NMC RHS program reviewed

The Northern Marianas College Rehabilitation and Human Services Program took a second look on its accomplishments in 2005.

A second focus group meeting was held at the Hyatt Regency Saipan last Wednesday coordinated and facilitated by Angel Hart, administrative assistant, and Tee Abraham, director.

According to the college’s weekly update, the meeting was held to provide a progress report on program accomplishments to date and inform new attendees about the program and information on the Program Advisory Council and its roles and responsibilities.

“The focus group reviewed draft public information materials and a proposed survey that would assess interest of high school seniors and others in the community about the RHS program,” said the update, adding that the focus group agreed to identify and submit names and contact information of individuals in the community that could be “potential” adjunct faculty and trainers for the program as well as for development of a program faculty list.

Listing of entry-level jobs for AA degree graduates, including professional level employment for BA or BS degree holders in rehabilitation and human services and potential employers within the CNMI was also discussed with the focus group.

The following individuals attended the meeting and agreed to be members of the PAC: PSS Special Education officer Joanne Nicholls, NMPASI’s Tom Thornburgh, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Maggie Olopai-Taitano, DPH Transitional Living Center director Josephine T. Sablan, Director, Council for Humanities director Maria Paz C. Younis, Workforce Investment Agency director Edith Deleon Guerrero, consumer and owner of Action Locksmith Francisco Alfonso, Hyatt Regency Saipan security supervisor Mariano K. Camacho, Worker’s Compensation Commission administrator and consumer Francisco D. Cabrera and from the college, NMC Counseling Department director Susan Satur and NMC counselor Kathy Pohl.

Linda Graf providing “Family and Rehab Counseling Services/Private” and William A. Jones, former chair of State Rehabilitation Council also participated in the program.

“The focus group discussed competency areas the program should address and agreed that the AA graduates from the program should also be equipped with the interpersonal skills, experienced working in a team setting, familiar with various disability laws and has good oral and writing skills.”

Any individual interested in obtaining more information should contact Tee Abraham at 234-5498, extension 1028.