WRAP® for Everyday Lives -Gina Calhoun and Dina McFalls

Please join us for a FREE webinar - WRAP for Everyday Lives, based on the Wellness Recovery Action Plan, a system developed by Mary Ellen Copeland and a group of people with mental health challenges. This system supports a person to discover/rediscover their skills and strengths, while staying as well as possible on a daily basis.

On July 10, 2012 at 10:00 AM, we will be introducing the infinitely do-able structure of WRAP to adults with distinct learning needs.  Through the experience and expertise of several people with various intellectual abilities, we have developed a language for describing the parts of WRAP that accepts each person, as they are, unique, special individuals. We recognize that based on self-determination, all people can write a WRAP to move toward a happier, healthier life. The webinar will be presented by Dina McFalls and Gina Calhoun.

♦Dina McFalls, M.S., is currently the Director of Philadelphia Coordinated Health Care (PCHC), the Health Care Quality Unit (HCQU) serving the southeastern region of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania’s southeastern regional HCQU supports five counties: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia County.  This HCQU provides indirect health care support for more than 3500 people living in residential settings in the community.    

Over the last four years Ms. McFalls has been especially interested in working to improve services and supports for people who have intellectual disabilities as well mental health challenges.  Dina has been the lead on a four year grant provided by the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council.   This work has led to the development of some very innovative strategies to support people and assist the two support systems in working together.  Most recently she has been chosen to assist the State of Pennsylvania in their work to improve services and supports for people who have dual diagnosis.

♦Gina Kaye Calhoun works the Copeland Center for Wellness and Recovery as the National Director for Wellness & Recovery Education. Previously she worked for the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. She is a certified peer support specialist and has had the opportunity to be part of 21 certified peer specialist trainings, 7 certified peer specialist supervisor trainings and over 45 WRAP® trainings.

Gina’s unique experience centers around Harrisburg State Hospital (HSH). She used the services at Harrisburg State Hospital for several years before escaping to live on the streets. Gina came back to offer peer support during the closing of HSH and in her position with the Commonwealth of PA worked on the former grounds of the hospital complex.

She attributes her recovery journey to supportive relationships that choose to focus on ‘what’s strong’ instead of ‘what’s wrong’; and for the opportunity to work in a supportive environment where she is part of a team making a difference in PA.