Chief Advisor to Board

Program Director Of Our House Shelter Catholic Charities, Inc.

Dr. Mary Sims-Johnson., LCSW,

Hello my name is Dr. Mary Sims-Johnson.  I welcome you to Rainbow Multiplex Inc.

I am a seasoned social worker with over (23) years of experience.  I have administrative skills, supervisory skills, program development skills, grant writing skills, budget management skills, statistical skills, research knowledge, training skills, policy writing skills, and excellent interpersonal skills.

Education:

Ph.D in Social Work (Policy, Planning and Administration) School of Social Work, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS. August 2003

Masters of Social Work- Graduate School of Socal Work -University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, August 1987

Bachelor of Art Degree in Psychology & Mental Health-The Psychology Department, Tougaloo College, Tougaloo MS. December 1980.

Professional Certification/Licensure:

Licensed Certified Social Worker- Licensure #C1158 Mississippi Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage & Family Therapist

Work Experience

Executive Management Team (CQI)- Catholic Charities, Inc. Jackson, MS. July 1995-May 2001 ( rotating minority position)

Program Director- Our House Runaway Shelter-Catholic Charities, Inc. Jackson, MS Aug 87-Present

Program Director ( Program Development)- Family Preservation Programs (CAN, Home Ties and Diversion Projects) Catholic Charities, Inc, Jackson, MS

Family Counselor- Family Crisis Intervention- Catholic Charities, Inc. Jackson, MS September 1983-1987

Social Work-Case Management- St. Dominic-Jackson Mental Health Center, Jackson, MS

Social Worker- Anchor House-Mental Health Association in Hinds County, Jackson, MS February 1981 ( Acted in the Director's position September, November of 81 and March thru June, 1982

Collegiate Activities and Special Recognitions:

Member of Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society-Alpha Rho Chapter 1979-80

Member of Mental Health Club, Publication Manager 79-80

Who's Who Among American Colleges and Universities 1980-81

National Dean's List Scholar and President's List Scholar 1977-80

Graduate Magna Cum Laude Graduate, December 1980

Recipient of the Southeastern Network TAPP Middle Management Award 1995

Special Recognition by the Mississippi Department of Human Services Foster Care Review Board, 1995

Recognized as the first and only field instructor inducted into the National Phi Alpha Honor Society by the Jackson State University School of Social Work March 30, 2001

Recipient of the Field Insturctor of the Year Award School of Social Work Jackson State University, May 2003

Teaching Experience and Special Skills:

Adjunct Assistant Professor at Mississipi College (Policy 401) School Year 94-95

A Field Instructor for (20) years for local, state, out-of-state, and international universities

Trainer For Suicide Task Force with the Mental Health Association in Hinds County, Inc. 1981-1983

Trainer for Mediation Model with divorced or separated families ( A Miss Children's Project) 1989

How to Get Things Done sponsored by National Career Workshops, 1990

Leadership and Supervising Skills for Women sponsored by National Businesswomen Leadership Association & National Seminars, Inc. 1994

Homebuilders Fundamentals of Family Preservation Practice sponsored by the Behavioral Sciences Institute, 1995

Cultural Diversity Trainer with the Lee County Department of Youth and Adult Services in Sanford North Carolina, March 2001

Expert Witness 1995-present-Preparation of court expert testimonies on divorce, and custody cases per request by judges and attorneys(Guardian et litem)

Research and Creative Activity:

Completion of dissertation a quantitative study using multivariate statistical analysis. dissertation title: "Developmental, Abuse and Structural Predictors of Runaway Behavior Among African American Adolescents"

I have had (4) research and statistics courses and (2) Program Evaluation courses at the Doctoral level.

I conducted a explanatory study during my Masters of Social Work Degree 1985-1987.

A Research Assistant with a Research Project with Dr. Terence Keane at the Veterans Administration in Jackson, Mississippi.  The research project was on sex, racism and social interaction (1977)

I would like to share some of my professional affiliations:

Mississippi Department of Human Services Foster Care Review Board Since 1989 - Present

Member of the Mayor's Task Force Against Youth Violence 1990-1991

Member of Association of Black Social Workers (Mississippi Chapter)

Member of the Southeastern Network of Youth and Family Services Board of Directors

Member of the Social Work Advisory Board at Jackson Sate University 1989-1998 

Member of the Social Work Advisory Board at Mississippi College 1994-Present

Federal Grant Reviewer with the U.S. Department of  Health and Human Services

Certified Trainer with the National Coalition Building Institute in Washington, D.C.

Certified Trainer with Recovery from Racism Detroit, Michigan, September 2001

Appointed Member of the Juvenile Prevention Policy Board- City of Jackson, April 2002

Appointed Member of the Juvenile Detention Facilities Task Force July 2002.  Chairman of the Programs and Service committee ( House Bill No. 974-Regular Session 2002).  Tasks: to develop provisions and make recommendations to the legislature and the governor regarding standards for dentention centers across the state of Mississippi.

Children are my life, and its going to be a pleasure and an honor to use my experience and insight into helping our young children of tomorrow.  The children need us and as a community we need to be their for our children.   With the Rainbow Multiplex many children and adults will have a chance to succeed in life.  Many children just need to know that someone is their to listen to them and provide some encouragement, and guidance.  It's time for society to stop focusing on juvenile detention centers and focus on more youth learning centers. If any additional information is needed feel free to email at mary@rainbows365.com.

I look forward to seeing many children as well as their parents.

God Bless