Prior to this position, Pam served for 5 years as the site supervisor and program manager for the Stark County MST Program, located at the Crisis Intervention and Recovery Services Center. This site participated in a randomized clinical trial conducted by Jane Timmons-Mitchell, Ph.D, which was the first independent published replication study of MST with a juvenile delinquent population. Under Pam’s clinical supervision, this MST site was recognized by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) as one of the top ten juvenile justice programs in the nation. This site also participated in the production of an MST video disseminated internationally for parents considering the program for their families. Pam also participated in the production of a videotape demonstrating the use of formal outcomes instruments (Ohio Scales) in clinical supervision that was disseminated statewide by the Ohio Department of Mental Health.
Pam’s previous work includes roles as MST therapist, crisis intervention and mental health officer, group therapist for adult male domestic violence offenders, and psychology assistant within a juvenile court. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in community counseling. She is also currently licensed as a registered nurse and works as a nursing supervisor for a local hospital system.
Pam resides in New London, Ohio, with her husband, Terin, and their children, Mikayla, Caden, Ashlyn, and Landon.
Q: Why is your work at the Begun Center important to you, to our community, and to the world? I want to make a difference in the world. My role is to train and support teams of clinicians who are impacting youths and families by helping them learn skills in problem solving, resolving conflict peacefully, navigating school and other formal systems, and achieving their goals. I am very gratified by my work and in seeing families successful.
Q: What is a cause about which you are particularly passionate? I am very passionate about using home-based family interventions to address youth behavior. This is much more effective and sustainable than removing kids from their homes to be placed and treated in institutions, residential facilities, or foster care.