Thursday, November 29, 2012

Tom Rodman Tributes

Tom Rodman, 2012, Westont, IL

Tom Rodman (1940-2012), consummate trainer, teacher, counselor, humorist, writer, actor, caregiver, classical music genius (did you know that he conducted the Dallas Symphony Orchestra when he was 12!?) -- and great husband and friend!  We celebrate his life, his passions, the humor, deep insight, and caring that he brought into so many lives, working in the helping/counseling/recovery professions from his 20's through his 70's!

Tom Rodman, Phoenix House Outing in late 1960's. Thanks to Morty Sklar.

We want to share together a celebration of Tom Rodman's amazing life and genius. For those who knew Tom, he was simply unforgettable! In the comments section, please feel free to share any memory or story, contribution, tributes as you remember how he influenced your life, thinking, learning, recovery, insights -- your creative, musical, and happy comedic moments as he did for so many of us. There's a lot to share!  Tom impacted so many lives in theater and in music when he was young -- and for decades in counseling and training counselors in addiction and alcoholism treatment from NYC to Texas to Illinois. 
Pictures of Tom Rodman and of Tom with his Father. 1967

His brief bio as best we have it is below with our tributes.  Join us in sharing memories of his wisdom and spirit that it will remain in our hearts and in our love...  Tom passed away peacefully in his sleep the night of November 27, 2012.

Please send us any pictures of Tom -- we'd love them and will post in this gallery!

Sandra Hudlow Rodman - 425-214-2926 ... Sandra's Email
  - www.rightbrainaerobics.com
Maya Hennessey - 623-875-0451... Maya's Email 
- www.mayahennessey.com

See Tom Rodman's Blog on Right Brain Aerobics
Sandra, Maya & Tom: www.rightbraincounseling.blogspot.com

Tom's Overview Bio and Organizations where he worked or consulted.

Thomas J. Rodman, M.A., C.A.D.C. 
(3/9/40 - 11/27/12)

Education:  Master of Arts in Liberal Studies, New School for Social Studies, NYC, Psychology of Creativity.  B.A., Baylor University, Waco, TX.  Extensive Certifications in Training and Counseling, including IAODAPCA Cert. #16820. Note: As a young student Tom studied classical music conducting, and conducted the Dallas Symphony Orchestra at age 12.  Tom also studied extensively with Nathaniel Brandon, author, The Psychology of Self-Esteem. -- SHR

Historical notes: 
As a young student Tom studied classical music conducting, and conducted the Dallas Symphony Orchestra at age 12.  Tom also studied extensively with Nathaniel Brandon, author, The Psychology of Self-Esteem. -- SHR
In a conversation with Tom's good friend from Baylor University, Jim Dickinson (Winner of an American Music Award for Lifetime Achievement), a couple of years ago, Jim told me that Tom also played base on one of his "Mudboys & the Neutrons" albums... Jim passed away a couple of years ago; he told me he was very proud that "Mudboys & the Neutrons" was called by Bob Dylan the best band you never heard of...! -- SHR 

Tom Rodman's Professional work in recent years and through 2012
Cadence Health/Central DuPage Hospital, Chicago - Trainer and Therapist
Consulting Advisor to Right Brain Aerobics (www.rightbrainaerobics.com)

Previous:
Cornell Interventions, Chicago, Training Coordinator
Vision for Change LARC, Lexington, OK, Substance Abuse Program Director
Interventions Turning Point, Southwestern Illinois, Correctional Center, East St. Louis, IL
Assistant Director

Texas
Austin Recovery Center, McCabe, Case Manager
Texon Management Group, Austin, TX, Counselor
Wackenhut Corrections Corporation - New Vision Chemical Dependency Treatment Facility, Kyle, TX, Counselor
Champions Residential Psychiatric Century Health Corporation, Houston, TX, Therapist/Treatment Coordinator

NYC
Phoenix House Foundation, Inc., Deputy Director, Inpatient, Program Director, Adult Outpatient Program, Senior Counselor, John F. Kennedy H.S. Program, and numerous other positions and consultations.

Theater 
Historical Note: Recollecting things Tom or his friends Jimmy Browning (who introduced Tom & I at Baylor University) and Jim Dickinson told me....

Tom was well known for brilliant comedic acting at Baylor University during Paul Baker's tenure -- particularly an acclaimed leading role performance in "Charlie's Aunt" directed by Ivan Rider.  He studied with Paul Baker (famous creator of both the Baylor University experimental Drama Dept. and the Dallas Theater Center program which was housed in the famous building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, a friend of Baker's); and with Director Ivan Rider (see productions, Dallas Theater Center) as well as Juana de Leban; Juana de Leban's biography was written by Robyn Baker Flatt, Paul Baker's daughter, who was a friend of Tom's as were Baylor actresses Marie Cheatham. and Nancy Barett. -- SHR