Damien Center Staff

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 Interim 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.

Elisa Rogowski, CFRE
Director of Development and Communications
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erogowski@damien.org

Butler University
B.M., Flute Performance
B.S., Arts Administration
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 two beautiful daughters, and spending time outdoors.

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.

Ann Boden, BS
Prevention Case Manager
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aboden@damien.org

B.S. Psychology from Purdue University at IUPUI, 2005
M.S. Mental Health Counseling from Walden University, in progress

Ann began working for Damien Center in September 2009 as a Comprehensive Risk Counselor and in January of 2010 has taken on the role of Prevention Case Manager. After completing her bachelor's degree in 2005, she and her husband moved to California while he completed his commitment to the Marine Corps. Upon moving back to Indianapolis in 2006, Ann worked at a local addiction treatment center on the adolescent inpatient unit, where she quickly developed a passion for helping others through difficult life experiences and found her niche in assisting in the process of recovery and symptom management of all kinds. From 2007-2009, she worked as a case manager at a local mental health agency, working closely with adolescent youth aging out of the foster care system.

Through these experiences, Ann has developed a deeper understanding of human services and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling. She is eager to apply the skills and knowledge she has gained to help those living with HIV/AIDS deal with the vast array of behavioral change and mental health struggles that may be present and improve their quality of life.

 In her spare time, Ann enjoys spending time with her husband, three kids, and dog, camping, backpacking, running, painting, and reading.

Niki Viehe
Intern
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nhiehe@damien.org

I graduated with high distinction from the IU School of Social Work with my Bachelor's degree in May of 2009. I am a current Master's of Social Work student with a health concentration. I was introduced to social work in the professional field when I began an internship in the Emergency Room at Methodist Hospital. The Methodist ER is a level one trauma center where I served survivors of violence and trauma. Working there gave me the opportunity to serve people from all different ethnicities and economic backgrounds, which was an invaluable experience. I later returned to Methodist to work in the health promotions department. My last placement was at HVAF, Inc. where I worked with homeless veterans with substance abuse issues. I learned at HVAF, Inc. that substance abuse is truly an addiction not a moral weakness.

I have known that I wanted to be a social worker since I was very young. Social justice will never be achieved unless we eradicate oppression and stigma through education with an intense vigilance. Working at the Damien Center allows me to work with clients that embody courage, strength and determination, which are all qualities that I hope one day to fully achieve. "You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give." Kahlil Gibran

I love basking in great company, which usually entails me studying with my best friend, partner and Zappa. Zappa is our furry food connoisseur. I like to laugh at myself and my favorite thing is seeing genuine joy in someone else's smile. I like to debate politics with my mother, mainly because we are kindred spirits. I love my family more than words could adequately express. I fervently believe they were picked out specifically for me. 

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." Plato

Ebony Jackson, MSW
Care Coordinator
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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.

Ryan McConnell
Care Coordinator
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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!

Christy Meyer
Care Coordinator
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cmeyer@damien.org

Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work
Indiana University/Purdue University Indianapolis

Christy began college at Purdue in 1974 where she married her husband of 33 years, Jeff.  Following this, they proceeded to move to eight states before returning to Indiana in 2001. Christy graduated from IUPUI with both a Bachelor and Master's Degree in Social Work.  During her college career, she interned with Gallahue Mental Health, Hancock Memorial Hospital, Beacon House and Planned Parenthood of Indiana.  Christy interned with the advocacy branch of Planned Parenthood and worked for their Get Real Indiana  campaign. Get Real, Indiana! is a coalition of organizations calling for medically accurate, age-appropriate, affirming sexuality curricula for Indiana students. 
Christy was also selected as one of the Top 100 students at IUPUI during the year 2007.

As social workers we hold dear the conviction that we do not exist in a vacuum. We are
all interconnected. This invaluable way of thinking allows us to see the interactions or relationships between people and community systems as being in constant reciprocity with each other.
Albert Einstein understood this reality and once stated "A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feeling as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty."

Through this visualization I understand that we are each on our own journey, but for a time my path will intersect with others at The Damien Center.  I work at The Damien Center and it is glorious.

Michaelangelo McClendon
Care Coordination Program Manager
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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 close friends and traveling across the US.

 Michaelangelo's personal quote "CHOOSE TO BE WHO YOU WANT THE WORLD TO SEE....EVERYDAY!"

Maya Carraway, JD

BA, Economics and Business Administration-
Trinity College, Washington, D.C., 2004
JD, Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis, IN 2008

 Maya is excited to join the Damien Center.  Prior to her time at the Damien Center, she served as a Home Health Aide in Greenfield, IN caring for individuals with Prader-willi syndrome.  Maya graduated law school in December 2008 and jumped at the idea of earning a degree in Public Health.  Maya currently attends Benedictine University for her Master's in Public Health with a concentration in Administrations of Health Care institutions and Health Policy.  Maya is a proud member of Phi Beta Kappa and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

 Maya looks forward to sharing her love for people and learning with the Damien Center clients and staff.

 In her free time Maya enjoys spending time with friends and family.

Cari Peterson-Jolly
Care Coordinator
Extension 226
cpeterson@damien.org

B.S. Ball State University
Organizational Communications and Philosophy

Cari joined the Damien staff at the beginning of September of 2009 as a Care Coordinator.  Cari started her career with the Muscular Dystrophy Association from 2006-2007 as a Programming Coordinator for the Lafayette, Muncie, and surrounding areas.  She worked with clients, but mainly in fundraising efforts done through galas, jail and bails, mobile programs, motorcycle rides, golf tournaments, and school programs.  Cari was fortunate to work with MDA national partners such as the Fire Fighters and Harley Davidson.  Working with the patients and with a diverse group of people that lead her to work first with non traditional students at ITT Technical Institute as an Admission Representative and then as a counselor with gifted and talented juniors and seniors.  Cari served from 2007-2009, at a residential high school called, The Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities housed at Ball State University.  She served as a Student Life Counselor, living in the dormitory with the students while providing guidance, programming, and academic support.

 "I loved providing supportive listening to my students while then teaching them how to be self sufficient by providing the resources.  This allowed them to make the decisions about their futures, an aspect that teenagers so diligently crave as they become adults.  The power to make our own decisions is a quality that we crave to have over our own lives as adults, but can loose when our decisions or circumstances produce difficult results or challenges." 

She then worked with Northern Arizona University doing educational programming and training during a 6 week academic camp for Native American, low income, and first generation students.  She supervised 15 Summer Leaders as they did programming for over 150 residential students. 

Cari deferred her pursuit of her master's degree, but hopes to continue her education at Purdue University in the Family Therapy and Child Development program in the future.  When she is not working, Cari volunteers her time as a Domestic Violence Advocate and a Peer Mentor.  She also spends time with her niece, dog- Comet, and wonderful family!

"It's hosting the opportunity to be a part of someone's life that has led me to the Damien Center.  Not only am I joining an amazing staff, but I will be able to promote client self sufficiency through support.  Clients do not have to have the Damien Center as part of their lives; but it is a choice that I am lucky enough of with to be part; and that is something I have to thank the client for instead of thinking they should thank me."


David Marsh
Front Desk Coordinator
Extension 222
dmarsh@damien.org 

B.A., Sociology, IUPUI

David is excited to have joined the Damien Center staff in the summer of 2007. He is a 2006 graduate of Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis where he earned a B.A. in Sociology. After graduation, David migrated South to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he had the opportunity to work as the New Patient Coordinator for Northpoint Medical, a physician's office focused on Gay Men's Health and HIV and AIDS-related issues. In this position, David was able to work directly with individuals living with HIV and AIDS, a population that he focused on during his studies as a Sociology major at IUPUI. Although he loved his work, he knew that he was better suited for a career in the nonprofit sector.

After a short stay in North Carolina, David returned home to Indianpolis and immediately applied for the newly-open Front Desk Coordinator position at Damien Center.

"It must have been fate that this position at Damien Center was open just as I returned to Indiana with no prospects of a job. Working with individuals living with HIV and AIDS in the nonprofit setting is something I've always wanted to do, and now I'm actually getting the opportunity to do it."

David has a background in event planning and promoting and hopes to volunteer his time on many of the upcoming fundraising events Damien Center will be holding. In his spare time, David enjoys traveling and spending time with his partner of five years, as well as their two cats.

Rocío Borreguero Bolaños
Care Coordinator
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bbolanos@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 traveling, movies, solving puzzles, cooking/eating Mediterranean cuisine, having friends at home, spending time with Olivia - the cutest cat in the world... and just plain living, she loves to be alive.

J. David Moman, MDIV, IMAC
Comprehensive Risk Counselor
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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
Indiana Master Addiction Counselor, IMAC

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 Prevention Case Management counselor. David has created a new program at the Center called “Positive Attitudes Class” for clients who have problems with anger.

Amanda Quillen
AmeriCorps member, Housing Care Coordinator
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aquillen@damien.org

Bachelor of Arts, Taylor University

 "You must be the change you wish to see in the world."  --Mahatma Ghandi

Amanda received her Bachelor's degree from Taylor University in 2008. Upon graduation, she was accepted into the National AIDS Fund Caring Counts AmeriCorps Program for 2008-2009. She was placed at the Damien Center in Indianapolis where she worked doing care coordination and housing management.

Amanda is happy to return to the Damien Center for her second year as an AmeriCorps member through the National AIDS Fund Caring Counts Program for 2009-2010. The National AIDS Fund Caring Counts Program recruits fifty members nationwide who serve in the HIV/AIDS field for eleven months in seven cities across the country. This year Amanda serves as the Team Coordinator for Team Indianapolis, which involves spending half a day each week as a liaison at the Indiana AIDS Fund, which is the local supporting agency for the AmeriCorps program. At the Damien Center this year Amanda continues her work with care coordination and housing management.

Amanda is very grateful for the experiences that have been granted to her as an AmeriCorps member, particularly at the Damien Center. Through her time at the center she has cherished the opportunity to work alongside and with many passionate, driven, strong, and selfless individuals. Upon completion of her AmeriCorps service, Amanda plans to obtain her Master's of Social Work so that she can continue such work in a greater capacity.

Jason S. Hummel
Housekeeping/Maintenance Coordinator
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jhummel@damien.org

Bachelors of Science, General Studies - Ball State University Certifications in Interpersonal Relations and Gender Studies

Jason joined The Damien Center in October of 2009 as the new Housekeeping/Maintenance Coordinator. Jason has also spent the past 7 and ½ years as a member of the staff at Talbott Street Nightclub.

Jason is a 1997 graduate of Ball State University where he obtained a Bachelors of Science in General Studies. He also received Certifications in Interpersonal Relations and Gender Studies. Since college, Jason has honed his customer service and information technology skills and looks forward to strengthening those skill bases in the future.

For the past 12 years, Jason has called Indianapolis home! Living in Herron-Morton Place one of Indianapolis's downtown Historic Neighborhoods, Jason fell in love with historic preservation and neighborhood development. He's been an active volunteer in his neighborhood organization for over 10 years and recently completed his first 3 ½ year term on the neighborhood's Board of Directors; serving as both Treasurer and Secretary. Bowling has been a life-long passion for Jason and he's been a member of the Indianapolis bowling community for the past 7 years. Jason also volunteers his time with the TGIF Bowling Tournament, which is held in Indianapolis each July 4th weekend.

 "Somewhere in my youth, my parents must have done something right! They raised a kid who loves to give back to his family, friends and community."

In his spare time, Jason enjoys spending time with his family, friends and his two wonderful boys (Scooby and Bailey)! Jason's hobbies include traveling, gardening, movies, music, video games and trivia.

Shawn Appleget
Care Coordinator
Extension 253
BSW
sappleget@damien.org

Shawn has a Bachelor's in Social Work and is currently attending I.U. School of Social Work pursuing a Master's degree.  Shawn has many hobbies that include playing guitar (Blues), reading, auto racing, and running.  Shawn is an avid runner and has completed several Mini-Marathons.

Susan J. Peterson
Finance Assistant
Extension 240
speterson@damien.org

BA, University of Memphis

Susan has been working as the Finance Assistant at the Damien Center since January 2007.  Prior to that, she was the Development Assistant for Walther Cancer Institute since 2006, as well as an Accounting Clerk, also for Walther, since 2002.  She served as an Accounts Payable Clerk from 1994-1996, and a Payroll Clerk from 1996-2002, both for Salin Bank & Trust Company here in Indianapolis.

Susan enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, and their two cats.   

Brandi Smock
Care Coordinator/Team Leader
Extension 224
bsmock@damien.org

Wes Wilson

HIV Tester

Extension 284

wwilson@damien.org

This is my second go-a-round with the Damien Center.  I was assigned to the Damien Center for 1 year while I was in the National Aids Fund Caring Counts AmeriCorps program and worked as the Community Opportunities Coordinator in 2007.  Before Damien, I worked for a year with the Marion County Health Department, HIV Outreach as the Adolescent HIV Health Educator.  I attended Ball State University and graduated from St Petersburg College in St Petersburg, Florida with a Veterinary Technology Degree. 

I have worked in the HIV arena for 22 years, starting with the People of Color agency in St Petersburg, Florida as a HIV tester and case manager.  When I returned to Indiana in 2005, I started working with Brothers United as the Transgender Coordinator and HIV tester and counselor.  

I find that working in the HIV arena has been very rewarding.  In my spare time I enjoy being a "couch potato.