Jim Theofelis: Executive Director
JAMES R. THEOFELIS, M.C, CDC, CHT
Clinical and Consultative Services
1820 12th Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98122
Phone: (206) 322-0438
QUALIFICATIONS
Highly motivated professional with more than twenty years in the mental health field; ten years of management experience; a proven track record working successfully with children and adolescents; and a solid background in media relations, fundraising, advocacy, and government relations. A leader and innovator with extensive experience in public speaking, budgeting, strategic planning, program development and public policy and an ability to communicate successfully with people from diverse backgrounds.
SELECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Children, Youth and Families:
- Thirty-two years experience working with children, youth and families as a therapist, consultant, and soccer coach.
- Executive Director/founder of The Mockingbird Society
- Associate Director of Clinical Programs at YouthCare-which provides services for homeless and/or street involved youth-was responsible for gang intervention and prevention programs, experiential outdoor education, case management for HIV positive youth, a certified school and multiple residential treatment/foster care programs.
- Played a key role in the development of Sound Mental Health’s adolescent clinic and the expansion of the agency’s therapeutic day care program.
- Provide consulting services to a variety of organizations, including Seattle Public Schools, Washington State Child Welfare System, Our Place Daycare, YouthCare, Catholic Community Services, Children’s Institute For Learning Differences (CHILD) School, YWCA, YMCA, Youth Advocates.
Management:
- Extensive experience managing staffs as large as 80, responsible for personnel, budget development, Board of Directors, program development and evaluation.
- Developed and implemented an innovative program at Community House for adults who experienced chronic mental illness-a client operated business that provided work opportunities and enabled them to decrease days of hospitalization and move toward rebuilding their lives.
- Associate Director of Clinical Programs for YouthCare, was responsible for operations, strategic planning and policy directions as well as developing and managing a budget of $2.8 million.
Communications, Advocacy, Government Relations:
- Played a key role in developing and passing the 1999 Washington State HOPE Act, landmark legislation that provides services, opportunities and hope to all children and adolescents in Washington State and $2.8 million in new funding for innovative programs across the state.
- Twenty years serving as advocate for dependent children as a Guardian Ad Litem for King County Juvenile Court.
- Proven track record in communication, writing journal articles and serving as a public speaker and trainer for a wide variety of audiences.
- Played a leadership role in passage of House Bill 3078, Sealing of Juvenile Records, Washington State legislature, 2004.
- Key role in House Bill 2002, Extending Voluntary Foster Care, 2006 Legislature
- Key role in HB 1922, Independent Youth Housing Program, 2007 Legislature
WORK HISTORY
Founder and Executive Director, 2001-present
The Mockingbird Society, Seattle, Washington
Private Practitioner and Consultant, 1987-present
Seattle, Washington
Director, University District Youth Center, 2000
Catholic Community Services, Seattle, Washington
Director, Mental Health Clinic, Detention, 1998-2001
King County Department of Youth Services, Seattle, Washington
Associate Director of Clinical Programs, 1995-1998
YouthCare, Seattle, Washington
Clinical Director, 1992
Community House, Seattle, Washington
Therapist/Supervisor, 1982-1988
Seattle Mental Health, Seattle, Washington
Coordinator, Therapeutic Family Home Project, 1981
Youth Advocates, Seattle, Washington
Director, The Loft, Crisis Residential Center, 1979-1981
Ruth Dykeman Children’s Center, Seattle, Washington
Coordinator, The Residence (Youth Shelter), 1977-1979
Youth Advocates, Seattle, Washington
EDUCATION
Master in Counseling and Education – Seattle University, 1989
Bachelor of Arts – Evergreen State College, 1983
Associate of Arts – Seattle Central Community, 1979
CERTIFICATIONS
Washington State Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Washington State Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor
National D Coach License, United States Soccer Federation
COMMUNITY/PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Committee to End Homelessness: Interagency Council, 2006
CEH: Co-Chair, Youth and Young Adult Sub-Committee, 2006
King County Kinship Collaboration-Executive Committee, 2006
Catalyst For Kids State Wide Advisory Board, 2006
Jamie Moyer Foundation-Advisory Committee, 2006
Secretary’s Select Committee for Adolescents in Need of Long Term Care, 2002
Franklin High School Head Coach, Soccer, 1998-2000
O’DEA High School Soccer Coach, 2001-2005
Holy Names Academy Head Coach, Soccer, 2001-present
American Counseling Association, 1988-present
AWARDS
Washington State Foster Parent and Caregiver Award, 2008
Community Hero Award, Washington State Coalition for the Homeless
Children’s Alliance Voices For Children Award, 2006
Lee Ann Miller Award, Children’s Justice Interdisciplinary Task Force, 2006
Real Change-Change Agent Award, 2006
Seattle Magazine, 25 Most Influential Citizens, 2006
Angels in Adoption Award, Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, 2005
Washington State “Coach That Makes a Difference” Award, 2003
Children’s Alliance Outstanding Advocate for Children Award, 1999
Advocate Award, Washington Coalition Against Homelessness, 1999
Decency Project, 1999 Special Achievement Award
Housing and Urban Development, Best Practice Award, 1999
Seattle Post Intelligencer Jefferson Award Nominee, 1999/2001
Soccer Coach of the Year, King-Co 4A, Franklin High School, 1999
PUBLISHED WORK
The Characteristics and Mental Health of Homeless Adolescents: Age and Gender Differences. Ana Mari Cauce et al, Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, Vol. 8, 2000
The Mockingbird Family Model. National Advocate, Fall 2005
The Mockingbird Family Model. Fostering Families Today, September-October 2006.
Veteran, U.S. Navy