22 Hillcrest Place, Amherst, Mass. 01002
Merlyn@crocker.com / 413-253-2232

Qualifications Experience Publications Education Other

WORK EXPERIENCE

Since 1967, served in increasingly responsible EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR positions for four different voluntary community agencies...

Presently, in the urban/rural Connecticut River Valley, managing resources for an elder population. Directing one of Massachusetts' Area Agency on Aging/Home Care Corporations. Developed confederated elder controlled governance Board, pulled separate Planning, Nutrition, Home Care and Contracted Services into one consolidated system ($4.5 million level) promoting Quality Long Living and established innovative and nationally recognized advocacy and empowerment programming.

10/77 - Present
Highland Valley Elder Services, Inc.
Northampton, MA.

 


Before that, in a rural Western Mass area, managing resources for a mentally retarded population. As the agency's first administrative professional, introduced new programs for the normalization and integration of the targeted population into the community. By the time I left, operating budget had jumped from $30,000 to $250,000 from funds secured from all levels of government; capital and contracts were also in place for a first class dwelling to serve as a co-ed residence for deinstitutionalized adults as well as for the construction of a new Day/Work Activity center.

8/74 - 8/76
Northern Berkshire Association for Retarded Citizens, Inc.
North Adams, MA.

 

... on a one year international assignment in Canada, put in place a Provincial-wide resource system for persons with hearing impairments.

1972 -1973
Western Institute for the Deaf
Vancouver, British Columbia.

 

 ... established programs and funding base for start up operation of a county-wide resource system for persons with communication disorders.

1967 - 1972
Suffolk Hearing and Speech Center
Long Island, N. Y.