Morrison Child and Family Services Honors Leslie Gard for 30 years of service to Rosemont

PORTLAND, OR – September 23, 2011 – Morrison Child and Family Services recognized Leslie Gard for 30 years of service to Rosemont Treatment Center & School for Girls at the 4th annual Morrison Employee Appreciation Event.

Drew McWilliams, COO and Ms. Gard’s supervisor for the last five years reflected that, “Leslie embodies excellence in her three decades of care for the youth at Rosemont. Her dedication to our clients is amazing.”

In appreciation for Ms. Gard’s commitment to Rosemont she received $3,000, 30 paid days off and an all expenses paid trip to a national conference of her choosing.

Ms. Gard is Program Manager at Rosemont. She is responsible for managing all aspects of operations for the program, quality management, direction and supervision to all administrative and support functions of the program and actively works with the fundraising department at Morrison to contain costs and increase revenue sources while operating within a BRS/Addictions and Mental Health system of care.

Ms. Gard reflected on her years at Rosemont, “Clients come first. If we keep this at the forefront we’re guided well.”

Ms. Gard joined Rosemont in 1980 as a direct services overnight childcare worker. She worked in a direct care role for 5 years before moving into the role of Unit Supervisor and Team Leader.

Ms. Gard received her BS in Psychology from the University of Oregon. Prior to joining Rosemont Ms. Gard taught at a school serving at-risk boys.

Rosemont Treatment Center & School for Girls, a program of Morrison Child and Family Services was founded in 1902 by The Sisters of the Good Shepherd. The Sisters operated the program until 1980. Rosemont Corporation merged with Morrison in 2000. Rosemont is a secure residential treatment center for troubled teen girls. The program is a leader in providing gender-specific services for girls, helping them rebuild their self-esteem and gain the knowledge and skills necessary for a healthy and successful future. A special dual-diagnosis unit serves girls with co-occurring (mental health and substance abuse) disorders.

Morrison Child and Family Services is the leading provider of children’s mental health services in Multnomah County. A private, non-profit organization headquartered in Portland since 1947, Morrison partners with families and communities to provide effective and responsive services for children and youth coping with the mental and emotional issues that result from trauma. For more information about Morrison Child and Family Services, call (503) 258-4200 or visit www.morrisonkids.org.