[humanser] Human Services Board Elections and more...

[Dr. Mary Chappell]

All,

As the 75th Annual Convention of the National Federation of the Blind draws
nearer and I become more aware of my absence I want to wish each of you who
will be fortunate enough to attend  the most. I encourage you to splurge in
the experience pool.  No where else in the world will you have so much
access and opportunity. I am both envious and excited for you. I am sorry
that I will not get the chance to meet and interact with everyone.

I continue to have an interest in a board position. Most specifically, that
of board member as I believe my life experiences may bring   added value to
the division. I am currently the Program Coordinator of Psychotherapeutic
Services for the Behavioral Health Division at The George Washington
University Hospital in Washington DC. We are an acute service training
hospital with 380 beds. I am based on the inpatient Adult Psychiatric unit
and provide psychotherapy, diagnostic and assessment services and oversight
to patients throughout the hospital.  I supervise a training cohort that
includes medical students, psychology doctoral candidates, social work
interns, art therapy interns, and trainees from the broadest array of
disciplines who may interact with our mental/behavior health component of
healing. I use the group modality as a large component of my therapy and
consultation intervention. work directly with  patients and families in the
care continuum. I am experientially close to our trainees as I just
completed my doctorate in 2012. That said, I am continuing to grow and
develop in my profession and my blindness. I lost my sight in adulthood and
am learning things as I grow through my process of reinventing myself.  

I  thought it may be helpful to share a bit to help the division know me a
little better. I am hoping to get to know you all better as we work
together.

Have a terrific time in Florida and enjoy your convention experience.

Genuinely,

Mary Tatum Chappell