LEWISBURG — Heather Shnyder has been working with Susquehanna Valley Women in Transition for 10 years and serves as the education outreach coordinator and crisis counselor.
She sees more than 20,000 students a year, for whom she designs and creates general public and school-based, classroom-style educational awareness programs regarding domestic violence and sexual assault topics, including issues, warnings and responses. She also provides training for university, health care, law enforcement and business personnel and students.
In August, she was awarded the 2009 Governor’s Victim Service Pathfinder Award in the category of Prevention Education and Outreach, which was created to honor and recognize those who have shown a commitment to enhancing the lives of victims of crime in Pennsylvania. Because of the award, she received a certificate of recognition from U.S. Rep. Chris Carney on behalf of the constituents of the 10th Congressional District.
When she’s not busy with work, she’s coaching boys basketball or spending time with her husband and four children.
What is it about your community that you like the best?
I appreciate the support for the mission of our agency. SVWIT and I have received a great deal of support for the services that we provide to Union, Snyder and Northumberland County communities.
What is it about your community that you like least?
I don’t like that there is a threat to the safety of our community because of various crimes.
How long have you lived there?
I have lived in Montgomery for almost 20 years and have worked in Lewisburg for 10.
How did you get involved in what you do?
I wanted to make a difference in the lives of the children in our communities by helping them understand how to stay safe and giving them the tools, resources and information to do just that.
What are some of your most memorable moments doing what you do?
There are always memorable moments whenever you are around as many children as I am ... the hugs and hellos and the overall feeling of warmth and appreciation. I see over 20,000 students in a school year. Plus, recently, I completed my degree, master of science in education. I received notice last month that I was the recipient of the 2009 Governor’s Victim Service Pathfinder Award in the category of Prevention Education and Outreach, an award I will officially be given on Nov. 19 in Pittsburgh. I received a certificate of recognition — because of the governor’s award — from Rep. Christopher Carney on behalf of the constituents of the 10th Congressional District of Pennsylvania and also a letter of congratulations from Rep. Garth Everett of the House of Representatives in the 84th Legislative District. Last year, SVWIT and Patterson-Brandt Inc. received the 2008 14th Annual Communicator Award of Excellence for the Internet Safety Video, which was part of a secondary school curriculum I created for safety awareness while online … and, the middle-high school drug facilitated sexual assault curriculum that I designed titled “All the Rave” was purchased by the state of Florida’s Public School System to be used as an awareness program in their health classes.
How do you unwind after a particularly difficult day?
I don’t really. I am the mother of four kids. I travel to wherever I have to go to watch my children’s sporting events.
What would you like people to know — that they might not know — about you or what you do?
It’s important work. Domestic violence, sexual assault and other serious crimes should not become commonplace in our society. We should become outraged enough to take positive action to end patterns of abuse and violence in our communities.
What would you suggest to people who would like to get involved?
Contributions are always welcomed and appreciated. You can volunteer with our agency or have one of our professional staff come and speak at your organization’s next meeting or business luncheon. Help us make a difference.
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