Encouraged by her employer, Adrieanne Boudrey completed her Community Health Worker (CHW) Certification in June of 2023. She is currently employed by - Mercy Health Hospital as a Resource Mother, Centering Pregnancy facilitator and Fresh Start Cooking Class liaison, offering support for new and expectant mothers and fathers. A resource mother is a specially trained health worker and mother. She provides support, referrals, and important information so new parents can make the best decisions for their family and new baby.
As soon as she finished the 鶹Ƶ CHW training program, Bourdrey applied and obtained the Ohio Board of Nursing CHW certification. “I feel it is so important, so you can reassure those that you serve that you have been properly trained to do what you’re doing by other professionals and can give them information from reliable sources,” she states.
Boudrey, who holds an associate degree in applied sciences in early childhood education and a bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Studies from Youngstown State University, has a clear idea of her career goals and aspirations: “My first goal is to continue to serve families. For several years, I had the pleasure to care for infants, teach toddlers and preschoolers, but realized that parents are the first teachers. We must help parents when they need assistance and then we will be affecting the lives of children in a positive and holistic way.”
According to Boudrey, “The training and skills that I learned during the CHW program are very important. I use them during the Centering Pregnancy classes that are taught at the Youngstown women’s center, as well as the Fresh Start cooking classes that we offer to our mothers.”
"The Community Health Worker program at 鶹Ƶ, challenges you to take a hard look at the community you serve, in a different way. You discover what resources are available and become a real advocate for change," she concludes.