Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

Vergie Charlery

Summary

Accomplished leader with over two decades of experience in the Canadian Armed Forces, currently serving at the Directorate of Mental Health. Proven track record in fostering collaboration with senior leaders to drive initiatives that promote equitable health for all CAF members. Committed to inspiring teams and enhancing mental health policies through strategic leadership and effective communication.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Research Assistant

Carleton University
06.2024 - Current
  • Participate in regular meetings with professors to discuss project updates, challenges faced, and lessons learned during ongoing activities.
  • Conduct literature reviews to support hypothesis development and identify gaps in existing knowledge.
  • Record and analyze data to produce reports of results.

Teaching Assistant

Carleton University
09.2023 - Current
  • Grading assignments and tests providing constructive feedback to students based on results.
  • Collaborated with fellow teaching assistants to create a consistent and supportive learning environment for students.
  • Facilitated activities in small groups to reinforce concepts taught by Professor

Social Worker - Directorate of Mental Health

Department of National Defence
06.2023 - Current
  • Developed and implemented an information package on Racial Trauma for clinicians and clients, now adopted by the Head of Department for use in all military clinics across Canada.
  • Advise the Social Work National Practice Leader on social work policy, personnel, and professional development matters.
  • Execute autonomous clinical social work activities for both static and deployed units.
  • Provide supervision and guidance to regional social workers, enhancing their professional practice.
  • Research and implement policies relevant to the social work profession within the CAF.
  • Oversee professional development and Mental Health Education initiatives for CAF social workers.

Team Lead and Clinical Social Worker

Department of National Defence
03.2021 - 06.2023
  • Managed an interdisciplinary mental health team including, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, mental health nurse, addictions counsellor, five social workers and clerical staff
  • Procured and nourished relationships with outsourced community providers, ensuring that they aligned with the policies of the Canadian Armed Forces
  • Proactively communicated with leadership, including Wing Surgeon, Clinic Commanding Officer, Prof Techs, Base Commander, and other relevant stakeholders, on addressing barriers to care affecting uniformed members.
  • Supervision of staff as per policies of Canadian Armed Forces clinical practice
  • Responded to Wing Surgeon requests for patient care
  • Worked collaboratively with other hospital staff to implement best evidenced-based practices for uniformed members and their families
  • Facilitated approvals for Civilian contractors
  • Attendance records, clinical hours of full-time staff, scheduling, and staff coverage
  • Provide detailed input on yearly performance reviews for team members
  • Chaired staff meetings and training
  • Facilitated presentations for units on Racial Trauma and other mental health issues affecting uniformed members

Clinical Social Worker

Department of National Defence
07.2019 - 03.2021
  • Updated treatment plans on monthly basis with latest intervention strategies and progress notes
  • Developed and implemented detailed pre-discharge plans for uniformed members
  • Performed short- and long-term therapy, provided education and responded to crisis situations
  • Presented clinical documentation and observations
  • Advocated with and on behalf of uniformed members and their families in relation to rights, services, and resources
  • Consulted with and advised Commanding Officers on impacts of their decisions on uniformed members facing personal problems, wellness issues, or interpersonal conflicts to assist them in developing solutions to improve operations & services.

Diversity & Visible Minority Advisor

Department of National Defence
07.2011 - 07.2017
  • Managed & created initiatives to help reach the employment equity objectives of having a Canadian Forces population that reflected the diversity of Canada
  • Planned & executed national outreach activities for civilian women, visible minorities, and Indigenous peoples
  • Developed relationships with Indigenous leaders, & other employment equity stakeholders.

Detachment Commander

Department of National Defence
06.2007 - 07.2011
  • Managed team of 12 employees
  • Supervised & executed process for civilians preparing to enroll in the Canadian Armed Forces to include initial screening, aptitude testing, medical examinations, interviews, criminal background checks, physical fitness testing and vulnerable sector screening.

Troop Commander

Department of National Defence
09.2001 - 06.2007
  • Managed team of 35
  • Supervised & executed all training requirements for subordinates in preparation for domestic and international operations.

Secondary School Teacher

St. Lucia School Board
09.1996 - 12.2000
  • Evaluated students' academic and social growth, kept appropriate records and prepared progress reports to gauge performance
  • Fostered positive and pleasant classroom culture while maintaining learning development goals
  • Developed communicative relationships with students and parents to support learning
  • Created engaging lesson plans, fostered culture of discovery, and provided well-organized classroom structure to help students succeed in program.

Education

Ph.D. - Social Work

Carleton University
Ottawa, ON
06.2027

Master of Social Work: Clinical Social Work -

Laurentian University
06.2019

BSW: Social Work -

Laurentian University
04.2017

Master of Arts: Education -

University of Ottawa
05.2001

Bachelor of Arts: Sociology -

University of Ottawa
04.1996

Skills

  • Demonstrated leadership abilities
  • Clinical excellence
  • Critical thinking
  • Superior written and verbal communication
  • Active listening
  • Cultural competence

Accomplishments

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

  • Operational Experience in Afghanistan (2008 - 2009) Served six months in Afghanistan within a multinational headquarters, collaborating with Allied Forces, including British, American, and Australian troops. Briefed the Allied Force Commander on troop welfare and operational readiness, contributing to mission success in a high-paced environment.
  • Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Award (2011) : Honored with this prestigious award for outstanding service in the Canadian Armed Forces, recognizing my contributions during my deployment in Afghanistan and commitment to military excellence.
  • Diversity Advocacy and Education : Developed and delivered numerous presentations as the Diversity Officer to civilian leaders at universities, colleges, and high schools, promoting the recruitment of Black Indigenous & People of Colour (BIPOC) into the Canadian Armed Forces.
  • Strategic Recruitment Initiatives : Created and facilitated numerous seminars for senior military leaders focused on effective recruitment and retention strategies for BIPOC populations within the CAF, fostering a more inclusive military environment.
  • Mental Health Services in Latvia (2023) : Deployed as the sole social worker for four months, providing essential mental health services to multinational troops, including Canadians and Americans. Also provided virtual care & support to operations in Poland and the UK, enhancing the mental well-being of service members.
  • Racial Trauma Information Package : Developed a comprehensive information package on racial trauma for military clinicians and uniformed members, focusing on identification and treatment strategies to support affected individuals.
  • Facilitator for Racial Trauma Discussions : Invited multiple times to various units within the Canadian Armed Forces to lead discussions on racial trauma, fostering awareness and understanding among uniformed members.
  • Nominated for the Liz Hoffman Memorial Commendation as part of the Anti-Racist Working Group - an award to recognize individuals/groups who go the extra mile and exceed expectations in helping the Defence Team community

Certification

  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for (Basics, Depression, Anxiety, Personality Disorders)
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
  • Trauma Counseling for Mental Health Professionals Level 1
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
  • Trauma Informed Care - Social Justice & Strength Based Perspective
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Additional Information

I am writing to express my interest in a Part-time position as a professor with St. Lawrence College.I have over 21 years of experience with the Canadian Armed Forces in supervisory and managerial positions, domestically and internationally, having spent over 6 months in Afghanistan working with our Allied partners within a Joint Task Force.My background is in adult mental health, recruiting and teaching. I have trained and mentored youths and adults in high school and the Canadian Armed Forces, respectively. I also have experience in delivering speeches to small and large groups, conducting presentations to my staff and to leadership.I would bring to your college, knowledge of mental health processes, policy, counseling modalities, highly effective communication skills, experience working with young adults, research abilities and a strong desire to provide quality education to all who seek to learn.The attached résumé will provide you with greater detail on my skills and background.Thank you for your time and consideration.Kind regards,Vergie Charlery

Timeline

Research Assistant

Carleton University
06.2024 - Current

Teaching Assistant

Carleton University
09.2023 - Current

Social Worker - Directorate of Mental Health

Department of National Defence
06.2023 - Current

Team Lead and Clinical Social Worker

Department of National Defence
03.2021 - 06.2023

Clinical Social Worker

Department of National Defence
07.2019 - 03.2021

Diversity & Visible Minority Advisor

Department of National Defence
07.2011 - 07.2017

Detachment Commander

Department of National Defence
06.2007 - 07.2011

Troop Commander

Department of National Defence
09.2001 - 06.2007

Secondary School Teacher

St. Lucia School Board
09.1996 - 12.2000

Ph.D. - Social Work

Carleton University

Master of Social Work: Clinical Social Work -

Laurentian University

BSW: Social Work -

Laurentian University

Master of Arts: Education -

University of Ottawa

Bachelor of Arts: Sociology -

University of Ottawa

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