Ed's VITA

Edward J. Spence, D.A.A.T.S, BCMMHC, CMCLC, CCISD
6835 Knowlesville Rd, Oakfield, NY
716-201-0541 | edspence@rochester.rr.com | edspence@spencestruenorth.com
www.spencestruenorth.com

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568251042809

https://www.facebook.com/EdwardJSpence14125/

Professional Summary,
Dedicated professional with over three decades of experience in military operations, emergency response, and spiritual care. I am also a trauma survivor, I am a Board-Certified Master Christian Life Coach, a Board-Certified Christian Counselor, a Board-Certified Christian Life Coach, a Board-Certified Acute Traumatic Stress Management Coach, a  Board-Certified Emergency Crisis Response Coach, a Board-Certified Crisis Chaplain, Board Certified Crisis Response Coach, Board-Certified Trauma Care Coach, Board-Certified Suicide Prevention Coach, and a Board-Certified Professional Master Mental Health Coach; I offer a unique blend of skills and expertise. My background as a US Marine, firefighter/Medic, Private Investigator, and US Soldier, combined with deep spiritual care insights as a Chaplain and Minister, enables me to provide unparalleled support in high-stress environments. I specialize in guiding clients through their unique challenges, leveraging personal resilience and faith-based insights to foster healing and transformative life changes.

Professional Experience

Chaplain and Spiritual Care Professional

2020—Present

• Hospice Chaplain: Provide emotional and spiritual support to terminally ill patients and their families.
• Dementia Care Chaplain: Offer specialized spiritual care for individuals with dementia and their caregivers.
• Chaplain, Oakfield Fire Department: Support first responders with Critical Incident Stress Debriefings and emotional resilience training. Religious and Spiritual Guidance.
• Christian Counselor, The Chapel: Guide individuals through trauma and personal growth using faith-based counseling techniques.
• Parishioner: Shut-in Minister
• Critical Incident Stress Debriefer: Incidents involving fire Departments in Western NY.
• Debrief Emergency Room medical personnel: Rochester Regional Hospital
• Hospital Chaplain Visits: to the multitude of hospitals in Western NY

Certified Professional Life Coach
2020–Present

•  I am a certified Trauma Coach; I am Board Certified by the International Board of Christian Care (IBCC). I specialize in and am professionally trained at Light University to support individuals who have experienced psychological trauma. I help clients understand and process their experiences, develop coping strategies, and work towards healing and resilience. By providing guidance on managing trauma symptoms and facilitating personal growth, my aim is to empower their clients to reclaim control of their lives.  

Firefighter/Medic
City of Batavia Fire Department, Batavia, NY
1993 – 2010

• Served as Incident Commander during the 2008 Ice Storm and managed emergency response operations. 
• Emergency Response: Firefighters respond to fires and other emergencies such as medical incidents, vehicle accidents, and natural disasters.
• Fire Suppression: Their primary duty is to extinguish fires to protect lives, property, and the environment.
• Rescue Operations: They conduct rescue operations to save individuals from dangerous situations.
• Emergency Medical Services: Firefighters provide basic and advanced life support and medical care at the scene of emergencies.
• Fire Prevention: They engage in activities to educate the public on fire safety, inspect buildings for fire hazards, and participate in community safety programs.
• Physical and Mental Fitness: The role requires maintaining high levels of physical fitness and the ability to perform under stressful and potentially hazardous conditions.
• Teamwork and Communication: Firefighters work closely with their team and other emergency service providers, requiring strong teamwork and communication skills.

United States Marine Corps
1987 – 1997

• Aviation Ordnance Munitions Technician,  
• Munitions Handling and Storage: US Marine Aviation Ordnance Munitions Technicians are responsible for the safe handling, storage, and transport of ammunition and explosives used in military aircraft.
• Munitions Assembly: They assemble and disassemble bombs, rockets, missiles, and other ordnance materials according to precise technical specifications.
• Safety Procedures: Technicians enforce strict safety procedures to prevent accidents and ensure the safe operation of all munitions-related activities.
• Maintenance and Testing: They perform regular maintenance and testing on munitions and their associated components to ensure they function correctly when deployed.
• Inventory Management: Keeping accurate records of munitions inventories, tracking usage, and ensuring supplies are replenished as necessary.
• Training and Supervision: They often train and supervise junior technicians in ordnance handling, safety protocols, and maintenance procedures.
• Deployment Preparation: Prepare ordnance for deployment on various aircraft, ensuring compatibility and safety for flight operations.
• Marine Security Guard
• Access Control: They manage and monitor access to secured areas within diplomatic facilities to ensure only authorized individuals gain entry.
• Emergency Response: Prepared to respond to emergencies, including breaches of security, protests, and other threats to the safety of embassy staff.
• Crisis Management: Play a key role in crisis management during political instability, natural disasters, or terrorist attacks, ensuring the safety of diplomatic staff.
• Surveillance and Patrols: Conduct regular surveillance and patrols around diplomatic compounds to detect and deter potential security threats.
• Coordination with Local Authorities: Work in coordination with local law enforcement and security forces to bolster security measures and respond to incidents.
• Security Training and Drills: Regularly participate in security drills and training exercises to maintain high readiness levels and effectiveness in responding to potential security scenarios.
• Motor Transport Operator. 
• Vehicle Operation: US Marine Motor Transport Operators are responsible for operating various military vehicles, including trucks, humvees, and other transport vehicles, to support troop movement and logistical needs.
• Maintenance and Inspection: They conduct regular maintenance checks and inspections on their vehicles to ensure they are operational and safe for use.
• Logistical Support: Provide logistical support by transporting troops, equipment, and supplies within and between military installations.
• Convoy Operations: Participate in convoy operations, often in potentially hostile environments, to safely deliver personnel and materials to designated locations.
• Navigation and Communication: Skilled in navigation and maintaining communication with other convoy elements and command centers during operations.
• Load Planning: Manage the planning and securing of loads to ensure safe and efficient transport of goods and equipment.
• Emergency Response: Trained to respond to vehicular breakdowns, road incidents, and other emergencies while on the move.
• Infantry Squad leader 
• Leadership: US Marine Infantry Squad Leaders are responsible for leading a squad of Marines, typically consisting of 8 to 13 personnel, ensuring effective communication, coordination, and teamwork.
• Tactical Operations: They plan, coordinate, and execute tactical operations during combat and peacetime, including patrols, ambushes, and assaults.
• Training Supervision: Oversee the training and readiness of their squad, ensuring all members are proficient in their combat roles, physical fitness, and tactical skills.
• Mission Planning: Involved in the planning stages of missions, developing strategies and tactics that align with larger operational goals.
• Safety Enforcement: Ensure the safety of their squad by implementing and overseeing adherence to military protocols and procedures.
• Personnel Management: Manage the welfare, discipline, and professional development of squad members.
• Reporting: Responsible for reporting on squad operations, personnel status, and mission outcomes to higher command.
• Supported armored operations with the 8th Tank Battalion. 
• Tactical Support: Provides direct tactical support to armored operations involving tanks and other armored vehicles, particularly in combat scenarios.
• Coordination and Communication: Ensures seamless coordination and communication between the tank units and other military elements to maintain operational effectiveness and safety.

United States Army National Guard
Alpha Company 2/108th Infantry
2006–2009

• Conducted infantry operations for combat training and deployment readiness, mentoring soldiers pre- and post-deployment.

Private Investigator
1993 – 1995

• Surveillance: Conducts surveillance to gather evidence and monitor the activities of individuals discreetly.
• Background Checks: Performs detailed background checks on individuals for employment, personal matters, or legal reasons.
• Investigations: Investigates various cases such as infidelity, fraud, theft, missing persons, and other legal and personal matters.
• Evidence Collection: Gathers and documents evidence for use in court cases or private disputes.
• Interviews: Conducts interviews with witnesses, suspects, and other relevant individuals to collect information related to their investigations.
• Report Writing: Prepares detailed reports on findings, which are understandable and usable by clients or in legal proceedings.
• Legal Compliance: Ensures all investigative activities comply with local, state, and federal laws to protect clients and maintain ethical standards.
• Technology Use: Utilizes technology, including surveillance equipment and computer databases, to assist in gathering and analyzing information..

Volunteer Experience

• Veterans Advocate (2010–2020): Provided advocacy, resources, and emotional guidance to veterans.
• Warrior House of Western NY (2016–2020): Mentored veterans transitioning to civilian life.
• Operation Injured Soldier (2010–2016): Assisted veterans in recovery and reintegration.
• Western NY Stress Reduction Organization (2020 – Present): Chaplain-Critical Incident Stress Management. CCISD,
• VA PTSD Peer Support Program (2020 – Present): Peer mentor for Veterans Wives that have Veterans with dementia overcoming PTSD challenges.
• American Red Cross: Disaster Spiritual Care, Supervisor and Disaster Action Team, Supervisor  (2018 – Present).
• Cross Roads House: Hospice, spiritual care, support for the dead and dying, treating the survivors in grief care with a special Grief support group that is 8 weeks long for the survivors of the deceased. 
• California Practical Chaplains Association: Chaplain LAPD (2020 - Present)
• Police Chaplain
• International Crisis Incident Stress Foundation: Critical Incident Stress Management for Fire departments in the 8 county-wide area of Western NY. (2020 - Present)
•  National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine (NICABM). (2021-Present) 
•  NICABM is recognized for developing and delivering educational programs tailored for health and mental health care professionals. These programs provide practical strategies and insights that practitioners can immediately implements to improve patient care and outcomes. The institute has been a leader in the field for over 30 years, offering continuing education and resources to enhance the practice of behavioral medicine. 

Certifications & Credentials

• Diplomate Status - American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress
• Board Certified Master Mental Health Coach (BCMMHC)
• Certified Master Christian Life Coaching (CMCLC)
• Certified Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CCISD)
• Board-Certified Christian Counselor (BCCC)
• Board-Certified Crisis Chaplain (BCCC)
• Board-Certified Suicide Prevention Coach (BCSPC)
• Board-Certified Trauma Care Coach (BCTCC)
• Board-Certified Emergency Crisis Response Coach (BCECRC)
• Board of Christian Life Coaching (BCLC)
• Certified in Acute Traumatic Stress Management (CATSM)  
• Emergency Crisis Response Chaplain (ECRC) 
• Acute Traumatic Intervention Chaplain (ATIC)

Education

• Christian Leadership College – Minister (2024 – Present)
• Christian Leadership College - Chaplain (2020n - Present)
• Dallas Theological Seminary College – Ongoing
• Light University – Ongoing
• Crisis and Resource Trauma Institute - Trauma Informed Principals (2020-present)
• International Fellowship of Chaplains College - Chaplain (2018 - present)
•  National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine: (NICAB) (2020-present)
• Fundamentals of Trauma-informed care and recovery - (2020-Present)
• Trauma Research Foundation - Dr Bessel - Trauma Stress certification
• Genesee Community College – 54 credits in Humanities, Business, Liberal Arts
• Corning Community College – 60 credits in Fire Science
• Empire State College – 30 credits in Emergency Management
• Federal Emergency Management Institute - Emergency Management (1993-present)

Key Skills

• Trauma Recovery & Resilience Building - Expertise in facilitating recovery and enhancing resilience after traumatic events.
• Crisis Intervention & Stress Management - Skilled in quick response to crises and effective stress management techniques.
• Faith-Based Counseling & Coaching - Proficient in integrating spiritual principles into counseling and coaching practices.
• Life Coaching for Personal Growth - Expert in guiding clients towards personal development and self-improvement.
• Emergency Response Leadership - Leadership skills in coordinating and managing emergency response operations.
• Veteran Advocacy & Peer Support - Dedicated support and advocacy for veterans, providing guidance and resources.
• Behavioral Health Strategies - Implementing strategies to address and improve behavioral health outcomes.
• Conflict Resolution & Mediation - Ability to mediate conflicts and facilitate effective resolution strategies.
• Holistic Health Approaches - Incorporating physical, mental, and spiritual health practices into overall wellness plans.
• Community Engagement & Outreach - Engaging with communities to foster relationships and provide supportive services.
• Professional Development Training - Providing training and development to enhance professional skills and knowledge.
• Grief Counseling & Support - Offering compassionate support and counseling for individuals experiencing grief.
• Strategic Planning & Goal Setting - Assisting clients in setting realistic goals and developing strategic plans to achieve them.
• Mindfulness & Mental Wellness - Teaching mindfulness practices to improve mental health and emotional well-being.
• Disability Advocacy & Support - Advocating for and supporting individuals with disabilities in various aspects of life.
• Elder Care Counseling - Providing guidance and support tailored to the unique needs of elderly clients.
• Cultural Sensitivity Training - Training individuals and organizations in cultural sensitivity and diversity awareness.
• Financial Coaching for Personal Money Management - Guiding clients in managing personal finances effectively.

Key Attributes

• Deeply Committed to Trauma Recovery - Dedicated to helping individuals heal from trauma, drawing on personal experiences as a Trauma Survivor and professional training to guide them towards spiritual and emotional renewal.
• Proven Leadership in High-Stress Situations - Demonstrated ability to lead effectively in demanding environments, from military operations to emergency disaster responses.
• Holistic Integration of Faith and Professionalism - Seamlessly combines spiritual guidance with professional coaching techniques to empower individuals and enhance community well-being.
• Empathy and Compassion in Client Interactions - Deeply empathetic approach, prioritizing understanding and compassion in all client interactions to foster trust and open communication.
• Resilience Builder - Focuses on strengthening clients' resilience, enabling them to recover from setbacks and thrive in challenging circumstances.
• Advocate for Veteran Needs - Passionate about supporting veterans, advocating for their needs, and facilitating their transition to civilian life with comprehensive support services.
• Expert in Crisis Management - Skilled in managing crises, providing calm and decisive leadership when it is most needed.
• Promoter of Personal Growth - Encourages and facilitates personal growth among clients, helping them to realize their potential and achieve their personal and professional goals.
• Cultural Sensitivity and Awareness - Culturally sensitive, with a deep respect for diverse backgrounds and experiences, ensuring an inclusive approach in all practices.
• Ethical Integrity - Maintains the highest standards of ethical conduct, ensuring transparency and integrity in all professional dealings.
• Strategic Thinker - Applies strategic thinking to problem-solving, helping clients to navigate complex issues with thoughtful and effective planning.
• Skilled Mediator - Adept at mediating conflicts, fostering understanding and cooperation between differing viewpoints.
• Passionate Educator - Committed to educating others, sharing knowledge and skills to enhance the capabilities of individuals and groups.
• Champion of Mental Wellness - Advocates for mental health awareness, promoting strategies for mental wellness and stigma reduction in all areas of life.
• Community Connector - Excels at building community connections, linking individuals with resources and networks that support their needs.
• Adaptive and Flexible - Highly adaptable, able to adjust methods and approaches to meet the evolving needs of clients and situations.
• Motivational Influence - Inspires and motivates others, driving positive change and encouraging clients to pursue their aspirations.
• Resourceful Problem Solver - uses a resourceful approach to problem-solving, identifying and implementing effective solutions in challenging scenarios.
• Comprehensive Support Provider - Offers comprehensive support, addressing the multifaceted needs of clients through a tailored approach.
• Lifelong Learner - Continuously seeks personal and professional development to stay abreast of the latest practices and theories in coaching and counseling.