Rev. Dr. Avril L'Mour Weathers, Ph.D.
avril.weathers@gmail.com
+231 (888) 851-530
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Analysis--Career history includes 15 years of experience with survey development, data collection,
analysis, reporting and technical assistance for an international service organization, several state
organizational divisions; and regional public health conglomerates and institutions.
R&D-- Published qualitative institutional researcher, cited and publicly broadcast, with knowledge
of Microsoft Access, Excel, PowerPoint and the Statistical Program for the Social Sciences (SPSS).
Experienced program developer, trainer, and module writer in the public service arena in general;
and, more specifically in service of public health.
Advancement--Complimentary strengths in institutional advancement including strategic planning
for long range recovery initiatives; and, fund development capabilities for multifaceted contracting,
grant writing, development, evaluation and procurement.
Facilitation--Self-motivated transformation leader, state policy developer, with proven talent for
educating stake holders, engaging communities; and, cultivating the strategic, culturally competent,
vertical and horizontal partnerships. Psychosocial Service/Mental Health Recovery/Wellness
Recovery Action Planning Trainer of Trainers.
Communications—Veteran radio and newspaper journalist, broadcast programmer, host and
engineer, public relations specialist and social media advocate. Means of engagement include public
lecturing, individual and group counseling, as well as communal advocacy.
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EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION
Masters of Divinity, Candler School of Theology, Emory University of Atlanta, GA
2010-2013
Contextual Education: International Interfaith & Health Division, School of Public Health
Assistant to Director Sandra Thurman, International AIDS Czar for the Clinton Administration
Behavioral Health Certifications
2005-2007
Certified Recovery Support Specialist; Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Facilitator;
DRS/DMH Supported Employment Certification; DRS/DMH EBSE Implementation Specialist
Doctorate of Philosophy, Organizational Behavior--Northwestern University of Evanston, IL 2000
Multidisciplinary degree in Psychology, Sociology and Business Management
Professor of Research Methods: Washington University, University of Missouri
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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
African Methodist Episcopalian University (AMEU)
2013-Present
The Bryant Theological Seminary of Monrovia, Liberia, W.A.
 Coordinator, Christian Counseling Program
Curriculum Development, Design & Proposal of the Christian Counseling Program
 Chair, AMEU Ebola Taskforce Research Initiative
Collective Trauma Survey & Analysis: Vicarious Trauma in Three Monrovian Communities
 Consultancy, Ministry of Information, Culture & Tourism (Ministry of Culture)
Report: Detraumatization -- A Response to the Crisis of Liberian Wellness in the 21st Century
 Assistant Professor of Theology, Bryant Theological Seminary, AMEU
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
HIV/AIDS, Endemic Crisis & the Role of the Church (THCE 212)
Research Methods & Data Collection/Senior Thesis Paper (THCE 448)
AMEU Representative on National Ebola Task Force Psychosocial Services Committee
MH/Psychosocial Service (PSS) Training Standardization Subcommittee
MH/PSS Burial Protocol Communications Subcommittee
Consulting Program Developer, Crisis Detraumatization Initiative
Ministry of Information, Culture & Tourism--Program Development & Evaluation (Liberia, W.A.)
 Partnered with MICAT Ministry of Culture to establish culturally-based programming.
 Constructed data-base to evaluate program fidelity of program sites.
 Training of Detraumatization Specialists and providing ongoing support.
Peer Counseling Initiative: Liberians Helping Liberians to Cope in Crisis
Consulting Grant Reviewer, Assets for Independence (AFI)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Office of Community Services, Administration for Children and Families
 Reviewed Grant Applications, Applied Evaluation Criterion
 Scored Grant Applications, Wrote Evaluation Narratives
Integrative Mental Health Systems, MHO (CEO/QMHP/CRSS)
Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Subcontracting
2006-2009
Formed horizontal alliances to secure federal funding. Recognized contracting opportunities and
initiated expansion. Supervised and counseled recovery specialist team. Increased number and
quality of strategic partnerships with government entities, local agencies, and practicing
providers to cooperate with contracted initiatives in vertical alliance. Performed the following
consultancy services:
Consulting Systems Analyst, Mental Health Recovery Programs
DHS Division of Mental Health--EBSE Program Data Development & Analysis
 Constructed data-base to evaluate program fidelity of EBSE Program sites.
 Trained Supported Employment Specialists and provided ongoing technical support.
 Partnered with DHS Systems Analyst to establish in-house mainframe data-base access.
 Retooled survey and data collection for participation in Johnson & Johnson Studies.
DHS Division of Healthcare and Family Service--EBSE Program Strategy Advisor
 Advised Medicare Infrastructure Committee Director in strategic planning methods.
 Devised plan for systems mapping for cross disability EBSE State implementation.
 Constructed sample map of State employment resources for persons with disabilities.
 Reviewed corporate responsibility presentations for partnering opportunities.
Consulting Provider, Mental Health Recovery Support Services
DHS Division of Rehabilitative Services--Recovery Counseling & Supported Employment Services
 Educated DRS staff and consumers about recovery paradigm shift.
 Provided Recovery Counseling to DRS assigned consumers, initiated individual WRAP plans.
 Presented Advocacy Services to DRS assigned consumers, guided toward self-advocacy.
 Administered Supported Employment Services and Supported Housing referrals.
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Greater E. St. Louis Health Consortium Consultation
Senior Health Education Conference: “Wellness of Heart & Mind”
Consortium Mental Health Conference--Program Development
 Advised conference committee on mental health content for our Elder population.
 Devised plan for peer focus groups and coordinated implementation and evaluation.
 Developed strategic partnerships with appropriate Agency Directors for facilitation.
Heaven’s Cove Outreach Ministries of Atlanta Consultation
Consulting Clinical Program Coordinator
Substance Abuse/Mental Health Agency—Institutional Advancement & Recovery Counseling
 Composed service plan for compliance with State provision and supervised implementation.
 Provided Recovery Counseling and delivered weekly Sermons on Spirituality of Wellness.
 Directed Programming and Operations for the Ministerial and Clinical aspects of the facility.
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PROFESSIONAL PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
Mental Health/Psychosocial Pillar of the National Ebola Task Force
2014
Collective Trauma Survey & Analysis: Vicarious Trauma in Three Monrovian Communities
Disabilities Services Advisory Committee (IL-DSAC)
2008-2009
Policy Recommendation to Mandate Recovery Services in Federally Funded Agencies
Medicare Infrastructure Grant Committee (IL-MIG)
2007-2009
Region V Representative: Mental Health Subcommittee
Vocational Services Steering Committee (IL-VSSC)
2005-2009
Strategic Planning Leadership Council (SPLC); Mental Health Subcommittee
Supported Employment and Consumerism
2007
Guest Lecturer Regional Conference, National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI)
The Recovery Movement in Mental Health and Beyond
2007
Guest Lecturer Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville (SIUE), Special Education Seminar
Understanding Supported Employment
2006
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4 Annual Mental Health Consumer Conference Workshop Lecturer
Spirituality in Recovery: The Missing Link
2005
3rd Annual Mental Health Consumer Conference Workshop Lecturer
Strategic Planning Report: Toward the New Millennium
1996
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, 43rd National Convention/Orlando, Florida
The Delta Way: Principled Commitment to Quality Advancement
1995
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated: A Leadership Academy Training Module
Organizational Assessment Survey: Where we are and where we'd like to go
1994
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, An assessment of over 500 Chapters in 7 regions
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HONORS & AWARDS
Candler School of Theology, Emory University
Grant for Academic Excellence & Promise for Leadership in the Church and World
Madison’s Who’s Who in American Industry
Outstanding Service Provision—Health Services, Mental Health
National Black MBA Association
Chicago Chapter Outstanding Member of the Year Award
Northwestern University
Patricia Roberts Harris Fellowship for Doctoral Studies
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2010-2013
2008
1994
1989-1993