Marsh Foundation honors 9 employees

The Marsh Foundation recently recognized nine employees for receiving their first or second certification for their expertise in the Teaching Family Model of care. The certification acknowledges that the family teachers have demonstrated excellent skills within the model, which is used for behavioral treatment on campus.

The Marsh certified six family teachers for the first time, Lisa Miller, Kyle Hainline, Michele Bird, Ben Marsee, Laura Sanford and Thressa Adams, and also certified three additional family teachers for the second time, Kelly Gross, Christina Villarreal and Ray McCoy.

According to Kathleen Davis, the director of residential services at The Marsh, this is a marketable accomplishment nationwide.

“These family teachers have demonstrated an exceptional level of treatment to the youths they serve,” she said. “The youths and referring agents, as well as The Marsh Foundation recognize their diligence in inspiring hope, teaching and caring for children and families. We are very proud of their accomplishments.”

The certification can take a year or more to complete and requires much training and evaluation. According to Bird, the process meant more to her than the certification itself. “I’m glad I’m certified, but to me, learning from the evaluations and feedback was more important,” she said. “The process of observation, evaluation and feedback is a continual tool here at The Marsh and is a key part of us being a successful program for youth; not necessarily the act of being certified,” she added.

According to Sanford, the certification process ensures consistent treatment strategies for the youth. “Getting certified keeps our whole team focused on the common goal of helping the youth in the most professional way. Being certified means we’re all educated with the same material and it helps to keep all of our interactions and teachings with youth consistent with what they would hear from another family teacher on campus,” she said.

Villarreal said she is proud to be certified. “It is nice to be recognized when you do your job well,” she said. “I think being certified is a tangible symbol of our dedication to our youth.”