 The Test Positive Aware Network |
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TPAN is now an IIC® Partner! To read a staff member's bio,click on their name below David Arzola, Jeff Berry, Julie Supple, Ryan VanMeter, Kevin Bernal, Richard Cordova, Frank R. Davis, B.S., Dayna Flores, MA, LPC, Lorraine Hayes, M.A. Tom Holler, MA, LPC, CADC, NCC, Juan José López, Ed Kuras, Bradley P Mazzie, Jason McVicker, Charlotte Moore, MA, LCPC, CADC, MISA II, Jessie Mott, Bobbi Marie Pollard Billy Surber, Joshua Thorne, Michael Valdez Enid Vázquez, |
Contact Information Following his career as a financial executive with ABN AMRO, Bill Farrand joined the staff of Test Positive Aware Network in January of 2007. At TPAN, Bill has held various positions: Service Directory Coordinator, Prevention Manager, Director of Programs, and Interim Executive Director. Bill has also written for Positively Aware, the Journal of Test Positive Aware Network. A native of Springfield, IL, Mr. Farrand lived in New York City and San Francisco prior to settling in Chicago in 1998. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, and is an active member of the Lakeside Pride Symphonic Band. Bill Farrand holds a BFA from Illinois Wesleyan University, and an MA in Community Counseling from Northeastern Illinois University and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Bill has been a guest lecturer and presenter on HIV/AIDS, grief, loss, and trauma at Carthage College, University of Chicago, and for the Illinois Counseling Association division of Counselor Educators and Supervisors. David Arzola, David has been with TPAN since July of 2009, following his Consultant work at the Alliance of Chicago. Prior to that, David was the Controller at Howard Brown Health Center for 8 years, and was also the Accounting Manager at the Make-A-Wish Foundation for Northern Illinois. David Arzola is a board member for ALMA, (Association of Latino Men for Action), where he serves as Treasurer. Jeff Berry, Jeff Berry has been with Test Positive Aware Network and Positively Aware Magazine since 1992. A well-respected HIV/AIDS publication, with an international circulation of nearly 100,000 copies per issue, Positively Aware is the foremost resource in HIV/AIDS information. Jeff has been closely involved with the production, design, editing, advertising, and distribution throughout the years, and has served as Director of Publications and Editor of Positively Aware (PA) since April of 2005. In addition to writing for PA, Jeff has also written online for positivelyaware.com, as well as thebody.com. He was also a contributing author for the book Out and Proud in Chicagoand has appeared on Sirius Radio’s OutQ in the Morning with Larry Flick, and The Michael Signorile Show. Jeff is an active member of the Fair Pricing Coalition and AIDS Treatment Activist Coalition (ATAC). He currently serves as co-chair on ATAC’s Drug Development Committee (DDC), and is on the Steering Committee for the 2011 United States Conference on AIDS (USCA) where he is the co-chair for the media committee. Jeff Berry resides in Chicago. Julie Supple, LCSW Julie Supple came to TPAN in June of 2011, after working at Better Existence with HIV, (BEHIV), for almost ten years. Julie began her career at BEHIV as a therapist, and served as Director of Programs during her last four years there. With over twenty years experience as a clinician and manager in non-profit, corporate, and outpatient facilities, Julie Supple is excited to continue on this career path. Working in the field of HIV/AIDS continues to ignite her passion, and she is proud to be connected with such an important mission. Ryan VanMeter Ryan joined TPAN in the Spring of 2011. He has over ten years experience working with some of Chicago’s largest non-profit social service and health care organizations. He is actively involved in Illinois politics, having managed fundraising for city, county, and statewide candidates. A resident of Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, (Boystown), Ryan serves as the Board chair for the Lakeview YMCA, where he has been a volunteer and member since 2002. Ryan Van Meter graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Kansas with a BA in Communications Studies and German. He also holds an MA in Political Science from the University of Illinois-Chicago. Kevin Bernal, Kevin Bernal has been with TPAN since February of 2007, when he was hired as a Prevention Specialist. He is currently the Case Management Supervisor, and the Total Care Portal Coordinator, a program that strives to provide a continuum of care for clients. Kevin relocated to Chicago from California in 1989 after being transferred by his job at MCI. After working in their finance department for ten years, he decided to play music for a living. Kevin became a well-known DJ in Chicago, playing at popular nightclubs, before transitioning into his role at TPAN. It is Kevin’s sincere hope that his experience and support will encourage others in his Community to get tested regularly, to know their status, and to give those who test positive the assistance, and hope, they need for the future.
Richard Cordova, Richard Cordova is Director of Athletic Events at TPAN. With the support of the Manager of Special Events, Cordova has spearheaded the planning and execution of the Ride for AIDS Chicago, TPAN's largest annual fundraising event. In 2011, the Ride for AIDS Chicago exceeded all fundraising and registration goals, raising over $525,000 to support HIV services at TPAN and partner agencies. He ensures that marketing and community engagement strategies target key donor audiences while increasing community awareness around HIV/AIDS and the stigma that surrounds it. TPAN helps people live their best lives possible with HIV, a mission near and dear to his heart. Richard has been living with HIV for over nine years. Since his diagnosis, he has completed seven marathons, one triathlon, and has participated in the Ride for AIDS Chicago three times. Cordova also serves as the Vice-Chair of About Face Theatre’s Associate Board, HIV Expert and Blogger for TheBody.com's Safe Sex & HIV Prevention Forum, freelance transformational speaker for Your Catalyst for Change, and Spin instructor. His life and work have been profiled in various media outlets such as ABC News, Windy City Times, POZ magazine, and Positively Aware. Cordova has received training though the Illinois Department of Public Health, Centers for Disease Control, Center on Halsted, Team to End AIDS Marathon training program, and Madd Dogg Athletics. Frank R. Davis, Frank Davis is a native of Washington, Illinois and moved to Chicago in 2008. In October of the same year, Frank joined TPAN. Frank works closely with TPAN directors to ensure the overall HR performance of the organization. Frank’s duties include policy and procedure development, compensation and benefits administration, hiring and recruiting, and organizational development. In his free time, Frank enjoys playing golf, cycling, and spending time with his friends and family. He also serves as Co-Captain for TPAN’s RIDE For AIDS Chicago cycling team. Frank Davis holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with a minor in Business Administration, from Loyola University Chicago. He plans to pursue his Master’s and PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Dayna Flores, MA, LPC, Dayna started as a behavioral counselor with the POWER program at Test Positive Aware Network in 2009 and currently is the coordinator of Our Voices Advocating Health! A Chicago native, Dayna began her work with the HIV community while completing her internship at Heartland Alliance’s Community and Treatment Services. Fascinated by culture from an early age, Dayna Flores holds a Bachelor of Science in Cultural Anthropology from Loyola University Chicago. She is also a Licensed Professional Counselor, and holds an MA in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in counseling from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Dayna plans to further her education in the field of HIV/AIDS by becoming a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, with an emphasis in mental health/infectious disease. Eventually, she would like to merge her love of culture and counseling by working with the HIV community internationally. This is Rick’s second tour of duty as art director of Positively Aware. He joined the magazine’s staff in April, 1995, and helped re-design the publication. In 1997, he left to briefly serve as art director of the Advocate, the national gay and lesbian newsmagazine based in Los Angeles. Returning to Chicago, Rick was art director of a couple local publications. He maintained involvement with the agency over the years as designer of the annual HIV services directory. Rick worked for several years for a fine art appraisal firm before returning to Positively Aware in early 2010 as art director, where he once again re-designed the magazine. Rick originated Positively Aware’s “A Day with HIV in America” online photo essay project. A native Chicagoan, Rick studied Journalism at Columbia College, graduating in 1985. After developing Kaposi’s sarcoma and learning he was positive in 1992, Rick discovered TPAN and recognized that empowering oneself with information was the key to survival. He credits his faith, friends, and the love of his family for his continued good health. A science fiction fan (particularly “Star Trek” and “Doctor Who”), Rick likes to quote a Vulcan saying: “We are here to serve.” Lorraine Hayes, M.A., LPC Lorraine Hayes joined TPAN in 2009 when she began working as a Supportive Services Case Manager and later, as a Medical Case Manager. During this time she simultaneously worked as Behavioral Counselor for TPAN’s Positive Outcomes for Wellness, Education, and Recovery (POWER) program. In 2011 Lorraine transitioned to the development and advertising staff and began seeing TPAN clients regularly as a mental health therapist. Raised in Evanston, IL, Lorraine moved to Washington, D.C. to attend Howard University. Upon graduation, she relocated to Los Angeles and worked in film development and production for several years. In 2002, Lorraine returned to Chicago and completed her Master’s Degree in Community Counseling at Northeastern Illinois University.
Tom Holler, MA, LPC, CADC, NCC, Tom Holler is a life-long resident of the Chicago area. After more than three decades in the I/T industry, Tom made the decision to change his career direction, and began studying to become a community counselor. Mr. Holler holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems from Elmhurst College, and an MA in Community Counseling from Northeastern Illinois University. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and is also a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Tom is married with two grown children. He brings years of volunteer experience with church, youth and other service organizations to his position at TPAN. In his spare time, he also plays bass and guitar with area bands. Ed Kuras, Originally from New Jersey, Ed Kuras lived in New York City and San Francisco, before taking a year to travel the globe. His journeys took him to India, Thailand, and Australia to name a few. Upon returning to the States, he settled in Chicago. Ed began as a volunteer for TPAN in late 2008, before joining the staff as a Prevention Specialist. Mr. Kuras oversees the outreach and prevention efforts of the department, which includes HIV Test Counseling on and off-site. He serves as an educational resource in an attempt to reduce the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmission infections. Ed Kuras received his BA from DePaul University, where he studied Psychology. He is currently pursuing his Masters in the same field at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.Juan José López, MSW, Jose, as he prefers to be called, first came to TPAN in August of 2007. Much of Jose’s experience comes from volunteering. Jose has volunteered at various organizations in Chicago, including Howard Brown Health Center, ALMA, and Project Vida. He began his career in HIV/AIDS as an outreach worker for Minority Outreach Intervention Project in 2000 and 2001, before becoming a group facilitator in 2002. Jose Lopez is bi-lingual in English and Spanish. He is also fluent in sign language, and will be entering a program to become a sign-language interpreter. Mr. Lopez graduated cum laude from Northeastern Illinois University in 2008, earning a BA in Social Work. In 2010, Jose graduated from the University of Illinois-Chicago Jane Addams School of Social Work, and holds a Masters of Social Work (MSW). Bradley Mazzie, Bradley came to TPAN in 2008 as part of Loyola University's community-based work study program and spent two and a half years as TPAN's Website Administrator and Social Networking Manager. After completing his degree in Psychology and Business Administration, he returned to TPAN to assume the role of managing distribution of TPAN's magazine, Positively Aware, for the Publications Department; the donor and events databases for the Development Department; and all client level databases for the Client Services Department. As Data Operations Manager, Bradley is responsible for all processes related to data collection, maintenance, and reporting, for internal purposes, program evaluation, and contract/grant compliance. Bradley’s technical experience comes for working as Database Analyst and technical manager for companies such as SBC, and H&R Block, and owning his own Los Angeles-based website development company which catered to small business and non-profit organizations. Bradley has also spent many years working in Chicago's LGBT community, both as a resident and guest DJ at a number of local nightclubs, and as General Manager of Hydrate, one of Lakeview's premier dance clubs. Outside of TPAN, Bradley is applying to graduate schools for Industrial/Organizational Psychology, enjoys being the captain of his TPAN-sponsored beach volleyball team, and plays golf whenever he gets the chance! Jason McVicker, Jason is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and registered dual disorder professional with almost 20 years of experience in a variety of settings. He is the former Director of Mental Health Services at Center on Halsted, the largest LGBT community center in the Midwest. He worked previously as Program Supervisor at Chicago House and School for Social Service Administration. He is a former Master Practitioner Instructor at the University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration (SSA), where he also earned his MSW degree. Jason currently serves as a clinical consultant for Mercy Housing and is a member of the advisory board for the Chicago School of Professional Psychology's Latino Studies Program. He is an adjunct faculty member at Jane Addams School of Social Work, University of Illinois at Chicago and SSA. He maintains a clinical and consulting practice in the Lakeview neighborhood. Charlotte Moore, MA, LCPC, CADC, MISA II With nearly twenty years experience in social service, specializing in substance abuse treatment and mental health, Charlotte Moore joined TPAN in May of 2009 as the POWER program Manager. Charlotte is a Licensed Professional Counselor, and holds a Masters in Counseling from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, where she is completing her dissertation for a Doctoral degree in Counseling Supervision and Education. Charlotte is also a Certified Addictions Counselor, and holds several other specialty certifications in substance abuse and mental health treatment. Jessie Mott Jessie Mott began her work with TPAN in 2010, and recently transitioned out of her position as Grants Manager. She now serves as the Development and Contract Compliance Manager, where she monitors grants to ensure seamless integration into TPAN services and quality assurance of programming. An accomplished artist, Jessie holds a BFA from NYU in Studio Art, and an MFA in Art Theory and Practice from Northwestern University. To learn more, visit www.jessiemott.com.Bobbi Marie Pollard, Bobbi came to TPAN in 2008 as an intern. After receiving her undergraduate degree in Social Work from Northeastern Illinois University, she gallivanted around the globe and finally settled in Austin, Texas with her rock star husband. The heat was too much, and shortly after, they happily returned to Chicago. Bobbi served under AmeriCorps for two years, most recently working in Chicago Public Schools' Homeless Education Program. She also worked with Chicago HOPES, a volunteer-run tutoring, homework help, and arts enrichment program for CPS students living in homeless shelters. Bobbi has been active in the HIV community for several years, and is thrilled to be back at TPAN as a Medical Case Manager. Before working in the HIV/AIDS field, Sue Saltmarsh experienced non-profit life in the Arts. For nine years, she toured the globe as the first Wardrobe Supervisor for Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. In 1991, Sue migrated to New Mexico to attend the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine. Upon her certification as a clinical herbalist, she returned to Chicago and worked as an herbalist at AIDS Alternative Health Project. From 1993-2005, Sue served as an herbalist, energy worker, and ear candler for Project Vida. Always an avid reader and writer, Sue is thrilled to be working for TPAN as Editorial Assistant for Positively Aware. Her blog, EarthMother, is the marriage of a woman with a mighty pen and a strong political mind. To read Sue’s work, visit www.positivelyaware.com. Billy Surber, Billy began his career at TPAN in 2009 as a volunteer prior to joining the Development team on a full time basis. He has served as Development Associate, Distribution Coordinator for Positively Aware Magazine, and Volunteer Coordinator. In April 2011, Billy was thrilled to transition into his role as Manager of Special Events and Communications, where he believes he can use his skills to make a difference every day. Billy Surber hold a BA from Ball State University.Joshua Thorne, Michael Valdez, Michael’s introduction to AIDS Service Organization began in 2004, when he joined AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s AIDS Marathon Training Program. Additionally, he represented Center on Halsted on the Prevention Subcommittee for the Illinois Department of Public Health HIV/STD Conference in 2010 and 2011. Originally from Trinidad, Michael attended Boston University where he obtained his Bachelor’s in Psychology and Hispanic Literature. Valdez also resided in San Francisco and Washington DC before settling in Chicago, where he received his Masters in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University. Previous to joining TPAN, Michael served as the Manager of the State of Illinois AIDS/HIV & STD at Center on Halsted, where he trained staff for the hotline, facilitated HIV support groups and provided HIV testing. Michael is a Licensed Professional Counselor with an extensive clinical background, including individual psychotherapy. Enid Vázquez, Enid Vázquez is associate editor of Positively Aware. She is HIV-negative and a single mom to a cuddly orange purr ball who walked in off the street, Marmalade. She earned her journalism degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Paul Wiemerslage, LSW, A Chicago native, Paul has been involved with the HIV community and LGBTQ activism since the early 90’s. He spent his internships providing case management and psychotherapy services at Alexian Brothers Bonaventure House, and Howard Brown Health Center. Paul is the coordinator of LIFT (Living in the Face of Trauma), for survivors of sexual abuse, and also provides individual therapy as a Behavioral Counselor at TPAN. Paul Wiemerslage received his BA from Eastern Illinois University, and is a graduate of the Jane Addams College of Social Work at University of Illinois-Chicago, where he received his Masters degree with an emphasis on mental health. He is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW). Derek Worley, Derek came to Chicago via Miami and NYC in 1996, where he made his living in several New York theatre productions. He was actively involved with the Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) in NYC, as well as other political and community organizations. Derek Worley began as a volunteer at TPAN, but soon came on board as a full-time staff member. Derek implemented a “back-to-work” program for HIV positive people, assisting in placing them with HIV-sensitive companies. He has also served as the HIV testing manager, and is currently the Education Manager. Derek also helped develop TEAM, (Treatment Education Adherence Management), a comprehensive HIV education class for those living with HIV. In addition, Mr. Worley coordinates monthly educational forums for clients, (Committed to Living), and providers (Committed to Caring). Within the past two years, Derek has organized a highly successful acupuncture program for TPAN, in collaboration with a local alternative medicine school. |
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