By Kathy Brown.
Megan Humphrey became the new Prevention Educator/Clinician for Youth & Family Services of Haddam Killingworth on June 17, 2020. “I didn’t know when I found the job posting during quarantine that it was the perfect position for me,” said Megan. “As I learned more about the position, I could not stop getting excited about it.”
She wasn’t the only one who was excited. Laurie Ruderfer, Executive Director of HKYFS said, “I have worked for a good number of years and in that time conducted a good number of interviews. I can count on one hand the people I have met who are as enthusiastic as Megan was. She was and is brimming with ideas, is eager to learn, give and continue the work that Lindsey did with us to create a place and space where youth grow and thrive with the support of family and community.”
Lindsey Lehet left the position in February 2020. See this article for more details.
Megan described herself as a “country girl and military brat” who has lived all over the US, but has resided in Connecticut longer than other state, including some time in Killingworth. “I love the small country towns with warm neighbors and a huge sense of connectedness among the community.” At some point she hopes to own her own farm within the Haddam Killingworth community.
Megan’s educational background includes an undergraduate degree in Human Services with a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation from Middlesex Community College and Cambridge College, as well as a graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, and two graduate certificates in Gerontology and Marriage & Family Therapy in Schools, “which focuses on connecting the educational world and the clinical world together as we are all part of numerous systems on a daily basis that can influence us,” she explained. She also has training in Gottman Method Couple’s Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD. Megan has worked in special education in school systems, as well as vocational training, and group homes, along with experience at a VA hospital.
“The position intrigued me because I love running events, and helping prevent issues before they arise,” said Megan. “Marriage and Family Therapy is my passion, as it is my belief that we are not alone in our struggles.” Megan is looking forward to continuing groups in the schools once the school year begins, as well as work in the community, such as food/toy/school supply drives, family dinners, Run-A-Muck, the annual Pumpkin Run, and more. Megan says, “I have a long list of ideas and cannot wait to try out different ideas in the community!”
She said that she will be introducing herself to local business owners over the next several weeks, so if you see her out in the community, say hi. “I believe everyone is an important part of the community and I look forward to knowing you all eventually,” said Megan. She is looking forward to starting some new groups as she learns about the needs of the community.
This summer, HKYFS is hosting a family adventure program called SOA2R to HKYFS where you can participate by sending pictures to HKYFS via Facebook or email of the family doing a “Spontaneous Outdoor Activity 2 Remember.” For every picture of a different activity, your family is entered to win a $25 gift card to a community business. HKYFS will also be hosting monthly family dinners, and community movie nights, so watch for announcements!
As the Prevention Educator, much of Megan’s work is spent on prevention topics such as alcohol, drugs, mental health, suicide, and teen pregnancy. She will also hold clinical sessions at the office for individuals, couples, and families. Do you need help co-parenting with an ex-partner? Megan can help! If it looks like the community needs it, she can start groups on parenting, grief, or other subjects. “If you are struggling or just have questions, feel free to reach out to me for assistance in anything,” said Megan. “I am here to help the community in any way possible and if I do not know the answer, I will connect you with someone who does!”
“Megan will be a wonderful addition to our team,” said Laurie, “and I look forward to watching her hit the ground running.”
If you would like to contact Megan, her phone at HKYFS is 860-345-7498 Ext. 4 and her email is PreventionCoordinator@hkyfs.org.
