Staff Spotlight, Ethiopia Transition Home Psychologist: Zerithun

America World is thankful to have Zerithun Kassahun as the Ethiopia psychologist and
psychosocial support coordinator for the Ethiopia program. She started with America World in 2011 and the
work she does is invaluable to the agency.

Zerithun stated some
of the most fulfilling elements of her job are providing clinical counseling
for children, in addition to training and orienting all nannies and staff
members on child welfare and psychological & social issues.

Zerithun
has a master’s degree in psychology from
Addis Ababa University. Prior to her role at America World, Zerithun had
experience as a counselor, social worker, and a supervisor of social work as
well as holding the office of department head at the Federal First Instance
Court in Ethiopia.

Zerithun
is  certified in Trust-based Relational Intervention (TBRI).  She
completed it alongside several AWAA staff members, and notes it as one of her
most valuable trainings.  TBRI, developed by Dr. Karyn Purvis and Dr. David
Cross at the TCU Institute of Child Development, is an emerging intervention
model for children who have experienced relationship-based traumas. These
traumas might include institutionalization, abuse,
or neglect. It is one of the premier trainings for individuals working with
children who have come from “hard places.â€

When visiting the transition home,
it is not uncommon to see children stopping by Zerithun’s office for a visit
and a chat, or to even see children lining-up outside of her door to talk.

We are so blessed to have Zerithun
as part of the team at America World!