Our Staff
CENTER FOR SRVSS STAFF
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Jennifer O'Connell, Director
Position:
Serving as the Director for the Center for Sexual and Relationship Violence Support Services is not only an honor for Jennie but also a passion. In her role, Jennie provides oversight for the universities prevention education, awareness and advocacy support around power-based personal violence. As the director, Jennie is not only is responsible for the supervision and budget of SRVSS, but she also develops the strategic goals of SRVSS as well as manages the multiple grants that assist in funding the work at Kent State. Finally, Jennie serves on several university level initiatives including the Kent State of Wellness and the Great Place Initiative leading efforts related to safety and climate change around unwanted sexual experiences. Jennie also holds a certification as an educator for the Green Dot Bystander movement.
Experience:
Originally from Stow, Ohio, Jennie spent 12 years in New England working with college students and the community. As a coalition coordinator for an alcohol and drug prevention in a city of 30,000 and as the Coordinator of Education and Outreach with A Safe Place, a domestic abuse support services organization, Jennie was instrumental in educating the community and youth about substance abuse, domestic abuse and teen dating violence. Prior to working the community, Jennie worked in the university setting serving as a Residence Hall Director at the University of New Hampshire and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She took the time to get to know her residents and to assist them in being successful in college.
Contact Information:
P: (330) 672-8016
Learn more about Jennie O'Connell
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Yvette Roberts, Assistant Director
Position:
Yvette Roberts currently holds the position of Assistant Director at the Center for Sexual and Relationship Violence Support Services here at Kent State University. In her capacity, Yvette is dedicated to offering advocacy services to faculty, staff, and students whose lives have been affected by power-based personal violence. She plays a pivotal role in assisting individuals by providing support measures through a comprehensive network of campus and community resources. Yvette is committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment for those impacted by these challenges, ensuring they receive the assistance and care they need to navigate their journey towards healing and recovery.
Experience:
After Yvette graduated from Kent State University in 2001, she began working for Community Action Akron Summit, Inc. for fifteen years as a Family Support Specialist and Project Coordinator. In addition to working full-time, she also worked part-time for the Battered Women Shelter of Summit and Medina County as a Crisis Intervention Specialist.
Contact Information:
P: (330) 672-1031
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Julius Payne, Program Coordinator
Position:I am the Program Coordinator for the Center for SRVSS. I will be facilitating Green Dot discussions throughout campus and community. I will serve on the CCRT as well. I will be involved in discussions and collaborations promoting positive/healthy masculinity.
Experience:
I have spent the last five years at the Rape Crisis Center of Summit and Medina counties. I originally started out as the tina project specialist, going into middle and high schools holding discussions surrounding healthy relationships. I then moved on to become an outreach and education advocate on campus at the University of Akron. I again, was tasked with discussions surrounding bystander intervention, consent as well as responding to disclosure.
The final two years at RCC I was the Campus and Education manager. In this position I oversaw all presentation creation as well as all of our education and outreach advocates. Both in the community and on campus. I was tasked with overseeing campus and community collaborations surrounding these discussions as well.
Contact Information:
P: (330) 672-9230