Senior Capstone: Mobilizing Hope
"Challenging us to think holistically, care deeply, and engage courageously in imagining and co-creating a just world."
Greetings,
I am Gabe Delao, a student actively achieving a Bachelors of Science degree in Community Health Promotion at Portland State University within the School of Public Health. Simultaneously I hold a full-time position at the non-profit organization, Riverview Center for Growth, situated in Lane County along the banks of the McKenzie River in Springfield, Oregon. Throughout my educational journey at PSU, my professional endeavors at Riverview Center for Growth, and in my life overall, I am dedicated to fully integrating my passions, knowledge, skills, and techniques. This ongoing process of learning and growth, with the desire to be of service to others, fuels my commitment to consistently being an effective agent for change.
Since 1971, Riverview has been a nonprofit human services agency offering psychiatric, therapeutic and education programs. Each year, we serve as many as 3,000 clients and their families and are committed to offering compassionate and thorough emotional, behavioral, and mental health therapy to individuals of all ages, ranging from children to adults and families. At Riverview, we believe in meeting people where they are, without judgment, and creating a safe and welcoming environment that offers hope, healing, and opportunities for growth. I am privileged to be part of a dedicated team of mental health professionals at Riverview who are deeply committed to our community and the individuals we assist. Together, we work towards our mission of fostering mental health, providing education, and creating fulfilling careers.
I am Gabe Delao, a student actively achieving a Bachelors of Science degree in Community Health Promotion at Portland State University within the School of Public Health. Simultaneously I hold a full-time position at the non-profit organization, Riverview Center for Growth, situated in Lane County along the banks of the McKenzie River in Springfield, Oregon. Throughout my educational journey at PSU, my professional endeavors at Riverview Center for Growth, and in my life overall, I am dedicated to fully integrating my passions, knowledge, skills, and techniques. This ongoing process of learning and growth, with the desire to be of service to others, fuels my commitment to consistently being an effective agent for change.
Since 1971, Riverview has been a nonprofit human services agency offering psychiatric, therapeutic and education programs. Each year, we serve as many as 3,000 clients and their families and are committed to offering compassionate and thorough emotional, behavioral, and mental health therapy to individuals of all ages, ranging from children to adults and families. At Riverview, we believe in meeting people where they are, without judgment, and creating a safe and welcoming environment that offers hope, healing, and opportunities for growth. I am privileged to be part of a dedicated team of mental health professionals at Riverview who are deeply committed to our community and the individuals we assist. Together, we work towards our mission of fostering mental health, providing education, and creating fulfilling careers.
Loacation and Photo of Riverview and Riverview Team members
As a Behavioral Education Aide in a day treatment program, I take pride in assisting children and adolescents within a academic and therapeutic environment. My work involves providing patient support and empowerment to clients living with mental, emotional, and behavioral challenges. As a team we prioritize tailoring our programs to the unique needs of each individual we serve, and place a strong emphasis on family participation, to work collaboratively toward achieving our clients' needs and goals.
In my experience at Riverview, ethics, agency, and community are fundamental aspects of our work, whether it's with the clients we serve, our community partnerships, or the devoted teams who diligently drive operations every day. Ethical principles guide our decisions and interactions, ensuring that respect, fairness, and integrity are at the forefront of our operations. As we aim to empower clients of many ages, demographics, and backgrounds to make informed decisions about their life and well being. This involves incorporating their own innate knowledge, and hopefully the integration of tools they gain from the services we provide. One of my broader main goals, that is shared by the Riverview team, is to compassionately empower the children and adolescents we work with to embark on their healing journey by strengthening resilience, enhancing interpersonal relationship skills, and by providing opportunities for families to mend. By promoting well-being at the individual and family level we hope to also positively affect communities. In short, by providing a variety of inpatient and outpatient services, Riverview aspires to foster resilient and supportive environments and networks, where holistic ethics are practiced daily. Within these aspirations the spaces I move in attempt to nurture both individual and collective agency that may benefit our clients, their families, and the broader community.
As we put forth these efforts, effective nonvioelent communication is a cornerstone of our work at Riverview. Utilizing Nonviolent Communication fosters clear, compassionate, and empathetic interactions that focus on mutual understanding and respect. This involves four key steps: observing without judgment, expressing feelings, identifying underlying needs, and making requests without demanding. Approaching communication in this way enhances connections through honest and empathetic dialogue between us all. Within NVC we utilize diverse communication methods and strategies that are tailored to match our clients' individual trends, needs, and goals. This assists the interventions necessary to achieve our objectives and/or effectively help our clients. The recognition and adaptation of communication methods and strategies is essential to be effective in my role, as I consider multiple factors of our clients that may include: age, emotional states, cultural backgrounds, cognitive ability, identity, trauma, diagnoses, etc. Within the relationships we build and foster, patient nonviolent communication underpins my work at Riverview, my personal life, and all my endeavors I embark on in the world. My recognition of the effectiveness of NVC, and the refinement of my communication skills in the diverse roles I undertake in life, assists me in pinpointing effective interaction strategies for different situations. I believe this enhances my capacity to effectively meet my own needs, attend to the needs of others in general, and compassionately cater to the necessities of the clients I serve at Riverview.
Collaborative and individual observation, inquiry, and critical thinking are also foundational to our work at Riverview. Anchored in client observations, self-reflective practices, and analysis, we utilize transparent feedback and data pertaining to our clients and our programs effectiveness. I am often engaged in critical thinking that helps refine my practices within my interactions and interventions at Riverview. Inquiry also plays a vital role by prompting us to ask individuals, families and communities how they can best assist themselves and how we can best assist them, deepening our understanding of their experiences and needs. These approaches cultivate a culture of inquisitive, comprehensive and balanced actions and evaluations. As a whole Riverview does its best at embodying and utilizing these principles to continuously learn and to bolster the strategies that may shape our interactions at individual and collective levels. Within this, I operate my role with integrity, intent and full participation.
More than mere ideals, diversity, equity, and social justice must be ingrained in tangible actions and real-world impacts. Acknowledging the historical and ongoing disparities and injustices in society, many of us Riverview are committed to making a meaningful difference by serving underserved, low-income, and other marginalized communities. I find our approach as affirming and sensitive to the diverse backgrounds, identities, and preferences of people. My dedication to these values at Riverview includes using my experiences and identity as a BIPOC male to facilitate authentic communication, influence change where i am able, and foster safe spaces for minorities and those who may feel alienated in Lane County's predominantly homogenous community. I am focused on integrating the principles of diversity, equity, and social justice into our curriculum, educational setting, and informed interventions. Riverview also has a JEDI (justice, equity, diversity, inclusion) committee that meets sparingly to reflect and create plans of action within these principles.
In my experience at Riverview, ethics, agency, and community are fundamental aspects of our work, whether it's with the clients we serve, our community partnerships, or the devoted teams who diligently drive operations every day. Ethical principles guide our decisions and interactions, ensuring that respect, fairness, and integrity are at the forefront of our operations. As we aim to empower clients of many ages, demographics, and backgrounds to make informed decisions about their life and well being. This involves incorporating their own innate knowledge, and hopefully the integration of tools they gain from the services we provide. One of my broader main goals, that is shared by the Riverview team, is to compassionately empower the children and adolescents we work with to embark on their healing journey by strengthening resilience, enhancing interpersonal relationship skills, and by providing opportunities for families to mend. By promoting well-being at the individual and family level we hope to also positively affect communities. In short, by providing a variety of inpatient and outpatient services, Riverview aspires to foster resilient and supportive environments and networks, where holistic ethics are practiced daily. Within these aspirations the spaces I move in attempt to nurture both individual and collective agency that may benefit our clients, their families, and the broader community.
As we put forth these efforts, effective nonvioelent communication is a cornerstone of our work at Riverview. Utilizing Nonviolent Communication fosters clear, compassionate, and empathetic interactions that focus on mutual understanding and respect. This involves four key steps: observing without judgment, expressing feelings, identifying underlying needs, and making requests without demanding. Approaching communication in this way enhances connections through honest and empathetic dialogue between us all. Within NVC we utilize diverse communication methods and strategies that are tailored to match our clients' individual trends, needs, and goals. This assists the interventions necessary to achieve our objectives and/or effectively help our clients. The recognition and adaptation of communication methods and strategies is essential to be effective in my role, as I consider multiple factors of our clients that may include: age, emotional states, cultural backgrounds, cognitive ability, identity, trauma, diagnoses, etc. Within the relationships we build and foster, patient nonviolent communication underpins my work at Riverview, my personal life, and all my endeavors I embark on in the world. My recognition of the effectiveness of NVC, and the refinement of my communication skills in the diverse roles I undertake in life, assists me in pinpointing effective interaction strategies for different situations. I believe this enhances my capacity to effectively meet my own needs, attend to the needs of others in general, and compassionately cater to the necessities of the clients I serve at Riverview.
Collaborative and individual observation, inquiry, and critical thinking are also foundational to our work at Riverview. Anchored in client observations, self-reflective practices, and analysis, we utilize transparent feedback and data pertaining to our clients and our programs effectiveness. I am often engaged in critical thinking that helps refine my practices within my interactions and interventions at Riverview. Inquiry also plays a vital role by prompting us to ask individuals, families and communities how they can best assist themselves and how we can best assist them, deepening our understanding of their experiences and needs. These approaches cultivate a culture of inquisitive, comprehensive and balanced actions and evaluations. As a whole Riverview does its best at embodying and utilizing these principles to continuously learn and to bolster the strategies that may shape our interactions at individual and collective levels. Within this, I operate my role with integrity, intent and full participation.
More than mere ideals, diversity, equity, and social justice must be ingrained in tangible actions and real-world impacts. Acknowledging the historical and ongoing disparities and injustices in society, many of us Riverview are committed to making a meaningful difference by serving underserved, low-income, and other marginalized communities. I find our approach as affirming and sensitive to the diverse backgrounds, identities, and preferences of people. My dedication to these values at Riverview includes using my experiences and identity as a BIPOC male to facilitate authentic communication, influence change where i am able, and foster safe spaces for minorities and those who may feel alienated in Lane County's predominantly homogenous community. I am focused on integrating the principles of diversity, equity, and social justice into our curriculum, educational setting, and informed interventions. Riverview also has a JEDI (justice, equity, diversity, inclusion) committee that meets sparingly to reflect and create plans of action within these principles.
Video of the basics of Nonviolent Communication
|
Informational video about Riverview |
Video of the Mandt System practiced at Riverview
|
A synopsis of a program we provide (IIBHT) and a couple therapies we utilize at Riverview.
Clients and staff utilizing the playground at Riverview
Relevant/Informative Ted Talk: Debbie Breeze
|
Career opportunities at Riverview
|
Relevant/Informative Ted Talk: James Cowper
|
Day Treatment Classroom,
"Our day treatment classrooms are available to K-12 students who have mental, emotional, behavioral and/or social issues and who are not succeeding in regular school settings. Our goal is to welcome students and their families with open arms, focus on individual strengths, address the reasons why the student is struggling, and provide the therapy and skills needed to succeed.
Depending on the student’s grade, circumstances and treatment plan, therapy and education services can be delivered in a small classroom setting at our Riverview campus or at community schools. Eligibility is determined through a comprehensive, individualized assessment"
- Excerpt form RIverview Center for Growth Website
"Our day treatment classrooms are available to K-12 students who have mental, emotional, behavioral and/or social issues and who are not succeeding in regular school settings. Our goal is to welcome students and their families with open arms, focus on individual strengths, address the reasons why the student is struggling, and provide the therapy and skills needed to succeed.
Depending on the student’s grade, circumstances and treatment plan, therapy and education services can be delivered in a small classroom setting at our Riverview campus or at community schools. Eligibility is determined through a comprehensive, individualized assessment"
- Excerpt form RIverview Center for Growth Website
PE Class at Riverview Campus
As a Behavioral Education Aide in day treatment classrooms, my role encompasses a range of responsibilities in assisting our clients' development and well-being. I assist in teaching, academic activities and collaboratively implement behavior intervention plans that are tailored to the specific needs of each client. As I work closely with teachers, therapists, special education staff, counselors, and other professionals to create a safe and supportive environment. As a role model, I reinforce positive behavior, social interactions, conflict resolution skills, and self-regulation strategies, contributing to the students' learning and mental/emotional developments.
I provide extra support to students as needed, such as aiding with assignments, facilitating group activities, and helping clients use their therapeutic tools to emotionally regulate. My role also includes supporting inclusion efforts by assisting clients to achieve levels in the program in which they earn active participation in mainstream public, private or homeschool environments. With the goal being an eventual smooth transition out of our program and into mainstream systems.
Within all of this, another essential part of my role includes collecting client data, mainly behavioral metrics, using the Credible software program. This process is critical in allowing therapists to track progress and assessing the effectiveness of interventions, allowing for timely adjustments as a team. Collaborative approaches from therapists to aids entails sharing insights, updates on progress, and adapting strategies to meet the evolving needs of our clients.
In escalated and crisis situations, training in the Mandt System becomes particularly valuable. The Mandt System is a comprehensive program designed to manage, de-escalate, and if necessary, physically intervene during instances of high stress or conflict. This system emphasizes respect, empathy, and a focus on the individual, aligning closely with the principles of Nonviolent Communication. Mandt also outlines safety protocols, prioritizing non-physical interventions and ensuring physical measures are safe and a last resort. This comprehensive approach helps maintain a secure environment, protecting the individual in crisis and those around them, ultimately fostering a desired calm and constructive resolution.
I provide extra support to students as needed, such as aiding with assignments, facilitating group activities, and helping clients use their therapeutic tools to emotionally regulate. My role also includes supporting inclusion efforts by assisting clients to achieve levels in the program in which they earn active participation in mainstream public, private or homeschool environments. With the goal being an eventual smooth transition out of our program and into mainstream systems.
Within all of this, another essential part of my role includes collecting client data, mainly behavioral metrics, using the Credible software program. This process is critical in allowing therapists to track progress and assessing the effectiveness of interventions, allowing for timely adjustments as a team. Collaborative approaches from therapists to aids entails sharing insights, updates on progress, and adapting strategies to meet the evolving needs of our clients.
In escalated and crisis situations, training in the Mandt System becomes particularly valuable. The Mandt System is a comprehensive program designed to manage, de-escalate, and if necessary, physically intervene during instances of high stress or conflict. This system emphasizes respect, empathy, and a focus on the individual, aligning closely with the principles of Nonviolent Communication. Mandt also outlines safety protocols, prioritizing non-physical interventions and ensuring physical measures are safe and a last resort. This comprehensive approach helps maintain a secure environment, protecting the individual in crisis and those around them, ultimately fostering a desired calm and constructive resolution.