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Madison Evans_Letter of Interest, Ward 3City of Kalispell ATTN: City Clerk 201 1st Avenue East, Kalispell, MT 59901 To Whom It May Concern: My name is Madison Evans and I am very interested in serving as a non-partisan Council Member. I have lived in Kalispell and Ward 3 for almost my whole life. Growing up in this beautiful area and the people in it has always inspired me to give back and continue to make this a wel coming, safe, and accessible place to live. Even back during my time at Peterson elementary school, I was drawn to community involvement and action, joining an after-school group as a 6th grader and fundraising to repair the school’s fence around the playground. My drive to support individuals and the community continued into my higher education, earning my bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Human and Family Development and my Masters in Social Work. I immediately came back to Kalispell and began working at the hospital in oncology, shortly after I began managing a non-profit, Cancer Support Services House [formerly Cancer Support Community Kalispell], became a board member for the non-profits; Wings Regional Cancer Support and Northwest Montana Chicks N Chaps Cancer Support, and coordinated numerous fundraising events and community events for those impacted by cancer. Currently I work as a mental health therapist here in the valley. My work and volunteer experience have always revolved around meeting the unique needs of the people around me. My experience and work have taught me community matters and one vital way to be a part of positive change is serving on city council. To support the community, we need to support policies, ordinances, and budgets that match our publics unique needs. My profession and professional experience provide me skills in communication and advocacy work with the aim to support everyone and not just a select few. Regardless of political leanings everyone deserves a voice and a place at the table. My goal is to make sure and listen to what the people need and advocate for it whenever possible. Being able to collaborate, find common ground, have an open mind and sound judgement is something I have always strived for and excelled at. It would be my honor and privilege to h ave this unique opportunity to serve the community that has given so much to me throughout the years. Sincerely, Madison Evans 404 9th Ave W. Kalispell, MT 406-550-7154 Madisonevans321@gmail.com Madison L. Evans, LCSW 406.550.7154 madisonevans321@gmail.com Education University of Montana, Missoula, MT 2016 Master of Social Work University of Montana, Missoula, MT 2013 Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Human and Family Development Professional Experience Sunflower Counseling Montana 2023-Current Mental Health Therapist - LCSW Gyeonggi Office of Education – South Korea 2021-2023 English Teacher o Program development. Develop yearly curriculum for Elementary through High School classes. o Cultural exchange through collaborative learning. o Integrated blended learning activities, utilizing technology. o Assessed students’ progress and individual learning needs, planned and implemented lesson plans designed to engage students’ interest and overall engagement in class. o Coordinated after school groups with high school students. o Balanced whole-group, small-group, & individual instruction to accommodate different academic levels & learning styles Logan Health Hospital 2018-2021 Cancer Support & Survivorship Program Manager o Provided clinical work, including facilitating the cancer support group, intake interviews, consultation appointments, individual counseling and information referrals for oncology patients and their families. o Delivered psycho-social assessments. o Created and managed individualized care plans for patients and their families. o Collaborated and coordinated with the oncology clinic staff, physicians, and managers to develop and recommend changes to effect improvement of quality, efficiency, economy, and effectiveness of CSS operation and services. Led analysis to understand barriers to patient access and implement actions to expand access. o Responsible for CSS finances and program budget. Oversaw fundraising operations of CSS, grant writing. Maintain positive community relations with local businesses, non-profits, and community members. o Develop and teach interactive educational workshops of interest to cancer patients and their families. Logan Health Hospital 2016-2018 Oncology Social Worker o Psychosocial coordinator, develop and implement psychosocial distress screening for all oncology patients, monitoring on-site screening and referrals for psychosocial care. Track and present annual psychosocial services summary for the hospital o Develop multidisciplinary care plan with patient and family. o Facilitate cancer and caregiver support groups. o Assist patients and family members in navigating the health care system to maintain or improve quality of care and life. o Collaborate with community agencies to remove barriers from patients in addressing physical and mental health services. This includes access to transportation, lodging, and financial assistance. o Develop special programs and resources to address cultural and community based needs specific to cancer. Grant Creek Family Medicine Medical Social Worker - Practicum Position 2016 o Family education on physical and psychosocial needs of client, facilitated communication with the client and medical staff. o Crisis intervention o Risk assessment o Information and referral services o Coordinated client discharge and continuity of care planning. Western Montana Addiction Services 2015 Recovery Center and Turning Point - Practicum Position o Co-Facilitated psycho-educational groups o Performed psychosocial assessments, client evaluations, and coordinated intake process. o Trained in Motivational Interviewing o Trained in ASAM levels of care o Networked with outside organizations in the community for clients. YWCA: GUTS! Program Group Facilitator and Volunteer Support - Practicum Position 2014 – 2015 o Co-facilitated multiple GUTS! after school groups with girls ages 9-12, teaching leadership, empowerment, and conflict management skills. o Supported volunteers by offering training, subbing for groups, and improved the retention rate of volunteers. o Planned and marketed LUNAFEST fundraiser o Co-created and facilitated the Financial Literacy curriculum a pilot group at Willard High School Trainings TEFL 2020 o Teaching English as Foreign Language certification American Heart Association CPR Certified/Korean CPR Certification Current Darkness to Light Stewards of Children 2014 o Child sexual abuse prevention training o How to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse Safe Talk 2014 o Suicide alertness training o Trained to recognize and respond to situations where suicide thoughts may be present and how to connect them with community resources. Leadership and Volunteer Work Wings Regional Cancer Support 2016 - 2021 Board Member o A non-profit organization offering financial assistance to individuals and families affected by cancer Monthly meetings for allocation of funds and board member meeting to discuss current and future business and projects. o Event and fundraiser planning; collaborating with community businesses and organizations. Northwest Montana Chicks N Chaps Cancer Support 2018-2021 Board Member o A non-profit organization that provides financial support to breast cancer patients and survivors. o Coordinated fundraising events. Research Experience Graduate Researcher 2014 - 2016 University of Montana o Graduate research assistant for Charlie Wellenstein and Kerrie Ghenie of the School of Social Work on the Center for Children, Families, and Workforce Development o The center’s mission is to improve the delivery of social, mental health, and health-related services to Montana’s high-risk children and families. o Assisted with grant research. o Created and manage the center’s website and social media. o Researched and collaborated on methods to increase Child Protective Services’ retention rates in Montana. o Served on committee for yearly faculty evaluations, summarizing each class and Professor’s contribution.