Efrain Diaz
Springfield,MA
Summary
Compassionate peer counselor and facilitator with experience in program planning for rehabilitation workshops and co-founding a theater arts program for incarcerated individuals. Skilled in building relationships to support behavioral change and character development. Background includes administration, early childhood intervention, masonry, and construction. Bilingual in English and Spanish; proficient in Microsoft Office, JavaScript, and Python.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director of CT
National Peace Offers Association (NPOA)
- Provide executive leadership
- Led fundraising and grant initiatives to secure financial support for program sustainability
- Developed strategic partnerships to enhance resource accessibility and community engagement
- Oversaw organizational operations to ensure alignment with mission and goals
- Increased organization membership through targeted outreach efforts
- Coordinated community outreach programs to enhance local involvement
Certified Recovery Peer Advocate CRPA Phoenix House of New York
- Provided direct support to individuals who struggled with substance abuse
- Established and supported participants' recovery plan with short term goals
- Developed helpful and confidential relationship and provided formal guidance to build confidence and hope.
- Make referrals for services with other programs
Peer Counselor / Program Associate
- Provided intense one-on-one counseling and support to people with mental or emotional disabilities
- Worked with residents of a Special Needs Unit to help them master daily living skills and activities
- Built deep personal relationships with participants led them in real-life steps to alter behaviors
- Received numerous commendations for effectiveness in advocating for special needs individuals
Group Facilitator /Director, Theatre Arts Rehabilitation
- Co-founded the Phoenix Players Theatre Group, a transformational program for New York State inmates
- Used theater workshops and productions to promote self-discovery and opportunity for life redirection
- Worked closely with instructors and directors from Cornell University and Bard College on arts training
- Directed the downstate “Rehabilitation Through the Arts” program as a Steering Committee member
Administrator / Head Clerk
- Planned and coordinated religious events and services; maintained weekly “call-out” authorizations
- Maintained all chapel records and reports; held position while also employed as a mason’s assistant
Mason / Construction Laborer / Roofer
- Laid and mortared brick walls, corners, arches, and fireplaces; trained one-on-one by a Master Mason
- Installed, repaired, and waterproofed roofing in commercial and residential buildings
- Inspected and prepared job sites; assured that work was completed and safety regulations were followed
Roofer / Construction Laborer
All Bridge Contracting Corporation
Staten Island, NY
01.2023 - 01.2025
Steering Committee Member
Rehabilitation Through the Arts
Woodbourne, NY
01.2019 - 01.2023
Behavioral Program Associate
Special Needs Unit
Woodbourne, NY
01.2018 - 01.2023
Head Clerk / Administrative Aide
Ministerial Services
Coxsackie, NY
01.2015 - 01.2018
Co-Founder / Director
Phoenix Players Theatre Group
Auburn, NY
01.2008 - 01.2014
Education
Certificate - “Justice Through Code” Program
Columbia University
New York, NY01-2024
Certificate - Computer Literacy
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
New York, NY01-2023
Courses Towards a Bachelor’s Degree - Social Studies and Theatre Arts
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY01-2012
High School Diploma -
Fort Hamilton High School
Brooklyn, NY01-1988
Certified Recovery Peer Advocate / Social Services 101 -
The Fortune Society
Queens, NYSkills
- Organizational Leadership
- Workshop Program Design
- Crisis Management Support
- Behavioral Intervention Techniques
- Special needs mentoring
- Team facilitator
- Data Management Systems
- Written and verbal communication
- Adaptable fast learner
- Creative problem-solving
- Attentive listening
- Cultural Awareness & Understanding
Timeline
Roofer / Construction Laborer
All Bridge Contracting Corporation
01.2023 - 01.2025
Steering Committee Member
Rehabilitation Through the Arts
01.2019 - 01.2023
Behavioral Program Associate
Special Needs Unit
01.2018 - 01.2023
Head Clerk / Administrative Aide
Ministerial Services
01.2015 - 01.2018
Co-Founder / Director
Phoenix Players Theatre Group
01.2008 - 01.2014
Executive Director of CT
National Peace Offers Association (NPOA)
Certified Recovery Peer Advocate CRPA Phoenix House of New York
Peer Counselor / Program Associate
Group Facilitator /Director, Theatre Arts Rehabilitation
Administrator / Head Clerk
Mason / Construction Laborer / Roofer
Certificate - “Justice Through Code” Program
Columbia University
Certificate - Computer Literacy
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Courses Towards a Bachelor’s Degree - Social Studies and Theatre Arts
Cornell University
High School Diploma -
Fort Hamilton High School
Certified Recovery Peer Advocate / Social Services 101 -
The Fortune Society