"This nationally recognized major provides a comprehensive understanding of how families function within a changing world and combines the psychology of an individual with the sociology of a community in a scholarly focus."
Jason's Career Journey
As a non-traditional student, Jason came to Messiah with a wide range of experiences including a previous undergraduate degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management from Jefferson Community College. Jason worked in restaurants, live theater, mission organizations as well as various other businesses. While these were exciting and fun careers, they lacked longevity and vocational fulfillment. Jason applied and was accepted to Messiah in 2001 where he began studying Human Development and Family Science. After graduation, Jason worked construction and also was hired as a Foster Care Social Worker at Bethanna. Since then, Jason has become certified as a Family Life Educator, is an active member in the National Council of Family Relations, has received his Masters in Counseling from Messiah College and has been certified to counsel through the National Board of Certified Counselors and as a Pennsylvania certified counselor in kindergarten through sixth grade. Not to mention, Jason is also a husband and father to seven children and has been a foster/adoptive parent for over five years, with over twelve children placed in his home!
Working in Foster Care
As a Family Development Specialist, Jason is responsible for the training, evaluation and screening of potential foster parents. This includes conducting orientation sessions, pre-service training class, individual assessment meetings and the completion of all required paperwork. In this position, Jason's career and vocation match his educational experiences. His typical day consists of conducting family interviews, writing extensive reports, and advocating for families and children in crisis. Jason says, "[But] no two days are alike!"
Jason's Advice
"Let God be your guide, follow your heart, and take every moment as a precious gift."