Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
Generic
VersAnnette Blackman

VersAnnette Blackman

Evanston

Summary

Empathetic educator, healing-centered facilitator, and community advocate with over 15 years of experience supporting, mentoring, and uplifting underserved populations—especially Black women, youth, and families. A passionate speaker and program leader deeply committed to mental health education, emotional wellness, and trauma-informed care. Possesses a proven ability to build trust across diverse communities, connect individuals to vital resources, and design programs that affirm dignity, resilience, and self-determination. Seeking to bring this dedication to holistic wellness and generational healing to mission-aligned, heart-driven work.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Educator & Program Manager

Gabriel’s Light
Chicago
11.2023 - Current
  • Facilitate engaging, age-appropriate mental health education presentations for youth, parents, and staff across Chicago schools, with a strong focus on suicide prevention, emotional wellness, and accessible resources.
  • Provide mental health resources and referrals during and after sessions to ensure continued community support and access to care.
  • Serve as liaison between Gabriel’s Light and school partners, maintaining and cultivating relationships to expand program reach and trust within diverse communities.
  • Develop original, culturally responsive curriculum and content to meet the emotional and mental health needs of school-aged children and their families.
  • Schedule and coordinate multiple educators for presentations across schools, managing a dynamic calendar of workshops and events.
  • Train, mentor, and provide ongoing support for new and current educators, fostering a mission-driven, trauma-informed approach to engagement.
  • Navigate partnership with Chicago Public Schools, including supporting the Social Emotional Learning contract process and adapting programming to meet district priorities.
  • Represent the organization at mental health summits, school events, and community panels, consistently advocating for equitable access to mental wellness tools and education.

Owner & Artist

Soul Revival Healing Arts
Chicago
01.2015 - Current
  • Create and sell original artwork through exhibits, fundraisers, and online platforms.
  • Teach art and creative writing workshops at community centers, domestic violence shelters, and other outreach programs.
  • Manage all aspects of the business, including bookkeeping, customer service, marketing, and sales.
  • Provide therapeutic and healing experiences through art, facilitating empowerment and personal growth.

Outreach Coordinator

Green Thumb Industries
Chicago
11.2018 - 04.2020
  • Served as a cannabis educator and patient care specialist, providing consultations for patients with terminal illnesses or opioid addiction.
  • Empathetically listened to patients' personal stories, helping them navigate medical marijuana as a form of healing and pain management.
  • Processed medical marijuana card registrations and assisted terminally ill patients with required documentation and fees.
  • Led events to educate the public on cannabis use, benefits, and its effects on the body, with a focus on its healing properties.
  • Acted as a liaison between patients and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), ensuring proper communication and care.

Book Group Leader/Teaching Artist

Literature for All of Us
Chicago
07.2009 - 12.2014
  • Connected youth to critical resources, including housing support, childcare programs, parenting classes, and arts enrichment, with a focus on helping teen mothers build confidence and access community networks.
  • Facilitated workshops with teen mothers and young men to encourage reading, arts & crafts, and use of poetry and hip-hop music.
  • Created a safe space for participants to share personal experiences, emphasizing social-emotional learning and peer support.
  • Designed curriculum, facilitated weekly themed discussions, and arranged poetry readings and guest speakers.
  • Represented the organization at events, fostering awareness and community engagement.

Education

Some College (No Degree) - Human Services

Judson University
Elgin, IL

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

New Lane University
Lehi, UT

Skills

  • Trauma-Informed Care & Practices
  • Curriculum Development & Educational Content Creation
  • Mental Health Education & Suicide Prevention Training
  • Case Management & Resource Coordination
  • Community Outreach & Partnership Building
  • Culturally Responsive Program Design
  • Public Speaking & Facilitation
  • Crisis Intervention & Support
  • Empathy-Driven Client Engagement
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
  • Database Management & Reporting Tools
  • Event Planning & Logistics Coordination
  • Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Integration

Certification

Domestic Violence Training Certificate, 40-hour certificate in Domestic Violence (2014)

Accomplishments

  • Peggy A. Montes Unsung Heroine Award (2015) – Recognized for service in domestic violence shelters.
  • David K. Hill Award (2018) – Honored for strength and courage in overcoming domestic violence and using that experience to transform others.

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Educator & Program Manager

Gabriel’s Light
11.2023 - Current

Outreach Coordinator

Green Thumb Industries
11.2018 - 04.2020

Owner & Artist

Soul Revival Healing Arts
01.2015 - Current

Book Group Leader/Teaching Artist

Literature for All of Us
07.2009 - 12.2014

Some College (No Degree) - Human Services

Judson University

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

New Lane University

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VersAnnette Blackman