Laura Troy

About Laura Troy

My passion is to engage with individuals on a personal level to uplift, educate, and mobilize them to create a society that values equality, diversity, and compassion. I love my work as a Licensed Professional Counselor, and I am honored when a client entrusts me to walk beside them on their journey. Much of my life has been devoted to propelling the conversation on humanistic values and positive social change through meaningful conversations, active and empathetic listening, creative problem-solving, and community involvement. Since I was a child, my grandmother and mother instilled in me a deep sensitivity to systemic flaws, especially those that infringe on human rights and values. I have a strong affinity toward underserved, disenfranchised individuals and groups - especially women. I have had the privilege to serve as a nonprofit leader and as a program manager throughout my professional career. As a team member or team leader, I believe that collaboration and caring for one another are key to accomplishing our goals. I value input from all viewpoints. I strive to surround myself with diverse colleagues in order to draw upon their expertise, motivations and beliefs to inspire optimum results.

Experience

1. Displaced Homemakers Program Coordinator

   Bergen County Technical Schools

   Nov 2011 — Present · Hackensack, NJ, US

   Funded by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families/Division on Women (DCF/DOW), and administered by BCTS, the Displaced Homemakers Program assists over 150 women each year to become economically self-sufficient through counseling, education, job readiness training, networking, outreach, referrals, and emotional support- Manage the day-to-day operations of the only Displaced Homemakers’ program fully co-located in a New Jersey Job Center- Research and analyze clients’ needs to determine program offerings, direction, and goals; evaluates specialized program offerings to ensure that they are effective and appropriate- Establish and maintain a cooperative relationship with BCTS Adult Education, Literacy and ESL program staff and Bergen County Job Center staff- Recruit, interview, and hire staff including social media interns and graduate-level counseling interns- Partner and collaborate with community agencies and faith-based organizations to meet clients’ needs and enhance existing services- Plan and administer an annual budget of for existing staff, programs, training, equipment, and supplies- Prepare and present monthly and annual outcome reports to the DCF/DOW and Bergen County Job Center partners- Promote public awareness of the program through outreach to state and local legislators, community and volunteer organizations including women’s centers and domestic violence shelters. Selected Accomplishments - Since 2011, consistently exceeded service level requirements established by the DCF/DOW for number of individuals served, number placed in career training, and number placed in employment by a minimum of 50 percent- Increased group workshop attendance by 200% and continually maintained operation of the program at over 150% capacity- Recognized by the DCF/DOW and the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development for creating an innovative partnership with Job Center Management and Staff.

Education

• Walden University

  M.S., Psychology and Public Administration

  2008 — 2010

• Advanced Counselor Training

  Clinical Supervision

• Montclair State University

  M.A., Counseling and Human Services

  2001 — 2004

• Susquehanna University

  B.M., Music Performance

  1981 — 1985