SBAWP Announces New STRIVE Program Supervisor

The STRIVE Program was developed by the SBAWP in the spring of 2008 as a pilot program to assist individuals with spina bifida and other related disabilities in developing the coping and problem solving skills that will allow them to acquire and maintain employment. Serving individuals in the northern region of Allegheny County, the program provides participants with the training needed to understand their physical and cognitive strengths and weaknesses. Furthermore, it teaches them to develop realistic and appropriate career goals and to have an understanding of how to develop compensatory strategies in employment and community-based settings. The skills learned through STRIVE enable individuals to be more independent in career exploration, job seeking and maintaining competitive employment.

Schlie's responsibilities include marketing the STRIVE program, recruiting individuals to participate, defining the program and its policies, developing the budget and teaching in the program.

Schlie received a Bachelor's of Science from Slippery Rock University, where she majored in Community Programs for Americans with Disabilities. She also studied organizational leadership and non-profit management at Robert Morris University for one year.

In September 2009, Schlie became a weekend retreat counselor with the SBAWP's FireFly Weekend Retreats Program, which provides year-round retreats for children and adults with spina bifida and related disabilities.

From July 2009 to May 2010, Schlie worked for Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic as a case manager for the HUD team. She assisted homeless individuals with a mental health diagnosis and homeless families in which one of the family members had a mental health diagnosis with finding housing under a HUD grant. She coordinated the mental health treatment of these individuals and also assisted them during everyday crises.

Previously, Schlie worked as a counselor and Program Manager for the Woodlands Foundation, located in Wexford, where she helped create activities for individuals participating in the programs.  

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