Julie Ann Peterson, left, is welcomed to the REACH board of directors by board President Ginger Rickeman at the organization’s annual meeting on Oct. 16.

REACH welcomes new board member

PARIS – The Rape Education and Crisis Hotline (REACH) has announced the addition of Julie Ann Peterson to its board of directors.

Peterson is a licensed clinical social worker in private practice in Norway, working with adults and specializing in trauma therapies.

Peterson said, “I want to be a part of keeping REACH vital and active and helping to ensure REACH is financially supported, like they support those in need.”

Peterson is also involved as a volunteer with the United Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross. She is the disaster action team captain for Oxford County, helping fire victims by responding with immediate support and as a disaster mental health worker at local and national emergencies.

She traveled to Gulfport, Miss., in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina, primarily working in a shelter providing disaster mental health services for hurricane victims and support to staff.

She also instructs a disaster psychology class for Oxford County Emergency Management CERT trainings and has trained in critical incident stress management. Peterson is training in energy medicine through the Four Winds Society and integrates this into her private practice.

Peterson lives in Norway with her family.

REACH offers crisis intervention and support services to victims, survivors and concerned others, ranging from one-to-one support to groups. Services are free and confidential. Trained REACH educators offer age-appropriate safety programs for students in elementary through high schools presentations and community education.

Staff and volunteer advocates can accompany sexual assault victims to the hospital and provide support to a victim and family through the court process. REACH staff and advocates also staff a 24-hour sexual assault support line that is available to individuals who may have been recently assaulted or some time in the past, and REACH has a lending library on site.