Passing of Elaine Jessen

Elaine Jessen, B.A. ’83, M.A. Whole Systems Design ‘85, and a longtime core faculty member in the AUS Whole Systems Design program passed away October 20th.

Elaine co-taught the very first systems thinking course at AUS back in the early ‘80’s. She pioneered graduate level intercultural studies, taking many groups of students to Bali. In addition, she taught in both the individualized WSD program as well as the OSR track, participated in the formation of the Center for Creative Change and later taught in the OSR program at Seattle University.

She combined a sharp intellect with boundless heart, full of love and courage. Elaine delighted in life—even in tough times—in ways that were infectious. She brought out the best in those around her.

Her family suggests that those wishing to memorialize Elaine do something wonderful for someone you love—which is truly her legacy—and that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Healing Journeys (www.healingjourneys.org). There will be a service in Bremerton at her Unitarian Fellowship to be announced later.

Here at AUS her legacy lives on in the Whole Systems Design program and the Center for Creative Change that owe much to her insight, skills, knowledge, and love. Deepest appreciations for having been with us, Elaine!

Advice on Starting a Private Practice

A Psychology alumna recently asked other Psychology alumni to share their advice regarding setting up a private practice. Some of her questions and the alumni responses are listed below. You may respond under “Leave A Comment” at the bottom of the page.

Questions and Answers about starting your own Private Practice as Psychologist
Answered by Antioch University Seattle Psychology Alumni

What were the three biggest mistakes you made when starting your private practice?
• Thinking it would happen quickly, perhaps not taking the leap to get my own space and go full time sooner…but really, don’t feel like I made many mistakes.
• I did not first set up an accounting system and ended up having to back-track. I learned that it is best to keep track of income and expenses as they happen.

What resources did you find most helpful when opening your private practice (books, seminars, websites, etc.)?
• I looked at other therapists’ websites and took and changed what suited me best, and I went to the WAMFT networking coffee (in Seattle), which was a valuable resource for what other people did and thought, and general support. I read one book (can’t recall) and didn’t find it helpful.
• My supervisor. I was earning hours while in private practice, so I was getting supervision from someone who had a full busy practice working with kids and teens. Also, I took a few seminars on website SEO, etc. which helped me get my website to the top of the Google natural list, which was extremely helpful in the beginning.
• My best resources were the practitioners that I shared office space with. We exchanged ideas and provided feedback to each other. Asking other practitioners what worked, what didn’t.
• I would highly recommend Lynn Grodzki’s book, Building Your Ideal Private Practice, and her website, http://www.privatepracticesuccess.com/. I would recommend subscribing to her monthly newsletter. Her advice is very pragmatic and professional. The book I’ve suggested was her first and I definitely think her best.
• Jay Gelzer did a “the Business of Therapy” workshop that was excellent.
• Lynn Grodzki’s practice building books and Guerilla Marketing books.

How did you decide your pay scale?
• I started off with low rates so that I could be accessible for everyone, but didn’t get a lot of clients. When I raised my rates, I got clients. Many need sliding scale, but that still puts me in a good place.
• In the very beginning, I charged $80 per session, and slid down to $50. I just felt like fresh out of internship, I shouldn’t be charging what LMFTs were charging. As I got busier and more confident, I raised my rate…I think it’s what you are comfortable with, and what’s reasonable - it also reflects what population you want to work with.
• I surveyed the rates that other therapists were charging in my community, and set my rate to match. I live in a small community and did not wish to undercut others which would have created bad attitudes. I also offer a sliding scale that allows clients to negotiate when they are unable to make the full payment.
• I stay at least $10 higher than the highest Insurance reimbursement. My current fee is $185 for the intake and $125 for a 50 minute session.
• I decided on my pay scale by the British Columbia guidelines set out for BC clinical counselors.

Do you offer sliding scale and, if so, how do you offer this (i.e.: set a payment range and only offer so many low-range slots)?
• My low end rate used to be $50, now it’s $60. My regular 1:1 rate is $100; some clients pay in the middle.
• I offered a sliding scale in the beginning when I was unable to take insurance. I didn’t broadcast it on my website, but would mention it when talking to people. I just had a set “low end” and would offer it. Now I do not have a sliding scale. About half of my clients are private pay.
• I inform new clients on our first (1/2 hour meeting at no charge) of my base rate and let them know that I do offer a sliding scale when needed, but I leave it up to the client to inform me of that need. I have a bottom rate which is 15% less. It is important that the client take charge of his or her needs. But…there are times when the importance of the need is greater than the importance of getting my full fee. I think it is important to resist setting yourself up with hard and fast rules. Let your instincts guide you.
• There used to be a technicality that you could not offer a sliding scale unless you treated all clients equally, based on income. So a client could have the best insurance (currently Premera) but have the same income of the client who has none, and you have to offer the same fee to both. That being said I charge everyone the same amount and offer a discount occasionally.
• Some of my colleagues told me to never charge less than full fee but I could see no reason to do that and changed by what I felt was warranted by the circumstances. Most of my clients paid full fee however.

What were the unforeseen costs of starting a private practice?
• If you are working with kids, there is just stuff to buy (unless you sublet from a child therapist), malpractice insurance, etc.
• It will depend upon how elaborate you want your office to be. Sharing an office with other therapists, or joining a group of health practitioners is not only a great way to avoid isolation, it spreads the costs of furniture, heat, rent, water, tea, phone etc. Our landlords have required that we have liability/accident insurance on our office. Licensing and continuing education are also extras as well as any advertising, web site maintenance, cards, and brochures.
• For me, it was three months before I saw my first client. So I needed to have savings to handle living expenses and office expenses.

Do you find billing software necessary? If so, how much was it, and which one is best?
• I haven’t wanted to spend the money… they are all expensive and seem to do more than I need. I did use myclientsplus.com for a while and liked it. I think it was free for 6 weeks and then $19.99/mo. Right now I’m using an Excel spreadsheet. It’s a work in progress.
• I use Therapy Partner - charges credit cards and sends an automatic insurance ready statement at the end of each month for private pay clients. It’s $40 per month, plus a % credit card transaction fee. It’s not exactly cheap, but being able to charge credit cards even for late cancels, for teens that come without parents, etc. it’s worth it for me. For insurance billing I use Office Ally which is super easy, but I only take 1 insurance…so it’s pretty streamlined.
• I do not use software. I suppose I would if my practice grew to such a size that doing any billing was too much. All but a very few of my clients pay up front and I do not handle insurance billing. I will provide clients with receipts and they bill their insurance for reimbursements. I’m in Canada, and that might make a difference. Some EAP, Ministry of Families, and Victims Services work requires billing, but it is fairly simple. I think you might consider seeing how the need develops before you invest in software.
• Check out Office Ally for insurance billing. The service is free with some add-on features at a cost. They will educate you on which insurance companies require approval with a provider.
• YES, I need to keep track even though I have someone who bills insurance for me. My favorite program (the DOS version of The Therapist) is now in the dinosaur graveyard and I haven’t found a good replacement.
• I don’t think billing software is necessary, especially at the beginning - keep your costs low until you build up.

What kind of calendaring software, if any, do you use?
• ical synced on my iphone, ipad, and computer over mobile me.
• I have an ipad, just use the ical software and make sure to back it up often…
• I’m a dinosaur…I like my day timer….my office mate uses her phone…another office mate uses Google Calendar. But pen on paper works for me.
• NONE, I use the hand-held Dayrunner calendar.

What about software for client record management, third party billing, and reminders for tasks to be completed?
• Check out Practice Mate through Office Ally for billing purposes & some client financial record keeping. It is paid for by insurance companies wanting practitioners to use electronic billing. It is simple enough for solo practice and expandable for clinics. I also use Outlook: useful with both PCs & Macs, but here may be better task reminder systems through smart phone apps.
• Judy Roberts may have your answer. Look at her website.
• An EMR program I am considering is iChart EMR. In the meantime I use MS OneNote. I have a biller 7% PDS Billing Service: (425) 898-9234
• Check out MyClientsPlus. They also partner with Healthconnx for lots of other features, including debit card payments, appointment calendar, etc.
• I do hear from knowledgeable sources that “Therapist Helper” is very good.
• I’ve been through the training for TheraScribe and found it to be particularly powerful. The link for Therascribe, if you are interested, is: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/Section/id-406783.html
• I use Therapy Partner which primarily does credit card processing. I like it because it saves the credit card information, so it only has to be entered once, sends an automatic statement to the client at the end of the month showing charges, balances due, etc. It also allows you to enter in insurance payments. Things I don’t like about it are that it is quite clunky for recording insurance payments, co-insurance due, deductible, etc. I also don’t like that if I need to refund a card I have to contact customer service. It also has pretty high processing rates. I use Office Ally to do insurance billing which is easy and works well, though it is not a bookkeeping system. I have looked into therapyappointment.com but found during the demo that the interface is pretty ancient and unsophisticated. It’s also very calendar based, but I use my iPad and iPhone for scheduling and didn’t want to give that up.
• Several of my friends and colleagues use “Empathic” for billing/paperwork. I have not used it personally, but have heard good things.
• I would investigate Practice Mate by Office Ally. The software is free, and they also do insurance billing when you are ready for that. I am a Mac user, and have used ShrinkRapt for years, with Office Ally as the clearing house for insurance billing. I am in the process of converting to Practice Mate (now that they are Mac compatible) as I don’t have to pay $400 for the upgrades!
• It is a challenge to get all three requirements without a decent investment in software. If you have not done so yet, I might encourage taking a look at Office Ally which may be used without cost. Very strong with managing third party payers.
• I don’t use any software as I’ve found that having an accountant practiced in insurance billing has helped me greatly. The 6% commission I pay her is well worth all the time and trouble.
• Many of my colleagues use Office Ally and found it inexpensive and effective.
• I’m not in private practice, but the company I work for uses a program called “PROCENTIVE”. Its great – We do all our billing, progress notes, reminders of auths that are about to expire, everything in there. The other nice thing is that people can look to see what is going on with a case. For example – If I want to know if a file has been opened by support staff, I can look under the notes tab and see if there is a delay. The system also has color codes for when things are done – A green dot means file is open and ready to bill, a yellow dot gives me the psychiatric code, ect.

What advice, if any, would you offer to a graduate that has been out of the circuit for 2 years when it comes to getting plugged back in to the industry (outside of seminars, networking events and alumni connections?)
• Get into a consult group.
• Volunteer at a crisis line, women’s shelters…work at an agency for a year…or just get started…make sure you have good supervision and take one step at a time.

How did you know what population you wanted to work with?
• From my internship.
• I worked with a TON of kids at my internship and loved it…just had a knack for kids and followed that desire and niche.
• That is a choice you make based upon your area of specialty, your training (did you study couples work, youth, adults?) and what is your theoretical approach. What work interests you?
• I knew I wanted to work with couples from the beginning and targeted most of my practice towards this.

I’m thinking of working with children ages 7-9, adolescents and their families, and adults - any pitfalls to any of these demographics?
• Families can be hard - just have good supervision and/or a peer support network.
• Get used to working after school and evening times…many parents aren’t willing to pull their kids from school, though this year I’ve had more and more clients willing to do this… suicidal teens can be tough…if you work with explosive/suicidal kids/teens you will get calls in the evening…
• Sounds like you have CFT certification. If you work with kids, you will work with their families either directly or indirectly. I personally work with adults and couples and enjoy it a great deal. Kids require development in the area of knowledge relevant to their specific issues.
• Given that I practice in Canada, the specific laws and alike will be different. But one thing you would want to know is the “age of consent.” Also, become well-informed about the legal parameters around guardianship, custody, and access and who has the right to consent to a child’s participation in counseling.
• I have found that any time I work with school aged children, I spend an excessive amount of time that I don’t get paid for. Be clear about your fees. Also, they are rowdy little scamps, so be careful if you have breakable glass in your bookcase and a chair that twirls around.
• If you plan on working with adolescents, be sure you are comfortable with and informed about cutting, and have good supervision around this issue. While it doesn’t seem to be the epidemic it was a few years ago, it’s still prevalent. Also, be really (translation: non-blinkingly) comfortable with the wide gamut of sexual issues that will present, and remember, it’s not about the sex!

For what population is there a shortage of therapists?
• Geriatric, I think.
• There is no shortage of therapists for any population. But more importantly, the education I received at Antioch helped me to view therapy as a healing process. One cannot heal what one does not know. This is not an intellectual decision, but rather one of the soul. Clients will know if you are just giving them what you learned in books in school. That’s not why they come and pay for time with another human being who they hope can see their wound and know what they need.
• Kids and teens, for sure.
• Homeless, poor. Those who cannot pay.
• The shortage is for people who need appointments after 5 PM and on FRI or SAT. Seasoned therapists typically work M-TH.

What resources did you use to learn about the operations side of running a private practice?
• Hit and miss, peer support.
• Friends, the internet, and I had a marketing and business background. Being a therapist does not prepare you for running your own business.
• I had worked in a surgical clinic in college, so had lots of personal resources for how to run a medical business….
• Experience and the guidance of established therapists. My wits and will.

I’m thinking I do not want to take insurance. What comes to mind when you hear this? Am I shooting myself in the foot?
• This works great for some people; I take insurance.
• I totally felt that way too. I only take Premera/Lifewise and wouldn’t take anything else. Most other insurances pay so little that, to me, it’s totally not worth it. Being able to take Premera definitely helps, and they pay at almost my rate…but as I said, about half of my clients are private pay, so it is totally do-able - I say go for it. But do know that in a recession…people want to be able to use their insurance, and those that don’t take any can pay the price.
• I don’t know enough about working with American insurance companies to offer you advice. For some, insurance work is their bread and butter, for others the paperwork drives them crazy.
• I have found that in hard financial times the clients who have insurance and the wealthy have been able to continue therapy. Those who are paying fee for service have to stop or space out appointments.
• I would suggest “taking” insurance from clients after you research what it takes to get on an insurance panel. Also, one of my supervisors told me that for every 50 minute hour he spent with a client on insurance, he spent 20 minutes with the insurance company.
• It depends on how you feel about being limited in what you do, what you charge, and who you see. I was on one panel but only got the one referral from them before I gave it up and I only got that one because I took over the practice from one of my Degree Committee members. As you can surmise I preferred not to do insurance.

What advice can you give when it comes to finding and choosing a location to start your practice (keeping in mind that I will be starting out by office sharing)
• Where do YOU want to be? How will you get there? Who do you want to serve?
• Think long-term in the general area of where you want to be. Personally I didn’t want my office in my back yard - meaning I didn’t want to be out at dinner and see lots of clients. Traffic, access to freeways, parking are all things clients consider. Also, with kids people are coming in rush hour, want parking to be easy, etc.
• Parking, easy access, and privacy are most important. Central locations can make a big difference.
• I put a pin in a map at my home and drew a circle around it showing how far I was willing to travel; then looked at what was in that circle. The Workshop Calendar usually has some offices for rent listed in it. Find out what other therapists are working in the area you are interested in and see what they know about part-time office rentals, what their specialties are, and if the area is saturated. When I moved later, the pin was on my old office, because I wanted most of my clients to be able to access the new offices.
What resources did you find most effective when searching for places to rent?
• Networking.
• See above. Also, I wanted office mates, so there was an interview process to find the right mix of people.

What networking resources did you find most effective?
• WAMFT, peers.
• None. My website has done way more for me than any networking. My doctors that refer to me found me on the internet. Everything snowballed from there.
• I’m presently in a small town and also work at the Community Services. Working in and among other mental health professionals has been a great source of referrals. Getting to know physicians and other healthcare providers is also helpful. I will have many of the same concerns when I move back to Seattle.
• The Children’s Response Center, monthly free in-service training, Marriage and Family therapist Coffee or Brown Bag lunch speakers.

What resources did you use to market your practice?
• Postcards, brochures, goodtherapy.org, networktherapy.com, my own website.
• Website, networking - biznik, ewomen.
• Publishing columns on mental health, “glad handing” (my daughter’s term) healthcare professionals, web site (one client in two years), Phone book ad, word of mouth.
• When I first started out in Woodinville, I used a 3X4 inch ad with a small educational article on different topics: Depression, Anger, Parenting etc. 10 years later I still had calls from people who clipped articles and held on to them knowing they would come talk to me. I also went to Chamber of Commerce meetings, and met some great people, but no real referral source.
• Therapy Sites is awesome for web marketing. Start there and build on what they suggest.

Of these resources, which ones were most effective?
• networktherapy.com
• Website BY FAR; I don’t do any networking groups anymore. They take too much time without enough return. But many people do find groups helpful.
• Word of mouth.
• Insurance and EAP Panels.

I’m on a budget, so which marketing tool was inexpensive and still effective?
• networktherapy.com
• Website.
• Business cards, brochures, ‘glad handing’, word of mouth, bulletin boards.
• With the age group you are interested in check in with school counselors and local doctors.

Do you find social media a viable marketing tool for a new therapist?
• Blogs are a great way to get your name out there attached to diagnoses, etc. I don’t have time for it now, but used to blog in the beginning and several clients found me that way.
• I have no idea about this…see above comment about being a dinosaur
• I’ve heard “you need a website.” I don’t have one. There are some HIPAA privacy issues to the whole social media stuff. I would research what your organization is saying about it.

Do you use social media as a marketing tool, and if so, which ones do you use and find most effective?
• Not really.
• I just don’t know if that is really the way for a therapist to connect with people in need. There is a new market for internet therapy. Might be worth looking into.

What other social media tools are there other than FB, Twitter, and LinkedIn?
• There is one for therapists, but it doesn’t seem effective.

What would you say are the three biggest pitfalls to watch out for when using social media?
• Studies have demonstrated that the world of electronic communication does not guarantee that what is being presented is the real deal. Much more can be created when there is not human contact. Much can be misunderstood. I would probably do a lot of research and discussions with the ethics board to find out the risks.

Though I said above that I did not want to take insurance, I want this decision to be an informed one. Therefore, I would like to know - do you think it is wise to try to take insurance?
• It’s up to you if you want to deal with it. You cannot be paneled and still submit paperwork for people who are seeing you out-of-network.
• My name on an insurance panel is my number one source of referrals. People may get my name from a friend or colleague, but then they check to see if it’s covered under their plan.

Do you think it is necessary to take insurance?
• No.
• I take insurance and have been reluctant to go off of panels. But there are many who do not; and I envy them a bit. There are times I am (figuratively) pulling my hair out with insurance billing issues. The up-side is that when my clients change jobs or their company changes insurance, I can usually continue to see them.

How do you get on an insurance panel?
• You need to be licensed, have an NPI #, a tax ID #, and fill out tons of paperwork.
• Premera and Regence are closed now, so unless you speak a crazy foreign language or have something super special to offer it is almost impossible to get on.
• Call and ask if they are accepting new providers on their panel. Keep pursuing them if they aren’t. It will be easier to get on some panels than on others. EAP’s will probably be easier, too.
• Call (or go online) the insurance company, ask for Provider Relations and see if they are accepting new providers. The kids-angle can often get you on a panel.

How do you become qualified to be an out-of-network provider?
• Typically, you need to be licensed, then you just submit the proper paperwork.
• Anyone can be an out-of-network provider, except you usually need to be licensed. It just means you are not on contract with the insurance company…but most companies will not reimburse for a non-licensed professional.
• At the Master’s level you need to be licensed as a LCSW, LMFT or LMHC and not be excluded in the insurance benefit information. Not all insurance plans have an out of network benefit. The up-side is that you can get paid based on your full fee rather than the discounted preferred provider rate. I would have the client pay for services and would give them the insurance form to submit themselves for reimbursement.

Some Other Advice from AUS Psychology Alumni about opening your private practice:
• Get a fabulous supervisor who operates with your theory and/or how you want to practice. Also find a seasoned accountant. I have both. I am on Quickbooks and it makes weekly transactions clear and I can see where I’m at each week/month on my books, easily. Tax time is much easier then too.

• CPH is an insurance company that is low-cost and a commonly used by counselors. CPH: 1-800-875-1911. That is for your liability.

• I was in private practice for about 3 years but gave it up because I am a better clinician than salesman and I had to be able to sell myself to strangers to be successful in private practice. My best suggestion is to find mentors or referents before you get heavily into private practice so that you are not torn between doing the work of getting referrals and the work of counseling. I found it very difficult to change gears. The work of getting referrals was the most difficult and time consuming for me and the least rewarding but some people love it! I just wasn’t one of them. Most of the people I know in practice work part time in other jobs to provide regular income.

• Be creative in getting referrals. I had some success with a Chiropractor. The learning is that anyone who does “hands-on” work can be a referral source but they have to have a personal reason to refer to you.

• A friend and Degree Committee member once told me that “no matter how many people are in a field, you will do well if you are good at what you do”. That is the most important thing.

• Open as an S Corp for better tax structure.

• Hire a seasoned biller.

• Take any clients you can get to start with.

• Call customer service and ask for provider relations because you need to get on panels.

• Most importantly -work for an agency or join a group before you try private practice.

• I would pick up a copy of ‘Getting Started in Private Practice’ by Chris Stout. You can find it on Amazon for half price compared to other booksellers; I think you’ll find many answers in its pages.

• The questions I can help with have to do with finding a niche and networking. Essentially, I thought about the work that no one else wanted to do and came up with a list of those areas. Then I researched it online to see if I could get more information. Then sort of decided if I was interested in any of these areas. In my quest, I ended up meeting with a therapist who works downtown with the ‘worried well’ and couples - after our meeting I found out that I like more challenge. I later contacted a therapist who works with Sex Offenders and his work felt relevant and important so for now, that’s the path I’m traveling on.

• In terms of networking, I found a few therapists in private practice that are doing things I couldn’t dream of doing (neuropsychology for example) and just picked up the phone. While I wasn’t very successful in securing their time, they told me of gatherings I could attend - I’m now on a mailing list and will be attending my first one next Friday. In this work, there’s no one way to go about things so long as it’s ethical!

• Expect it to take a year to three years for your practice to develop to a level that supports you. To start out, you may want to have complimentary employment. It is rare that a therapist has a full practice right after they open their doors. Remember to enjoy yourself.

• Now that my practice is up and running, it is almost always full (with a waiting list), I have a comfortable life and am making quite a good living. I don’t have to market anymore - it’s just a machine that runs on work of mouth and positive feedback about my work, and I work to maintain the referral relationships that I have.

• Regarding taking insurance, in some corporate cultures (like Microsoft), it is expected. Using ShrinkRapt software with Office Ally has cut my billing time to maybe 15 min a week, and I get paid once a week. It has taken all the pain out of insurance billing.

• I didn’t see a general question about “how to handle the money.” For many therapists, this is challenging as not many of us are right brain types, and we have to get comfortable being paid for our time. Using Quicken for overall money management, and facilitating the separation between myself as a business entity (I’m an S-corp), and my personal finances, has been a great help, especially at tax time. (Make sure you have a good accountant at tax time!) On top of that, I use ShrinkRapt for calendaring, database, accounting, and electronic filing of insurance claims. Then, I use Office Ally as my insurance clearing house to submit my claims to the insurance companies. I now also accept payment via credit cards, via Office Ally. As every issue around your experience with the client is therapeutic, money is also the vehicle for a lot of “issues.” Pay attention to the client’s, and to your own. There is a lot about the money!!

• Make sure you actually love walking alongside people who are in pain, for many hours a day, several days a week. Then, be diligent in finding ways to separate yourself from the impact of this experience, while never losing your capacity for empathy. Self-care on every level is essential to being a successful therapist, including maintaining your own physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. This path is littered with people who have become ill and burnt out. Find what works for you before, during, in between and after sessions. This is not a “job” as such, but a career, and for some, a calling.

Job Opening - Executive Director

Friends of the Cedar River Watershed (FRCW) is one of the Seattle area’s leading environmental groups,
with four successful programs focused on the protection and enhancement of vital watersheds in the
most densely populated area of the State of Washington. FCRW is seeking an experienced Executive
Director with proven management skills, a fundraising track record, an empowering leadership style,
and an ability to work with a diversity of organizations and individuals.

Founded in 1996, FCRW (www.cedarriver.org) is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of the Cedar River/Lake Washington Watershed. The FCRW mission is:
Engaging people to enhance and sustain watersheds through restoration, education, and stewardship.
FCRW excels at local engagement programs for residents, youth, educators, stakeholders, business
leaders, and policy makers.

FCRW strategically engages citizens in rural and urban communities and has over 1,700 active volunteers and 8 staff, including the Executive Director, Development Director, four Program Managers, and support staff, with an annual budget of $500,000. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors, which governs FCRW, and implements Board decisions and policies.

This is a unique and exciting time in FCRW’s history. The organization is poised for growth and expects to strengthen its infrastructure and programming in order to effectively implement its mission. FCRW
operates four programs: Cedar River Salmon Journey, Volunteer Habitat Restoration, Watershed Report,
and Stewardship In Action. To develop a sustainable community, these programs encourage stewardship through strategic partnerships with local residents, schools, government agencies, businesses, and affinity groups.

The FCRW Board of Directors is looking for a resourceful leader with excellent management skills and
experience to guide the organization as it embarks on this exciting phase of its life.

Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Three years’ experience in business management and organizational leadership
- Experience with non-profit organizations
- Experience in directing an organization, business, program, or department, as well as training,
coaching, supervising, and evaluating staff members
- A record of inspiring and communicating effectively with staff, partner organizations, funders,
the public, and the media

Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will have at least five years of relevant experience and a strong desire to lead an
organization that seeks to make an impact on people’s lives and the environment. The ideal candidate
will have proven success in:
- Managing projects, finance, budgeting, and personnel
- Raising funds and acquiring grants
- Developing and executing short and long-term plans
- Empowering staff and working with a Board
- Developing and sustaining partnerships with diverse organizations, including environmental and
educational groups, government, foundations, and corporate funders
- Effectively growing an organization or business
- The ideal candidate will be comfortable using spreadsheets for budgeting and financial projections.

Primary Responsibilities
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director has overall strategic and administrative
responsibility for FCRW staff, programs, fundraising, expansion, and execution of its mission. S/he will
be expected to develop an understanding of the Northwest watershed issues; implement Board
decisions and policies; cultivate relationships with major donors and key members of the community;
evaluate and refine FCRW programs, operations, budgets, and business plans. Primary responsibilities
include financial management, fund development, human resources, community relations/advocacy,
Board relations, program planning, operational planning and management, and risk management.

Compensation
$63,000 - $70,000 DOE
Vacation, Health, and Dental plan

Please send resume, three references, and a one-page cover letter explaining why you would like to
be the Executive Director of Friends of the Cedar River Watershed to directorsearch@cedarriver.org.
The position will be open until filled with a desired start date of January 13, 2012. Priority will be
given to applications received prior to November 28, 2011.

Job Opening - Organizer

Background:

In this time of economic crisis, be part of a movement of low-wage workers that is confronting the mistreatment of workers, raising the standards of hospitality sector jobs, and winning dignity and respect on the job through solidarity and action.

With over 300,000 members in our International Union, we are at the forefront of the battle for workers’ rights, immigration reform, and living wages throughout North America. Our members are organizing to defend their standards against hotel and food service corporations that are more focused on profiting than on treating workers with dignity and respect. Additionally, non-union hotel and food service workers are fighting for the right to organize a union free from management intimidation and retaliation.

UNITE HERE’s membership is very diverse, comprised largely of immigrants and including high percentages of African-American, Latino, and Asian-American workers. In Washington, our union (Local represents over 3,000 hospitality workers, including hotel workers in downtown Seattle, SeaTac, Tacoma, and Olympia. We are leading the fight to organize thousands of low-wage hospitality workers.

For more information about UNITE HERE, visit www.unitehere.org and www.unitehere8.org.

Organizer Job Description:

We are looking to hire an organizer for a six-month temporary position, which will likely turn into a permanent position. This position will require work with our members, non-union workers, and hotel customers in the event of worker-called boycotts. We are looking for someone with significant motivation and commitment to fight for workers’ rights and economic justice. The ideal candidate will have prior experience, strong leadership skills, and the ability to articulate and implement a vision for workers.

The position requires strong interpersonal skills in order to move workers to take collective action and build power. The job entails limited office work with an emphasis on field work. The position is challenging and provides an opportunity for personal growth. This position is located in our downtown Seattle office and will involve assignments throughout the region. Long hours and weekend work required.

Desired Qualifications:

Education or experience with labor unions and/or community organizing is preferred. The candidate must be punctual, organized, have strong one-on-one communication skills, be able to work with a diverse population of immigrant workers with limited English skills, and must be able to push beyond anger and/or fear into action. A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle are required. Fluency in Mandarin and/or Cantonese is preferred.

Women and people of color are strongly urged to apply. Salary DOE

Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, three references, and salary history to:

By email: swarren@unitehere.org
By fax: 206-728-9772, attention Sarah Warren

Job Opening - Farm to School Assistant

Ecotrust Food & Farms
Ecotrust’s mission is to inspire fresh thinking that creates social equity, economic opportunity and environmental well-being. With regard to our Food & Farms program, we see a world of possibilities for flourishing farms, vibrant communities and healthy eaters. For more information on the Food & Farms program at Ecotrust, please see: www.ecotrust.org/foodfarms.

Farm to School
Through our farm to school initiative, we work with key constituents within K-12, child care and preschool settings and forge alliances with food producers, food processors and manufacturers, policy makers, farm to school and school garden professionals, and other community based advocates on the local, state and regional levels. We think outside the school lunchbox by helping to inform and empower school districts, day care providers, food producers and policy makers in our region to source local products for the lunch line, and to support those changes in the cafeteria with food and garden based education in the cafeteria, classroom and the community.

Regionally, we work to connect schools with local farmers and food producers via the online marketplace FoodHub (www.food-hub.org), a project of Ecotrust. We are also Lead Agency for the eight-state western region of the National Farm to School Network, for whom we are co-leading a national farm to preschool initiative. On a statewide level, we advocate for legislation to support better school food and are a founding member of the Oregon Farm to School and School Garden Network. Locally, we are a community partner to Portland Public Schools (PPS), now recognized as a national leader in farm to school, and we support the work of Multnomah County’s Healthy Active Schools Team. For more information, please see: http://www.ecotrust.org/farmtoschool/.

Summary
The Farm to School Assistant will work directly with and provide key support to the Farm to School Program Manager to expand farm to school programming in our region at both the K-12 and pre-K levels. She/he will assist with project implementation (e.g., outreach, networking, training) and evaluation, communication efforts, fundraising, and provide administrative support to the Program Manager.

Responsibilities
Duties are varied and will include, among others:
Support development of a statewide farm to childcare initiative in Oregon and a national farm to preschool initiative via the National Farm to School Network, including outreach to key stakeholders, meeting coordination, data collection, outreach to childcare settings to increase procurement of healthy, seasonal foods, and drafting strategic plans.
· Support a targeted expansion of farm to school programming in Northwestern Oregon and Southwestern Washington to districts with high rates of eligibility for free and reduced price meals. Includes outreach to and training for school food service staff, food producers, and community partners.
· Support Program Manager’s work as the Regional Lead Agency for the National Farm to School Network, assisting with networking and communication activities, training and technical assistance, and information development and dissemination.
· Assist with grant writing and reporting.
· Help create and deliver informative farm to school presentations and trainings for professional and lay audiences.
· Provide administrative support to the Farm to School Program Manager.

Required experience:
· Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in community food systems, public health, urban/food planning, environmental/food policy, nutrition, or related field.
· Excellent written and oral communication skills.
· Knowledge of and passion for food systems related topics.
· Comfortable conducting outreach to and engaging diverse groups of people including food service professionals, school administrators, community food advocates, farmers and food producers.
· Detail-oriented and well organized; strong administrative skills.
· Self motivated, hard working, and dependable; ability to work independently and in a support role.
· Proficient with MS Office (Word, Excel, PPT) and database management.
· Must be willing/able to work occasional evenings and weekends, and travel to meetings or conferences around the state and country as needed.

Preferred but not Required
· Advanced degree or equivalent experience in community food systems, public health, urban/food planning, environmental/food policy, nutrition, or related field.
· Experience with childcare settings and/or school food service.
· Knowledge of farm to school programming and topics.
· Proficiency in Spanish.
· Experience with grant writing and fundraising.
· Experience or expertise with web-based tools and social media.

The position is full-time, based in Portland, Oregon. Starting annual salary ranges from $29,000 to $34,000, based on qualifications and experience. Ecotrust offers an excellent benefits package including retirement plan match, medical and dental insurance, flexible spending account, life insurance and disability coverage.

To apply, complete the application on the Ecotrust website and forward with a cover letter and resume to: ssobell@ecotrust.org with Farm to School Assistant in the subject line by close of business on October 28th, 2011.

Phone inquiries are politely declined.

For more information and to access an Ecotrust application please go to http://www.ecotrust.org/about/jobs.html

*October is National Farm to School Month! Find great resources at: www.farmtoschoolmonth.org

AUS Founder Visits Campus

More than 30 alumni, faculty, staff and students came together Monday, Oct. 17th, to hear comments from Dean Elias, the founder of AUS in 1975, to participate in storytelling and conversations on making meaning of this experience we call “Antioch” and to discuss what has changed over the years.

Below are photos of the evening.

Sustainable Building Is The Right Thing To Do Says Alumna

Kathleen O’Brien, M.A. Environment & Community, ‘02, and the 2009 Distinguished Alumna, would like to invite E & C alums who are already convinced that sustainable building is the right thing to do, and want guidance on leading others to the same conclusion to visit http://www.emergeleadership.net/blog1/

To view the flyer go to:
emg_save-date-1014-fin

Job Opening - Community Development Specialist

ORGANIZATION: National Indian Child Welfare Assocation
POSITION TITLE: Community Development Specialist
SALARY RANGE: $47,000-60,000 Levels II and III
CLASSIFICATION: Program, regular, full-time, exempt
SUPERVISOR: Senior Program Director
CLOSES: Nov. 18, 2011

RESPONSIBILITIES: The Community Development Specialist for the National Indian Child Welfare Association is responsible for mobilizing and assisting Indian communities and programs to respond to the problems of Indian children. The following specific responsibilities must be carried out:

• Ensures that accurate, timely and effective consultation and/or training is provided to all requests for technical assistance from specific sites as well as other agencies, clients, funders, and other NICWA staff on issues such as Indian child welfare, children’s mental health, child abuse and substance abuse prevention and intervention
• Ensures that the community development efforts made by this position are shaped by and responsive to the community served
• Ensures that community awareness on these issues is continuously promoted through written materials and/or public presentations

DUTIES

1. Responds to requests for technical assistance and training in issues related to Indian child welfare, appropriately assesses the need, coordinates and/or provides the consultation or training, and arranges follow up activities as needed in a timely fashion
2. Arranges the consultant faculty which provides technical assistance and training, negotiates scheduling and costs, coordinates their travel or makes sure arrangements are made for them and maintains ongoing working relationship with each trainer
3. Coordinates site planning for provision of technical assistance and training and other meetings related to the project, including preparation of agenda and meeting/conference flyers and coordination of registration, presenters, evaluation process and reports
4. Assists in the design, development and implementation of project evaluations, monitors effectiveness of technical assistance and training with current project recipients and maintains evaluation records
5. Prepares reports and other documents as required by any contract
6. Authors a variety of written materials including reports, technical assistance documents, curriculum, articles, proposals, etc., in a professional and timely manner
7. Makes presentations on community development issues and child-related awareness information to conference and meeting audiences in a professional manner
8. Works with fiscal manager to develop project budgets and monitors monthly financial reports for current projects
9. Performs other duties as assigned, such as representing NICWA on various internal and external teams and committees and participates in development activities.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Has demonstrated knowledge of Indian child welfare, children’s mental health, the Indian Child Welfare Act, and related areas
2. Has experience working in tribal communities and/or urban Indian settings
3. Has masters degree in social work or related human services field or equivalent specialized experience
4. Has strong organizational skills
5. Has strong knowledge of Indian culture, Indian and mainstream public social service systems and policy structure
6. Has strong project management skills
7. Has ability to work in a team environment, both in leadership and peer relationships
8. Has ability to meet with, solicit cooperation of and deal effectively with people at various levels, e.g., clients, program directors, tribal representatives, trainers, consultants, etc.
9. Has demonstrated use of analytical and planning skills
10. Has ability to act as a broker of services using skills such as negotiating, mediating, consensus building
11. Has strong computer skills, including MS Word and Outlook; Access and Excel helpful
12. Has demonstrated ability to communicate both orally and in writing in an effective, professional and timely manner
13. Can capably operate a variety of office equipment such as photocopier, printer, etc.
14. Able to travel approximately 50% of work year

Excellent benefit package. E-mail resume, cover letter, six professional references, and salary history to Carmen Farmer: carmen@nicwa.org, fax to her at (503) 222-4007, or by mail to NICWA, 5100 SW Macadam Ave, #300, Portland, OR 97239, by November 4, 2011.

Tracy Rector, Former M.A. Education Student

Tracy Rector (Seminole, Mississippi Choctaw) was selected by the Sundance Institute as a 2011 Native Lab Fellow for her film Clearwater about the health of Puget Sound and the relationship of the indigenous people to the water. Keri Putnam, Executive Director for Sundance Institute notes: “What resonates for us at Sundance Institute is that these stories are authentic and personal, and that the filmmakers are not afraid to take risks.”

Judy (Iwen) Leslie, B.A. 1993

Sad to say, I will not be able to attend the October Open House. Thought you should know that after graduation I ended up working in Human Resources for companies only interested in exploiting their employees. I quit working three years ago and am focusing my attention on writing a novel. I believe that AUS was a good fit for me as I was a bit of a non- conformist. The B.A. degree I earned opened doors for me. However, in the long run I needed to eat and had to compromise my career choice and work for people I didn’t respect. I have followed my passion, but not through my career.

My father demonstrated to me growing up that having a job to pay bills isn’t a bad thing. But giving up on your passion is. What you do with your time away from work can be more important than a life dedicated to other people’s goals. Placing too much importance on a career or the perfect job and believing that defines you as a person will only lead to disappointment. I sound like an old hippie. I guess my father’s values and mine weren’t so bad after all.

As I mentioned, I am working on a historic novel. It takes place during the 1880s in America’s Midwest. Interesting enough, I came up with the idea while at Antioch in a creative writing class. I put it in the drawer for years and then dug it out and have been reworking it the last year. In my research I came across some information that most Americans know nothing about which is that thousands of Irish immigrants in America were involved with rebel groups that sent money and arms to Ireland in the 1800s.

After the civil war an organized group of Irish attacked Canada in an effort to irritate the British. The American government openly sold left over weapons from the Civil War to the Irish rebel groups knowing they planned on attacking Canada. At that time the Queen Mother was afraid that the U.S. was going to attack Britain and free Ireland. I never learned that in my history books. Anyway, I am working on the first in a series about the Irish. My first novel is called ‘Dust to Dust’ and it will not be available for at least another year. It will most likely be an E Book.

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