Ramona Davis

At POWER since 2002
Starting position: POWER Connection Mentor
Current position: POWER Connection Mentor Supervisor

Ramona Davis has been sharing her gifts with clients, colleagues, CYF, and other providers for nearly 20 years. She came to POWER as a mentor; now she leads former clients as they train the next generation of mentors.

What Ramona’s Colleagues Say

POWER Connection Program Manager Lisa Penn says it best. “Ramona is the GOAT.”

“She’s pleasant and even tempered. She’s not judgmental and is able to accept people completely. The people she leads feel prepared, supported and empowered. Her peers look to her for sound advice. She understands the human aspect of addiction and easily applies the science of it in her conversations with CYF (i.e. reducing stigma and explaining the “how’s and why’s and what’s” to help caseworkers work with their families in a more humane and knowledgeable way). She’s reliable and constant, true to her word.”

Lisa says she has learned a lot from Ramona over the last two decades.

“I’ve learned to listen more and say less. I’ve learned that if I’m more organized and structured than it’s really less work—if you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready. I’ve learned to get more information before I make a decision, to ask questions to gain perspective. I’ve also learned life lessons about being a better partner and mother.”  

Who Inspires Ramona

While there is much to be said about how Ramona influences others, her response when asked about her own inspirations is immediate and concise. “My God and my children.”

Lisa Penn

At POWER since 2004
Starting position: POWER Connection Supervisor
Current position: POWER Connection Program Manager

Lisa Penn has been a steady figure in POWER for nearly 18 years, removing barriers for clients and advocating for her colleagues.

What Lisa’s Colleagues Say

Clinical Director Kara Hall says her favorite thing about Lisa is her sense of humor.

“Lisa fully embodies the mission and culture of POWER. She is always friendly, welcoming, and helpful for anyone who is new or visiting POWER. Everyone at CYF absolutely loves her and if you try to go anywhere with her in public (pre-pandemic) you have to be prepared that she knows absolutely everyone, and EVERYONE wants to say hi and chat with Lisa. She looks out for everyone, always asking her colleagues how they are doing if they are ok. “

POWER Connection Supervisor Ramona Davis says Lisa is one of her heroes and a great role model.

“She’s been in my life for a very long time. She has guided me, pushed me, hugged me, and, I know, loved me every step of the way.”

POWER Connection Susanne Forquer appreciates Lisa’s calming presence.

“She does a great job of reminding us to ‘breathe’ and take care of ourselves. She is a wonderful collaborator and knows exactly who to call when there’s a barrier to be addressed.” 

Who Inspires Lisa

Lisa’s maternal grandmother, Laura (Roach) Colbert, is a fount of inspiration. She is described as loyal, empathetic, selfless, and spiritually grounded. Ms. Colbert’s was also the first African American graduate of Mount Mercy College (now Carlow College), a classically trained pianist, and the mother of 8 children who were all groundbreakers in their own professional endeavors.

By Karen Harris Brooks

Mary E. Calland, known as “Emmie,” is proof that the power of a woman is valued and appreciated in the business world today, be it non-profit or corporate. But when one is found who possesses enthusiasm, empathy, and ethics, you come across a genuine and transparent leader. Known for her work in the realm of non-profit, the Director of Strategic Projects and Foundation Initiatives for The Pittsburgh Foundation is a woman who continues to make strides in a world that opens opportunities for others. The Mt. Lebanon native carries within her heart a “passion for volunteering.” Possessing the gift of recognizing community needs, her dossier includes experience with the Vincentian Service Corp, Americorp, Catholic Charities of Pittsburgh, and Higher Achievement Pittsburgh.

Passionate about her roots and the community in which she grew up, Calland studied Anthropology at the University of Notre Dame, where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree. Continuing her education, she returned home to pursue her Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Public and International Affairs. During her studies, the department’s Leadership Program recognized the capabilities of the graduate student, thereby recommending her to serve as a Board member for the Pennsylvania Organization of Women in Early Recovery (POWER). The one-year appointment enabled the born leader to “not only serve but continue a path of learning while serving.”

During that time, a friendship of mutual respect and admiration was formed between Rosa Davis, POWER’s Chief Executive Officer, and the student Board member. Completing her year of service, Rosa and Emmie both came to the realization that it was not time for her ‘POWER tenure’ to come to an end. It was the “mission of the organization” that led the young woman to readily accept a position on POWER’s Board. Without hesitation, she states, “POWER selected me and I selected POWER. Rosa is a wonderful leader who leads a passionate staff. This is a caring organization and that care is evident from the top down. Compassion and care are so embedded in the work itself. We are empowering society’s most stigmatized people. There is a sense of true care and respect in a group that wants to empower women. I was drawn in by the Board, the ethics, and the way the organization does its’ work with so much compassion for people who are experiencing addiction. They do it well and they do it with empathy. The staff, Rosa, and the Board members are there for the right reasons and are improving our city by helping and assisting the people we serve. The organization is focused on the right things. Addiction is something that runs across our entire culture in Pittsburgh.”

Elected President of the Board on June 28, 2018, one can readily perceive that Calland does not take her responsibility lightly. Excited about the accomplishments of POWER, she is also proud of the future opportunities of the organization. “The new Detox Center in Wilkinsburg offers a continuum of care that will provide services to women as they go through this journey, reaching important steps. We are intentional in filling in the gaps for women by providing opportunities and helping them feel full of hope and happiness. The future Swissvale campus of the POWER House will allow us to be able to serve more people while providing a variety of services such as primary health care, child care, resources, and wraparound services.”

When questioned about the Board’s interaction with the personnel and clients of POWER, the confident President states, “I see the Board as being a resource to the staff, supporting them as they work to support our clients. Our position is to help POWER with strategic planning, providing guidance for decision making, and providing financial and legal responsibility for the agency. My hope is that, at the end of the day, the staff and clients can come and let us know where support is needed and how we can help. The Staff is enabled to do their work and the clients should be entitled to their privacy; however, we serve as a constant resource to assist POWER’s staff”.

In response to the tough question of the Board’s input with the active Anti-Racism Task Force, Calland answers thoughtfully, but without hesitation. “My hope is that the Board can really lead the fight against racial injustice. It is a journey and that journey is ongoing. It is not something that we work on for a few months and complete. It is a lens from which we have to do all our work going forward. I want the Board to lead our commitment and in so doing, tackle the tough questions. We need to be a leader in taking the step of commitment that ensures that POWER is an equitable place and a good example of an organization that embraces equity and inclusion.”

There are so many ways that define the qualities of Mary E. Calland. Her integrity stands on the foundation of her ethics; her individuality is enhanced by her empathetic nature and her confidence is embraced by her enthusiasm. It is the leadership of the Board of Directors, the Administrative Team and the POWER staff that provides the opportunity of endless possibilities for the clients of POWER.

by Karen Harris Brooks

The Program Manager of POWER New Day is an amazing young woman who is passionate about the mission of the Pennsylvania Organization for Women in Early Recovery. When she began her educational quest, Rachael Perlick never planned to work in the field of substance use disorder treatment. Obtaining her Bachelor’s degree from Penn State University, the Psychology major continued her graduate studies at Slippery Rock University, majoring in Counseling.

It is evident that positive motivation is a huge part of Rachael’s life as she talks about a journey where the “pieces fell into place.” While working at Gateway Rehab as a Therapist, it was her compassion and strong desire to help others that brought her to the realization that she was in love with the work she was doing. “Intrigued by the POWER program, working with women, and the supportive trauma environment,” Perlick decided to take a step into a “different kind of role.” The beginning of a new year in 2017 brought that change to fruition when she accepted the position of Clinical Supervisor of POWER New Day.

The clinician knew “this is what I am supposed to be doing and where I am supposed to be doing this work.” Two years later, expecting her second child, the young mother made a conscious decision to “step down” to the part time position as the Perinatal Hope Therapist. By doing so, she was able to spend more time with her young family. Working with pregnant and post-partum women with substance abuse was a challenge, but she knew it placed her in a position to help change the lives of women who hold the future of their children in their own hands. In the 16th year of her own recovery, she acknowledges that POWER’s mission plays a huge impact” in the life of Rachael Perlick. “In particular, the mission to decrease the incidence of future generations is personal. My children have not seen me in active addiction,” she states. “That is so impactful in their development.” That commitment is the foundation of her relationship with her family. It also impacts her role in assisting those in recovery, ultimately affecting the development of ongoing generations.

Therapy requires courage and the PND Manager owns it without hesitation. There is a seriousness about her that embraces a sense of humor that she willingly shares in the midst of a stressful day. “When I am having a difficult day, I can go to certain people without a filter. We do very serious work, but what is more important is to take care of myself. At work, I do the best I can, but when I close that office door, I’m going home to take care of myself and my family. At the end of the day, the genuine part is finding my sense of humor and keeping it.” It is the support of her husband Jeff, daughter Harper (5) and son Hudson (3), who remind her of the joy when the light dims.

The changes within her department have also been challenging. However, with sincerity, she gives credit to her hard-working staff and also the support she receives from her direct supervisor. “That’s what makes the difference.”

It is that belief, confidence and strength within herself, as well as the women she serves, that proves she is a force that will touch ongoing generations of children. That is possible because of her dedication to women going through a struggle that was once so real for her. It is Rachael’s appreciation and love for her work that helps women reach for stars they thought they could never touch. Her heart is open, her personality is real, and her commitment is admirable.

POWER’s mission is to help women reclaim their lives from addiction and related emotional health issues and improve the well-being of future generations. For POWER New Day Program Manager Rachael Perlick, every word of that is personal.  

After earning her Master’s Degree in Counseling at Slippery Rock University, Rachael spent six years working as a therapist at Gateway Rehab. She discovered her passion for helping people who have substance use disorders. In 2017, intrigued by “the POWER program, working with women, and the supportive trauma environment,” Rachael came to POWER as the clinical supervisor of its outpatient program. She knew, “this is what I am supposed to be doing and where I am supposed to be doing this work.” 

Two years later when she discovered she was expecting her second child, Rachael decided to make another change. 

She moved into a part-time position to have more time for her own family. As a therapist for Perinatal Hope, POWER’s partnership with Allegheny Health Network to provide addiction treatment to pregnant and post-partum women, she worked with women who held their own children’s futures in their hands. 

Rachael knows the difference one woman’s recovery can make on future generations. She’s been in recovery for 16 years. 

“My children have not seen me in active addiction, and that is so impactful in their development.” 

Today, Rachael is the program manager for POWER New Day. She relies on courage and a sense of humor to serve her clients and her colleagues. She also knows that self-care is essential.

“At work, I do the best I can, but when I close that office door, I’m going home to take care of myself and my family.” Her husband Jeff, daughter Harper (5) and son Hudson (3) remind her there is always joy to be found. 

Rachael is dedicated to the women who come to POWER in the midst of a struggle that was once so real for her. She knows there is confidence and strength to be found in recovery, and she is committed to making life better for future generations. Her heart is open, her personality is real, and her commitment is admirable.

This post was based on a profile written by Karen Harris Brooks. Read the full article here.

by Karen Harris Brooks

On June 22, 2020, a young man with a huge smile joined the POWER team as a Data Specialist. Donald Clark came with a desire to make a difference in the world of recovery. Within the year, he was promoted to Program Development Manager.

COO Leslie Slagel had no doubt that Don was perfect for the position and felt “it was a natural fit.” Admitting this position is a “little intimidating,” the new Manager says he is “aware of how much (the previous Program Development Manager) did and how valuable she was.” However, the University of Pittsburgh graduate has never been one to be intimidated by taking control of his own difficult decisions.

Donald dropped out of high school and got his GED at 16. Raised in Columbia, Maryland, the young man with an aptitude for computers went on to attend the John Hopkins Computer Institute. His next stop was Howard Community College to earn an associate degree. Next, the computer whiz found himself at home on Pitt’s campus, achieving a bachelor’s degree in information sciences.

Don’s determination led him on a successful path within corporate America, eventually accepting a position with Jiffy Lube. When he realized he had gone as far as he could in the organization, he decided to seek an opportunity that offered personal fulfillment.

Aware of the addiction that existed within his own family, the POWER job posting sparked a deep interest. Admiring the mission, he found himself interested in this organization that focused on women and their needs. With a desire to help others achieve success, he felt this would be a welcome change in his life.

Coming from a primarily male environment, Don states he felt a welcoming atmosphere from day one. “I was amazed at the number of people who stopped to welcome me.” When asked about the change to a predominantly female work force, Clark stated with that signature smile, “Feelings are valued here. POWER values how you feel about decisions.” Impressed by the actions of POWER’s Administration team, he speaks on personal observations, stating that the “Anti-Racism Task Force is listening to the employees and turning it into action. It is one thing to give lip service, but to actually act on it with the heads of the agency gives everyone a voice. It is hard to empathize if you do not understand. I do not expect perfection. No one is perfect. I want to become more involved with the Task Force once things settle down and I become comfortable in my new position.” Also impressive to the new manager are the All-Agency Meetings which “make sure we are not overly-stressed or burn out.”

When asked if he foresaw any recommended changes, Clark stated he “would like to see more data driven decision-making. We make a lot of decisions on our needs being based around what the county wants. There should be a way to give them what they want and what we want.” After a thoughtful pause, he continues, “I think we are capable of building upon what is already here. Since I have started, so much has changed. With Rosa, we have the opportunity to grow and do what’s different.” He notes that “POWER is never stagnant. I feel I can contribute and grow as the opportunity arises for me to be more hands on. I am not going anywhere. I want to make my impact at POWER.”

The warmth, sincerity and dedication of Donald Clark are indications that he is already making a POWER-ful impact!

by Karen Harris Brooks

No stranger to the non-profit field, Cheryl Werber admits she found the open position at the Pennsylvania Organization of Women in Early Recovery to be one of particular interest. On March 3, 2008, “CC” accepted the position of Executive Administrative Assistant. Small in stature, but by no means small in her contributions to the growth of the POWER organization, she has witnessed the continuing and progressive evolution of the recovery facility. Modestly, she states that “Non-profit jobs were always the types of jobs that I gravitated to.”

That is no surprise to the determined lady who admits that her desire to help others is a gift she inherited from her mother. Werber proudly states that her listening skills enable her to do the work she is doing at POWER. “Being a sounding board, letting people know that someone is listening” is the empathetic gift she brings to the association, as well as her various skills and expertise. “I let people talk through whatever they need to talk through without offering advice.” However, without hesitation, she continues with advice she has learned throughout her employment at POWER. “To employees or those entering the doors” of the organization, CC stresses, “The work takes time. You might not see change immediately. If you are involved with a client and they go away from POWER, you may have planted a seed in them to want them to recover. They may not have received that seed if you had not planted it in them. It’s like a plant…foster it, water it and give it love and sunshine. It takes time for a plant to sprout. Be patient. Be kind and gentle with yourself.”

Getting to know CC is getting to know a remarkably interesting person who has the unique ability to wear many hats. Born in Hawaii to a General Practitioner and a Mechanical Engineer, she grew up as an only child, surrounded by family throughout the islands. Proud of her parents and her Filipino heritage, the small family relocated to Charleston, West Virginia when the young teenager was 13 years old. The capital of West Virginia became CC’s home until she graduated high school and moved to the campus of the University of Pittsburgh where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts. Following her graduation from Pitt, the college student continued her studies at Carlow University, pursuing her Master of Science. It was at Carlow that CC became familiar with the writer’s group, “Mad Women in the Attic,” becoming an active participant after her completed studies. She laughs at herself when she talks about her admiration for poetry and her attempt to write the spoken word. Realizing that poetry was not her forte,’ the devoted essayist found her niche in the world of creative writing.

Her love of writing, a gift she embraced at the young age of eight, is brought to life within the pages of Cheryl’s 90 personal journals. Those journals, undoubtedly, allow her to reflect on her own transformation and growth over the years. Travelling back in time through the chronicles of her existence, she states with a touch of humor, “Many of my memoirs or journal writings involve food and family.” However, as she continues, the fascination of her talent is dominated by her ability to also capture historical facts occurring throughout her circle of life. From the United States invasion of Iraq through the challenge of teenage years to the current pandemic, the confident POWER employee is able to stand on her truth as a witness of her own maturity.

Married for over 16 years, CC and her husband, Steve, not only share a love for animals, but enjoy a renewed interest in the culinary arts. YouTube tv cooking shows sparked an interest that has the couple experimenting with different recipes, including CC’s desire to learn new dishes from her own culture.   

Cheryl Werber is direct, serious, and extremely powerful in her thoughts and feelings. When asked about the racial hatred so prevalent in our society, the Anti-Racism Task Force member, states “There are too many things that have been exposed to push back into a box. Everyone needs to start confronting what’s going on in the world, with themselves, and how they deal with all this injustice. You can’t turn a blind eye and still think you are a good human. We can’t go on where the world treats people of different skin colors differently. It’s going to be uncomfortable, but you are going to have to sit with yourself and sit in that uncomfortableness. It’s going to be hard work. I am on this committee to help bring the change. This change does not happen overnight. There is a lot of stuff we have to process, and I am in it for the long haul.”

CC is also committed to assisting Rosa Davis, Chief Executive Officer. “I love working for Rosa. I have worked with her for 13 years. She is a very empathetic boss and very easy to work for.” One can detect the admiration she feels as she states without reservation, “Rosa has done an amazing job in the time I have been here. POWER is growing by leaps and bounds. We are blessed to have her as CEO. Without her drive and vision, we would be a different organization.”

And there is no doubt that POWER is blessed to have CC. She does not make a lot of noise, but her impact is powerful.