Every year, Cleveland State University CASAL (Counseling, Administration, Supervision, and Adult Learning) department awards one presenter with the honor of being acknowledged for their achievements. The recipients of the "Outstanding CE Presenter Award" have shown extensive knowledge at their craft as well as positive feedback from participants attending their programs. These presenters' passion and dedication are extraordinary as they continue to provide provocative and timely topics to engage our program participants throughout the years. They are the ‘secret’ behind our success, and we are honored to celebrate them with the CE CASAL Outstanding Presenter award. Below, these presenters are pictured and recognized.
2019 Outstanding CE Presenter Award: Linda Davis
"I am very honored to receive the CE Presenter Award and to be an educator in the Cleveland State University CASAL Department.
I want to thank the members of this program, all of whom have helped to make my workshops successful. They include those who review my curriculum and provided suggestions and share their expertise to enhance the content, hook-up my electronics and take care of any computer glitches, secure lunch orders and deliver them to my trainees, (who can become non-receptive to training left hungry), provide flip chart paper, markers, and other training materials, and even supply cookies in the shape and color of Frankenstein to augment my workshop: The Ethics of Dr. Victor Frankenstein.
I especially want to thank Noelle, with whom I have the most direct contact. She has been encouraging and insightful regarding curriculum suggestions and is always there to trouble shoot any issues.
Having this opportunity to train at Cleveland State has enabled me to enhance my skill as an educator and as a clinician.
I remember I had just begun my career as a social worker in Child Welfare and had the opportunity to attend a book signing by Dr. Robert Schuller, motivational speaker and pastor of the California Crystal Cathedral. As I told him what my duties were as an intake worker in a Child Welfare agency, he took my hand and said, “Linda, take the pain out of the children’s eyes.” That has been my motivation and my goal as a clinician as well as teaching others how to do that for children.
I would like to conclude my thanks by sharing with you a quote from Yoda, master Jedi, in Star Wars.
Luke Skywalker was struggling and when Yoda confronted him about not following his teacher, Luke said he would try to get better.
Yoda said…. “No! Try not! Do or do not, there is no try.”
To all of us in this field, I thank you for your support and I hope we as educators continue to Do our best teaching and continue to take the pain out of the children’s eyes.
Thank you"
2018 Outstanding CE Presenter Award: Paula Atwood
Paula Vivian Atwood holds a Master of Social Science Administration degree from Case Western Reserve University and an Executive Masters in Business Administration from Baldwin-Wallace College. She is a Licensed Independent Social Worker and a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor, both with Supervisory designation. Ms. Atwood is an accomplished professional with over 45 years of experience in administration, supervision and direct care in the social work, mental health, child welfare, substance abuse/chemical dependency, and education/training fields.
In 1981, Ms. Atwood was nominated by Cleveland Magazine as one of the “Most Interesting People in Cleveland.” Ms. Atwood was a Governor Richard Celeste appointee to the Ohio Chemical Dependency Counselors Credentialing Board, serving as a founding member and Vice President from 1984-1987. She also was voted “Outstanding Program Director for a Youth Oriented Service” by the Cuyahoga County Drug Abuse Services Board in 1989, and was a 2006 “Hearts of Hope” recipient in recognition of her long-time contributions to children in Greater Cleveland. Ms. Atwood received the CSU CASAL Outstanding CE Presenter award in 2017 and has been simply thrilled to work with progressive and of high esteem CSU’s CE programs for well over 10 years.
2017 Outstanding CE Presenter Award: Rita Abdallah
Rita Abdallah, LISW-S, LCSW-C, ACSW, brings over 25 years of academic preparation, professional knowledge and life experience to her passion for serving others. She received a Master’s degree in social work from the University Of Connecticut School Of Social Work and an undergraduate degree from John Carroll University. She is an Ohio Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW-S), Licensed Certified Social Worker–Clinical (LCSW-C) in Maryland and member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW).
Rita’s career accomplishments include: published author, researcher, national speaker, blogger and full-time volunteer. She has won local and state awards for her commitment to service.
Today, Rita is a national speaker, intuitive, blogger, and award winning wellness coach. She is an authority on the topics of joy, cancer survivorship, work-life balance, self-care, and conquering stress.
Rita’s programs are a blend of her deep wonder of practicing of life. She is known for her spirited and intelligent teaching and coaching style. Students receive clear and practical guidance on how to feel strong, hopeful, and inspired about life and spirit.
Through her company, Turning Point, Rita shares divine teachings in useful and accessible ways, reminding us that there is always space for all beings to connect to the practice of love, peace, and joy.