My first career out of college was as a social worker for the state of Florida. Most new social workers have to pay their dues with a daunting welfare and food stamp caseload,and mine topped 200 clients a month. Nothing gives you a more full and realistic view of your community than working these front lines.
I later became an investigator with the abuse and neglect unit, lost a lot of sleep, and became proficient at helping legal authorities and courts to make decisions regarding child welfare.
Somewhere along the way I developed an affinity and knack for dealing with runaways - I knew which bridge to look under, who would help me shelter them when the parents refused to take them back and how to navigate the juvenile court system to their benefit - and I later became the go-to person for advice on such cases.
My last position as a social worker was as a family services court liaison, representing the state agency during court proceedings. It was extremely satisfying to be able to argue for the rights of children and youth directly to the judges that would make final determinations.
My second career evolved after I moved to rural Vermont. I obtained my teaching license and taught high school social sciences. My experience as a social worker was invaluable. As a state social worker, I often picked up the pieces of a child's life. As a teacher, I could provide influence or intervene much earlier. My home became a second home to many struggling kids.
As a teacher I also gained further insight into the relationships between social issues, education and health care. These interconnections impact students and families on a daily basis and deserve the priority status and focus given by many organizations trying to make a difference.
Most recently, I administered federal grant programs for a large nonprofit health organization. Those programs centered on health care and pharmaceutical coverage for underserved populations. In this role, I was continually challenged by the gaps of health care coverage for huge segments of people in our communities. And I was continually frustrated by the lack of options available through private and government entities.
I bring real-world experience to our communications firm. I've worked for organizations that deal with social, educational and health care issues and problems. Many of these issues are targeted by the foundations, nonprofits and the government agencies that we work with.
In addition to my work experience, I have a bachelor's degree in social work from the University of Florida, Gainesville, and I am a licensed high school teacher in social sciences.
To contact Ann go to contact us.
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