Heather Barry
Portland,Maine
Summary
Seeking Position As: Peer Support Specialist
A consistently active member of Portland's recovery community since 1991 with a demonstrated commitment to the welfare of our city's at risk populations: people in recovery, asylum seekers from war torn countries, and children. Exceptional verbal and written communicator adept at putting people at ease with compassion and humor. Experienced Peer Support volunteer with relevant experience in providing emotional, psychological, and practical assistance to individuals facing barriers throughout the different stages of recovery. Strengths include strong empathetic communication and active listening skills, ability to inspire trust and motivate others towards positive change. Demonstrated impact in previous volunteer roles within Portland that fostered community service and individual empowerment.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Peer Support Volunteer
Grace House for Women
Portland, ME
03.2013 - Current
- Provided one-on-one emotional and social support to program residents.
- Guided women through the Big Book of AA both individually and in groups.
- Taught residents principles of Non Violent Communication using feelings and needs cards.
- Transported residents to meetings, the PRCC, appointments, service commitments, grocery stores, and social outings.
- Instilled hope by promoting positive self-disclosure and actively listening to client needs.
- Supported clients who have experienced trauma by providing a safe space for them to express themselves without judgement.
- Advised clients on available mental health and wellness resources is the community.
Education Volunteer
Longfellow Elementary School
Portland , ME
09.2009 - 05.2016
- Collaborated with teachers and occupational therapists on various projects and field trips.
- Provided individual support to struggling students during class activities.
- Created a positive environment for student learning by utilizing mindfulness techniques with distraught youth.
Customer Service Agent
Continental Airlines
Portland, Maine
01.1998 - 01.2004
- Utilized active listening and communication skills with customers to understand needs, resolve issues and answer questions.
- Coordinated with internal teams to ensure timely and successful solutions according to passengers needs.
- Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations with compassion and humor.
Research Assistant and Editor
University of Southern Maine
Portland, Maine
01.1994 - 01.1997
- Took active role in research projects under guidance of seasoned English and Women's Studies professor.
- Reviewed relevant publications, including journal articles, books, and other materials for project purposes.
Professional Travel and Event Planner
Young Travel
Portland, Maine
01.1992 - 01.1994
- Developed personalized travel itineraries based on clients' preferences and budget.
- Provided exceptional customer service, resolving any travel-related issues promptly.
- Asked open-ended questions to best understand client needs and determine best travel offerings.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English And Women's Studies
University of Southern Maine
Portland, ME05-2001
Badge - Recovery Coaching
CCAR Trainings
Skills
- 32 years recovery experience with multiple substance and process manifestations
- Positive and friendly environment facilitation
- Community Resource Navigation
- Exemplary verbal and written communication
- Effective and respectful collaborator
- Problem-solving skills and de-escalation techniques
- Relationship-building skills via active listening and asking open ended questions
- Supports many pathways: treats people as resources
- Life long learner and avid researcher
- Role models asking for help, boundary setting and emotional regulation
- Trauma and mental health informed
- Adept with diverse populations
- Keen understanding of privilege and power
- Skilled, detail oriented planner and organizer
Volunteer Community Service
- Cancer Benefit: Concert and Silent Auction, Portland, Maine, 2015 Envisioned, solicited donations, event space, talent and organized event generating 7,000 plus dollars
Advocate for new Mainers via Hope Gateway church and word or mouth, 2016 to 2020
- Furnished empty apartments of families utilizing personal solicitations, Furniture Friends and residents of the Glenwood Men's Sober House to provide labor
- Assisted several families in securing apartments by appealing directly to landlords
- Solicited volunteers and created a schedule for kids of families living at the Maine Motel to and from YMCA summer camp
- Matched volunteers with a family to befriend, act as cultural liaisons and assist in the purchase back to school clothing and necessities for the children
Certification
Registered Maine Recovery Coach
Timeline
Peer Support Volunteer
Grace House for Women
03.2013 - Current
Education Volunteer
Longfellow Elementary School
09.2009 - 05.2016
Customer Service Agent
Continental Airlines
01.1998 - 01.2004
Research Assistant and Editor
University of Southern Maine
01.1994 - 01.1997
Professional Travel and Event Planner
Young Travel
01.1992 - 01.1994
Bachelor of Arts - English And Women's Studies
University of Southern Maine
Badge - Recovery Coaching
CCAR Trainings
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