I’m not sure how it’s possible, but I think I worked *more* during this weird, COVID-laden, socially-distanced semester than I ever have before – and not just in front of audiences! Once my loved ones finally convinced me that I did – in fact – need to purchase a ring light, I had to figure out how to use it I also FINALLY understand how to unmute myself *and* how to “Join Video” 😉 I also started on the second draft of the sequel to Leaving Dorian , re-dedicated my novel, Sunrise and the Seven One Six , walked a socially-distanced 5K and joined yet another social media platform 🙂 Last, but certainly not least, I was happy to be reminded that a local women’s shelter (PASSAGE in Niagara County) requires all of their interns to read Leaving Dorian as a part of their training.
This was also my first semester back since trudging through some very serious life changes. Though I’ve never been happier {my life – wholly and completely – has never felt so “right”} even good stress is stress! As it turned out, I shouldn’t have given it a second thought; I’m giving this semester a 10/10: Highly Recommend 🙂
August 26 – Erie County Domestic Violence High Risk Team – Buffalo PD
28 – ECDVHRT – Horizon Health Services
September 8 – Niagara University – Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy – 74th class
15 – University at Buffalo School of Law – Family Violence Women’s Law Clinic
16 – Niagara University – Dr. Dana Radatz 590 Domestic Violence class
23 – ECDVHRT – BPD Police & Parole
24 – University at Buffalo School of Law – Dr. Michael Boucai – Family Law class
October – 14 – University at Buffalo Gender Institute Gender Matters podcast
16 – ECDVHRT – Legal Aid Bureau
21 – Trocaire College – Dating Violence Presentation for Community Coordination Response Team
22 – ECHRT (x2!)
29 – Speaker Series, It Takes A Community: A Survivor’s Story for Haven House/Erie County CFS
30 – ECDVHRT
November – 16 – University at Buffalo School of Law podcast
24 – University at Buffalo – Dr. Rob Keefe, Human Behavior class
December – Hamburg Middle & High Schools, Dating Violence Awareness Presentations
My first ever invitation to take part in a podcast!! Really wonderful conversation with PhD candidate Hilary Vandenbark and UB Law Professor Judith Olin for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Though Spring semester ended well before it was supposed to thanks to COVID19, I was busier than ever! I was so fortunate to be invited to work more than a dozen dates with The Erie County DV High Risk Team at Spectrum Mental Health Services, Best Self Behavioral, as well as for Assigned Counsel with the Erie County Court System. I also started working with The University at Buffalo Law School, and of course made my way out *very* early one morning to speak with Health classes at Hamburg High School 🙂 The most disappointing part of the semester was not being able to complete all of the dates scheduled. Hilbert College was cancelled completely, as was my trip out to Western Michigan University Even my Skype session with students at Loyola University at New Orleans ended up needing to be cancelled. On the upside, we all figured out how to conduct really productive Zoom meetings and I even got to meet Sunny the Therapy Dog!
One perk to COVID19? I suddenly have plenty of time to work on my new book, the sequel to Leaving Dorian. I’ve also decided to do an audio book, of sorts. It will be *free* and will be made available within the next couple of weeks. The formal announcement for that will be posted on all of my social media Monday, March 30.
There’s always a silver lining, ladies and gentlemen; you just need to be willing to look for it. Or as Dolly is fond of saying, “You don’t get the rainbow without a little rain.”
Dr. Dana Radatz Victimology class at Niagara University
Keynote! My first standing ovation 🙂 YEAH! They spelled my name incorrectly BOO!!
Dr. Rob Keefe Human Behavior class at University of Buffalo, South Campus
Have I ever gotten a pic while working with Dr. Chris St. Vil’s Human Behavior class at UB North Campus?? Nope. Pic of this awesome eval will have to suffice.
Skyping Dr. Angie Moe’s Family Violence class because Western Michigan is a LONG drive on short notice 😉 So happy to be planning a trip out there soon to meet her (and her students) in person!
Managed to work a little DV Awareness into the 10th Grade Confirmation class that I teach at St. John the Baptist RC Church in Lockport.
Healthy Relationships/Teen Dating Violence Class at Hamburg HS – Worked with the entire Freshman class as well as this college credit Senior Health Class.
69th Class of the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy at Niagara University. LE students ask *very* different questions than MSW and Family Counseling students; an interesting two hours spent with these brave men – and woman – and a great way to end the semester!
I spent part of this morning with Dr. Noelle St. Vil, Assistant Professor of Social Work at UB. Dr. St. Vil is interviewing survivors of intimate partner violence as a part of her work, “An Exploratory Study of Interpersonal Relationship Trauma Among Survivors of IPV”. The study will be used, in part, to develop aftercare services for survivors. I was extremely happy to be able to help, even in a small way, with this extremely worthwhile project.