April Near - The Arts
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April Near - The Arts

COVER LETTER

April Near
12814 NW Bishop Rd., Hillsboro, OR 97124 •------------ • ------------

Art 4 Life
Making Connections through Art
Portland, Oregon

January 30, 2020

To Whom It May Concern:

I want to sincerely express my interest in the Art Teacher’s Aide position. I am excited about your mission and have enjoyed learning about your programs and reading the testimonials.

For 20 years I’ve worked in the Social Services field but for the past three years I’ve been gradually turning my focus to the Arts and am now committed to the Arts full-time. Currently I’m interning with an Art program that offers inclusive opportunities to the Cedar Mill community and beyond. We are passionate about welcoming people from all walks of life: all faiths, all cultures and a wide range of ages with the desire to provide a safe space for people to connect in relationship and create art in community. While we serve many ages, I’ve been interested in working more with children in the arts which is what prompted my interest in this opportunity.

I enjoy working with children in many different contexts. It is such a joy to see children interact with art and come alive when they make discoveries about themselves and the world around them. In addition, I’m passionate about welcoming, loving and serving people from all nationalities, cultures and backgrounds. I’ve had the opportunity to serve overseas and desire to continue doing life with all people groups which is also why your program caught my eye. I can’t think of any better way to come alongside others than through the Arts.

I would gladly welcome an opportunity to meet you and explore if I’m a good fit for your program.

Sincerely, April Near

RESUME

April Near
12814 NW Bishop Rd., Hillsboro, OR 97124 •------------ • ------------

SUMMARY OF SKILLS

• Visual Artist - mixed media, oil, clay
• Expressive Arts Facilitator
• Leadership/Management Skills
• Confident and Hard Working
• Creative Refiner and Developer
• Proven Communication Skills
• Adaptable and Flexible
• Enthusiastic and Influential

EDUCATION

Studied Art Under:

Andrea Ortuno, Florence, Italy
Bevie LaBrie, Spokane, Wa.
Terry Lee, Hayden, Id.
Michelle Winter, Portland, Or.

Master of Divinity
Multnomah University, Portland, OR

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work
Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho
Hold Current Idaho State Social Work License

EXPERIENCE

CEDAR MILL BIBLE CHURCH, 2019-Present
Art Intern
• Facilitate art projects for youth on a weekly basis.
• Offer individual and group art workshops using healing art principles with guests from the community.
• Host open studio sessions, process art classes and family night for various ages.
• Assist Art Director with art installations.
• Assist Art Director in collaborative Art projects for the congregation.

SOJOURNERS SANCTUARY, 2015-present
Founder & Executive Director
• Provide a safe communal space where guests can experience healing and growth through creative art.
• Offer Individual and Group Art Workshops using therapeutic process healing art principles with guests from the community.
• Build mutually supportive mentoring relationships with young women who are working through grief, trauma and life transitions.
• Lead art sessions & workshops for children.
• Successfully collaborate with other local artists to help fulfill the mission and vision.
• Lead a diverse Board of Directors who provide professional and spiritual guidance in carrying out the mission, vision and goals of the ministry.

THE SALVATION ARMY KROC CENTER, 2010-2019
Community Education & Social Services Manager
• Revamped and managed the Scholarship Program that serves over 3500 members.
• Developed, implemented and oversaw the Life Skills Education Program
• Built mutually supportive partnerships with community businesses and agencies.
• Successfully collaborated with a large team of managers and directors toward fulfilling the mission.
• Presented Kroc programs and opportunities to local and divisional agencies, coalitions and groups.
• Offered Expressive Art classes to Salvation Army officers and community members of various ages.
• Built relationships with various members and ministered to them through prayer, pastoral counseling, Bible Studies and referrals to Kroc opportunities and community resources.
• Developed and updated the Kroc Social Services Department Policy and Procedure Manual

STILL WATERS COUNSELING, 2006-2007
Partial Care Program Manager
• Conducted comprehensive assessments and developed individualized treatment plans. • Led activities and treatment groups helping children develop healthy interpersonal skills.
• Effectively implemented treatment modalities for children despite stressful environment.
• Provided emotional, social, and physical support to children and parents on a daily basis.

BANNOCK YOUTH FOUNDATION, 2003-2006
Out-of-Home Placement Coordinator at Bannock House
• Built interpersonal relationships with teen in foster care and their families.
• Work directly with Department of Health and Welfare in planning and implementing service plans for the teens and their families in effort to reunify families.
• Provided extensive case management services including but not limited to: multi-disciplinary meetings, monitoring teen’s progress, arranged and supervised visitation schedules with family and friends, implemented behavior modification plans, and counseled teens with day-to-day needs and crises.

IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & WELFARE, 2001-2003
Child Protection Investigator
• Conducted extensive risk assessments with families with child abuse allegations.
• Acted as liaison linking families to appropriate community resources in effort to prevent the families from becoming involved with Child Protection in the future.
• Worked with a multi-disciplinary team including various law enforcement agencies, juvenile probation, judges, and family based service agencies.
• Represented the Department of Health and Welfare in court proceedings, testifying to the facts of the case.