Campus News
May 6th, 2024
College ABE grads working at recovery center
Schrock is center coordinator, Beeman is a peer support advocate
A group of Mountain Haven Wellness & Recovery Center peers are moving through Garrett College's Adult Basic Education (ABE) program. Pictured, left to right, are (back row) Mountain Haven Peer Support Advocate James Beeman, ABE Instructor Jerry Chiprich, (front row) Mountain Haven Coordinator Kathy Schrock, ABE students John Gerard, Reba Gerard, Ruby Donham, and Allan Kisner, and Garrett College Assistant Director of Professional and Community Education Kaitlyn Glotfelty.
Kathy Schrock and James Beeman wanted to help others. To do so, they knew they had to help themselves.
Schrock and Beeman – who both work at the Oakland-based Mountain Haven Wellness & Recovery Center – earned their respective high school diplomas through Garrett College's Adult Basic Education (ABE) program. Schrock, the center coordinator, has gone on to earn her Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) certification, while Beeman is currently working on his CPRS.
"My daily responsibilities include coordinating activities, facilitating group work, and overseeing daily operations," said Schrock. "Mountain Haven provides educational and enrichment activities, refers peers to supportive resources in the community, and supports their individual needs."
Schrock said many of the peers have inquired about participating in Garrett College's ABE program, something she enthusiastically endorsed.
"I want them to have the same positive experience and joy that I had in attending Garrett," said Schrock. "I want them to be able to improve their confidence and self-esteem at well."
Beeman – a peer support advocate – agreed, citing the support students receive from the Garrett College ABE faculty.
"We had great instructors," said Beeman.
Four of the Mountain Haven peers – John and Reba Gerard, Ruby Donham, and Allan Kisner – have begun taking ABE classes through Garrett College.
Donham, who "came to Mountain Haven because of a cancer journey", said she's learned to communicate better through Mountain Haven's support. She wants to use the ABE program to continue building her academic skills.
Kisner – whose signature dish is shrimp alfredo – hopes to eventually become an executive chef.
"I'm hoping to improve my academic skills and gain the knowledge I need to earn my GED," said Kisner.
Reba Gerard is brushing up on her reading and math skills through the ABE program.
"I'm really enjoying the classes," said Reba, whose brother, John, is also working to improve his reading and math skills through the GED program.
Instructor Jerry Chiprich said working with this group of students "is very rewarding."
"This class is really enjoyable to teach," said Chiprich.
Individuals interested in more information about Garrett College's ABE program should contain Kaitlyn Glotfelty at kaitlyn.glotfelty@garrettcollege.edu or 301.387.3770.
