Dr. Carolyn V. Coarsey, Ph.D., CCHt
Dr. Carolyn V. Coarsey is the founder of the Family Assistance Education & Research Foundation (FAERF) and serves as Executive Director of the FAERF Institute. She is the President of Higher Resources, Inc., and serves as Executive Vice President of the Family Assistance Programs for Aviem International, Inc.
Carolyn describes the philosophy behind the Foundation:
Carolyn created Higher Resources in 1989 and, since that time, has produced videos and training programs for organizations designed to improve post-disaster response. Her Human Services Response™ training programs highlight the unique role of employee responders in industrial tragedies and are used by aviation and rail companies, cruise lines, energy providers, and multiple agencies and organizations worldwide.
Carolyn describes the Power of Care and Special Assistance Teams:
Carolyn is a certified trainer for the National Council of Mental Wellbeing and a member of the American Association of Suicidology. She provides Mental Health First Aid certification to employees in business and industry.
Carolyn holds a Ph.D. in Training and Learning Technologies from the University of New Mexico, with a program emphasis on managing trauma in the workplace. Her doctoral dissertation, titled Psychological Aftermath of Air Disaster: What Can Be Learned for Training?, is the first scientific study of commercial air disaster survivors. In addition to studying air disaster survivors, Carolyn has conducted studies for the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on issues surrounding investigator stress for all modes of transportation. Carolyn has also worked with the US Department of Defense casualty bureau in addressing family assistance issues associated with military disasters, terrorist attacks, and suicides.