Staff Highlights

Outreach employees contribute to a better community:

Parent Educators Tammy Capone and Jennifer Gerardi are certified instructors in the Incredible Years program.  They recently chose to continue their learning and expertise by completing a 13-hour course to become dually certified in Positive Discipline.  The Positive Discipline model aims at developing mutually respectful relationships between parents and children taught through the use of experiential activities and skill practice.  The program emphasizes recognizing why children do what they do, open communication, and problem solving. The goal is to find solutions, not just dole out punitive punishments, and to build long-term self-esteem and empowerment.

Parents as Teachers Family Development Specialist Alyssa Savitski received certification in perinatal mental health through Postpartum Support International. She became certified following a 14-hour Maternal Mental Health training, attendance at the annual conference, and a Perinatal Mental Health exam. “I chose to become certified because of the work I do with mothers who struggle with their mental health during and after pregnancy. With my training and personal experience, I can help mothers and fathers receive the help they need to be able to care for themselves and their babies.”   

Sara Swingle and Laura Heffron have recently joined the Outreach SafeCare® Augmented team. Provider trainee’s are required to pass an applied certification process, which involves audio reviews of recorded family sessions and coding the sessions for fidelity to the model. The training process begins with a 4-day workshop in which trainees learn to engage caregivers, utilize structured problem-solving techniques, and implement the three SafeCare modules.  This extensive process ensures families receive the highest quality, evidence-based program. Congratulations to Sara on receiving her certification! Here is what she had to say, “I enjoy watching families overcome any barriers or adversity they may be facing in order to provide a better future for their children.” 

Archived News:

PA live! FEATURES OUTREACH WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST TRAVIS PRINCE – Chris Bohinski from PA live! interviewed Travis at Outreach and shared his talents seen on the walls at Outreach.  View the interview here.

OUTREACH PARENT-CHILD STAFF ATTENDED GOVERNOR’S INSTITUTE
Outreach was honored to be part of a team chosen to participate in the Governor’s Institute: Prenatal to Grade 3 (P-3) Collaboration Working Together for Student Success. The team was comprised of Outreach’s Carlene Gula and Kathy Kutsop along with four educators from the Scranton School District.

CARLENE GULA RECEIVED STATEWIDE AWARD
Outreach Program Manager Carlene Gula was one of five individuals honored as a Pennsylvania Champion for Children during the annual Child Abuse Prevention Rally held in Harrisburg.