Eric D. Howard, MSW, Ed.

D
39 Periwinkle Lane, Burnsville, NC 28714 Phone.828-242-

7211. Email- eric60howard@gmail.com

Executive Director of Student Services and Inclusion

I am a strong leader, educator and practitioner, seeking to educate, advise and empower students
and families advancing their goals of a high-quality education.

Areas of Teaching Interest

SW Practice Education Leadership/ School Policy

Advanced SW Practice Veterans in the Criminal Justice System

Special Topics Human Behavior and the Social Environment

Veteran Treatment School Social Work/Alternative School Leadership

Race Equity Community Engagement/ Issues of poverty

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Professional Experience

Director of Student Services for Asheville City Schools, 2017-present

This is an advanced professional and managerial position with responsibilities for planning,
organizing, coordinating, and directing programs for school counselors, pupil personnel workers,
school nurses, and school psychologists. The work includes supervision of professional and
clerical support staff. The Director of Student Services interacts with school-based leaders,
teachers, parents, and community agencies to coordinate efforts to support students with
academics, career exploration, health care, and attendance. The work also includes the
development and monitoring of district-wide plans for appropriate strategies for student behavior
in each school; district-wide crisis planning; and budget management. The work is performed
under the general direction Superintendent of Asheville City Schools.
Buncombe County Veterans Treatment Court Coordinator, 2015-2017

The primary function of the Buncombe County Veterans Treatment Court Coordinator is to
develop the Veterans Treatment Court in Buncombe County, NC. It is the third court of its kind
in the state of North Carolina. The coordinator leads an interdisciplinary team which consists of
Mental Health and Addictions Specialists, Superior Court Judges, District Attorneys and the VA
Hospital Outreach Specialist. Additionally, the VTCC is charged with building and maintaining
community relations, developing the nonprofit Mentor Corps, and advocating with local, state
and federal elected officials.

Site Administrator - Asheville City Schools Preschool, 2013-2014

Evening administrator of ACSP 5-star program. Directly supervise preschool staff in the
evenings to ensure the safety of the students, communicate directly with parents about fees and
policies that effect preschool and early head start. Support the Executive Director in her absence,
maintain the high standards of the preschool, maintain a high quality of instruction, make sure
staff is in ratio and make decisions, and maintain the integrity of the preschool during the
afternoon session.

School Social Worker and Community Liaison-William Randolph School, (ACS) 2006-2014

Directly responsible for the care and well-being of students in our school. Removed barriers that
slowed or prevented students from learning. Worked with Buncombe County Department of
Social Services, to manage private mental health agencies within the schools, connect with
community agencies to provide opportunities for the parents and students such as jobs and
training opportunities, assist young people with graduation and post high school goals. Supported
parents in understanding Medicaid and mental health services policies and changes. Coordinated
and managed students' Barriers to Bridges fund. Worked with Asheville City Schools to recruit
teachers and helped to support these professionals during the recruitment process and early
employment. Served on the uniform task force, planning the strategy, surveys, and
communication with parents and community.

Adjunct Professor (School Social Work) Mars Hill University 2007-2008

Developed school social work class for students enrolled in the adult access program at MHU.
The course was designed to assist students in obtaining their school social work certification.
Taught policies, procedures, techniques, and other competencies needed to be an effective school
social worker. Evaluated student performance based on written, oral, and practical exercises.
Director of Admissions, Marketing and Social Services- Hopewell Healthcare 2005-2006

Responsible for the development and implementation of the facility quarterly marketing plan,
including managing referral source development, public relations, advertising, and facility tours;
oversaw the admissions process, tracked referrals; monitored consumer and referral source
satisfaction; developed marketing programs and events to achieve budgeted census goals and
quality payer mix. Provided medically related social service program to meet the needs of
residents; determined the type of assistance required; assisted in obtaining benefits from agencies
and organizations such as Medicaid, Social Security, Veterans Benefits and others; planned for
transportation and discharge; assisted residents in identifying problems, formulated resolutions,
and assisted in utilizing community resources in accordance with federal, state, and local
regulations.

Mental Health Professional, South Carolina Department of Mental Health 2005-2006

Emergency mental health services through the Department of Mental Health at Tuomey Regional
Medical Center. Worked with medical personnel after hours to support clients with Mental
Health issues which included. Voluntary, involuntary commitments, and coordinating
appropriate services throughout the state to care for clients with mental health challenges.

Human Services Coordinator I, Pee Dee Mental Health 2005-2005

Responsible for managing, supporting, facilitating, and coordinating therapeutic services to all
clients. Maintain strict adherence to Medicaid, State, and agency guidelines and policies.
Evaluate status to assess the appropriateness of care and monitor behavioral, psychological, and
psychosocial development. Prepare clinical documentation of services and submitted on a
weekly basis. Maintained communication with clients family, referring agencies, and other
team members involved in client care regarding relevant treatment issues.

Teaching Assistant, Social Work - Mars Hill University 2003-2004

Organized classes, developed syllabi, facilitated student discussions, assisted with lecture topics
in Human Behavior in the Social Environment (HBSE) courses and various Social Work practice
courses.

Education

2010- 2015. Ed.D, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN

Doctorate in Education, Leadership & Policy Analysis

2004-2005. MSW, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC

Degree-Masters of Social Work

2002-2004. BSW, Mars Hill College, Mars Hill, NC

Degree-Bachelors of Social Work

1993-1995. AS, Georgia Military College, Milledgeville, GA

Degree-Associate of Science

Professional Affiliations

American Red Cross- Photographer Every Day Heros Campaign

Asheville Green Opportunities -Photographer Faces of Green Opportunities/Go Kitchen Ready

event photographer

Asheville City Schools Teacher Recruitment Team

Evergreen Community Charter School - School Board Member (current)

Getting Back to the Basics Partnership with Ashville Police Department and Asheville City
Schools

L.E.A.F Lake Eden Arts Festival- Volunteer Event Photographer L.E.A.F in Schools in Streets

One Neighborhood Project Community Coordinator River Arts District

Open Doors Asheville - Board Member

Our Voice- Sexual Violence Prevention Task Force- (term ended)

TRAC- Toe River Arts Council- Board Member (term ended)

Use of Force Committee- Asheville City Police Department (ongoing)

Warren Wilson College, Social Work- Advisory Board Member (term ended)

Social Work Field Intern Supervisor- Mars Hill University, University of South Carolina,
Warren Wilson College, Western Carolina University,
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 Publications

African American Parents Perceptions of Public School: African American Parents

Involvement in Their Childrens Educations http://dc.etsu.edu/etd/2575/

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Presentations

AmeriCorps -Presenter /Trainer- Entering New Communities

ARP- Addiction, Recovery and Prevention- Family Support Trainer- Positive Actions /Nurturing
Parent

Asheville Buncombe Technical Community/ College Crisis Intervention Training-Site Trainer

Brevard College- Presenter Social Bilingualism

Buncombe County Veterans Treatment Court- Presentations Catawba County Community,

Asheville Paralegal Association, 28th Judicial Bar, Rotary Club Asheville, Buncombe County
Commissioners,

Charles George Veterans Administration Department of Social Work Race Equity Trainer

Childrens First /AmeriCorps -Community engagement and Race Equity Trainer

Leadership Asheville -Panelist What Its Like To Be a Black Professional In Asheville

Nazareth Baptist Church (Asheville NC) Keynote Speaker How The Church Led Us In The
Past, How They will Lead Us Towards The Future

UNCA Black Students Association- Keynote Speaker- How Important You Are

Warren Wilson College- Presenter Social Bilingualism

Western Carolina University Class presentation What you Need To Know, Keys to Building
Programs

Western North Carolina National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)- Presenter Talking To
African American Parents About Mental Health

Western North Carolina National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)-Presenter What is
Veteran Treatment Court
Yancey/Mitchell County NAACP- What is Social Bilingualism