Meet our new Executive Director, Alex Bullen Coutts

2023-11-03T16:59:48-04:00June 8th, 2023|In the News, News, Top News|

Hello!

I am thrilled to have joined the team at the Martha’s Vineyard Center for Education and Training as Executive Director. It’s been a whirlwind first month on the job – I’ve loved getting to know the team, meeting with community partners, and dreaming up new ways to grow programs and continue to serve the island community with exciting opportunities for career development, higher education and personal growth.

A few weeks back I was honored to be interviewed by the Vineyard Gazette – if you missed the article, read it here  – where I shared a bit about my history, my passion for working with young adults, and my commitment to lifelong learning.

A few hot takes, if you’re into that kind of thing…

  • I’ve been working in nonprofits and education on the Island for about a decade, most recently at the MV Charter School as a community outreach coordinator. Before that, I worked at the Island Wide Youth Collaborative, developing programming for young adults. You may have seen a weekly newsletter and instagram account I managed, called Oyster MV.  It’s my dream to bring some of that same sense of community-building and social engagement to MVCET.
  • I strongly believe that our career paths don’t have to be linear. In my twenties, I was a yoga teacher, waitress, and wrote novels for young adults. In my early thirties, I was home with my kids. Sometimes the road to a job you love is long and winding; sometimes there are switchbacks and hairpin turns. You may decide to  jump tracks completely. At MVCET, it’s our goal to be here for you, wherever you are in your journey to meaningful employment.
  • I can’t wait to meet and hear from you! Our mission at MVCET is to serve learners and job-seekers of all ages, living year-round on Martha’s Vineyard. If that’s you, give a shout!  What would you like to see offered at MVCET? We have so many exciting new programs in the works – from nursing to small business support, computer programming to early childhood education. What are we missing? Drop a line, send us a DM, or stop by our new office to say hello.

Lastly,

Be sure to give us a follow on Instagram if you haven’t yet, and stay tuned for more newsletters and a fresh new look. We’ll be sharing lots of photos of programs, events and behind-the-scenes glimpses of summer so far.

Here’s to a happy, productive season – with lots of beach breaks, time in the garden, meals with friends and fun in the sun. 

Excited to be on this journey with you all,

Alex

Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid CPR AED Certification

2023-02-24T12:21:04-05:00February 9th, 2023|, , , |

Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid CPR AED is geared towards anyone involved in childcare who have a duty to respond to illnesses and injuries in a child or infant in the first few minutes until professional help arrives. Including: childcare workers, teachers, camp counselors, etc. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive a course completion card, valid for two years.  This certification is REQUIRED to become a licensed Early Childhood Educator, and is free of charge to you! 

In this course, you will learn:

  • First aid basics including medical, injury, poison, and environmental emergencies, preventing illnesses and injuries and controlling bleeding & bandaging. Covers topics like using a tourniquet, shock, internal bleeding, burns and electrical injuries, allergic reactions, breathing problems & dehydration, diabetes & low blood sugar, heat-and cold-related emergencies, drowning, amputations, bites and stings, broken bones and sprains. Also covers splinters, nose bleeds, fainting, seizures, and injuries to the head, eyes, neck, spine, mouth, and teeth.

This six hour training is scheduled over two Thursday evenings at MVCS, March 23rd & March 30th, from 6pm-9pm.  You must attend both sessions.  If you plan to attend, please RSVP to the March 23rd event below (registering for the first class covers your registration for both classes).