Christie’s Place Renee Sievert Board Member
By JP Emerson
I am Renee Robinson Sievert and I have worked in the healthcare field for over 40 years in behavioral health, inpatient care, outpatient services, addiction treatment, HIV/AIDS, and private practice. I entered the HIV field in 1989 when the UCSD HIV Neurobehavioral Research Center (HNRC) was established to comprehensively examine the progression of HIV infection in the central nervous system. (Here is an article about the opening of the HNRC)
I am a Registered Nurse with a master’s degree in counseling psychology and am licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I am also a Brené Brown Certified Daring Way and Dare to Lead Facilitator, and a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF) and the International Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT). I am an instructor and mentor coach at two ICF-accredited coach training organizations: Martha Beck’s Wayfinder Life Coach training and the Center for Equus Coaching (www.EquusCoach.com).
My current services include consulting, teaching, and coaching with individuals, leaders, and teams. I travel across the country to facilitate workshops focused on leadership development and team building. Whether we are in the boardroom or at the ranch with horses, my clients can enhance their self-awareness, leadership presence, teamwork, and communication skills.
Would you please tell us how Christie’s Place came to be?
Christie and Angel Torres were diagnosed with HIV in 1985. Irene Milton legally adopted Christie as an adult and provided support to her and her family. They navigated together through the early years when there were few medications available and professionals in the field were challenged with learning about testing, prevention, progression, and treatment. Angel died in 1992 and Christie died in 1994. Irene Milton and a group of professionals supporting her dream worked tirelessly to create a haven for women, children, and families. This support center has been a way to honor Christie and provide the services that women need.
Christie’s Place opened in 1996 and we will celebrate our 30th Anniversary next year!
Please tell us about your history with the organization?
During the early years of the HIV epidemic, there were relatively few resources for women. Several HNRC staff members offered free support groups in our community and I volunteered to start a bereavement group as well as a support group for HIV+ women in 1991. Initially, there were one or two women in the meetings, then 5, then 10, and soon there were two different women’s support groups and a co-ed group, all well-attended. The early Women’s Groups were initially held at the Owen Clinic, then at the AIDS Foundation, and at Being Alive. We happily moved the groups to Christie’s Place when those doors were opened.
Irene Milton was a friend of mine. We worked together, facilitated groups and events together, and spent many long evenings discussing what more could be done to support women, children, and families in San Diego County and nationwide.
Christie and Irene will continue to live in my heart and will always be an inspiration to me.
What is the importance of Christie’s Place for our community?
Christie and a small group of women were brave enough to speak up and say what they needed. The community listened. Irene Milton founded Christie’s Place with a few small donations, a few professionals, and lots of volunteers, many of whom were HIV+ women. Over the years, the agency evolved into a comprehensive support center.
Christie’s Place is a center of excellence and a nationally acclaimed model. Clients can participate in a wide range of services, in a home-like environment, provided by incredibly dedicated staff, with access to a network of collaborative partners that empower women and families to help themselves and each other.
The WORD is Hope, Healing, and Empowerment
Christie’s Place is founded on a principle of hope and seeks to instill a sense of empowerment in all clients. We like to say, “Love Grows Here.” This healing experience offers a unique resource in our community.