Employment History:

Published Works:
Ms. Flohr worked in New York's theater arts industry in the 1960s doing lighting design, theater production and performance. She later used her theater skills to work with families and individuals with mental illnesses and developmental disabilities. She used her expertise in psychodrama to train individuals working in the mental health fields and assist institutional change from state hospitals around the country. She eventually became director of the Center for Special Problems in San Francisco and later served as the assistant director of the City and County of San Francisco Community Behavioral Health Services. She has also worked as an interior architect and designer with Design Ideas. She has established unique programs for the mental health treatment of individuals with various problems not previously addressed by the community such as victims of violence, trans-gender individuals, homosexuals and perpetrators of physical and sexual abuse. She also implemented new interventions and treatment approaches for individuals with drug and alcohol addictions, violence issues and developmental disabilities.

Public Speaking Experience:

Why She is an Expert:
Ms. Flohr brings knowledge, experience, [and] an ability to teach and communicate to whatever discipline she partakes in

Best Advice:
“Pursue your dream. Work collaboratively, not alone. And even if you don’t get there, start the dream for others to get excited about. You will have made a significant contribution to others and the world.”

Passionate about:

Biography Excerpt:
Rinna B. Flohr is a specialist in mental health managed care as well as an artist, gallery director, and interior and floral designer. For 37 years, she worked for the city and county divisions of the San Francisco Department of Public Health - first as a social worker, and then as the director of the Center for Special Problems. Later, she worked as the assistant director of mental health overseeing a private provider network of psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers and licensed marriage and family therapists. When her house burned down in the Oakland, California Firestorm of 1991, Ms. Flohr studied interior design and rebuilt her home. In the process, she practiced interior design and floral design. Presently, she is the founder and director of Expressions Gallery in Berkeley, California. She brings artists, musicians, dancers and their art together with the community to strengthen appreciation of the arts.

     

Cambridge Who's Who: What is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?  
MS. RINNA B FLOHR :  There are three things. The leadership I was able to [provide] in the mental health field in San Francisco, specifically as the director of the Center for Special Problems, which worked with victims of violence, sex and drug abuse; also gay, lesbian and bisexual individuals struggling with society’s discrimination and their own inner feelings. Second was the development of the PPN (Private Provider Network) in San Francisco, a network of psychotherapists who worked with the poor. Third, starting and running Expressions Gallery in Berkeley, California.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your career?
Finding my passion and following it to benefit others.

What are your short-term and long-term career goals?
To continue to develop Expressions Gallery into the vision I have, and to find someone to eventually take it over and continue its mission as a community arts center. I hope it lasts long beyond my own lifetime.