In 2012, Tani in partnership with Marcia Yangapatty (Co-founder of In Touch Ministry), developed the first study tour program on the campuses of NCU.  The program was based in Guyana, South America and was supported by the Linden Local Government body and the Regional Chairman's Office in Guyana, South America. Over a three-year period; he enrolled several students to participate in the Guyana Study Tour Program. The tour incorporated community outreach initiatives, professional development training for police and immigration officers, counselling, youth empowerment and mental health workshops as well as fieldwork and internship placement for junior and senior NCU social work students.  

 

In December of 2015, Tani decided to take a much-needed break from full-time lecturing at the university level and subsequently resigned from his position at NCU. In early 2016, he migrated to Japan to teach English as a Language Instructor. Notwithstanding, he continues to participate in global social work endeavors as well as attending research conferences whenever possible, and as stated above, he teaches online classes on occasions

 

In his final months at NCU, Tani coordinated and co-hosted the 2015 World Social Work Day Conference held at NCU. As the Social Work Program Coordinator at the time, and with the agreement of the department chair; he awarded Mrs. Suzan Simes-Graham, the Special Humanitarian Award for her outstanding contribution to regional and national development in Jamaica and the Caribbean. 

 

EDUCATION

University of the People, California, USA (2020 - 2021)
Master of Education (M.Ed.)

Degree Focus Areas:

• Advanced Teaching at the Elementary and Middle School Specialization 

 

Andrews University, Michigan, USA (2010 - 2011)
Advanced Master of Social Work 

Degree Focus Areas:

• Advanced Social Work Practices

• Advanced Social Policy and Clinical Practices 

• Advanced Fieldwork and Research Practice 

 

Certificate in International Social Work (CISW) 

Completed in Namibia, South Africa, and Zambia

Certificate Focus Areas:

• International Public Health 

• African Woman and Children Studies

• Organizational Community Assessment

• Climate Change and Sustainable Development

 

Northern Caribbean University, Jamaica, W.I. (2005 - 2009)

Bachelor of Science in Social Work,(BSc.)

 

PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE 

2023 - Present 

International Homeroom Teacher 

Kansai International Academy - Sakura International School 

 

2019 - 2023 

Language Instructor

Altia Central, Japan 

 

2016 - 2019 

Language Instructor

International Education Research and Analysis Corporation (INTERAC), Japan 

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2016 - 2017

Online Social Work Instructor 

Northern Caribbean University, Department of Behavioural and Social Sciences

 

2011 - 2015 

Instructor of Social Work/Social Sciences

Northern Caribbean University, Department of Behavioural and Social Sciences

 

Jan - May 2014 (Contract)

Part-time Instructor of Social Work/Social Sciences

Jamaica Theological Seminary, Mandeville Campus, Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica

 

2010 - 2011

Graduate/Research and Teaching Assistant

Andrews University, Department of Social Work, Berrien Springs, Michigan, USA

 

Jan - May 2009 

Intern Social Worker/Counsellor

Chaplaincy Services Branch, Jamaica Constabulary Force, Mandeville, Manchester

 

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP

International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW)

Jamaica Association of Social Workers (JASW) 

Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) 

National Integrity Action, Jamaica (NIA) 

Epsilon Nu, Phi Alpha Honor Society

 

CONSULTATION SERVICES AND OUTREACH 

Certified International Social Worker 

Study Tour and Educational Consultant

Certified Trainer and Consultant for Healing Intervention and the Prevention of Sexual Violence 

Volunteer Chaplain and Trainer, Jamaica Constabulary Force, Chaplaincy Services Unit

 

CONFERENCE AND RESEARCH ABSTRACTS 

 

Gray D, Tani. Promoting Cultural Connections in Social Work Education Through Study Tour Initiatives. Abstract accepted for paper presentation at The Reaching Out Together: Connections Through Social Work International Conference: 2015, April 28 - May 1, The University of The Fraser Valley in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada

 

Gray D, Tani. A Review on Gender Disparity, Sexual Exploitation, and Human Trafficking on the African Continent. Abstract accepted for paper presentation at The International Social Work Conference on Professional Social Work in East Africa: Towards Social Development and Poverty Reduction: 2014, March 16-18, Kampala, Uganda. 

 

Gray D, Tani. Climate Change and Sustainable Development in Namibia, Southern Africa. Abstract accepted for presentation at The 30th International Congress of Psychology - ICP 2012 Conference: 2012, July 22-27 Cape Town, South Africa. 

 

PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS 

 

July 13 – 14, 2015

Improving Community Relations through Effective Community Policing: Presented to Junior and Senior Police and Immigration Officers at the Guyana Police Officers’ Training Centre, Georgetown, Guyana, South America

 

July 4th, 2014

Mental Health and Wellness: Presented at the Women’s Conference, Egbert Benjamin Exhibition Conference Centre, Linden, Guyana, South America

 

May 14, 2013

Parental Support and Effective Parenting: Presented at the Woman’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation, Parenting Seminar, Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica

 

July 9, 2013

Effective Grief Management: Presented at Linden Utility Cooperative Society Limited, Linden Town, Guyana, South America.

 

July 8, 2013 

Self Improvement in a Challenging World: Presented at the Charles Rosa Nursing School, Mackenzie Public Hospital, Linden, Guyana, South America.                                                                                                                                         

May 21, 2009

Creative and Effective Approaches to Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management: Presented to Police Officers at the Mandeville Police Department (Station) Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica

 

AWARDS/HONORS

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Awards:

Certificate of Appreciation – Guyana Police Force, Guyana [2015]​

Outstanding Service towards Program Development, NCU, [2014]​

Outstanding Service to Northern Caribbean University, NCU [Aug 20, 2013]​

Outstanding Scholastic Achievement, Braeton S.D.A. Men’s Ministry [Aug 2011]​

Outstanding Service as Assistant PRO - NCU, United Student Movement [2007]

Certificate of Appreciation –  Women’s Centre of Jamaica, Mandeville [2013]​

Special Award for Invaluable Service to the Chaplaincy Services Unit - Jamaica Constabulary Force [April 2009]

 

Honors:

Phi Alpha Honor Society Inductee - Excellence in Scholarship & high Professional Standards Phi Alpha [2011] ​

Phi Alpha Medallion of Honor – National Council of Phi Alpha Honor Society, USA [2011] ​

Honor Roll Student - Excellence in Academic Achievement - Northern Caribbean University, [2008]

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Tours