This week, Concordance Academy of Leadership announced it is expanding its team, welcoming Barb Shepard as EVP, Head of Human Resources, and Marcos Sanchez as Lead Therapist in Treatment of Substance Use Disorders.
Both will fill key roles for the organization, in particular as the Academy creates and implements an institutional framework for trauma-informed services in staff development, as well as program delivery. Shepard and Sanchez are slated to begin at the end of July.
Shepard (photo available here: http://bit.ly/2afd164) comes to the Academy with more than 30 years of HR and legal experience, most recently serving as VP, Chief Human Resources Officer for Great Circle. She has extensive experience in systems development, strategic planning, talent championship and change leadership. Additionally, she has developed integrated HR processes in order to align the workforce with business strategy, including performance management, learning and development, rewards and recognition, and leadership development and compensation. In her role at Concordance Academy, she will work to establish an effective internal infrastructure that facilitates operational excellence for staff and those the Academy serves.
“Barb’s work in the corporate and philanthropic sectors make her uniquely suited for the Academy as we continue to build our network of support across the St. Louis region,” said president and CEO Danny Ludeman. “In particular, her experience with Great Circle and the behavioral health services it provides our community will be a tremendous asset to Concordance as we serve the justice-involved population.”
Sanchez (photo available here: http://bit.ly/2a98Qb9), a certified alcohol and drug abuse counselor, joins the Academy’s comprehensive care team, bringing more than two decades of experience working in the substance abuse field in nearly every level of treatment. He has worked with thousands of families dealing with substance use disorders, serving in inpatient psychiatric facilities, 30- and 90-day treatment centers, individual and school-based addiction counseling roles, and as a Twelve Steps-based support group facilitator. As the Lead Therapist in Treatment of Substance Use Disorders, he will help develop and implement the full continuum of care for individuals, which begins during pre-release and continue post-release.
“Marcos will be an incredible resource to our comprehensive care team, the individuals receiving services to address substance use disorder services and their families,” said Mary Beth Bulte, EVP, Head of Comprehensive Care. “He has worked as a clinician, case manager and mental health associate, giving him an extensive and compassionate understanding of the issues this population faces.”
ABOUT CONCORDANCE ACADEMY
Concordance Academy is a St. Louis-based nonprofit that offers the country’s first set of integrated, holistic and evidence-driven services to individuals returning to society from prison. Led by President and CEO Danny Ludeman, the organization assists participants in three primary areas: behavioral health and wellness; education and employment; and community and life skills. The Academy starts working with individuals six months prior to release and continues assisting for up to a year after their return to the community. The organization is committed to restoring individuals, rebuilding families, transforming communities and advancing the field of re-entry services. For more info, visit www.concordanceacademy.com.