April Allison

Experience

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  Allegan County News – Kaechele Publications

  Jan 1985 - Jan 1990

  Newspaper Reporter, Copy Editor

  I wrote feature articles, covered agricultural and local government news, and provided copy editing for a group of three weekly community newspapers in Allegan County, Michigan. My greatest joy was to help county residents share their stories.

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  Michigan State University

  Jan 1992 - Jan 2013

  Editor, Webmaster

  I provided editorial, communication, and design services for two departments in the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. My responsibilities included co-authoring academic publications, providing editorial services to faculty, writing press releases, writing and designing annual reports and newsletters, designing event brochures, and website development and content management. I also coordinated the movement of each department’s html website to a content management system in 2012-13. Show less

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  Leaven Retreat and Study Center

  Jan 1995 - Jan 2007

  Management Team

  In March 2000, The Leaven Center was opened in Mid-Michigan as a retreat and study center for people engaged in movements for social change. I was part of the founding management team, and was in charge of print and internet publicity, fiscal management, and supervision of day-to-day operations The Leaven Center was a place of beauty where visitors could find rest and nourishment for their body and spirit. It was also a context for bold and innovative programming that addressed significant issues of our day. The Leaven Center was born of the conviction that the spiritual life cannot be divorced from an active concern for the world, and that those who work for justice need resources for spiritual renewal and vitality. Show less

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  Heron Rising

  Jun 2008 - now

  Spiritual Director, Mediator

  I offer spiritual direction for individuals and groups, as well as silent retreats, through Heron Rising. In 2006, I graduated from the Internship in Spiritual Direction at St. Francis Retreat Center in DeWitt, Michigan, and am past-president of the Spiritual Directors Network of Mid-Michigan.You might consider spiritual direction if you long to:• cultivate openness and responsiveness to the Spirit’s presence in your life• be heard by someone you trust, as you give voice to your deepest spiritual concerns, questions, and yearnings• find a companion on the journey who can listen attentively, without pressure or expectation, to whatever comes to the surface as you give expression to your experience of the holy• an opportunity for discernment as you explore a new life opportunity• deepen your hope and inner strength in a challenging and often unjust world.We invite you to learn more about Heron Rising and about spiritual direction. (heronrising.com) Show less

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  Firefly Communications

  Jan 2013 - now

  Editor, Writer

  Through Firefly Communications, I offer writing, editorial, and website design services. My experience as a writer and editor spans academic, non-profit, and community journalism settings. I am available to:• Write feature articles, press releases, website content• Edit books, articles, or other publications for either an academic or a general readership• Design websites/blog sites for individuals and small organizations• Provide page design for self-published print or e-publications.I am especially committed to helping individuals, small businesses, or organizations find and develop a cost effective and appropriately sized internet/social media presence. My conviction is that there should not be cost or technological barriers to developing an effective and attractive website or social media presence. Show less

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  University of Pennsylvania

  Sept 2023 - now

  Clinical Research Coordinator