Marianne Esolen has worked in a wide variety of environments with children and families for twenty years. She has served as a Camp Counselor, Crisis Counselor, Youth Volunteer Director, Career Coach, Youth Worker, Oncology Camp Director, Social Worker, Education Specialist, and Training Consultant working with large and small agencies, schools, and organizations including United Way, FEGS, CASA, American Cancer Society, Valerie Fund’s Camp Happy Times, Tuesday’s Children, U.S. Department of Probation, & Student Support Services of New York State Education Department. In every role and position, she has been steadfast in personal and professional commitment to excellence and growth in both people and programs.

Marianne has firsthand experience seeking and maintaining ACA accreditation for a children’s camp and overseeing all facets of risk management, program design, community outreach, donor relations, and volunteer staff recruitment, supervision, and training. As a former Board Member of The Children’s Oncology Camp Association, International (C.O.C.A.) she developed a resource kit for new special needs camps and directly assisted in the development of the organization’s first Guidelines for Oncology Camps. Marianne has served as a presenter for both the Children’s Oncology Camp Association and the American Camping Association National conferences. She believes in networking, identifying best practices in camp management, and in promoting physical and emotional safety in all camp venues.

In the education arena, she has provided technical assistance and customized trainings for dozens of school districts in a wide range of areas including: school tobacco and health policy, safe and drug-free program planning, grief and trauma response, resiliency, peer education, promising programs and curricula, prevention programming, and comprehensive school health education. She has successfully obtained and managed grant-funded projects, served as a regional and state reviewer of grant applications, and provided trainings on the Principles of Effectiveness in prevention project planning. She has provided a wealth of educational workshops and trainings to professional staff, parents, and students. Marianne believes in supporting schools as systems and partnering with school professionals to promote youth development and social, emotional, and academic success.

As a licensed social worker she has worked with both children and adults in individual and group settings and specializes in the areas of coping with grief, chronic illness, and managing life transitions. She maintains a private practice in Huntington Village, New York and is also available by phone for consultation and life coaching. As a volunteer she has been a Group Leader for children’s grief camps in New York and New Jersey. She has also founded and facilitates Child Champions Network, a coalition of professionals, organizations, and agencies who provide services and resources to children and families coping with illness, loss, and crisis. Marianne believes first and foremost in fostering resiliency and promise in people. She utilizes traditional talk therapy and play therapy to support people in times of struggle. She believes that in each of us is a limitless opportunity for peace, happiness, and personal growth.

EDUCATION:

Masters in Social Work, Certification and License in Social Work (New York State)
State University of New York, Stony Brook, NY
Master’s Thesis: Helping Professionals Work with Grieving Children

Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude
Major: Sociology/ Specialty in Community Studies
Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA
Honors Thesis: Ethnographic Research and Collection of Black Family Histories
Patterson Award for Excellence in Social Research and Policy
Independent Study Areas: Oral History, Domestic Violence, Christian Education

SIFI Certification, Seminar in Field Instruction, SUNY, Stony Brook, NY
Certified Supervisor of Social Work Graduate Students

Creative and Expository Writing
Kings College, Wilkes Barre, PA


PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS

National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
Specialty Membership In Area of Children and Adolescents
American Camp Association (ACA)

COMMITTEES/BOARD PARTICIPATION:

American Camp Association, New York Section, Special Needs Camp Committee (2007-present)
Child Champions Network, Founder and Facilitator (2002 – present)
Children’s Oncology Camping Association (C.O.C.A.) International,
Board Member (1997–2000, 2004-2006)
C.O.C.A. Committees for New Camp Support, Member Benefits,
and Operational Guidelines for Oncology Camps (1997-2006)
Tobacco Action Coalition of Long Island (1995-present)
Social and Emotional Literacy Forum of Long Island (2006-present)
Prevention Network of Long Island (1996-2002)

CONFERENCES, TRAININGS, AND CONTINUED EDUCATION

Advancing Youth Development (A.Y.D.) Training of Facilitators, 2001 (Update Training 2005)
Trainer 2001 - present
American Camp Association Tri-State, Annually 1999 – 2008
Speaker 2008
American Camp Association National Conference, Annually 2003 – 2008
Speaker 2004, 2005, and 2008
Children’s Oncology Camping Association International, Annually 1993 – 2006
Speaker 1999, 2001, 2006
Health Education Leadership Institute, New York State Education Department, 2000-2002
Health Education Trainer, 2000 - present
Healthy Kids Ready to Learn State Conference, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000
Committee Member 1996-1999
Lakeside Health Institute, New York State Department of Education, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999
Speaker 1997, 1998, 1999 Committee Member 1998-1999
Project TNT (Towards No Tobacco Use)Training, 2000
Trainer, 2000 - present
Resiliency Training of Trainers with Nan Henderson, 1999
Resiliency Trainer, 2000 - present
Social Emotional Literacy Forum of Long Island, 2007 and 2008
Speaker 2008
Tobacco Awareness Program and Tobacco Education Group, 1999
Teen Tobacco Cessation Trainer, 2000 - present

Comfort My Heart Bereavement Conference, 2008

Coordinated and Comprehensive School Health, 1998, 2000, 2003

Youth Development Best Practices, 1999

Treating Tobacco Use and Dependency in Adults, 2008

Innovative Approaches to Violence Intervention and Prevention, 1999

Culture of Poverty Training, 2000

Power Tools for Producing Powerful Programs, 2000

How To Be a Highly Successful Team Leader Training, 2000

Adolescent Trauma & Crisis Intervention, 2000

School Mental Health Conferences, 2000, 2003, 2005

Goals 2000 Health Education Training of Trainers, 2001

Chemical Dependency Training, 2001

Barriers to Learning Training, 2001

SAVE Violence Prevention Training of Trainers, 2001

Critical Incident Stress Debriefing, 2001 and 2002

Testimonials . . . What People Have to Say To and About Marianne

“Marianne is one of the most compassionate, authentic, supportive, optimistic, intuitive, and committed individuals that I have had the opportunity and privilege to work for. As a Camp Director, she created a safe, supportive, and caring environment for over 200 staff and campers. Marianne is a natural leader who led her team with kindness and confidence and in turn was rewarded with her staff’s steadfast support. Marianne’s upbeat and positive attitude set a tone that resonated throughout camp, and her warm smile, thoughtful words, and affable nature put people immediately at ease. . . Marianne’s communication and interpersonal skills are top notch. She has the ability to connect with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds. She understands that the human condition transcends all perceived boundaries and that each person has a story.
I believe Marianne Esolen will be an invaluable asset to any organization who hires her.”

Paul Rubin, Camp Counselor
American Cancer Society’s Camp Adventure

“How lucky we are to have had you as the Staff Team Leader for School Health Education. Undoubtedly, you were the single most critical member to keep the Team on track. Your writing skills are certainly evident, as well as your intelligence, and personal understanding of comprehensive school health education. The plan’s depth and detail show how much effort went into the endeavor. Your contribution is notable and we are so fortunate to have you on the American Cancer Society team for the future.”

Linda Jasper, Past Board President and Chair
American Cancer Society, Long Island Division

Marianne Esolen has been a terrific asset to our organization. As facilitator, she has played a vital role in one of our core initiatives, the CASA Coffees.

In small group sessions, Ms. Esolen helps parents understand what one national research center on substance abuse calls “parent power” “the most underutilized weapon in efforts to curb teen substance abuse.” Ms. Esolen works with CASA to educate parents & other caregivers about the harmful effects of alcohol, tobacco and drugs, so they feel comfortable creating opportunities for family discussions about their abuse. She is also able to paint a realistic picture of underage use of alcohol and drugs, so they understand the pressures children face.. . . With her unique background in direct service with children, counseling, and substance abuse prevention, she easily guided parents through this difficult process. Her warm approach creates an open environment so parents feel comfortable networking with each other, to monitor and combat problems they identify.

Karin Schlereth, Community Coordinator
Manhasset Community Coalition Against Substance Abuse

Marianne,
I would just like to take this opportunity to thank you for all of the support you have provided to the pediatric oncology bereavement program at Stony Brook University Medical Center. Your expertise has been sought out on numerous occasions. You have been a tremendous resource to our families, and have provided valuable programs. We have placed you on the list of community resources for our families, and have made referrals to you. I look forward to your continued support. I am privileged to have worked with you for many years and have gained much from our collaboration.

Rosemary A. Mahan, RN, MS, CPNP, CPON
Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Stony Brook University Medical Center

Marianne Esolen is one of Comfort Zone Camp’s longtime volunteers and has been volunteering as a Healing Circle Leader (support group leader) since 2002. Comfort Zone Camp is a non-profit bereavement camp for children ages 7-17 who have lost a parent, sibling or primary caretaker. Marianne’s level of professionalism, coupled with her enthusiasm and energy, are contagious! She has a deep commitment for helping children and it is very apparent she truly cares about the kids. An added bonus - Marianne is fun!

Sue Oppici, Camps & Services Coordinator - Northeast
Comfort Zone Camp, Inc

Marianne Esolen has been the presenter for three of the conferences that I have attended; two for bereavement and one with my students to create peer leaders. On all occasions, Ms. Esolen engages her audience immediately whether they are adults or pupils. She shares information which enhances learning with all concerned. Her openness helps you feel like a part of the presentation. Marianne provides helpful references for her participants so that they may continue learning beyond the conference. Just to sum up, Ms. Marianne Esolen is the epitome of a professional.

Sherry L. McPherson, LCSW
Patchogue Medford School District

“Marianne has provide me with the inspiration, wisdom, knowledge of life and its importance. She sets an example that makes me want to be a better person, as I know her life is dedicated to children’s lives and helping out the lives of others. She breathes, eats, and sleeps companionship, love, and the true quality of life.”

American Cancer Society Volunteer

“Marianne Esolen is the consummate professional. With high standards and a great work ethic, she accomplishes what she sets out to do and always in a most auspicious way. She knows her "stuff" and is willing to share her expertise with others. Her varied interests have given her the advantage of having many different talents in many different areas. This versatility combined with a great mind truly make Marianne a very desirable commodity in today's work world.”

Felicia Schneberg
Nassau County Department of Mental Health, Chemical Dependency
& Developmental Disabilities Services
Former New York State SADD Coordinator

“It has been a pleasure and a learning experience for me, working with Marianne. She is very knowledgeable in dealing with children and adults who have experienced loss in their lives due to death. I have found her to be compassionate and understanding. In the future I hope to be able to work with Marianne again.”

Sister Anthony Therese
Saint Matthew’s Church

“Marianne has an uncanny ability to combine dedicated leadership, unparalleled enthusiasm, and unfaltering creativity with compassion for both children and staff.”

Kristina Rudiger, Camp Adventure Volunteer

"It is my pleasure to note my extensive and positive professional relationship with Marianne and her many not-for-profit activities. Marianne exemplifies sound judgment, excellent interpersonal skills and fast follow-through on projects that she has been involved with.”

Bert Jablon, President
New York State Public Health Association, Nassau-Suffolk Region

“Marianne, I am truly in awe of your abilities. You always seem to know just the right things to say, the right things to do, to make everyone seem like he or she were the only one who mattered. You made each and every child seem special. I guess that was because you saw each one as special. . . I firmly believe that it is not possible to learn to communicate so wonderfully and so freely with children no matter how many training courses or education classes you take. It is a gift to be able to do that and you, Marianne, have that gift to be able to convey your concern so sincerely and so easily. . . Thank you for making so many children feel special. You are one amazing person and I am glad I got to know you and work with you.”

Joann Ulrich, Camp Adventure Volunteer

“I recently had the opportunity to participate in a TAP/TEG (Tobacco Awareness Program/ Tobacco Education Group) training program led by Marianne Esolen. This workshop was the most excellent and informative educational experience that I have attended during the last eight years of working as a student assistance counselor. What made this workshop so exceptional was Ms. Esolen, her marvelous teaching style and her enthusiasm brought not only to the topic, but to her students as well. As a doctoral candidate who has completed four years of coursework, I recognized Ms. Esolen as one of the finest teachers I have ever had the privilege of working with. . . I hope I have the opportunity to be in her classroom again.”

Laurel Hoffman, CSW
Student Assistance Counselor, Eastern Suffolk BOCES

“I am writing to sing the praises of Marianne Esolen who has been a consistent source of information and help for our school outreach program . . . Marianne has helped guide us through curriculum revisions and helped us recognize how our material would best fit into today’s health classrooms. . . She has given us her undivided attention and always came through with pearls of wisdom and advice. She helped our program blossom and grow.”

Amy Maximov, School Outreach Director
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill

“On behalf of Children’s FIRST’S Scholars, thank you for your Keynote presentation at our conference ‘Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Loss’. From the evaluations, it is apparent that important and useful information was provided and your keynote presentation was VERY WELL received. Thank You!”

Lisa Katz, CSW, Program Director
Fordham University, Graduate School of Social Work

“We cannot thank you enough for your WONDERFUL presentation to the staff of the Primary Mental Health Project. The Child Associates work intimately with our children on a daily basis. In many instances, they are the first people to learn about the stresses and traumas our children are encountering. Your ability to relate the material to their specific needs was OUTSTANDING. You have helped them to enhance their skills in ways immeasurable. All of us are blessed to have been touched by your specialness. We are better professionals because of you.”

Teresa Jordan Tuzil, ACSW, CASAC
Social Work Specialist, Deer Park School District

“Thank you for presenting to our support service team. The issues surrounding stress management are so timely . . .Your knowledge, friendly accessibility, and hands-on approach made for a comfortable, relaxed learning environment. I was not only professionally motivated by your presentation, but personally as well. Since hearing you speak, I have gone back to ballet and I have also been parking farther in the lot, and eating healthier. I hope my district’s helping professionals will remember and use the important information you presented. I know I will continue to challenge them to do so. Thank you again for an inspirational morning.”

Marianne Masopost, CSW,CPP
Social Worker, Locust Valley School District

“Marianne has a strong commitment to the health of children and to high quality comprehensive health education programs. She has a solid understanding of school health issues . . . She is a skilled and sensitive trainer and an excellent collaborator. Marianne is optimistic, resourceful, persistent, open-minded, and committed to providing high quality programs and services.”


Lisa Sullivan Werner, Family Nutrition Program Leader
University of Massachusetts, Nutrition Department
Evaluation Feedback from assorted workshops

“Marianne Esolen is the best health educator I have had the pleasure of observing. THANK YOU.”

Administrator, Town of Brookhaven Youth Bureau

“I expected AND received comprehensive information about tobacco use and strategies for dealing with this issue in schools PLUS an excellent primer on how to develop effective policy on tobacco use in my school district.”

School Nurse

“This was the BEST workshop I’ve attended in twenty years.”

School Nurse

“I received a lot of great resource material and good strategies for my toolbox of skills and introspective activities that encouraged teasing out of my own feelings. I will use the activities and materials presented. I’ll utilize my increased knowledge and skills to more effectively deal with my students struggling with loss.”

Elementary School Social Worker

“It was excellent – a very interactive, lively, and relevant program. I’ll use many of the refresher skills I learned, the wonderful resources, and I LOVED For Your Inspiration handouts.”

School Guidance Counselor

“I received so much more than I expected!!! I received insight and information and ideas on grief and loss. I would definitely come back for Good Grief 2 and I would love to take part in future meetings for professionals to discuss cases.”

School Guidance Counselor

“EXCELLENT! I really enjoyed this workshop. It was so informative and the speaker was so enthusiastic and kept our attention focused. I received tons of information on how to help grieving children, what is normal, how to get at their issues, and my own related to death and loss. I’ll use ALL the resources offered.”

School Psychologist

“Excellent job by Marianne. Thank you for your insight, energy, and spirit.”

Health Educator

“I’ve attended past trainings so I expected to receive a great presentation and my expectations were exceeded! Thank You! I received a tremendous amount of information, great new information, and updates. This is extremely helpful and relevant.”

Middle School Social Worker

“I expected the best and I received EXCELLENCE! A great job! The training was superior and met all my needs and expectations. I received a tremendous amount of information that was helpful for program clarification and implementation. Thank You!

High School Social Worker

Counseling & Life Coaching

Marianne Esolen has worked in a wide variety of environments with children and families for twenty years. She has served as a Counselor, Director of Volunteer Programs for Children, Career Coach, Crisis Counselor, Oncology Camp Director, Education Specialist, Trainer and Education Consultant working with United Way, FEGS, American Cancer Society, Valerie Fund’s Camp Happy Times, CASA, Tuesday’s Children, & Student Support Services of New York State Education Department. In the education arena, she has provided technical assistance and customized trainings for dozens of school districts in a wide range of areas including: policy, safe and drug-free program planning, grief and trauma response, resiliency, peer education, promising programs and curricula, and comprehensive school health education. She has facilitated professional staff forums, student trainings, and parent discussion groups. She has successfully obtained and managed numerous grant-funded projects, served as a regional and state reviewer of grant applications, and provided trainings on the Federal Guidelines of Principles of Effectiveness in project planning for the promotion of safe and drug-free schools.

As a former Youth Worker and as a consultant, Marianne has worked with young people informally and formally in agency, school, and camp settings serving children and young people from ages five to twenty-one. She has planned and facilitated peer education and peer advocacy programs, coordinated service learning programs, developed group activities and tools to foster community-building, and facilitated leadership development and peer counseling programs. As a Camp Administrator, she has had firsthand experience overseeing all facets of risk management, program design, community outreach, donor relations, and volunteer recruitment, supervision, and training. She has also consulted with camps in developing programs, designing staff training, addressing the psychological and emotional needs of campers, and developing risk management and safety plans, camper and staff resources. Marianne maintains her professional membership and involvement in the American Camp Association and the Children’s Oncology Camp Association, where she has served as a speaker at national conferences   .

 

 

Overview of Counseling and Life Coaching Services

Don Quixote tells the lady to return to Toboso and present herself to Dulcinea. He argues with one of her attendants and soon gets into a battle with him. Cervantes describes the battle in great detail but cuts off the narration just as Don Quixote is about to deliver the mortal blow. Cervantes explains that the historical account from which he has been working ends at precisely this point.

Overview of Counseling for Children & Teens

Cervantes says he was quite irked by this break in the text, believing that such a knight deserves to have his tale told by a great sage. He says that he was at a fair in the Spanish city of Toledo when he discovered a boy selling Arabic parchments in the street. He hired a Moor to read him some of the stories. When the Moor began to translate one line about Dulcinea, which read that she was “the best hand at salting pork of any woman in all La Mancha,” Cervantes rushed the Moor to his home to have him translate the whole parchment.

FAQ

According to Cervantes, the parchment contained the history of Don Quixote, written by Cide Hamete Benengeli. From this point on, Cervantes claims, his work is a translation of Benengeli’s story. This second portion of the manuscript begins with the conclusion of the preceding chapter’s battle. The attendant gives Don Quixote a mighty blow, splitting his ear. Don Quixote knocks the man down and threatens to kill him. He spares him when several ladies traveling with the man promise that the man will present himself to Dulcinea.