At Eliada, we believe in new beginnings. Alexis came here in November of last year looking for just that. She wanted to change her past behaviors in regards to truancy, substance abuse, running away, and poor relationships with her family. She talked to her treatment team about wanting to express and deal with her emotions appropriately, especially anger. She felt that negative emotions were keeping her from making good decisions and creating the life she wanted. Her family reached out to Eliada for help.

From day one, Alexis showed a lot of determination and worked hard to reach her goals. She especially responded to a therapy known as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), which focuses on acceptance, mindfulness, and learning to cope with stress. Using her DBT skills, Alexis rose to become a leader in Reynolds Cottage. She even set a record for moving through Eliada’s motivational system faster than any other female student in the history of the cottage.

Alexis was highly focused on her family and proving to them that she could make positive changes. Her family lived far away, so she didn’t get to see them all the time. She communicated with them regularly and earned the privilege of going home on therapeutic leave. While at home, Alexis drew upon her newfound strength to combat peer pressure and other stresses.

During her time at Eliada, Alexis taught her peers about some of her favorite hobbies, dance and cheerleading. She also participated in the National Youth Project Using Minibikes (NYPUM) program and earned “junior leader” status, meaning she could be a part of events both on and off campus. Her counselors and friends at Eliada loved her positive presence in the cottage and her natural leadership tendencies.

Her work ethic and overall progress surpassed all expectations. Alexis graduated much sooner than was originally planned, and was able to go home with her family and reenter public school. She hopes one day to go to college and pursue a law degree or a career as a marine biologist.

Congratulations, Alexis! We are all so proud of you.

Thank you for reading Eliada’s April Success Story. Look for exciting changes coming to our Success Stories series beginning next month!

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You are invited to attend the

R.I.S.E. End-of-the-Year Presentations

On Wednesday, May 2^nd, 2012 &

May 9^th, 2012

From 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm in the Eliada Chapel

Please come show your support for these wonderful individuals as they present their end-of-year projects and share their experiences as they complete participation in the R.I.S.E. Program.

Presenters on Wednesday, May 2^nd: Lizzy Demler, Sharissa Chan, Neda Soltani. Catherine Tay

Presenters on Wednesday, May 9^th: Charlie Schmitt, Ebony Allen, Nicole Weinstein.

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Eliada Homes, Inc., one of Western North Carolina’s premier residential mental health treatment facilities for children and adolescents, is accepting resumes for the position of Chief Operations Officer. 

Reporting to the CEO, the position will have daily oversight and ultimate management responsibility for the overall direction of key organizational services, including Residential Treatment, Day Treatment, Foster Care and other support services.

The Chief Operations Officer will direct the development and implementation of new and expanded services and will be a key participant in strategic planning and programmatic implementation.  Will oversee the selection and management of staff; will oversee the development of programs and budgetary development, and will monitor income and expenditures.

Among these key duties, position will also provide reports to Senior Leadership and Board of Trustees; will serve as a permanent member of the Senior Leadership Committee and will ensure the ongoing provision of quality services through participation in the organization’s quality improvement processes.

The position will directly supervise several directors, including the Clinical Director, Residential Program Directors, Foster Care Consultants and others.

Minimum qualifications include a Master’s degree in human services or MBA, ten years experience in behavioral health services, including strong program administration and supervisory experience.  Successful candidate must have experience in the non-profit arena, including budgeting, fiscal management, strategic planning and personnel management.  A strong preference will be given to those with experience in a Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF), or similar agency with a full continuum of services.

Salary range is between $60,000 and $75,000 per annum, with a competitive benefits package.  Qualified and interested applicants should submit a letter of interest, an up-to-date resume and five (5) references, to be contacted only if selected.  Forward to: Dennis Hawley, Director of Human Resources, Eliada Homes, Inc., 2 Compton Drive, Asheville, NC  28787 or send electronically to dhawley@eliada.org.

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We have gathered Admissions Representatives and Specific Program Staff (SW Programs, Counseling Programs, etc.) to come and speak with our staff and other members of the community about applying and preparing for Graduate School.  You can expect:

• A panel discussion from severral different schools with Q&A to follow.
• Discussion on how to get ready for grad school, what programs are best for you and for which reasons.
• What are the requirements for applying? I.e. essays, exams, application fees, recommendation letters, interviews, etc.
• How can I afford to go to Graduate School!?!

Meet and Greet with representatives from:

Western Carolina University

UNC Chapel Hill

Clemson

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We have gathered Admissions Representatives and Specific Program Staff (SW Programs, Counseling Programs, etc.) to come and speak with our staff and other members of the community about applying and preparing for Graduate School.  You can expect:

• A panel discussion from severral different schools with Q&A to follow.
• Discussion on how to get ready for grad school, what programs are best for you and for which reasons.
• What are the requirements for applying? I.e. essays, exams, application fees, recommendation letters, interviews, etc.
• How can I afford to go to Graduate School!?!

 Meet and Greet with representatives from:

UNC Chapel Hill

North Carolina State University

Appalachian State

Read more posts from Eliada.