Dr. Venessa D Abram

Dr. Venessa D Abram

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Grant Reviewer/Consultant at U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
United States
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Résumé

Jobs verified_user 0% verified
  • M
    Aftercare Case Manager
    Mary Hall Freedom Village
    Jun 2025 - Feb 2026 (9 months)
    * Following up with clients after discharge or program completion * Creating and monitoring aftercare or support plans * Connecting clients with community resources and services * Coordinating with healthcare providers, counselors, social workers, or other agencies * Tracking client progress and documenting outcomes * Helping prevent setbacks, relapse, or readmission * Providing guidance, advocacy, and crisis support when needed * Maintaining records and preparing reports
  • QPR Institute
    Course Instructor
    QPR Institute
    Sep 2024 - Current (1 year 11 months)
  • A
    Facilities Lead
    Atlanta Detox Center Llc
    Aug 2023 - Oct 2023 (3 months)
    Serving the substance misuse community from across the United States.
  • A
    Lead Facilitator
    Atlanta Detox Center Llc
    Aug 2023 - Oct 2023 (3 months)
    Serving the substance misuse community from across the United States.
  • National Council for Mental Wellbeing
    Course Instructor
    National Council for Mental Wellbeing
    Jun 2020 - Current (6 years 2 months)
    Mental Health First Aid Education.
  • S
    Grant Reviewer/Consultant
    Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration SAMHSA
    Jul 2019 - Current (7 years 1 month)
  • S
    Chief Executive Director
    SelfDiscovery Pain Positioning Purpose Inc
    Jan 2018 - Current (8 years 7 months)
    SDPPP is a Community-Based organization (CBO) that prepares individuals, families and communities to provide suicide prevention through training, support, resources and referrals for those at-risk for or impacted by suicide. Based in Duluth, GA, SDPPP engages in suicide education workshops, seminars, and coaching (small group and one on one) in Metro Atlanta, GA; and, has served as the subject matter expert in conferences held in other select cities around the country. SDPPP offers promising programs that help trusted adult gatekeepers to be ready to respond to youth who are at-risk; and adults, families and community-based organizations to respond to adults, particularly middle-age adults who are at-risk. A promising program is a progra
  • M
    Group Facilitator
    Mary Hall Freedom Village
    Jun 2017 - Current (9 years 2 months)
  • S
    Radio Host
    Steel City Gospel Radio
    Jan 2017 - Dec 2021 (5 years)
    Radio Show Host of Self-Discovery with Venessa where we talked about self-discovery, mental health and wellness and our faith.
  • S
    Master Facilitor
    SDP
    May 2016 - Current (10 years 3 months)
  • S
    Radio Talk Show Host- Self-Discovery with Venessa
    Steel City Gospel Show
    Feb 2016 - Feb 2020 (4 years 1 month)
  • S
    CEO
    SelfDiscovery a Daily Journey with Venessa LLC
    Dec 2015 - Jan 2018 (2 years 2 months)
    Award Winning Author Wellness Coach NAMI Speaker and Instructor Mental Health Advocate AFSP Junior Board Member Grant Consultant Radio Personality
  • S
    Chief Executive Officer
    SelfDiscovery with Venessa LLC
    Dec 2015 - Jan 2018 (2 years 2 months)
    Consulting Service
  • S
    Chief Executive Officer
    SDP
    Aug 2014 - Current (12 years)
  • State Farm
    Sales Operations Supervisor
    State Farm
    Feb 2012 - Dec 2017 (5 years 11 months)
    Manage sales department to meet and exceed organizational goals.
  • State Farm
    Customer Care Center Operation Sales Supervisor
    State Farm
    Feb 2012 - Dec 2017 (5 years 11 months)
    Manage sales department to meet and exceed organizational goals. Compliance Operation Auditor. Implement and execute Excellence of Operation Management (EOM). Partner with internal and external business partners implementing HR Policies. Coach, consult and mentor sales representatives daily. Performance Management. Execution of: hiring, counseling, consulting, training, performance and salary reviews. Manage Compliance Procedures Handle and resolve escalated inquiries and problems. Project Management. Perform call evaluation for coaching and performance evaluations. Manage budget and contributes to planning and management. Identify trends and obtain key business areas. Create high performing environment. Workforce Planning/Management. Appl
  • A
    Automotive Claims Adjuster
    Auto Claims Adjuster
    Jan 2012 - Sep 2013 (1 year 9 months)
    Worked with customers, State Farm agents, attorneys, witnesses, repair shops and service providers to settle automobile accident claims.
  • State Farm
    Auto Claims Adjuster
    State Farm
    Jan 2012 - Sep 2013 (1 year 9 months)
    Worked with customers, State Farm agents, attorneys, witnesses, repair shops and service providers to settle automobile accident claims. Investigated and evaluated facts of a claim including property damage to or bodily injury. Evaluated, negotiated, and settled claims within authority levels. Maintained confidentiality of customer claim information. Used internal claims systems and other technologies to execute job duties. Communicated with customers and associates via telephone, in person, and written correspondence. Worked in a collaborative team environment handling a large volume of claims, primarily over the telephone. Provided assignments and direction to claim processors and claim service assistants.
  • F
    Reviewer
    Family Youth Services Bureau
    Sep 2010 - Current (15 years 11 months)
    Reviewing, approving and denying grants based on FOA.
  • Family and Youth Services Bureau
    Grant Reviewer
    Family and Youth Services Bureau
    Sep 2010 - Current (15 years 11 months)
    Reviewing, approving and denying grants based on FOA.
  • US Department of Health and Human Services HHS
    Grant Reviewer/Consultant
    US Department of Health and Human Services HHS
    Oct 2009 - Current (16 years 10 months)
    Respect and collaborate with fellow panel members. Read and establish a thorough understanding of the FOA, paying particular attention to Section I. Funding Opportunity Description, Section IV.2 The Project Description, and the evaluation criteria in Section V.1. Criteria. Provide relevant knowledge of the program area and agree to the requirements for the grant review’s integrity, time commitment, and workload (e.g., extensive reading and writing, lengthy discussions). Provide good writing and analytical skills, and be proficient with computers, typing and the internet. Ready to commit and contribute a fair amount of time and effort throughout the entire grant review session. Read the entire application and assess how well the applicant ad
  • US Department of Health and Human Services HHS
    Reviewer
    US Department of Health and Human Services HHS
    Oct 2009 - Current (16 years 10 months)
  • Eastern Star Church
    Administrative Manager
    Eastern Star Church
    Nov 2008 - Jul 2011 (2 years 9 months)
    Managed all Church Events at all three locations.
  • Eastern Star Church
    Church Administration Coordinator
    Eastern Star Church
    Nov 2008 - Jul 2011 (2 years 9 months)
    Managed all Church Events at all three locations. Managed multiple Ministries. Managed six figure departmental budget. Created, compiled and distributed bulletins throughout three locations. Church calendar management/event coordination. Managed church website emails. Printed, prepared and distributed membership baptism, baby dedication certificates. Ran reports and provided event rosters. Created class and event nametags as requests. Assisted in monthly Church Editorial Magazine. Managed building supplies and food. Explored tools and methods for improving ministry event management. Assisted in Monthly Magazine publications. Key Results: Managed six figure department budget effectively. Successfully prepared and logistically managed Nati
  • S
    HR Generalist
    Spherion co Siemens
    May 2006 - Nov 2008 (2 years 7 months)
    Implemented human resources programs by providing human resources services, talent acquisition, staffing, employment processing, compensation, health and welfare benefits, training and development, records management, safety and health, succession planning, employee relations and retention, AA/EEO compliance, and labor relations; completing personnel transactions. Consulted with business partners on effectively addressing performance issues and ensuring that HR leadership is aware of on-going concerns, compliance violations or legal issues. Completed special projects by clarifying project objective; setting timetables and schedules; conducting research; developing and organizing information; fulfilling transactions. Complied with federal,
  • S
    Human Resources Generalist
    Spherion co Siemens
    May 2006 - Nov 2008 (2 years 7 months)
    Implemented human resources programs by providing human resources services.
  • M
    Virtual HR Business Partner
    Manpower co IBM
    May 2003 - May 2006 (3 years 1 month)
    Provided guidance to leadership on using tools available to appropriately differentiate performance and pay. Applied strategic business focus, influence, resourcefulness and critical thinking skills to execute HR strategies and support business plans Consulted with business partners throughout the performance review process including consensus building discussions and understanding of compensation programs. Consulted with business partners on effectively addressing performance issues and ensuring HR leadership is aware of on-going concerns, compliance violations or legal issues. Supported business partners in identifying causes surrounding workforce issues and assisted in developing solutions. Discussed proposed disciplinary actions and p
  • M
    Human Resources Business Partner
    Manpower co IBM
    May 2003 - May 2006 (3 years 1 month)
    Provided guidance to leadership on using tools available to appropriately differentiate performance and pay.
  • Att
    Customer Service Team Lead
    Att
    Mar 2001 - May 2003 (2 years 3 months)
    Provided excellent service to customers. Sold products and services to customers. Problem resolved issues and concerns. Team Lead on several Projects. Trained peers and management on Products and Services.
  • L
    Legal Administrative Business Partner/Office Manager
    Law Office
    Jul 1986 - Aug 2001 (15 years 2 months)
    Legal Business Partner Office Manager
Education verified_user 0% verified
  • Kaplan University
    Master of Business Administration (MBA, Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General
    Kaplan University
    Jan 2010 - Dec 2012 (3 years)
  • Kaplan University
    Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A, Human Resources Management and Services
    Kaplan University
    Jan 2006 - Dec 2010 (5 years)
  • C
    Christian Leadership
    Christian Theological Seminary
  • S
    Doctor of Christian Leadership, Educational Leadership and Administration, General
    School of of The Great Commission Theology Seminary
    Leadership and Philanthropic Service across the country.
Projects (professional or personal) verified_user 0% verified
  • S
    SDPPP First Responders Resiliency Training
    Apr 2020 - Current (6 years 4 months)
    Resiliency training for First Responders health and wellness.
  • V
    V2 S2 No Health without Mental Health Anthology
    Mar 2020 - Current (6 years 5 months)
    The Voices behind Mental Illness
  • A
    Atlanta SHOPTALKS
    Jan 2020 - Current (6 years 7 months)
    Shop talks.
  • T
    Taking off the Mask Fashion Show to Stop Suicide
    Nov 2019
  • T
    Taking Off the Mask to END Suicide
    Jan 2019 - Current (7 years 7 months)
  • T
    Taking Off the Mask Mental Health Project
    Jan 2019 - Oct 2019 (10 months)
    Mental Health Tour
  • S
    Self-Discovery: Pain, Positioning and Purpose Mental Health Multi-City Tour
    Jun 2018 - Oct 2018 (5 months)
    Atlanta, GA…June 11, 2018…With the recent suicides of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, two popular and internationally renowned celebrities in the fashion and food industries, experts are predicting an increase in suicide by regular people who may be on the edge. Reaching people who may be on the edge, is the critical reason behind a current tour addressing mental illness and suicide prevention, by acclaimed author and suicide survivor, Venessa Abram. Abram, an Atlanta-based author, certified speaker and instructor for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), The RESPECT Institute and a Junior Board Member for American Foundation on Suicide Prevention (AFSP), is all too familiar with the trauma, pain and stigma surrounding mental i
  • T
    Toys for Tots 2024
    Partnership to provide toys for less fortunate families. My SDp3 Fellows were on deck.
  • S
    Self-Discovery: Pain, Positioning and Purpose
    Motivational Speaker for Mental Health Awareness
  • S
    Self-Discovery: Pain, Positioning and Purpose International Tour
    Motivational Speaker for Mental Health Awareness
Awards verified_user 0% verified
  • National Council for Behavioral Health
    Youth Mental Health First Aide (YMHFA)
    National Council for Behavioral Health
    Nov 2021
    YMHFA focuses on recognizing the patterns of thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and appearance that show there might be a challenge rather than a specific disorder, and linking youths to resources.
  • M
    Mental Health First Aide
    Dec 2020
  • G
    QPR Certificate
    GUIDE INC
    Apr 2020
    Question, Persuade & Refer QPR
  • G
    Glance Gwinnett Student
    Glance Gwinnett
    Mar 2020
    You want to impact change in the areas you’re passionate about, but where do you start? Glance Gwinnett is a 2.5-day program that provides an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Gwinnett County. Designed to inspire participants through hands-on learning, Glance Gwinnett reveals new opportunities, ideas and perspectives from a diverse group of local leaders. It’s a great way to learn more about what Gwinnett has to offer, expand networks, gain exposure for your organization, and truly engage with Gwinnett. A small commitment can make a lasting impact. Take the time to glance at your community, make new connections and leave your footprint.
  • M
    Multi-Award Winning Author
    Aug 2019
    Multi-Award winner of both Self-Discovery Guide, Journal, 40 Days with God in my Grief Soul Source, The Face of a Suicide Survivor, The Voices Behind Mental Illness Anthology Series.
  • Toastmasters International
    Competent Communicator Certification
    Toastmasters International
    Jun 2016
    Public Speaking Certification
  • Toastmasters International
    Competent Leadership Certification
    Toastmasters International
    Jun 2016
    Effective Leadership which includes inspiring, coaching, developing and mentoring.
Publications verified_user 0% verified
  • P
    There is No Health without Mental Health Anthology: Volume 2, Series 1
    Purpose Prosperity Publishing CompanySDPPP
    Apr 2020
    "I remember nights when I sat in darkness, rocking myself back and forth, with nothing but tears to feed my starving heart. My resolve almost always left me falling asleep, with my nerves still racing. There were times when I could barely recall the days because..." Voted BEST SELLER, this book is a collaborative effort to stop stigma, by giving our pure, unfiltered truths but shedding light on our triumphs. This project is one of three for this volume, courtesy of Self-Discovery: Pain, Positioning, and Purpose.
  • A
    “TAKING OFF THE MASK” FASHION SHOW EVENT TO STOP SUICIDE
    Atlanta Business Journal
    Oct 2019
    Ripping the Runway to Stop Suicide.
  • A
    TAKING OFF THE MASK FASHION SHOW EVENT TO STOP SUICIDE
    Atlanta Business Journal
    Oct 2019
    Ripping the Runway to Stop Suicide.
  • T
    Taking Off the Mask Atlanta Shop Talks
    Jul 2019
    Self-Discovery PPP Inc. Announces “Taking off the Mask” Shop Talks on Mental Health Awareness, Suicide & Bully Prevention Mindset changes lives. In Atlanta, Self-Discovery PPP, Inc. and award-winning author, mental health advocate, speaker and trainer Venessa Dean Abram are doing their best to help with regular “Taking off the Mask” Shop Talks focused on different elements of mental health and wellness. July 20, 2019 Self-discovery is the proven path to a sense of well-being in all areas of life. While there’s been many methods to achieve this goal, it’s agreed that without a guide the path is much longer if the goal can be reached at all. Enter Atlanta’s Self-Discovery PPP Inc. who have made it their mission to help community members alon
  • A
    Taking Off the Mask Mental Health Project
    Atlanta Business Journal
    Mar 2019
    Mental Health ABJ Press Release
  • U
    USA Today CrowdRise Selection
    Mar 2019
    USA CrowdRise Fundraiser
  • M
    Make your Donation TODAY
    Mar 2019
    USA Today CrowdRise Fundraiser.
  • T
    Gary native Venessa Abram returns with message to address struggles of mental illness
    The Chicago Crusader
    Jul 2018
    Mental illness matters. Please help me as my team and I deliver our personal messages around hope, light, love and mental illness. You can make it and you are not alone.
  • V
    Conversations with the Inspiring Venessa D. Abram
    VoyageATL
    Jul 2018
    Inspiring and creating a legacy for others to live on purpose and die empty of regrets!
  • S
    Award Winning Author, Radio Personality & Mental Health Advocate
    STS Branding Magazine
    May 2018
    Mental Health Advocate tours Multi-Cities to speak about Mental Illness, Suicide and Bullying.
  • T
    "Self-Discovery: Pain, Position & Purpose Mental Health Tour
    Todays Purpose Woman
    May 2018
    Atlanta, GA…June 11, 2018…With the recent suicides of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, two popular and internationally renowned celebrities in the fashion and food industries, experts are predicting an increase in suicide by regular people who may be on the edge. Reaching people who may be on the edge, is the critical reason behind a current tour addressing mental illness and suicide prevention, by acclaimed author and suicide survivor, Venessa Abram. Abram, an Atlanta-based author, certified speaker and instructor for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), The RESPECT Institute and a Junior Board Member for American Foundation on Suicide Prevention (AFSP), is all too familiar with the trauma, pain and stigma surrounding mental i
  • A
    Atlanta Author Launches Multi-City Tour Addressing Mental Illness, Suicide Prevention Pain, Positioning and Purpose Tour
    Atlanta Daybook
    Apr 2018
    The Self Discovery: Pain, Positioning and Purpose Tour will be an educational, empowering and inspirational forum for individuals and families struggling with the causes and effects of mental illness, depression and suicide.