Bree Benjamin has worked with children, adolescents and families for the past 13 years. She has held a variety of positions including Clermont County Juvenile Probation Officer, Pre Sentence Investigator for Clermont County Juvenile Court, Administrative Assistant for West Clermont School District and now currently a Wraparound Facilitator for Clermont County Family and Children First. She has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati. Bree has been married for 13 years and has two daughters.
Staff Highlight – Becky
Becky was originally hired through the FAST TRAC System of Care in January 2010 in the position of the Youth Engagement Specialist. She later made a decision to change her focus to the “family” as she felt the youth specialist should be a younger person who is experiencing the world in much the same manner as the youth.
Becky and her husband, Mike, live in the small town where Becky was born and raised. Becky’s oldest son served in Iraq as a Marine, her second son is heading to college in the fall, and her daughter will graduate from high school in 2013. Becky has one grandson –“who is the most amazing grandchild ever!!!!”
Staff Highlight – Cyndi Mather
Cyndi has a unique perspective in her role as Peer Support Partner. She and her family have gone through the Wraparound process prior to her being hired as a Peer Support Partner. She often shares with the Wraparound team her insights as a person who has been in the system, which sometimes changes the approach to an issue.
Cyndi was hired in May 2011 and is an avid researcher. If there is a need for a resource or information about a topic, Cyndi is ready to get the information. She has become the “official” researcher for the Peer Support Partner program through Families Connected, Inc. Cyndi lives in Amelia with her husband, Mike, and her two daughters. She has years of experience advocating for her family’s medical and educational needs.
Cyndi says, “I feel that I understand what so many families are going through and I just want them to know they are not alone. I will be there for them through thick and thin!”
Staff Highlight – Jeff Miracle
Jeff Miracle is a new member of the FAST TRAC Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health (GCB) Transition to Independence Process (TIP) team, however he has been working with GCB’s Homeless Adult ACT team since 2008. Jeff graduated from UC Clermont in 2005 with a BA in Psychology and is currently working toward a Master’s degree and Ph.D. in Counseling through Walden University. Prior to coming to GCB, Jeff lived for a few years in California and worked as a manager of a residential program for adolescents in crisis. He is excited to be working with youth again and to be back in Clermont County, as he is originally from Ohio and moved back to be close to his family. His family prides themselves on having many musicians and Jeff shares their interests in singing and writing his own songs. In addition to music, he has several other hobbies, including theater, crafting, writing, and tending to his garden. Jeff is very dedicated to his work and believes in a client centered philosophy, being ready for people to make changes in their lives, and teaching by example. He likes to think that he is helping everyone on their own personal journey and that we are all growing all the time and that individuals need to be respected for what they have and where they have come from. “People need to be heard, understood, and helped right where they are at the present time both mentally and physically in a way that is beneficial to them.”
Staff Highlight – Rachael Feldman
Rachael Feldman is the newest member on the FAST TRAC Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health (GCB) Transition to Independence (TIP) team. She came to GCB right after graduating from UC with her Masters in Social Work and has obtained her Licensed Social Worker (LSW) status. Rachael spent her MSW program interning with the Butler County Children’s Services Intake and Investigations Department, which was a really great learning experience and definitely helped her prepare for her current role as a Transition Facilitator.
Originally from Cincinnati’s Westside, Rachael is preparing for her move to east Cincinnati and learning what the community has to offer. On her off time, she enjoys all things related to music, including singing, reading, and being with her friends and family. She states that she is excited to be with the TIP team and enjoys communicating and helping young people. Rachael believes, “a person’s background does not make the person; everyone deserves more chances to better their lives when they are ready.”
Staff Highlight – Justin Volk
Justin Volk has been with Family & Children First as a Wraparound Facilitator since October. He grew up in Harrison, Ohio and graduated from Harrison High School. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from University of Cincinnati. He worked for Mercy Mt. Airy in the Child Adolescent Psychiatric Unit and also at Mercy Clermont in the Adult Psychiatric Unit. Justin now lives in Amelia with his two beautiful children, 8 year old Jonny and 3 year old Kennedy. Justin and his family are members of the parish at St. Thomas More. He enjoys racing dirt bikes, watching football, doing outdoor things and spending quality time with his family.