Damien Center Staff

Melissa Pershing
Executive Director
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mpershing@damien.org

A native Hoosier, Melissa Pershing graduated from Butler University in 1978.  She spent the first 12 years of her professional career in corporate marketing and public relations in Indianapolis, South Florida and Atlanta.  After receiving her law degree in 1994, she ran the volunteer lawyer program for the North Carolina Bar Association and served as Executive Director for Legal Aid of North Carolina and Legal Services of Alabama--These are statewide non profit programs providing free civil legal services to people living below the poverty line.  She has also worked for the Legal Services Corporation in Washington, DC as Senior Program Counsel and was a non profit management consultant with clients in Massachusetts, Ohio, Florida and North Carolina.  She served briefly on the Board of Directors of the Damien Center  before becoming Acting Executive Director and is a member of the Earl Conner Society. Melissa is a member of the Lacy Leadership Association, the Indianapolis Bar Association, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the Public Relations Society of America and BoardSource.

Lisa Terry
Director of Resource Development
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lterry@damien.org

Lisa Terry, with over 30 years fundraising experience, served as the CEO of the Brown County Community Foundation (BCCF) from 2005 until March 2008. She currently serves as a board member for the Brown County Art Guild and was a Board member for the Cass County Community Foundation in Logansport, IN before being hired as the first full time Executive Director of the Northern Indiana Community Foundation that served Starke, Pulaski, Fulton, Miami, and Cass Counties.  In 2000 she became the Executive Director of the Cass County Community Foundation when they became an independent organization.

Under Lisa's direction the Northern Indiana Community Foundation grew to over 20 million dollars in assets. In 2001 the CCCF was presented with" The Quality of Life/Small Division Award" by the local Chamber of Commerce.

Before moving back to Logansport, Lisa's hometown, from Bradenton, Fl, she was the Founder and Artistic Director for Manatee County's only children's non-profit theatre, "Born To Act, Inc". Upon returning to Logansport in 1993, she served as the first female Parks Administrator for the City of Logansport. Mayor John Davis had previously appointed her to the parks board in 1984 where she served for only one year before moving to Florida with her family.

Lisa's involvement in the Cass County area are extensive.  She served as the Executive Director of Junior Civic Theatre, and she participated in many adult Civic Players productions in various lead roles. She was on the fundraising steering committee for the $850,000 Cass County Carousel Renovation Project, and volunteered for the Ball State University TQLI Initiatives and Vision 2000. She was a member of the Logansport Art Assn Board of Directors, and the Cass County Arts Council. She served as chair of the Chamber of Commerce Tourism Committee.

 
Lisa is the mother of children, Adrianne and Zack  and was most recently awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash by Governor Joe Kernan.

Myrna Trump
Director of Finance & Administration
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Indiana University
Special Programs, Graduate School of Design, Harvard University

Myrna has been working as the Director of Business Operations at the Damien Center since 2005. Prior to that, she was the Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer for American Birding Association, Inc., in Colorado Springs from October 2002 to May 2004. She was the Executive Director of the Colorado Springs Dance Theatre for one year prior to that. From 1998-2001, Myrna served as a Self-Employed Contract Consultant for Kava Consulting in Bloomington, IN, and from 1994-1998, she was the Deputy Director for Finance and Administration for the Arts Council of Indianapolis. From 1991-1993, she was the Director of Operations for Starlight Musicals in Indianapolis; from 1989-1991 she was the Executive Director of Indiana Advocates for the Arts in Indianapolis; and from 1984-1989 she was Partner & President of Marcus & Co. Kitchen & Bath Studio, also in Indianapolis.

Her most recent civic involvement includes being a member of the Rocky Mountain Arts Consortium from 2001-2002; the Kennedy Center Imagination Celebration Steering Committee from 2001-2005; and was a Treasurer/Board Member for the Chamber Orchestra of the Springs from 2003-2005.

BS, Business Management, Indiana Wesleyan University
MA, Urban Ministries, Mental Health Therapy, Marriage and Family Therapy, Martin University

Bridgette joined the Damien Center to complete her internship while finishing her Master’s Degree at Martin University in 2000. She became a full time employee as a Care Coordinator and part-time Mental Health Counselor in July 2001. Bridgette joined the Prevention Team as a Prevention Case Manager in January 2002, she later served as the Manager of Prevention and Testing Services while maintaining a case load of 30 active clients. Bridgette McLaurin is now the Director of Strategic Alliances here at the Damien Center.

Prior to her work at the Damien Center, Bridgette worked at NOAH, Inc. as a Therapeutic Foster Care Case Manager.

Bridgette also has an extensive background in Accounting, Human Resources, and business management.

Sheryl Phillips
Care Coordinator/Team Leader
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sphillips@damien.org 

BA, Sociology/Social Sciences

“God sent me. It was a leap of Faith.”

Sheryl Phillips started working at the Damien Center on August 7, 2000, after losing a position in Louisville, KY to a lack of funding. She states “I took a leap of faith” and in three months of being unemployed in Kentucky, Sheryl became a Care Coordinator at the Damien Center, and she is also a Team Leader.

Sheryl has been a Social Worker for 35 years, working in such cities as Dallas, Chicago, Louisville and Indy. In 1972, along with the guidance of Model Cities and CAAP programs in Indy, Sheryl, as Assistant and Social Worker, started what is now the Citizen's Multi-Service Center along with then Director Richard Brown. Sheryl's first love, however, is the field of Gerontology where for 15 of those years Sheryl worked with the Visiting Nurse Association, the Mental Health Department with the Medicaid Waiver Program. Sheryl went from providing in-home assessments and setting up services for seniors in the areas of personal care, homemaking, transportation and in-home medical durable equipment such as grab bars, shower chairs and transfer benches to becoming the Social Worker and Assistant Director of a Senior Daycare Center.

Sheryl's new love has become her passion and dedication to working with the HIV/AIDS population through the Damien Center. Sheryl's favorite saying is “There but for the Grace of God go I.”

C. Jason Cochran, MS
Manager of Health and Outreach
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jcochran@damien.org

B.S. Psychology, Texas State University
M.S. Counseling, Texas A&M University
Doctoral Candidate, St. Mary's University

Jason is a Special Projects/Special Populations mental health counselor at Damien Center as of June 2007. He is part of the Prevention Team with a focus on alcohol and substance abuse counseling for clients. Prior to coming to Damien Center, Jason spent over six years as an assessment/adolescent counselor at Community Addiction Services of Indiana and working as a crisis counselor for several other agencies in the Indianpolis area.

Jason has specialized training in working with individuals, groups, adolescents, coping skills, crisis intervention, life development issues and relationship issues. He is also an experienced consultant to treatment centers and foster care agencies. Having been a mental health counselor in some capacity for the previous eleven years, Jason credits his experience in the field and desire to make a difference as leading him to Damien Center. Originally from Tennessee by way of many stops in Texas until 2001, Jason is an avid outdoorsman with many hobbies that include fishing, hunting, motorcycle racing, auto racing, and spending time with his family.

Abbe Sechrist, MA
Comprehensive Risk Counselor
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asechrist@damien.org
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)
M.A., Rehabilitation & Mental Health Counseling
B.A., Psychology

Abbe Sechrist is a Comprehensive Risk Counselor and a member of the Prevention Team for Damien Center. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Miami Universtiy, and a Master of Arts in Rehabilitation & Mental Health Counseling from Ball State University. Abbe is in the process of pursuing a certification as a rehabilitation counselor (CRC) as well as state licensure as a mental health counselor (LMHC). Before coming to Damien Center in June of 2007, Abbe worked as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, and as a mental health counselor in private practice.

Abbe is a native of Indianapolis, IN and has many hobbies including cooking, gardening, following a variety of sports, and spending time with friends, family, and especially  her two dogs.

"I feel extremely lucky to be a part of the Damien Center family, and look forward to using my talents and abilities to serve those in the community with HIV/AIDS. I feel as though I have been blessed with a job that incorporates all of my education and training and am excited to start building relationships that assist people in living lives with peace, purpose, and ability."



Beverly Hagler, MA
Care Coordinator
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bhagler@damien.org
MA, Christian Leadership
BA, General Studies

Beverly Hagler is a native of Fort Wayne, IN, and she graduated from Paul Harding High School in 1993. She is the eldest of four children and the only girl. She likes to think of herself as a fun, loving, spiritually motivated and “high-on-life” person. She loves to smile, and she admits that she has been told she’s rather talkative.

Beverly has worked in the HIV/AIDS field since 2001. She is very excited about being a Care Coordinator here at the Damien Center. Although it is a very fulfilling position to be in, at times it can be a challenge. Beverly said, “I am a true supporter of the work that is done in the field of HIV/AIDS. One must have a heart of GOLD because the money is funny and the change is strange, but through it all the most gratifying and precious moments of courage, strength and motivation reflected by our client’s help me to be a better person.”

Beverly believes her professional affiliation is also a call to ministry, “Within this vocation, God has opened doors for me to speak life into what can seem to be a dying situation. On so many occasions I have had persons infected and affected by HIV give me the strength to reach for the stars. I am the face of HIV.”

Craig Boeck, JD
Training & Resources Care Coordinator
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cboeck@damien.org

BA, Biblical Studies and Social Science, magna cum laude, Evangel College, Springfield, MO, 1994
JD, Indiana University School of Law, Bloomington, IN, 1996

Craig has been with the Damien Center since August 13, 2001. He began as a Care Coordinator. He currently serves as the Training & Resources Care Coordinator. In addition to maintaining a case load, Craig is responsible for training new Care Coordinators, planning bi-weekly Care Coordination trainings regarding programs and services utilized in the day-to-day job of Care Coordination and is generally responsible for understanding and educating Care Coordinators on the various aspects of the job.

Besides Care Coordination, Craig is also a licensed attorney. He runs a legal clinic for clients twice a month. At the clinic, Craig draws up life-planning documents such as Wills, Powers of Attorney, Living Wills and Appointments of Healthcare Representative. Craig also answers questions about the Social Security process during the legal clinic, and he helps two to three clients at a time with their actual Social Security appeals.

Outside of work, Craig enjoys martial arts and Zen meditation. Craig recently completed a two-year term on the Board of Directors for Indiana University’s GLBT Alumni Association.

David Marsh
Front Desk Coordinator
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dmarsh@damien.org

B.A., Sociology, IUPUI

David is excited to have joined the Damien Center staff in the summer of 2007. He is a 2006 graduate of Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis where he earned a B.A. in Sociology. After graduation, David migrated South to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he had teh opportunity to work as the New Patient Coordinator for Northpoint Medical, a physician's office focused on Gay Men's Health and HIV and AIDS-related issues. In this position, David was able to work directly with individuals living with HIV and AIDS, a population that he focused on during his studies as a Sociology major at IUPUI. Although he loved his work, he knew that he was better suited for a career in the nonprofit sector.

After a short stay in North Carolina, David returned home to Indianpolis and immediately applied for the newly-open Front Desk Coordinator position at Damien Center.

"It must have been fate that this position at Damien Center was open just as I returned to Indiana with no prospects of a job. Working with individuals living with HIV and AIDS in the nonprofit setting is something I've always wanted to do, and now I'm actually getting the opportunity to do it."

David has a background in event planning and promoting and hopes to volunteer his time on many of the upcoming fundraising events Damien Center will be holding. In his spare time, David enjoys traveling and spending time with his partner of five years, as well as their two cats.

 J. David Moman, MDIV, IMAC
Comprehensive Risk Counselor
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dmoman@damien.org

B.A., Sociology, William Jewell College
M. Div., Emory University
Continuing Education, IUPUI
Graduate of Advanced Clinical Pastoral Education at
Emory University Hospitals and Howard Community Hospital and Psychiatric Units
Indiana Master Addiction Counselor, IMAC

After completion of his M. Div. Degree, David served as a minister in United Methodist churches in Georgia and Indiana. In 1987, he began a new career as a drug and alcohol counselor and outpatient coordinator with the Salvation Army’s Harbor Light Center in Indianapolis. Following this position, he served as an addiction counselor at Community Addiction Services of Indiana in Indianapolis. David also held the position as office manager for three years at this facility and became a certified gambling addiction counselor. While still at CASI his first association with the Damien Center professionally began when he started a program at the Damien Center’s request for HIV+ clients with substance abuse issues.

In 2004, David became a volunteer at the Damien Center creating a substance abuse group called THRIVE. In 2005, he started working full time at the Damien Center as Prevention Case Management counselor. David has created a new program at the Center called “Positive Attitudes Class” for clients who have problems with anger.

Debbie Davidson
Office Manager
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ddavidson@damien.org

Bachelors of Business Administration, Florida International University

Debbie moved to Indianapolis in 1986 indirectly from Miami, FL through Harrisburg, PA and Cincinnati, OH so that she would be closer to Tom Davidson who she ended up marrying in 1987. Debbie and Tom met while working for the same small consulting firm, which had contracted them to work on projects for Boehringer Mannheim (now Roche Diagnostics). Debbie worked at Boehringer Mannheim until December 1993 when she left her job to volunteer at various organizations in the hope of finding more meaningful work.

In early 1994, Debbie went through volunteer training at the Damien Center as well as a couple of other not-for-profit agencies. While volunteering at various organizations including the Damien Center, Debbie found herself becoming more and more attached to and spending more time at the Damien Center. She served as an evening receptionist at the front desk, was a buddy and an assistant to the Care Coordination Staff Assistant. While volunteering, Debbie was offered and happily accepted a part-time job at the Damien Center. After 1 ½ years of part-time work at the Center, Debbie sadly left her job for full-time employment with another not-for-profit agency. Debbie missed the Damien Center so much that when the Care Coordination Staff Assistant called to say he was leaving his job, she submitted her application immediately. She was hired full-time as the Care Coordination Staff Assistant in September 1997 and has been here ever since. While Debbie’s responsibilities have changed significantly since she was first employed at the Center, she still loves her job to this day. She misses the contact that she used to have with clients but knows that she is in the right place.

“I love working at the Damien Center so much that I just cannot imagine working anywhere else. The people I work with are so caring and dedicated. It is a great feeling to work at an organization that does so much good for people. While I did not know anyone who had died from complications due to AIDS or anything about HIV before volunteering at the Damien Center, I knew that volunteers were needed. Back in 1994, there was so much fear surrounding HIV/AIDS; people were afraid to be seen walking into the Damien Center. I even knew volunteers that didn't want their spouses to know they were volunteering here. This made me feel very sad and so incredibly lucky at the same time because my husband has always been so accepting of whatever I decide I need to do; so much so that he volunteers whenever possible. I also knew back in the late 80’s/early 90’s that if attitudes about HIV/AIDS were going to change, it had to start with me—a married, white, middle-class woman. Everyone infected with this virus is an innocent victim—nobody deserves to be infected with HIV. Regardless of what anyone believes, HIV touches everyone; it does not matter if you are HIV+ or not, young, old, black, white, male, female, straight, gay/lesbian, bisexual or anything else. I have met many wonderful people by volunteering and working at the Damien Center. I have learned so much and my life has been enriched by knowing every single person I have met—I am the face of AIDS.”

Derwin C. Gary
Outreach Counselor
Certified HIV/STD Tester
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dgary@damien.org

B.S.P.H., Health Administration, Indiana University (IUPUI)

Derwin’s responsibility at the Damien Center is to focus on HIV and STI prevention with the goal of altering behavioral patterns, such as unprotected sexual practices or sharing of injection drug needles, which put sexual or drug sharing partners at risk for HIV/STI transmission.

Prior to coming to the Damien Center in January 2003, Derwin was a substitute-teacher for the Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) for seven months. Prior to that, he worked for the United States Postal Service.

Derwin has worked with numerous churches, correctional facilities and other not-for-profit organizations in the community to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS. He has tested over 2,500 clients in three years. He is certified with the State of Indiana in OraSure and OraQuick HIV testing devices. Furthermore, he has received training in Prevention Counseling and Behavioral Changes Implementation. He has attended an HIV Leadership conference and Behavioral Theory conference in Atlanta, GA, and he has participated in numerous workshops, as well as the United Way Leadership Development for Diversity Series 2005. Currently, Derwin is part of the United Way Leadership Alumni Association. He received a Community of Love Award for Outstanding Educator in 2004.

“I work at the Damien Center because, I simply believe this is where the Lord wants me to share my talents, at this time. It is wonderful to be able to help make a difference in client’s lives on a daily basis.”

Gloria J. Olson
Care Coordinator
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golson@damien.org

BS, Social Work, IUPUI

Before moving to Indiana in 1998, Gloria was living and working in Virginia. She retired in January 1995 with 20 years of service with the United States Navy. Her job during her Navy career covered a wide variety of duties. Such duties were managing an Airframe Work Center of approximately 30 men and women. The job of the work center was to make sure the squadron aircraft were ready for flight when it came to flight controls and landing gear as well as anything that happened to work with hydraulic fluid. Other jobs that Gloria was responsible for while in the Navy were classroom instructor, boot camp instructor, and education officer. Gloria was also made responsible for urinalysis program at her last squadron.

Even though Gloria served for the full 20 years, when she retired, the Navy gave her a 30% disability. This cleared the way for Gloria to go to college and learn a new career. At first Gloria picked Business Management. When that did not seem to be exactly what she wanted to do, she then changed her major to Social Work. She graduated with a 3.7 grade average. She was awarded a leadership award at her college graduation, which had been voted on by her peers.

Gloria has had many friends die from this terrible disease. She was married at one time but her husband died due to complications from HIV. Because a lot of friends had contracted this disease, Gloria felt it was her calling to work with people who have it. Gloria envisions a world without HIV before the end of her lifetime.

Kathy Giddings
Care Coordinator/Team Leader
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klgiddings@damien.org

BSW, Ball State University

Kathy came to the Damien Center in February 1999 as homelessness prevention Care Coordinator in the Housing and Employment department. She became a Care Coordinator/Team Leader in 2001. Kathy works with the children that are HIV+ at Riley Infectious Disease Clinic. She has also been a Coordinator and Peer Educator for the Stomp Out Syphilis program Men4Men.

Besides the work she does at the Damien Center, she also volunteers at Garfield Park Conservatory. She assists with the educational programs for children.

Prior to coming to the Damien Center, Kathy worked with adults with developmental delays at North Willow Center in Indianapolis as a Social Worker. She also worked at New Adventures Group Homes in Greenfield, IN and Raintree Programs in New Castle, IN.

Kathy also worked with adults with serious mental illness through the semi-independent living program at Comprehensive Mental Health Services in New Castle, IN. She was a case manager/supervisor for the program in Henry County.

Kerrie Kikendall
Care Coordinator
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kkikendall@damien.org


BA, Political Science; Minor, African American Studies, Indiana University-Purdue University

Prior to becoming part of the Damien Center family in May 2006, Kerrie was an HIV Counseling and Testing Coordinator for the Indiana State Department of Health from 2004-2006. From 2000-2004, she served as a Disease Intervention Specialist for the Marion County Health Department, and from 1998-2000, Procurement Director for Second Helpings, Inc.

She holds certificates in OraQuick/OraQuick Advance, Phlebotomy Training, and Popular Opinion Leader (POL). She is an active member of SOS (Stamp Out Syphillis) MSM sub-committee; a technical advisor to the Prevention Community Planning Group; a Member of the Crystal Methamphetamine Prevention Group; a consultant with the Health Foundation of Greater Indiana and the Indiana AIDS Fund to be host for an innovative website designed to aid HIV/STD clients and DIS with partner notification; and she was given a Certificate of Appreciation from the Medical Director of the Marion County Health Department for her efforts and contributions above and beyond normal responsibilities during the syphilis outbreak of 1998-2000.

Larry Boyce
Facilities Maintenance Coordinator (P/T)
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lboyce@damien.org

Larry has been a part of the Damien Center staff since Spring 2007.  Whether it is a day near 100 degrees or cold and rainy, Larry has the same drive and work ethic to continue his job duties with a smile on his face and a spring in his step.  He is a true family man, devoted to his children and his wife.  Larry came out of retirement to join the Damien Center team, and he hopes to stay with us a long time.

Lisa P. Howell
Housing & Direct Assistance Coordinator
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lhowell@damien.org  

BA, Political Science, Purdue University

Prior to coming to the Damien Center in July 2006, Lisa served as an AmeriCorps member through the National AIDS Fund, via the Indiana AIDS Fund.  Her term of service in the AmeriCorps program primarily involved working as a Care Coordinator in Lafayette, Indiana.  Lisa is currently pursuing her MA in Bioethics through a distance-learning program at the Medical College of Wisconsin.  She is an active member of the Greater Lafayette Health Services Medical Ethics Committee in Lafayette, IN. 

Lynnette A. Lewis, MA
Program Manager, Care Coordination
Manager, Housing & Economic Assistance
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llewis@damien.org

B.S., Apparel Technology, Purdue University
M.A., Psychology, Ball State University

Lynnette Lewis has been employed by the Damien Center since 1999 and has performed all of her Damien service in the former Housing and Employment Department, newly renamed the Housing & Economic Assistance Department. Lynnette manages a federally subsidized housing grant program which allows persons with HIV/AIDS to live in stable, secure housing and oversees the newly created Economic Assistance Program, focusing on direct assistance for clients in need. As of August 2007, Lynnette assumed program manager responsibilties for the care coordination department at the Center, carrying a staff of 13.

Prior to joining the Damien Center, Lynnette served persons with disabilities for over 13 years as a Case Manager and Human Resources Coordinator with Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana, Inc. Additionally, Lynnette was Regional Human Resources Coordinator for Cardinal Industries, Inc. in the Apartment Management division for two years and recruited couples and singles to manage modular-built housing complexes. Lynnette was recruited through Purdue University’s Placement office to join Chicago’s Marshall Field’s management training program following college. During this time, she helped manage the Women’s Alterations Workroom, and became Assistant Buyer in the Women’s Accessories Division.

Lynnette served on the Board of Directors of the Indiana Rehabilitation Association for 11 years and recently joined the Conner House Board of Directors. Lynnette received the Beacon Award in 1999 and Presidents Award in 2000 from the Indiana Rehabilitation Association. In her leisure time, Lynnette enjoys taking lighthouse trips, listening to jazz and following the world of NASCAR.

Maby Velez, MA, Ph.D.
Care Coordinator
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mvelez@damien.org

BA, Social and Political Science, University of Puerto Rico
MA, Social Planning, University of Puerto Rico
Ph.D, Environmental and Urban Planning, University of Michigan

Prior to coming to the Damien Center in August 2004, Maby was teaching graduate courses at the university level, and she was the Director of Operations for a non-for-profit organization.

Maby has served on the boards of several not-for-profit organizations. Currently she is a Trustee at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, and serves on the DEFA committee for the Damien Center (2004-2006).

She has a passion and compassion for helping people, especially those at the so-called bottom of society. She strongly believes in justice and equality. She loves dancing, jewelry making, and pets!

Paulette Majors
Care Coordinator
BSW, IUPUI
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pmajors@damien.org

Paulette Majors is a care Care Coordinator at the Damien Center. She is a recent graduate of Indiana University/Purdue University Indianapolis and has a Bachelors of Science in Social Work. She plans to enter graduate school in the summer of 2008 to pursue an MSW with a concentration in either Health or Mental Health and Addictions. Prior to joining the Center, Paulette worked many years at Riley Hospital for Children. She hopes to someday travel to Sub-Saharan Africa to do volunteer work with their HIV/AIDS population.

"My journey to the Damien Center began as a Buddy Volunteer in 2000. It was then I internalized the affects HIV/AIDS hason those who are infected. I was humbled. I received much more than I gave from my volunteer experience. The daily compassionate intervention I witnessed from the Care Coordination team inspired me to return to school for a degree. I felt it was destiny that led me to that point in my life. There was no doubt where I wanted to work after graduation...the Damien Center!"
 

Shawn Appleget
Care Coordinator
BSW
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sappleget@damien.org

Prior to coming to the Damien Center in May 2006, Shawn served 14 months in Iraq as a Mental Health Tech with the Army Reserves. He was responsible for helping soldiers maintain their mental health, deal with the experiences of war, provide support after the death of a fellow soldier, work through issues back home, and any other issues causing stress for the soldier. Shawn’s specialized training includes suicide intervention and prevention, grief counseling, and critical incident debriefings. Shawn joined the Reserves after 9/11 fulfilling a desire to serve his country.

Shawn was in his last year of school when he was deployed and recently finished his Bachelor’s in Social Work. Shawn was recently accepted to the Masters program at the I.U. School of Social Work. His future plans include getting his MSW and Licensure to provide supportive individual counseling to the HIV/AIDS Population.

Shawn has many hobbies that include motorcycle riding, playing the guitar (Blues), reading, auto racing, and running. Shawn is an avid runner and has competed in several Mini-Marathons, and plans on completing a full marathon in the near future.

Stephanie Dayton, MA
Manager, Quality Assurance
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sdayton@damien.org

BA, Health Education, Purdue University
MA, Pastoral Counseling, Northern Baptist Theological Seminary

Stephanie has been working as a Care Coordinator at the Damien Center for five years. She served as the Program Manager for the care coordination department from 2005 to July 2007. In August 2007, Stephanie was promoted to the position of Quality Assurance Manager for the Damien Center, a position responsible for ensuring the quality of work from by all departments. In addition to her Quality Assurance duties, Stephanie carries an active caseload. In 2004 Stephanie worked at the Damien Center as both a Care Coordinator and as the Coordinator of Women’s Prevention Services. Stephanie also maintains an active presence in the Indiana chapter of the Names Project.

Stephanie came to the Damien Center in 2001 with 4 years of HIV work experience from Kaleidoscope, Inc., a therapeutic foster care agency in Chicago, and from Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Stephanie was a foster family worker for children infected with HIV and their foster parents and biological parents from 1989-1992. Stephanie worked as a hospital chaplain at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in 1993.

In addition to being busy at work, Stephanie is busy at home with a husband, a bunch of kids, and too many pets. She loves working at the Damien Center and feels honored to the work in the field of HIV/AIDS.

Susan J. Peterson
Finance Assistant
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speterson@damien.org

BA, University of Memphis

Susan has been working as the Finance Assistant at the Damien Center since January 2007.  Prior to that, she was the Development Assistant for Walther Cancer Institute since 2006, as well as an Accounting Clerk, also for Walther, since 2002.  She served as an Accounts Payable Clerk from 1994-1996, and a Payroll Clerk from 1996-2002, both for Salin Bank & Trust Company here in Indianapolis.

Susan enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, and their two cats.  

Joshua Thompson, BS
Care Coordinator
Ext 245
jthompson@damien.org

BS, Sociology; Minors, English Literature and Music Performance, DePauw University

A native of Indianapolis, Joshua has recently become a part of The Damien Center as of January 2008. A graduate of DePauw University, Joshua received his Bachelors of Science in Sociology with a specialization in Racial/Ethnic Discourse and Globalization. Prior to coming to The Damien Center, Joshua served as an Employment Specialist and Case Manager at Gallahue Mental Health Center providing services for 18-25 year old adults with severe mental illness and substance abuse issues. Joshua will be able to provide bilingual Spanish services at the Damien Center in addition to his care coordination duties. When not at work, Joshua spends his time playing tennis, piano, trumpet, spending time with his partner of 3 years along with close friends and family.

"I am very excited to be a part of such a sincere and progressive organization that is vigilant in providing education, prevention services, and care to the ever growing and diverse communities of Indianapolis."

Samuel J. Jones
Care Coordinator
Ext 247
sjones@damien.org

M.A., Sociology, December 2008 Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
B.A., Sociology    Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis

Sam has been with the Damien Center since February 2008.   He currently works as a Care Coordinator.  Prior to coming to the Damien Center Sam spent the majority of his college career researching the social factors of HIV and AIDS.  His research was funded through UROP grants which assisted in his research budget and afforded him to present his research both locally and internationally.  His research included studies on HIV disclosure and HIV internet dating sites. 

"I have made it my life mission to help those affected by HIV/AIDS.  I feel that our younger generation is somewhat removed from this epidemic and I am doing my part to educate the public on HIV/AIDS to ensure that this disease is not forgotten.  There is no cure for HIV but we can help those affected and infected live more fulfilling and enriched lives."

Brandi Smock

Care Coordinator/Kidz Krew Coordinator

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bsmock@damien.org

BA, Psychology, cum laude, DePauw University

Brandi is a recent graduate of DePauw University, having graduated in May 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.  During her senior year at DePauw, Brandi served as a teaching assistant for psychology courses, a research assistant for a visiting professor, all while completing her own research in emotional labor.  Brandi and her research partner were awarded for their hard work with the Psychology Senior Thesis Award for their outstanding senior research project.

Before joining the Damien Center team, Brandi worked with the Julian Center, a domestic violence shelter in Indianapolis.  While completing an internship during the summer of 2006, she coordinated a day camp program for the children living in the shelter.  Brandi returned to the Julian Center in January 2007 to complete her Winter Term internship as a crisis call manager.  After this time, she was thrilled to accept a position as a crisis call manager.  It was through the Julian Center that Brandi found her passion for social work.

Only two short days after graduating, Brandi joined the Damien Center as a Care Coordinator.  Soon after that, she took on the extra responsibility of Kidz Krew Coordinator.  In this capacity, she helps coordinate events for children infected with or affected by HIV.

Brandi has a real passion for helping people and thoroughly enjoys the work she does with the Damien Center.  She hopes to return to school in the near future to continue her work in psychology.  In her spare time, Brandi enjoys reading, traveling, spending time with her family and friends, and spending time with her beautiful cat, Julie.

Christina Scott
HIV Tester and Counsler
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cscott@damien.org

Christina's responsibilities at The Damien Center are to test and counsel clients for HIV and STI detection and prevention. In addition, she facilitates a program that educates youth that come to the center bi-weekly, attends health fairs, and is a community spoke person on HIV/AIDS. Her ultimate goals are to help clients change behavioral patterns and decrease risks, such as unprotected sex or sharing of intravenous drug needles that could put someone at risk, in contracting HIV or a STI.
 
Christina began her career at The Damien Center January 2008. Prior to coming to the center, Christina worked for over seven years in the HIV testing program at Planned Parenthood and worked over two years at the Marion County Health Department's BellFlower Clinic. To date she has approximately ten years experience working with people infected and/or affected with HIV and has established many relationships within the community.
 
"I work at The Damien Center because I am committed to educate and help with the fight in ending HIV/AIDS.  I can only hope that I can see the day when no other person has to be infected by HIV/AIDS.  Until there is a cure, I am here to help decrease those infected."