Ruth Gerstle

Experience

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  University of Michigan Adventure Leadership

  Apr 2016 - Apr 2020

  Trip Leader
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  Veatch Lab, Biophysics Department

  May 2016 - Aug 2017

  Research Assistant
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  Outback Therapeutic Expeditions

  Mar 2018 - Aug 2018

  Senior Field Guide

  I supervised groups of 5-10 adolescents in the backcountry desert to encourage healthy relationships and therapeutic skill-building resulting in improvements in mental health, substance abuse, interpersonal relationships, and academic performance.

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  Huron Valley Ambulance

  Jan 2019 - Aug 2020

  Emergency Medical Technician
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  Washtenaw County Dispute Resolution Center

  Apr 2019 - May 2020

  Civil Mediator

  I conducted civil mediation of small claims cases diverted from Washtenaw County courts resulting in reduced expenses, reduced overutilization of courts, increased resolution satisfaction for interpersonal and community conflicts.

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  Huron Valley Mutual Aid

  Mar 2020 - Sept 2020

  Co-Founder

  In response to the exacerbation of community needs from the COVID-19 and related crises, I co-founded Huron Valley Mutual Aid in order to create an adaptable, sustainable, and non-judgmental source of direct resource sharing among community members. We provide direct financial assistance and other resources to any Washtenaw County resident needing to overcome challenges with rent, utilities, nutrition, childcare, or healthcare due to COVID-19.

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  The Ahimsa Collective

  Oct 2020 - Mar 2022

  Mutual Aid Coordinator and Restorative Justice Facilitator

  I organized the food delivery program for formerly incarcerated people and domestic violence survivors throughout several counties in the San Francisco East Bay. I was also a co-facilitator of a year-long restorative justice program for incarcerated men with sexual violence crimes, in which l employed trauma-informed techniques to create an environment conducive to healing and learning.

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  Private Family

  Oct 2020 - Mar 2022

  Home Health Caregiver

  As a caregiver for a quadriplegic woman with chronic progressive multiple sclerosis, I assisted with all activities of daily living, as well as at home medical care including physical therapy, catheter maintenance, wound care, and ventilator assistance. I coordinated with the patient's family and all other caregivers to make sure treatments were consistent.