My name is Miriam Bouley, and I am the “newly-created” Operations and Community Services Manager at Karis Community. I know that is a “long title,” but, in essence, I make sure that everything “operation-wise” is moving smoothly at both Karis and The Steppingstone Cottage. I also provide case management and care navigation to all the Community Members and alumni. I previously worked with the Executive Director, Annie Wharton, at AllHealth Network. I was so impressed with Annie’s prior work that I approached her and asked her if there was a position available at Karis that she thought I might be interested in. She said she was in the midst of creating a position that she thought I would be a good fit for, given my background. We met, discussed the position, and I immediately said I was interested. I got to tour Karis, and I instantly felt the warmth that exuded throughout the property. The position was offered to me, and as they say, “the rest is history.”
The Community has been the same, with a few new members joining since I arrived on May 2022. I don’t think I have ever experienced such wonderful surroundings as Karis. I genuinely look forward to coming to work each day and working with the Community Members. Seeing how my input helps, along with the clinical team, to make the Community Members reach their individual goals is inexplainable.
I have come to “love the Community Members” as well as the staff here at Karis. I experience the interaction between the Community Members, the Community Members interacting with the clinical team, and the clinical team by themselves. The respect that is shown by all is so heartwarming and valued. I have never experienced any place like Karis before. The Community Members and the support staff work together “seamlessly” in a way that encourages Community Members to not only “live their best lives” but also to make a difference in each other’s lives. The Community Members have taught me even more. The individual Community Member and the Community combined continue to teach me about unconditional caring, respect, appreciation, and love that, in the past, only my children have been able to teach me.
There is a job description for the position I hold, but leadership has encouraged me to “think outside the box”; they are always receptive to any ideas I present, which makes me feel most appreciated and valued as a team member. One of the most enjoyable times I have at Karis is the Thursday Community Dinner, where the support team and the Community Members share a meal together cooked by a Community Member. We learn even more about each other outside of the daily interactions we experience. It feels like a “family” conversing while enjoying a wonderful meal.
I have had the pleasure of attending a few “Rock Passing” ceremonies at Karis for both a graduating Community Member and an intern who transitioned into their first job. The experience is always an emotional one for me, both mentally and physically. To see a Community Member or intern “move on” to begin the next chapter in their life and know that I played a part in this transition is beyond words.
I have had the pleasure of attending a few “Rock Passing” ceremonies at Karis for both a graduating Community Member and an intern who transitioned into their first job. The experience is always an emotional one for me, both mentally and physically. To see a Community Member or intern “move on” to begin the next chapter in their life and know that I played a part in this transition is beyond words.
To say that Karis is a “jewel” is an understatement. To say that Karis should be “cloned” should become a reality. For my part, I will continue to taut Karis’s effectiveness not only for those who manage serious and persistent mental illness but for those supporting them by becoming their best advocate.
Miriam Bouley
Operations and Community Services Manager
As Miriam’s former manager, I can tell you first hand there is no better person for this job!
– Christine Coronis