Damien Center

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26 North Arsenal Avenue \| Indianapolis, Indiana 46201 \| p 317 632 0123 \| f 317 632 4362
	Staff Administration, Operations, and Quality Control Testing and Prevention Client Services & Care Coordination Housing Services Career Development Development and Communications Administration, Operations, and Quality Control Tom Bartenbach Executive Director Extension 266 tbartenbach@damien.org Tom joined the Damien Center as Interim Executive Director in 2009. He began his career as a bagboy at Preston Safeway in Indianapolis, eventually purchasing the store from its owners. He owned two grocery stores in the area, Bartenbach's Food Emporium, before joining Indiana Cares as Executive Director in 1993. Following his time with Indiana Cares, Tom moved to Seattle where he owned and operated an internet café for 8 years. After selling the café, he returned to Indianapolis where he worked on marketing the "To Your Health" license plate, which benefits eight local health foundations including the Indiana AIDS Fund. Tom's personal mission is the same as that of the Damien Center; to empower those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS to move forward with dignity, and to lead the fight against HIV. As Executive Director, his focus will be on bringing that mission to life in a client focused, cost effective way. "As we seek to be responsive to the ever changing landscapes of HIV and AIDS, I firmly believe we can serve our clientele while increasing the services provided for by generous donations and service oriented grants. Using a combination of creative outsourcing, staff realignment, and reestablishing our cooperative network with other helping agencies in the public and private sector, we can enhance the quality of care for all we seek to serve while spending fewer dollars." In his spare time Tom enjoys professional baseball, particularly the San Francisco Giants. He enjoys spending time with his family of five brothers and sisters, 20+ nieces and nephews, and close friends. Jerry Parsons Director of Quality Control Extension 224 jparsons@damien.org Licensed Social Worker, Master of Social Work, Master of Library and Information Science Jerry's work with The Damien Center began when he started a HIV support group, Generation HIVx, for men in their 20s and 30s. Shortly after, he joined The Damien Center full-time to serve as a Care Coordinator. He left the Center to work on a CDC-funded HIV/AIDS research project at the Indiana State Department of Health. From there, Jerry entered the field of emergency and disaster planning and preparedness for Central Indiana hospitals. During this time, however, Jerry continued to serve in the field of HIV/AIDS by volunteering for local organizations such as for The Damien Center as the Co-Chair Table Captain for the 2010 Grand Masquerade. Jerry is an avid animal enthusiast and, before he initially joined The Damien Center as a Care Coordinator, he co-founded a local chapter of Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) to assist those infected with HIV/AIDS help care for their pets. Allyssa Young Administrative Assistant to Quality & Assurance Extension 262 ayoung@damien.org Raised in Peru, IN, and recently moved to Indianapolis, Allyssa graduated from Ivy Tech Community College in 08 with an associate's degree in Surgical Technology. She plans to go back to school to pursue a bachelor degree in psychology. In her spare time, she enjoy watching sports - particularly the Indianapolis Colts and the Purdue Boilermakers. Allyssa loves spending time with her family and friends and particularly enjoys photography. Brian Griffin Administrative Assistant Extension 261 bgriffin@damien.org Brian is currently a senior at IUPUI studying Political Science and Spanish. Before joining the Damien Center team as the Assistant to the Housing Department, Brian worked for the Human Rights Campaign in the fight to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and for the North Carolina Campaign for Change. Frank Brist Receptionist Extension 221 receptiondesk@damien.org Testing and Prevention Rhonda Bayless Prevention Program Manager/SAMHSA Project Director Extension 275 rbayless@damien.org Rhonda has come full circle as being a part of the Damien Center family. She was the program director for the Woman to Woman from 1997-2003. After leaving the Damien Center, she worked as the Community Partnership Coordinator for AmeriChoice working with nonprofit organizations across Indiana serving the aged, blind, and disabled population receiving Medicaid Select. Because of changes with Medicaid, she then moved to Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County as a grants writer and also worked with Girls Inc. National Resource Center as the CDC Program Manager providing capacity building assistance to 92 Girls Inc affiliates on HIV/AIDS, preventing adolescent pregnancy, and substance use for African American and Latina Girls. Rhonda stays involved in community and service projects working to develop women's health initiatives across the state. She is a part of the IU National Centers of Excellence on Women's Health Policy Review and Formation Committee and has been involved in the development and capacity building activities for area nonprofits. "I truly believe in doing all I can to be of assistance to my community. I want to see everyone living a balanced, healthy, safe life. I'm hoping that with working with state and national programs that I can bring a new, fresh perspective to working in HIV prevention.....again." Mantra: "Be well, Do well..." Rhonda has a FABULOUS daughter in college and a dog named Zeus. Music continues to be Rhonda's first love and you will always hear the radio being played from her office especially - PRINCE. J. David Moman, CADAC IV Comprehensive Risk Counselor Extension 276 dmoman@damien.org B.A., Sociology, William Jewell College M. Div., Emory University Continuing Education, IUPUI Graduate of Advanced Clinical Pastoral Education at Emory University Hospitals and Howard Community Hospital and Psychiatric Units Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor, CADAC IV After completion of his M. Div. Degree, David served as a minister in United Methodist churches in Georgia and Indiana. In 1987, he began a new career as a drug and alcohol counselor and outpatient coordinator with the Salvation Army's Harbor Light Center in Indianapolis. Following this position, he served as an addiction counselor at Community Addiction Services of Indiana in Indianapolis. David also held the position as office manager for three years at this facility and became a certified gambling addiction counselor. While still at CASI his first association with the Damien Center professionally began when he started a program at the Damien Center's request for HIV+ clients with substance abuse issues. In 2004, David became a volunteer at the Damien Center creating a substance abuse group called THRIVE. In 2005, he started working full time at the Damien Center as Comprehensive Risk Counselor. David has created a new program at the Center called "Positive Attitudes Class" for clients who have problems with anger, as well as a new men's support group, MPower, in 2008. Rashida Walker Youth Outreach Specialist Extension 273 rwalker@damien.org Rashida has been working in the arena of HIV prevention for 13 years. She started as the Program Assistant for the Woman to Woman program in 1997. In 2004 she worked as an actor at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis but continued to volunteer in the HIV arena. In 2007 Rashida began working for the Ryan White Program at the Marion County Health Department. In 2009 she was the Program Coordinator for the Women Taking Charge Program at Step Up Inc. Now, Rashida is very excited to return to the Damien Center as the Youth Outreach Specialist. Eric Wilcox Prevention Case Manager Extension 274 ewilcox@damien.org Before joining the Damien Center, Eric gained majority of his work experience in Corporate America. In 2010 Eric joined the social services arena when he accepted a position with Eastern Star Church - JEWEL Human Services. His interest in HIV & AIDS prevention was sparked in 2005, shortly after relocating from Indianapolis to Chicago, IL. He began working with the homeless LGBTQ youth in Chicago and eventually discovered his passion for HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention. In his spare time, Eric enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, cooking, event planning, attending sporting events and volunteering. Mackenzie Szymanski Youth Educator - Teen Damien Extension 271 mszymanski@damien.org Ebony Jackson Lead HIV Counselor and Tester Extension 231 ejackson@damien.org Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)-Ball State University Master of Social Work (MSW)-St. Ambrose University (Iowa) I came to the Damien Center in January 2009 as a Care Coordinator. I have always had an interest in HIV/AIDS and the individuals it affects. As an Army brat in Heidelberg Germany, I was certified as an HIV peer instructor through the red cross. I visited various venues in Germany educating my peers about HIV and how the disease is transmitted. After graduation, I went to Ball State University in 1997 where I was a nursing major. After three years of taking prerequisites for nursing, I realized God had a different path for me which was social work. I graduated from Ball State in May 2003 with a BSW. A few years later I attended St. Ambrose University in Davenport Iowa where I earned a Masters degree in Social Work. I worked in the field for several years as a child welfare specialist and a case manager at a prestigious hospital and school in Virginia as a medical case manager. An opportunity arose at the Damien Center for a care coordinator position and I eagerly submitted an application and resume. I enjoy working at the center and find care coordination a very rewarding position. In my spare time in enjoy spending time with my family and friends, as well as traveling. Jamie Putman HIV Counselor and Tester Extension 274 jputman@damien.org Jamie is originally from Toledo, Ohio. She earned her Bachelors degree in Psychology and Sociology from Ohio Northern University 2004 and her Masters degree from Adler School of Professional Psychology in 2006. Jamie describes herself as a people person and is passionate about helping others in any way that she can do so. Her professional experience includes HIV/STD/Teen Pregnancy prevention, youth programming, counseling, psychological diagnostic testing, and substance abuse treatment. She has moved back and forth between Ohio and Indiana over the past few years before finally landing in Indianapolis in July of 2010. Jamie is incredibly happy to be joining the Damien Center team. In her spare time, Jamie likes to spend time with her friends, family, partner and 2 cats, Sheldon and Fitzwilliam. She loves any opportunity to use her imagination and creativity and thus spends time crafting, cooking/baking, journaling, reading, and enjoying music. She also enjoys doing volunteer work and standing up for causes she believes in such as youth drug and alcohol prevention, LGBTQ issues, HIV/AIDS prevention, breast cancer awareness, and political campaigns. Danielle Lynch HIV Tester Extension 283 dlynch@damien.org Bachelor of Science - Health Science Ball State University 2002 Danielle joined The Damien Center in 2010 as HIV/STD tester and counselor. She has an extensive background in providing on-site biometric health screenings. After completing her bachelors of science in Health Science she began her career at Principal Wellness Company (formerly Molloy Wellness Company) as a health screener. She traveled around the state and surrounding states doing work-site health promotion, this was achieved by providing biometric health screenings to employees. She then moved to Louisville, Kentucky for 2 years, while she was there she worked for Humana, an insurance company. After returning to Indiana she went to work for Clarian Health Systems were she provided worksite health promotion to Clarian employee's as well as other local business. Danielle has a real passion for health education and prevention and intends to teach anyone that will listen! In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, shopping and participating in church activities. Care Coordination Jamie Broderick Care Coordination Program Manager Extension 233 jbroderick@damien.org Bachelor of Arts, History, University of Denver Bachelor of Arts, Women's Studies, University of Denver Master of Science, Public Health, Walden University Jamie joined the Damien Center staff in March 2010. Jamie started her career after college at Denver Health and Authority. She worked on a CDC funded HIV prevention counseling study called Project Respect 2. The study compared different forms of HIV testing and risk reduction counseling in clients at STD clinics throughout the United States. From Denver, Jamie moved to New Jersey and took a position as a Ryan White Title II case manager in Asbury Park, NJ. There she assisted clients with their day to day needs including housing, transportation, medical, etc. Building on her case management experience, she was fortunate enough to accept a position at the National AIDS Treatment Advocacy Project as a treatment educator in all 5 boroughs of New York City. NATAP is a leader in up-to-the-minute HIV treatment information covering the latest in drug development and research. Before moving back home to Indiana, Jamie was promoted to Director of Programs at the New Jersey Women and AIDS Network in New Brunswick, NJ where she helped to implement the SISTA Project. After arriving in Indiana, Jamie has been working in tobacco control for the Indiana Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Agency. She was the Director of Programs for the Central West region and is also currently the coordinator for the Boone County Tobacco Free Coalition. Jamie started OUT Against Tobacco, a small group of tobacco control advocates that assist the LGBT community to fight back against the tobacco industry. In her free time, Jamie likes to read, officiate women's basketball, and spend time with her partner and 3 kids. Ryan McConnell Care Coordinator Extension 225 rmcconnell@damien.org Bachelor of Science - Clinical Rehabilitation Psychology - Purdue University at IUPUI Ryan began working for The Damien Center in January 2009 as a Care Coordinator after learning about the opening through a friend who worked at The Damien Center. After college, Ryan worked in the field of addictions as a counselor at an addictions treatment center in Indianapolis. Ryan started as an intern and eventually became the director of the center. Ryan ran several Intensive Outpatient therapy groups, performed individual therapy sessions, worked as a member of a treatment team for a drug court program, and helped to develop and provide counseling for a drug therapy program for inmates in jail who were struggling with addictions. In my work with addictions and other collegiate pursuits, I realized my passion for helping others in need. In result of my experience, I am able to utilize the therapeutic methods that I fine tuned while counseling in my efforts as a care coordinator here at The Damien Center. Personally, I feel it is an important part of life to enjoy what you do. Working as a part of the team here at The Damien Center gives me a great sense of purpose, as what we do here is so important to our community. My desire is to positively impact the world around me and The Damien Center gives me the opportunity to do so. Our clients are great people and I am committed to do my best to provide them with the tools and support they need to live happy, successful lives. In my free time I enjoy spending time with friends and family. Passions of mine are mountain biking, playing sports, cars, enjoying live performances of music (particularly the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra), traveling, and reading anything involving history! Jermaine Couch Care Coordinator Extension 226 jcouch@damien.org I've been in social services for 10 years and am a graduate of Kentucky State University. I'm proud to serve the community through The Damien Center - they've allowed me the opportunity to serve a population in need. In my free time, I love to interact with youth as a coach of the CAW Inner City Football League and basketball. I am married and a proud father of three - two daughters and a son. Rocío Borreguero-Bolanos Care Coordinator Extension 227 rociobb@damien.org BSW, Ball State University Rocío joined The Damien Center as Care Coordinator in September 2009. Prior to her appointment at The Damien Center she worked as a Crisis Call Manager and Intake Specialist at The Julian Center for women victims of domestic violence; and as a Victim Advocate at Prevail, Inc. All people who have been close to Rocío have always known something for sure - Rocío has an inborn capacity to empathize and to help others. Nevertheless it was not until 2004 when she decided to change her life and take on a great challenge, she left Spain to go to college in the U.S. and become a social worker. Her motivation and desire to learn showed results in 2009 when she finished the bachelors degree in social work with great honors magna cum laudem and was given an outstanding senior student award by the department. Prior to obtaining her degree she had been involved with several NGOs in different countries. In Spain she worked with homeless shelters, in France with communities in preserving forest, rivers, national parks and historical buildings. In Togo (Africa) she stayed in developing communities working on child education, birth education and family planning. In U.S. she volunteered at SouthernCare assisting community members to maintain their dignity and quality in the remainder of their life and at TEAMwork for Quality Living helping low-income population to overcome poverty. All these experiences helped her realize what she really wanted to do in her life and she decided to complete her education to help improve conditions of all human beings, and ensure dignity and social justice for everybody. She is delighted to work in Damien Center; she knows this is her place because the words Justice and Dignity have always been Rocío's leitmotiv. In her spare time, Rocío enjoys talking to her family and friends, traveling, movies, solving puzzles, cooking/eating Mediterranean cuisine, having friends at home, and just plain living, she loves to be alive. Terry Sims Care Coordinator Extension 223 tsims@damien.org U.S Army Veteran Bachelor's of Social Work - California State University Master's of Social Work - CSUS Experience: Over 23 years in Social Services, working with several diverse populations such as; Homeless individuals & families, Disabled persons, Persons suffering with Mental Illness/Dually diagnosed, Autism, seniors living independently, School based services, Home-based therapy and case management, Substance abuse, Individual and Family therapy services, Working with At-Risk Youth; and Probation, and Family Services. I chose The Damien Center because it is a model for our community in regard to personal safety, prevention, and maintaining positive relationships. Firsthand accounts about the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS are not only powerful, but build strength and resilience in those directly and indirectly affected. Helping people move forward with optimism and hope for their future is a very rewarding experience, while letting them know they are not alone. We are all vulnerable to life changing events, but as long as we seek out knowledge and understanding we can prevail and live healthy productive lives. Spending time with family is very important to me as well as serving the community and God! My pets are fun and interesting, cat, puppy, and snake. I enjoy reading, music, watching Football, WNBA, and meeting interesting people. Jason Richmond Care Coordinator Extension 243 jrichmond@damien.org Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work University of Southern Indiana Jason joined the Damien Center in July 2011 as a Care Coordinator. Jason first began his work experience in the HIV/AIDS community in 1994 as a Caregiver in Columbus, OH for two years while attending college. Several years later, he decided to return to college to pursue a degree in Social Work at the University of Southern Indiana where he graduated with a Bachelor and Master Degree in Social Work (2009,2010). Jason served as a Homeless Prevention Coordinator at Matthew 25 AIDS Services in Henderson, KY while serving his internship there as well. After completion of his degrees, he worked as a Care Coordinator for AIDS Resource Group in Evansville, IN until he recently relocated to Indianapolis. Jason has also been an active volunteer in the HIV/AIDS community since 1996. Jason has a great passion for music and enjoys attending concerts. He also enjoys spending quality time with family, friends, and his partner, Jeff. Jamie Hollis Care Coordinator Extension 232 jhollis@damien.org Jamie comes to the Damien Center as a 2011 graduate of IUPUI. Hailing from the small town of Marion, KY, Hollis has been an active community volunteer with a specific focus in civic education and community engagement. Erin Buechler Care Coordinator Extension 242 ebuechler@damien.org Erin is originally from Harrison, Ohio; near Cincinnati. She graduated in 2003 with Bachelor's in Psychology from Mt. Vernon Nazarene University in Mt. Vernon, Ohio and achieved a Master's in Social Work from University of Cincinnati in 2008. Erin has been a case manager for domestic violence victims, women felons, and people with disabilities. Having recently moved to Indy from Milwaukee, WI in July 2011 with husband, Jonathan, Erin is ecstatic to be working with a new population and with the staff at The Damien Center! Terri Young Care Coordinator Extension 228 tyoung@damien.org Terri is a graduate of Ball State University and earned her Master's in Community Psychology after returning to Indianapolis. She has 5 years of experience in both social services and education. She began her career in social services working with "at-risk" youth providing counseling services and community linkages. Prior to coming to the Damien Center she served as a counselor and taught a college course in Human Development. Terri has a passion for helping others and couldn't see herself working in any other field. She spends her spare time enjoying the outdoors, traveling, and volunteering with youth organizations. Terri is excited to be a part of the Care Coordination staff here at the Damien Center. She hopes to make a lasting impact on the lives of those she comes in contact with. David Green Administrative Assistant dgreen@damien.org Housing and Client Services Jeremy Turner Client Services Coordinator jturner@damien.org Jeremy serves as the Client Services Enrichment Coordinator. In the new position, Jeremy will oversee operations in the Damien Center's Coby Palmer Food Pantry, plan and execute client-centered events, and work closely with the Client Service Committee to ensure the ongoing collaboration between the Damien Center and its client base. Jeremy comes to the Damien Center from other AIDS service organizations in Southern Indiana (AIDS Resource Group) and Western Kentucky (Matthew 25 AIDS Services.) Jeremy is a former Prevention Program Coordinator, Red Cross HIV 101 Instructor, certified Indiana HIV Testing Counselor, "Street Smart" certified program facilitator, "Many Men, Many Voices" certified program facilitator and a recipient of community awards and accolades relating to his youth-based HIV and Substance Use prevention programs. In addition to prevention efforts, Jeremy has experience in grant writing, event/ fundraiser planning and agency food pantry operations. Recently having relocated to Indianapolis from Evansville, Jeremy looks forward to using his background to help enhance Damien Center clients' overall experience at the agency. In his free time Jeremy enjoys jogging, playing the piano and performing. Be sure to stop by his new office in the food pantry to say "hello!" Ricky Ward Client Services Specialist Extension 253 rward@damien.org Ricky is a native of the near east-side area, more specifically the Brookside Community. Ricky began his career with the Brookside Community Youth Program as the Program Director. Ricky also served as a Youth Entertainer for Celebrity Cruises, traveling all over the world. A few of his passions are: travel, cars, old homes, his faith, working with youth, and HIV prevention. He is now a student at IUPUI, pursuing his social work degree in hopes of continuing his career in the HIV/AIDS prevention and addiction arena. Career Development Michaelangelo McClendon Career Development Program Manager Extension 230 mmcclendon@damien.org Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral and Social Sciences with a concentration in Psychology, East-West University, Chicago, IL Michaelangelo McClendon has been with the Damien Center as of September 2009, as a Care Coordinator. He has an eight year history working in the Outpatient Mental Health Clinic arena, as an At-Risk-Youth Counselor in Maryland. He holds a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from East-West University in Chicago, IL and preparing to pursue his Master in Social Work from IUPUI, next fall. He has worked in the Indianapolis, area since moving here from Chicago, IL in April, as a Trainer and Supervisor of a local Mentoring Agency, which serves high risk, by offering social, recreation and education mentoring in Indianapolis. Michaelangelo was inspired to apply to the Damien Center, so that he could bring awareness and change to society's view of HIV/AIDS. Michaelangelo enjoys being home with his two dogs, Coco Taffy and Reno, as well as bowling, cooking, baking and wine tasting, spending time with cose friends and traveling across the US. Michaelangelo's personal quote "CHOOSE TO BE WHO YOU WANT THE WORLD TO SEE....EVERYDAY!" Development and Communications Elisa Rogowski, CFRE Director of Development and Communications Extension 269 erogowski@damien.org B.M., Flute Performance - Butler University B.S., Arts Administration - Butler University Elisa joined The Damien Center in 2009 as Director of Development & Communications. Prior to her time at The Damien Center she served as Development Manager for Girl Scouts of Central Indiana from 2004-2009 and as Director of Special Events for the Nashville Opera Association in Nashville, TN from 2002-2004. Elisa is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and has also been active as a private flute teacher in both the Indianapolis and Nashville communities. She is excited to utilize her fundraising background for the benefit of an organization that makes such an important difference in the lives of its constituents. In her time away from The Damien Center, Elisa enjoys performing music with her husband, a cellist, being a mom to her three beautiful daughters, and gardening. Aaron Schaler Development Coordinator Extension 236 aschaler@damien.org Since 2008 Aaron has worked as a professional political operative always seeking to better the world around him by helping to elect qualified candidates to represent Hoosier interests. He is involved in a number of charities including the Irvington Innovation Zone and Indiana Stonewall Democrats. Aaron hopes to have an effect at The Damien Center by raising a significant dollar amount to expand much needed programs. Jesse Sickels Development Assistant Extension 268 jsickels@damien.org I am very happy to be a new employee of the Damien Center. I was born and raised in Union City, Indiana on a large dairy farm. I attended Indiana University and remain a big Hoosier basketball and football fan. I have lived in Indianapolis since 1976. I am a big sports fan, I have Colts season tickets, enjoy all outdoor activities (riding my bike, working in the yard) just plain being outdoors. I have showed and trained professionally American Saddlebred horses and Hackney Ponies and I have more than 30 years experience with group health insurance. My favorite vacation spot is Key West. My family consists of my Mother, Niece, Nephew and 3 Great Nieces (2 of which are 2 yr old twins) and 3 Great Nephews. Traci Johnson Americorps Member Extension 253 tjohnson@damien.org Traci is our newest AmeriCorps member! An Indianapolis girl through and through, she has lived in Beech Grove for most of her life; she recently graduated from the University of Southern Indiana with a degree in French, International Studies, and Political Science. Through different experiences like Girl Scouts and collegiate organizations, Traci realized that she wanted to work in the not-for-profit world. She learned about AmeriCorps while studying abroad, and after researching the opportunities, she learned about AIDS United - the organization that placed her at the Damien Center. She became interested in HIV/AIDS service organizations because she believes that people need to learn more about the disease. Through her experiences, she hopes to educate those around her and help them to create a more loving environment all around. In her free time, Traci loves to travel, read, watch movies, and drink coffee. She loves meeting new people and looks forward to getting to know the community within and around the Damien Center.