Heather Barrie
Nashville,TN
Summary
Program and community services professional with 10+ years of experience supporting nonprofit programs, individuals with disabilities, volunteers, and community-based initiatives. Background includes direct support work in residential group home settings, six years of program facilitation with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities at Friends Life Community, and extensive nonprofit coordination and outreach experience. Known for clear communication, trauma-informed practice, strong documentation, and a person-centered approach when working with diverse and vulnerable populations.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Independent Program Coordinator & Facilitator
Self-employed
Nashville, TN
01.2021 - Current
- Coordinate and administer community-based programs serving 100+ participants annually
- Manage enrollment systems, scheduling, communication, and ongoing participant support
- Maintain accurate documentation, attendance tracking, and program records across multiple initiatives
- Design digital materials, registration systems, and communication tools for program delivery
- Facilitate smooth operational logistics across concurrent programs and events
Meals & Outreach Manager
FiftyForward
Nashville, TN
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Coordinated outreach and service delivery supporting older adults experiencing food insecurity and isolation
- Maintained program records, reporting systems, and data tracking for multiple service streams
- Managed volunteer-supported initiatives including seasonal and large-scale community programs
- Prepared regular service reports and coordinated with community partners and internal staff
- Supported individuals with varying physical, emotional, and access needs through consistent communication and follow-up
Visual Arts Specialist / Program Manager
Friends Life Community
Nashville, TN
01.2016 - 01.2022
- Designed. led and coordinated a comprehensive arts program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Supported participant engagement, communication, and daily program participation using person-centered approaches
- Maintained attendance records, documentation systems, and program tracking
- Coordinated scheduling, studio operations, and program logistics across multiple weekly offerings
- Collaborated with staff, families, and community partners to support consistent, high-quality programming
- Supported inclusive environments focused on dignity, autonomy, and expression
Group Home / Direct Support / Assistant Manager
Stones River Center
Murfreesboro, TN
01.1997 - 01.2000
- Provided direct support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in residential group home settings
- Assisted with daily living support, routines, and community integration activities
- Supported individuals with diverse communication needs using respectful, person-centered approaches
- Maintained safety, documentation, and shift communication in structured care environments
- Worked as part of care teams to ensure continuity, dignity, and individualized support
Teaching Assistant, Administrative Assistant
Montessori East
Nashville, TN
05.2022 - 05.2023
- Provided classroom and administrative support in a structured educational environment
- Assisted with scheduling, communication, and organizational systems
- Supported daily operations and maintained accurate documentation and materials organization
Education
Bachelor’s Degree - Fine Arts
Watkins College of Art
Nashville, TN05-2015
Skills
- Disability Services & Direct Support
- Person-Centered & Trauma-Informed Practice
- Program Coordination & Case Documentation
- Community Outreach & Advocacy Support
- Participant Engagement & Support Services
- Data Tracking, Records Management & Reporting
- Training, Staff Support & Collaboration
- Event & Program Logistics
- Professional Communication
Tools: Microsoft Office, Outlook, Word, Teams, Zoom, Google Workspace, Scheduling Systems
Timeline
Meals & Outreach Manager
FiftyForward
01.2024 - 01.2025
Teaching Assistant, Administrative Assistant
Montessori East
05.2022 - 05.2023
Independent Program Coordinator & Facilitator
Self-employed
01.2021 - Current
Visual Arts Specialist / Program Manager
Friends Life Community
01.2016 - 01.2022
Group Home / Direct Support / Assistant Manager
Stones River Center
01.1997 - 01.2000
Bachelor’s Degree - Fine Arts
Watkins College of Art
Additional Strengths
- Trauma-informed, person-centered communication approach
- Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
- Experience working with vulnerable and diverse populations
- Collaborative team contributor with strong interpersonal skills