The Story of START through the lens of a Resource Center Counselor

Learning Objectives:

  1. Identify three ways START Resource Center Counselors create a supportive and therapeutic environment for people with IDD-MH
  2. Explain how START's guiding principles are applied in the daily operations and interactions at a Resource Center
  3. Demonstrate how accessing the Resource Center can positively shape a person's story and support their personal growth

Session Description:

This presentation will focus on how Resource Center counselors implement practical strategies to create a supportive and therapeutic environment for people with IDD-MH. Participants will identify strategies that contribute to a positive and nurturing environment. The presentation will also explore how START's guiding principles are implemented in the daily operations and interactions at a Resource Center. Additionally, attendees will learn how accessing the Resource Center can positively influence a person's story and foster their personal growth and well-being

References:

Valikhani, A., Ahmadnia, F., Karimi, A., & Mills, P. J. (2019). The relationship between dispositional gratitude and quality of life: The mediating role of perceived stress and mental health. Personality and Individual Differences, 141, 40-46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid...

Kalb, L. G., Beasley, J., Caoili, A., McLaren, J., & Barnhill, J. (2020). Predictors of mental health crisis among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities enrolled in the START program. Psychiatric Services, 72(3), 273-280. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.p...

Kalb, L. G., Beasley, J., Caoili, A., & Klein, A. (2019). Improvement in mental health outcomes and caregiver service experiences associated with the START program. American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 124(1), 25-34. https://doi.org/10.1352/1944-7...

Natasha Peterson

Lead Therapeutic DSP

NH START- Community Bridges

Natasha Peterson is an experienced Lead Resource Center counselor and has worked with New Hampshire START for approximately 8 years. Prior to joining the START team, she worked as a forensic Direct Support Professional and Home Care Provider for almost 2 years. Natasha maintained current MOAB, CPR, and medication administration certifications throughout this time. She brings zest, creativity, and humor to the center each shift. She maintains a focus on using positive psychology and utilizing the START model to improve the quality of care for the guests. Natasha also helps to plan many of the celebrations and holidays at the Center. Planning the special menu and groups to make every holiday a celebration! For the past five years, she organized a group of nearly 12,000 members called "NH Mama's Pay It Forward." This group has helped thousands of moms get free resources they need for themselves or their children as well as pass along items to other moms which helps to reduce waste. In the fall of 2024, Natasha was certified as a Community Health Worker and joined the NH CHW Coalition. During her training as a CHW, she received certificates for Motivational Interviewing and Nalaxone administration. She has a passionate desire to expand her knowledge related to her current endeavors. This has lead to her also becoming an ordained minister with a focus in performing nontraditional marriages.

Michelle Marullo, B.A.

Program Manager

Community Bridges NH -START Center

For the past five years, Michelle "Shelly" has served as the Program Manager for the START program in New Hampshire. Through her facilitation of the group model, using strength spotting and positive psychology, Shelly has seen exciting progression in guest self-esteem, as well as increases in staff job satisfaction, as they apply these strategies not just at work, but in their personal lives as well. Michelle is currently in training to become a certified START Coordinator. Michelle’s professional history includes 12 years in various residential and group settings, and even in a therapeutic community theater program. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the State University of New York with a concentration in Community Health. Shelly believes that every resource center guest deserves to be heard, and to feel safe and connected to the community, She is motivated by helping others to receive the care and skills development necessary to reach their fullest potential. In her spare time, Shelly is involved in community theatre productions. She loves cooking, photography and watching old movies. She also loves the outdoors, near her home in Concord NH and especially when hiking in many of the US National Parks.

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05/13/2025 at 3:45 PM (EDT)  |  60 minutes
05/13/2025 at 3:45 PM (EDT)  |  60 minutes
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