Traci is the Director of Organizational Development & Outreach at Family Life Counseling & Psychiatric Services, as well as a Licensed Social Worker with the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA). She is currently working to obtain her Masters of Social Work degree from The Ohio State University and is scheduled to graduate in May of 2020. Traci has been a part of various local projects and organizations, including the Richland Young Professionals, The Starfish Project of Richland County, Mid-Ohio Youth Mentoring, and is the lead organizer of the annual fundraiser, International Overdose Awareness Day.

Mary Bolin
I was in the staffing industry for 30 years and I've currently worked for the visiting nurse association it will be 2 years September 11th senior manager business development.   I enjoy  connecting  patients and families to home health. I have 2 adult children and one grandchild.  My son just celebrated in August one year of sobriety. He has been battling addiction for 10 years.  My favorite past time is being engaged in the community I have been on a number of boards and helped with a number of fundraisers I love Richland County.

Luanne LaRue, MSW, LISW-S
Clinical Supervisor Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana
I graduated from The Ohio State University with a Master?s in Social Work in 1997. I have been an independently licensed social worker since 2001.  I previously worked at Catalyst as a case manager and later with the District V Forensic Diagnostic Center.  I served as secretary for the Forensic Directors Association for a few years.  In 2009 I came to the Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana as the Clinical Supervisor.  Over the years that I have been in the Social Work field I have focused on working with those involved in the criminal justice system, primarily those with substance abuse, domestic violence or sexual offending behaviors. The theoretical approach that has proven most effective with this population is cognitive behavioral based interventions.  I have been trained in facilitation of several types of group interventions and am a Train the Trainer for the cognitive-Behavioral Intervention for Substance Abusers.

Sara Palmer, BS, CDCA
Assistant Director Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana
I graduated from Ashland University in 2009 with a Bachelors in Criminal Justice. I previously worked with juvenile offenders in the detention setting. In 2012 I came to the Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana and began working one-on-one with offenders teaching them cognitive-behavioral interventions to reduce recidivism. I have been trained in several different curriculums including Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions for Substance Abusers, Thinking for a Change and also becoming a train the trainer for Aggression Replacement Training. My main focus at this time is overseeing the female facility by conducting groups, individual interventions and the safety and security of both the staff and residents.

Cathy Cloes
I am currently co-owner of C & S Insurance Agency in Mansfield and have been in the insurance field for over 40 years.  Prior to starting my own agency in 1997, I worked for another local agency for 20 years.  I enjoy the challenges of helping people find the right insurance product, whether it be auto, home, life, or business insurance.
I have lived in Mansfield my entire life and recently celebrated 40 years of marriage to my husband, Bruce.  We have three amazing children (one being in heaven)  and currently enjoy having five wonderful grandchildren ranging in ages from 7 months to 13 years!
I enjoy golf, reading, hanging out with my friends, and most of all spending time at my cottage at Lake Erie.   I also love watching sports, especially my Buckeyes, Browns, Indians, and Cavs.