Texas HIV Connection
The Texas HIV Connection is dedicated to decreasing substance abuse and HIV disease by increasing awareness, education, personal involvement and participation in the prevention of these and other related diseases.
The Texas HIV Connection (also commonly referred to as the "HIV Connection") provides training, information and resources about the relationship between substance use, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. This program is one of several training components within Workers Assistance Program, Inc. and is funded by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
Although training is a primary component of the program, the "connection" in Texas HIV Connection means more than just training. It also means:
- Linking substance abuse professionals with information and resources;
- Making connections with other human service professionals and agencies;
- Connecting people with services; and
- Providing facts about HIV/AIDS to a variety of populations.
Staff:
The Texas HIV Connection is made up of HIV training specialists, and support staff; each person is dedicated to the provision of highly successful training programs. Our training staff's strengths come from the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and service in both the substance abuse and HIV/AIDS education fields. Our trainers are required to meet standards set by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, Center for Disease Control and Texas Department of Health. They also undergo periodic specialized training programs for certifications in particular courses.
BRAD LINDGREN
Brad started with the HIV Connection in September of 2006. His background in the HIV field began in the fall of 1997. He volunteered doing street outreach and harm reduction to the homeless and IDU populations in the Austin area. Because of his desire to help others, he began working full time doing street outreach/harm reduction and as an Advocacy/Outreach caseworker. Brad has also completed the hours necessary for his LCDC. In 2004 Brad was placed on the Texas Department of Health PCPE registry. His commitment to the community and others along with his background in substance abuse will make him an asset to the team. Brad is the new Program Director for the Texas HIV Connection.
JOSEPH DUARTE
Joseph Duarte brings both PBC (Protocol Based Counseling) and outreach experience to the Texas HIV Connection. He received his Bachelor's degree in German from the University of Texas at Austin and has a minor in Mexican American Studies. After volunteering as a hotline crisis counselor for the Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) in New York City, he moved back to Austin where he resumed his work in the HIV field with the C.A.R.E. Program. After a year of outreach work, Joseph moved into the testing and counseling field, where he found his passion for helping others as it pertains to HIV prevention and risk reduction counseling. Although he formally left the Outreach Team, he continued to reach out to the MSM population via the Internet. Joseph is PBC certified and a Training Specialist with hands-on experience.
JAY CUSKER
Jay began his career in health care in the San Francisco Bay Area. He served as a volunteer counselor and later as a co-facilitator for Shanti in their L.I.F.E Program with people living with HIV/AIDS. Jay has also volunteered at Zen Hospice at Laguna Honda Hospital. He currently has a Master's Degree in Psychology, specializing in Drama Therapy from the California Institute of Integral Studies and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Psychology, with emphasis on Health and Wellness. Jay is an asset to the Texas HIV Connection's training team, bringing a wealth of knowledge and passion with regards to being of service to others.
GLORIA ROCHA
Gloria Rocha is an administrative assistant for the Texas HIV Connection. In 2001, Gloria received an Administrative Specialist Certificate from Austin Business College. In March of 2002 she started working for Workers Assistance Program, Inc. as a receptionist. Two months after being hired, she was promoted to an Administrative Assistant position working with the Business Development VIP. Gloria has been with Workers Assistance Program, Inc. for six years and has experience working with different departments throughout the company including EAP, PAL®, and CTS. Gloria is excited to be part of the Texas HIV Connection team.
SARAH KAPOSTASY
Sarah Kapostasy is the former Program Director and a consultant for the HIV Connection. She is an experienced educator with a unique perspective on public health. After graduating from Indiana University in Bloomington, she joined the Teach for America program. She taught 9th and 10th grade English/Language Arts in rural South Louisiana and came to the great state of Texas to teach 7th grade Reading and Writing at a charter school in East Austin. Her experience as the sex education teacher at this middle school landed her a position at the HIV Connection, where she joined the team as a training specialist. Sarah continues to increase her knowledge regarding HIV and related illnesses, with a focus on adolescent/adult health and behavior change.
Please visit us on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Austin-TX/The-Texas-HIV-Connection/71988915442?ref=ts&__a=8&ajaxpipe=1
|
