National Crisis Continuum Conference 2023

Tracy has over 15 years of experience working in the behavioral health field. She has worked in various settings including an inpatient psychiatric hospital, outpatient community-based teams, emergency departments, residential, and payor compliance. This experience has provided Tracy an opportunity to see the behavioral healthcare system from different vantage points and understand how important a robust healthcare continuum is. Tracy's professional interests are in serious mental illness, psychiatric crisis intervention, dual diagnosis, systemic influence, and innovation. She conducted a poster presentation at the National Council on Behavioral Health in 2016 and was interviewed and published by Mental Health News Weekly on innovative leadership. In 2017, she helped oversee the development and launch of Austin's first and only non-hospital bed-based residential program that treats people who are involuntarily admitted. In 2020, Tracy supported the work of a local economist who completed an economic evaluation of a 16-bed residential program and then co-authored a paper titled "Economic Evaluation of a Crisis Residential Program in Psychiatric Services". Tracy is also a Certified Clinical Aromatherapist and Certified Acudetox Specialist.

Patch Adams, clown and doctor, speaks on the Joy of Caring, focusing on their own journey in finding the joy in caring. They reveal how humor and compassion, though never taught in a classroom of medicine, need to be vital when addressing health CARE. They describe the history of how Gesundheit! Institute began, and how care can be done through silliness as well as listening (such as through 4 hour initial consultations). In this context, patients become friends, and friends become community. Join Patch's talk, and explore in yourself your own approach to finding your joy in caring.

Chief Clinical Officer - BHR Chair, AAS Advisory Council, ZeroSuicide Institute Faculty

Victor Armstrong serves as the National Director of Soul Shop for Black Churches, a national initiative to equip faith community leaders to minister to those impacted by suicide. Victor previously served as Chief Diversity Officer of RI International with responsibility for developing, creating, and implementing the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion framework throughout the organization. Prior to this role, Victor served as North Carolina DHHS Chief Health Equity Officer, with responsibility for leading the overarching strategy and operational goals to promote health equity, diversity, and inclusion across all the agency's health and human services. Victor originally joined NC DHHS as ‪Director of the NC Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, Substance Abuse Services in March of 2020, with responsibility and oversight of the public community-based mental health, intellectual and other developmental disabilities, substance use, and traumatic brain injury system in North Carolina. Prior to accepting this role, Victor spent six years as Vice President of Behavioral Health with Atrium Health. Based in Charlotte. Victor has over 30 years of experience in human services, primarily dedicated to building and strengthening community resources to serve individuals who have been historically marginalized. He is a nationally recognized speaker on issues regarding health equity and access to healthcare, particularly as it relates to individuals living with mental health challenges.

Victor currently serves on the board of directors of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention- North Carolina, RI International, I2I Center for Integrative Health, and is the host of the Strong Talk podcast. He is a member of NC Institute of Medicine (NCIOM) and serves on the Steering Committee for the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention. Victor graduated, Magna Cum Laude, from North Carolina Central University with a bachelor's degree in business management and received a Master of Social Work (MSW) from East Carolina University. He is the husband of Dr. Charletta Armstrong and the father of three sons, Carter, Alonzo, and Victor Jr.

Andres Arvizu has been with Emergence Health Network (EHN), the Local Mental Health Authority (LMHA) in El Paso County, Texas, since December 2015. Mr. Arvizu has served in multiple roles within the crisis intervention team, working as a lead therapist, program manager, and, more recently, the Crisis Intervention Team Director. In his role, he oversees the School-Based CIT, whose primary function is to respond to mental health crisis calls within the schools that offer the program. As a father of a three-year-old child diagnosed with Autism, Mr. Avizu realizes the importance of having a CIT unit that uses a multidisciplinary approach during encounters, as many individuals are not educated on ways to interact with individuals with Autism or Intellectual Developmental Disabilities properly.

MARGIE BALFOUR, MD is a psychiatrist and national leader in quality improvement and behavioral health crisis services. She is the Chief of Quality and Clinical Innovation at Connections Health Solutions, which provides 24/7 access to mental health and substance use care throughout Arizona, and is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Arizona. Dr. Balfour was named the Doctor of the Year by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing for her work at the Crisis Response Center in Tucson and received the Tucson Police Department's medal of Honor for her efforts to help law enforcement better serve the mentally ill population.

For the past 10 years, Travis has worked in both clinical and managerial roles in behavioral health. Through these experiences, he espouses the value of a healthy and functioning behavioral health care system, the power of data to drive decision making, and the importance of asking the right questions. While maintaining a broad vision for excellence and leadership, Travis has sought out best practices for behavioral health care services through research and connecting with fellow providers at a local and national level. He is an excellent training instructor, coach, meeting facilitator, and conference presenter.

Paulette Banuelos began her career in the non-profit sector in August 2016. For over 6 years, she has been working with Executive Leadership and the Board of Directors of Sycamores on various projects to ensure Sycamores’ growth and innovation. She is a champion of project management, communication, and has led the implementation of various agency-wide initiatives and business process improvements.

Her passion for social work and implementing change began while studying Latino studies at Arizona State University. Paulette has also received leadership certifications from the Latina Global Executive Leadership Program at USC, and Leadership Pasadena. Presently, she holds a leadership role on the Board of Directors of Pasadena Day Nursery.

Jackson Beck is a senior program associate with the Vera Institute of Justice's Redefining Public Safety initiative. His projects focus on improving emergency responses and promoting community-based care for people with unmet mental health and substance use needs. This work includes researching programs that dispatch civilian crisis responders instead of police, for which he was awarded Researcher of the Year in 2022 by CIT International. Jackson also partners with local practitioners and advocates to drive change in their own public safety ecosystems. Before joining Vera in 2018, Jackson assisted the communications team at Families Against Mandatory Minimums in Washington, DC, with the launch of a fact-checking initiative in the run-up to the 2016 presidential election. He also supported advocacy to secure greater resources for people in recovery from substance use disorders with United Strategies in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Jackson holds a BA in political science from Yale University.

Melissa is the inaugural Executive Director of the Sozosei Foundation. She brings 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, managing and growing large-scale, nonprofit and philanthropic organizations. Prior to joining the Sozosei Foundation, she served as Executive Director of The Educational Foundation of America (EFA), a family foundation that supports a range of organizations through grantmaking and impact investing activities. Before joining EFA, Melissa was CEO of Legal Information for Families Today (LIFT), a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing access to justice for children and families throughout New York State. Prior to her role at LIFT, she championed criminal justice reform on a national and local scale with a focus on decriminalizing mental illness.

Joe is a former Tulsa Police officer and outpatient Operational Director who brings a decade of management experience to his current role of Supervisor, Mobile Crisis. Joe has worked in a variety of crisis settings including rural and urban and is the relationship manager for our Tribal and Law Enforcement partners in Oklahoma.

Anna Bourque has a Master of Conflict Management from Kennesaw State University. Additionally, she has earned her Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. She has worked in the behavioral health field for over 30 years in such diverse roles as COO, CEO, Director and Program/Project Specialist. She has been with the State of Georgia since 2013 and the Director of Provider Relations and ASO Coordination. She is responsible for the oversight and coordination between DBHDD and administrative services organization (Beacon Health Options) as well as their partners (BHL and Qlarant).

Current Responsibilities
- Provide clinical and crisis consultation to behavioral health organizations
- Make informed recommendations on program development and process improvement through assessment and analysis of existing operations, research on national best practices, key informant interviews, and stakeholder focus groups.
- Develop implementation plans and provide technical assistance for program development and process improvement.
- Develop training content for professional development on topics including crisis services and direct care worker competencies.
- Facilitate customer meetings to monitor and achieve progress toward goals.
- Write best practice briefs on topics including operation of crisis residential units, care coordination, and policy and procedure development.
- Manage project resources and deliverables to ensure timely completion of tasks within budget.

Experience
- Direct social work practice, program supervisor, and program director of Crisis Residential Services Affiliations
- Crisis Residential Association | Member | 2017- Present
- National Association of Direct Support Professionals | Member | 2023- Present"

Gail Bower, LMSW has been with Vibrant Emotional Health (formerly Mental Health Association of NYC) for 17 years serving in capacities from crisis counselor through program management. In her current role as the Assistant Program Director of NYC Well, she oversees the Mobile Crisis Team Single Point of Access and Peer Services Program. Gail holds her MSW from Columbia University School of Social Work and has almost 20 years of experience in the crisis intervention and information & referral services field. NYC Well serves as the front door to NYC's behavioral health network, connecting New Yorkers to free confidential, high quality behavioral health information, referral, support and crisis intervention services as well as follow-up and peer support services 24/7/365 through phone, text and/or chat. NYC Well is also a member of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline network.

Jaime Brewer has been working in the field of behavioral health since 2010. She is currently the Program Manager of Intensive Family Services at Mental Health Partners in Boulder, CO and serves on the board of Directors as the Treasurer for the Crisis Residential Association. Jaime received her Bachelor of Art's in Psychology from Colorado College and her Master's in International Disaster Psychology from the University of Denver, Graduate School of Professional Psychology. Jaime's passion for helping others led her to the crisis behavioral health field. Jaime has provided services to refugees in Denver, created a community mental health training program with The Carter Center in Liberia, Africa, provided in-home therapy services to kids and teens at risk of being removed from the home, and most recently has provided leadership at various levels for Crisis and Emergency Behavioral Health Services, outpatient services, and utilization management.

Jamieson Brill (he/they), LMSW is the Call Center Director of Community Crisis Services, inc. (CCSI) in Hyattsville, Maryland. He oversees CCSI's crisis hotline and crisis chat programs. He has worked at crisis intervention and suicide prevention hotlines since 2013 and received his Master of Social Work degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore in 2020. Some of his passions within his work include supporting LGBTQ+ youth as well as empowering adults in recovery from substance use disorders.

Chauna Brocht is the Director, Crisis Services at Behavioral Health System Baltimore. Chauna’s role is to work with stakeholders to strategically plan improvements to the Central Maryland Crisis System in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Howard County and Carroll County.  Core components of the crisis system include the regional 988 Helpline, expanded mobile crisis teams, same-day access to behavioral health services and crisis stabilization centers.
As a clinical social worker, Chauna’s work over the past 16 years has been to provide services to people experiencing housing, behavioral health, medical and financial crises.  During her time spent at a health care clinic, Chauna was part of a team that implemented integrated behavioral health and medical care, Trauma Informed Care, harm reduction and health equity practices.  Prior to her social work career, Chauna worked as a policy analyst researching low-wage labor markets and poverty measurement, and as a community organizer and educator on campaigns such as instituting a living wage and stopping predatory loans.
Chauna received an MSW from the University of Maryland and an M.A. in Public Policy from the University of Minnesota.

Tina is currently the director of Affiliated Sante' Group- Eastern Shore Crisis Response. We serve 8 counties on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Our system includes call center, mobile crisis teams, safe station and CIT program. I participate in a number of workgroups in our 8-county area. I have been working in mental health for over 20 years and have been the director of ESCRS for the last 11 years.

Chief Medical Officer, one of the main writers of SAMSHA national crisis guidelines, international public speaker, National Council Medical Leadership Council

Joy is an expert in Systems Thinking, Behavioral Health Crisis Systems, Substance Use and MAT treatment, Clinical Supervision, and Leadership. Joy is an executive leader, currently holding full licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist, and Certified Clinical Supervisor, as well as an AAMFT Approved Supervisor. Joy has proven experience successfully leading large multi-million dollar operations and strategic skills in both the business and clinical aspects of programming.

Joy is the founder of Relatively Speaking Therapeutic Center, focusing on providing high-quality professional growth for clinicians through training, webinars, and supervision.

Barb Brunzell is a suicide loss survivor, Postvention Services Manager for Call2Talk, Chapter Founder and Team Leader for LOSSteam MetroWest (Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors), an active participant and former Co-Chair of the MWRCSP (MetroWest Regional Coalition for Suicide Prevention), an AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention) Healing Conversations Program Volunteer and Out of the Darkness Overnight & Community Walk Community Partner/participant, as well as a former crisis helpline volunteer. Barb was the recipient of the 2019 Massachusetts Leadership in Suicide Prevention Award.

Blaire serves as the legislative director for health policy. In this role, Blaire staffs NACo's Health Policy Steering Committee and works with county officials from across the nation to set organizational priorities and policies for public health, health care, behavioral health and long term care issues that affect local governments. Blaire holds a Master's of Public Health in community health education from the University of Maryland School of Public Health, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Blaire joins NACo from the National Association of County and City Health Officials, where she worked on community health programming on behalf of local health departments.

Christian Burgess Based in Gresham, Oregon, Christian Burgess (He/Him), LMSW, is Director of the Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH), a program of the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration administered by Vibrant Emotional Health, and which he has led since its launch in 2012. The DDH is the only crisis hotline national in scope dedicated to providing 24/7/365 crisis and emotional support for survivors and responders of natural or human-caused disasters. In 2021, Christian led the implementation of two new DDH services, an online peer support program connecting survivors and responders across disasters for mutual aid and support during recovery and a dedicated DDH Videophone for Deaf/Hard of Hearing American Sign Language users. In 2019 Christian also initiated Out @ Vibrant, Vibrant's employee affinity group for LGBTQIA+/allied staff, and represents Vibrant on the Board of Directors for National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. Immediately prior to his work at Vibrant, Christian worked for over 10 years in youth violence prevention and trauma intervention in New York City, including as Director of School Programs at Safe Horizon, one of the nation's largest service providers for victims of crime and abuse.

Tracie Bussi offers nearly 30 years of experience working with individuals with mental illness. She is a licensed social worker with 24 years of experience managing a successful, high-demand, fast-paced, non-profit, metropolitan crisis intervention program aimed at diverting individuals from unnecessary presentations at local psychiatric emergency rooms. She has extensive in hiring, training, evaluating, and providing clinical supervision to professional staff, as well as expertise in responding to suicidal behavior and providing lethality assessments. Tracie successfully balances day-to-day tasks with strategic planning, supervision of staff, maintenance of funding and community networks, and program development. She has served with Crisis Services since 1996.

Tracie received her Masters of Social Work from the State University of New York at Buffalo, in Buffalo, NY in 1997, preceded by her Bachelors in Psychology from Miami University in Oxford, OH,
in 1994.

In her role as the Crisis Services Emergency Mental Health Response Services’ Program Director, Tracie is responsible for the direction and oversight of numerous hospital diversion services:
- Mobile Outreach Program
- Crisis Intervention Training Project & Case Management Program
- Mobile Transitional Support Program for Clients Exiting In-Patient Psychiatric Care
- Trauma Response Services
- Police Mental Health Coordination Project

She oversees clinical supervision of professional staff (social workers, counselors, and other professionals), peer specialists, and occasionally graduate students. She is also responsible for:
- Data collection and aggregating program statistics for reporting to program funders, including the Erie County Department of Mental Health and Erie County Medical Center's Psychiatric Emergency Room.
- Development and maintenance of professional connections to Erie County mental health agencies, local police and ambulance agencies, two psychiatric emergency rooms, and various other community agencies.
- Coordination of Crisis Services’ Police Mental Health Coordination Project, which promotes positive working relationships between mental health providers and law enforcement professionals, as well as development of Crisis Intervention Team Training for law enforcement in Erie County.
- Maintaining 24/7 supervisory consultation for all program staff.

Her notable achievements include the development of a volunteer program which links family
survivors of suicide to newly bereaved survivors; assisting in the development of a Children’s Mobile

Crisis Response Team; and service as a Field Educator and Advisory Board Member for the University
at Buffalo’s School of Social Work.

Experienced Sr Vice President Of Clinical Services with a demonstrated history of working in the behavioral health industry for 25+ years. Committed to providing innovative thinking in clinical and operational excellence, program development and implementation, and supporting a measured-based approach. Focused on clinical quality through the use of evidence-based practices that are aligned to financial growth and sustainability. An Adjunct professor for the last 16+ years, and independently contracted as a national expert in behavioral health and trauma.

Regular speaker at national and international conferences including; The World Congress conference, NAADAC, Cape Cod Symposium, WCSAD, AAMFT conference, Philadelphia Trauma conference, Adolescent and Young Adult Conference, CORE and EASNA. Sought after speaker throughout the country on topics related to trauma-informed care, First Responders, COD, Substance use as well as family and adolescent/young adults.

Strong community and social services professional. Holds a private practice specializing in ADHD, trauma, family and adolescents/ young adults."

Cherene is an activator of healing alternatives to forced treatment and the use of confinement as systemic response to emotional distress and trauma of people labeled with mental illness. Cherene is a psychiatric, suicide attempt and trauma survivor who utilized that experience to start Promise Resource Network (PRN), a survivor operated and led organization in 2005. The agency operates nearly 20 peer-run programs including Retreat @ The Plaza peer respite and 24/7 peer warm line. Cherene is an international consultant and centers her efforts at the intersection of peer support, system transformation, and social justice through incubating crisis alternatives, providing technical assistance, training and consultation to services and systems, and uplifting organized movements to create policy and practice change.

Katrina Carnes is currently a Crisis Services Program Manager at Rocky Mountain Crisis Partners (RMCP). Katrina started at RMCP in June of 2018 as a Triage Specialist, and over the past 4+ years was on the crisis lines before moving into a Crisis Supervisor role and then in Nov of 2020 the Crisis Services Program Manager role. Katrina's role includes providing individual and group supervision to the Crisis Line Supervisors, as well as maintain, updating, and supporting the creation of Crisis Line procedures and further developing the program. Katrina began her journey in the mental health field due to personal experiences with mental health, starting with volunteering for the Alliance for Suicide Prevention in Larimer County in high school. Katrina obtained her bachelor's degree in Sociology in 2013, her first Master's in International Human Rights in 2015, and her second Master's in Child and Adolescent Psychology in June 2019. Prior to working at RMCP Katrina interned at a Domestic Violence shelter and outpatient center, worked at a residential facility for at-risk youth, and worked in the education field.

Linda Certo is a licensed clinical social worker with over 30 years of experience. She specializes
in trauma, intellectual disabilities, first episode psychosis, psychotic disorders, and disaster
response.
Linda joined Access: Supports for Living several decades ago, starting as a vocational evaluator
before moving to the clinical division where she joined the Mobile Mental Health response
team. She was a part of the initiation of OnTrack NY, an evidence-based, first episode psychosis
program, in 2016 and continues to provide oversight to the program’s clinical staff.She is
currently the Clinic Director for Access’s Kaplan Family Counseling Center in Newburgh, NY,
responsible for the clinical and administrative oversight of a team supporting over 2,500 people
yearly.
She is also an instructor in both psychology and social work at Mount Saint Mary’s College in
Newburgh, NY and was previously an instructor at SUNY New Paltz in psychology, where she
also served as the coordinator for the Institute for Disaster Mental Health. Additionally, Ms.
Certo has been a Red Cross disaster mental health responder for 25 years, an Orange County
Disaster response team active member for over 15 years, and on the Department of Health’s
Medical Reserve Corp advisory board.
Linda received her BA in psychology from SUNY Oneonta and her master’s degree in psychology
from Marist College, and her master’s degree in social work from Fordham University. Linda has
received the Orange County Project Liberty award in 2002, has been a group recipient of the
2010 Red Cross Leadership Award, the 2018 Frank Masterson Distinguished Service award, and
the 2020 Access: Supports for Living President’s Pin.

Justin Chase LMSW, MBA, FACHE, is Chief Executive Officer of Solari Crisis & Human Services. Justin is a nationally recognized subject matter expert in crisis systems, recovery-oriented systems of care, human services, non-profit organizational leadership and development. His expertise also includes developing sustainable, effective and efficient healthcare programs and systems. He has served as a behavioral health administrator, executive, network/program developer, direct practitioner and project manager within the public behavioral health, human service and child welfare systems for more than 20 years.

Justin earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from Arizona State University, a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and holds a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University. Justin is a Licensed Master Social Worker in the State of Arizona, Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality, Certified Six Sigma Green Belt, Certified Peer Support Specialist in the State of Arizona and a Fellow with the American College of Healthcare Executives. Justin also serves on the Board of Directors for the International Council for Helplines and Board President for Lifeline International.

Robyn Codrington is the Director of CriSyS, a division of The Affiliated Santé Group. She is responsible for the development, operation and management of Mobile Crisis services and associated contracts. Robyn manages all departmental employees and oversees the direction and coordination of the agency's goals, objectives, and services. With over two decades in mental health, Robyn is a trendsetter and champion of psychologically healthy workplaces. Robyn uses her experience as a business owner and certification in executive coaching to develop and grow mental health professionals into the leaders they strive to be. Robyn is an active member of NASW and NASCOD.

Ron Cordy is the Program Director at Freise Hope House based out of Crestwood Behavioral Health, Inc. in Bakersfield. He directs and coordinates the rehabilitation program and ensures compliance with policies and procedures of the overall program. Ron also oversees the education department for his facility which includes the planning, facilitation, and tracking of every employee’s orientation, in-services, and professional development. Ron started with Freise Hope House in 2011 under Recovery Innovations as a Peer Recovery Coach and was promoted to the Recovery Educator position before joining the Crestwood team in 2016. Ron is passionate about peer operated services, empowering the guests we serve to achieve their goals, and is a trained Peer Provider with an inspiring personal recovery story. Prior to his work at Freise Hope House, Ron worked as a counselor for substance abuse programs serving individuals with co-occurring disorders and is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC II). Ron believes in providing compassionate care and fervently supports the development of skills that enhance recovery and reflect the values of Crestwood.

Raina Daniels' role is currently focused on developing a coalition of peer-run phone-based mental health support programs, thanks to the California Department of Health Care Services. MHASF operates the largest statewide peer-run warmline in the nation, where Raina developed and managed the FEMA/SAMHSA-funded CalHOPE Warm Line branch in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. She additionally facilitates a monthly community of practice composed of Peer-run Warmline leaders from across the US. Raina brings systems-thinking and a frontline view to their current work building and strengthening phone-based mental health programs thanks to a career that has spanned Lifeline, 211, lgbtqi+ support and referral, teen-to-teen crisis/suicide/overdose prevention and harm reduction education, and equity-driven speakers bureau programs. Raina especially loves supporting youth, her LGBTQI+ community, and other peers in recovery to collaborate with providers, funders, and stakeholders to reform services to better meet self-determined needs.

Sera (she/her) is a filmmaker, activist, advocate, and mother of two very busy kids. As a survivor of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse as a child and domestic violence as an adult, Sera has faced many challenges throughout her own healing process, including many ups and downs with suicidal thoughts, self-injury, and seeing disturbing visions. At present, she spends much of her time working with the Wildflower Alliance (formerly known as the Western Mass Recovery Learning Community), a peer-to-peer and international training organization that has been featured in multiple publications including Foreign Policy, Oprah Magazine, and the New York Times, and was recognized in 2021 by the World Health Organization as one of two-dozen groups in the world offering exemplary, rights-based crisis alternatives. You can learn more about her and her work in an April, 2018 article in Sun Magazine: https://tinyurl.com/OpenMindSD

Eileen Davis is the Vice President of Mass211, the statewide service that connects callers to information about critical health & human services available in their community. Eileen is also the Founder & Director of Call2Talk, an emotional support, mental health and suicide prevention program that is also a designated 988 Center. Eileen oversees the operation and financial sustainability of all prevention, intervention and postvention services. Among her many awards and achievements, most recently Eileen was the recipient of the 2022 Women's Edge Award, Extraordinary Woman Advancing Healthcare in Massachusetts, and the 2023 Lifesaver Leadership Award from AFSP Massachusetts.

Lisa DeCiantis, LCMHC, is Crisis Services Team Lead, in the Community Mental Health Section of North Carolina Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services (DMHDDSUS). Lisa received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Rhode Island and her Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling from Salve Regina University. She has been with DMHDDSUS since 2015 with a focus on crisis services in North Carolina such as Mobile Crisis Management, Facility Based Crisis, Behavioral Health Urgent care the NC Psychiatric Bed Registry and leading the implementation of 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in NC.

Dr. Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon is currently Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. She previously served as Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) and served in this role for six years. Prior positions held at DMHAS include Deputy Commissioner, Senior Policy Advisor and Director of the department’s Office of Multicultural Healthcare Equity. In her role as Commissioner, Dr. Delphin-Rittmon was committed to promoting recovery oriented, integrated, and culturally responsive services and systems that foster dignity, respect, and meaningful community inclusion.

Ryan started with CommUnity as a volunteer in 2018. He has a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Music Education. As Director of Crisis Helplines, Ryan handles data related projects, evaluates program staff, and develops and facilitates program training. He has trained hundreds of staff, volunteers, and community members in ASIST and the Developmental Helping Model. In 2019, he presented research on the effect of DHM skills on client mood at the 2019 American Association of Suicidology Conference in Denver, and co-presented on crisis center rapid expansion for 988 at CrisisCon 2022.

Gretchen Domek has worked in the suicide prevention/intervention field since 2000 working at a local Lifeline Center and facilitating training in the community. She has been with Vibrant Emotional Health working with the Military Service Member, Veteran, and Family Community for the last 4 years. Gretchen has her Master of Arts from the University of Northern Iowa and is part of the Military Family Community.

Sidney Douglas is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker experienced in providing mental health services to individuals and families in crisis. Sidney currently holds the position of Program Manager for Integral Care's Expanded Mobile Crisis Outreach Response Team, an innovative program that works in conjunction with first responders to address mental health-related needs in the community.

Sidney completed her Master's in Social Work at Texas State University in 2013 and has since provided direct care in both inpatient and outpatient settings to individuals and their families. Her areas of expertise include crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and working with individuals with severe mental illness.

Christina Dupuch has over 40 years of public service in designing and implementing state and local government systems. She served as the statewide Director of Implementation for the North Carolina Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services, ensuring Evidenced-Based Practices while forecasting North Carolina’s Managed Care System. Christina also served as the liaison between DMHDDSAS and North Carolina Medicaid, assisting in operationalizing new Medicaid Policies. Her early work on a class action lawsuit to deinstitutionalize dually diagnosed individuals (IDD/BH) laid the groundwork for including Person-Centered Practices/Recovery for all individuals across all disabilities in NC. Christina enjoys weaving heart-centered leadership practices into all aspects of organizations.

Elizabeth Findley is a licensed clinical social worker in Jacksonville, Florida. They currently serve as the Crisis and 988 Director for Northeast Florida, but they have years of previous clinical experience in the child welfare system. Findley is passionate about people. They have a history of supporting individuals in crisis, creating trauma-informed systems, and participating in ongoing suicide prevention efforts. Findley is a strong advocate for teens and adolescents in their community and believes strongly in the power of connection and healthy attachments.

Yasmin (she/they) is a Hispanic, Middle Eastern, bisexual Central Florida leader in mental health and LGBTQ+ advocacy that lives with cPTSD and Dissociative Disorder. After bringing a UCF student mental health organization from 20 to over 200 members, Yasmin worked in the mental health response to Orlando's Pulse tragedy. Today, Yasmin works as the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Peer Support Space, Inc. a nonprofit which has created lived experience led communal healing spaces for over 22 communities, focusing on populations that lack access to quality mental health resources. Yasmin has received countless recognitions including getting recognized as UCF’s 30 under 30, a Everyday Hero by News 13, Leaders of Tomorrow by Watermark and having her biography read into the congressional record for Women’s History Month.

Matthew L. Goldman, MD, MS, FAPA, is the Medical Director for the King County Crisis Care Center Levy Implementation Plan, a voter-approved initiative to invest $1.25 billion into five crisis centers, new residential treatment facilities, and workforce development programs across Seattle/King County. Prior to joining King County, he was the Medical Director for Comprehensive Crisis Services in the San Francisco Department of Public Health where he had direct clinical and administrative oversight of a crisis call center and adult and child mobile crisis teams, led planning for 988 implementation, and advised on the development of a new crisis stabilization unit. Dr. Goldman is a Volunteer Clinical Assistant Professor in the UCSF Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, he serves as a board member of the American Association of Community Psychiatry, he is a member of the American Psychiatric Association's Council on Advocacy and Government Relations, he sits on the Expanding First Response Commission for the Council of State Governments Justice Center, he co-chairs the Policy Advisory Group for the journal Psychiatric Services, and he serves on the National Council for Mental Wellbeing's Medical Director Institute where he co-chairs a committee on crisis services. He is also a physician scientist studying mental health and substance use crisis services and suicide prevention in California, Arizona, Georgia, and Ohio, with grant funding from the National Institute of Mental Health (PI: R03), the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. From 2018-2019 he was a Policy Fellow in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration through the Health and Aging Policy Fellowship. He graduated from Pomona College and the UC Berkeley - UCSF Joint Medical Program, and he completed his residency and chief residency in psychiatry at Columbia University and the New York State Psychiatric Institute as well as the Public Psychiatry Fellowship at UCSF.

Rebecca is the Urgent Care Director with Access: Supports for Living. Rebecca has been with ASFL for the past 7 years and has been with the Urgent Care program since its inception, starting as the Urgent Care clinician and progressing to team leader, and now Director. Rebecca oversees three Urgent Care locations in the Hudson Valley NY and works to collaborate with community members, community providers, and local school districts. Rebecca executes the program development of two CCBHC projects. Other responsibilities include collaborating closely with the Mobile Mental Health team and partnering with the health informatics team to provide overall better quality care.

Adam Graham is a crisis and clinical consultant with TBD Solutions, working with community mental health and crisis systems across the country to launch, improve and innovate services. Adam draws on a history of 14 years in community mental health in Nashville, TN, including as the Director of Emergency Psychiatric Services and as a mental health consultant for the FBI. Adam serves an adjunct professor with Vanderbilt University’s graduate counseling program and is passionate about collaboratively finding solutions to the difficult problems that we face in mental healthcare.

Brian Grant is a nurse practitioner in psychiatry, working full time at Access: Supports for Living for the past 10 years. He completed his master’s degree in nursing at SUNY Upstate Medical University, and was recognized as co-valedictorian of his graduating class. He is a lifelong resident of the Orange County, New York. He has been involved with our Mental Health and Substance use Urgent Care since its inception, both as an RN, and later as nurse practitioner in psychiatry.

Michelle Grigsby-Hackett, LCPC, CPRP, is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with over 18 years of experience in the behavioral health industry. Michelle is a graduate of Argosy University, with her Master of Arts in Professional Counseling. She has devoted her career to Proposal for: Police-Based Mobile Crisis Services April 20, 2021 13 assisting adults, children, and families who experiencing challenges with dually diagnosed with mental illness and substance abuse conditions. Michelle has served several roles during her 17 years with Affiliated Santé Group. She is currently the Chief Operating Officer for Affiliated Santé Group. In this role, she is responsible for the operational management and strategic growth and development of the organization. Michelle is dedicated to understanding the needs of our communities, as well as developing partnerships with state and local stakeholders to meet the growing needs of individuals living with behavioral health conditions, as well as those experiencing crises.

Kati Habert manages the technical assistance for the mental health and justice partnerships project, supporting state and local policymakers in identifying approaches that improve responses to behavioral health emergencies. Before joining Pew, Habert was a program director at the Council of State Governments Justice Center, where she led Stepping Up, a national initiative focusing on behavioral health and local justice systems. She also worked as a senior associate at the National Association of Counties.

Anthony Hall is a Senior Consultant with Dignity Best Practices, and the Director of Public Engagement for the DC Department of Behavioral Health. He is formerly the Director of the DC Community Response Team, and formerly the Director of the DC Behavioral Health Diversion Team. He is a national expert in crisis response with over 16 years of field experience.

George Harris is a graduate of the University of Georgia completing his MSW in 1990, and has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1994. Mr. Harris has over 25 years of crisis experience from being a crisis social worker to directing crisis stabilization units and community residential programs. For the past 12 years, Mr. Harris been the State Director for Benchmark Human Services providing leadership to its mobile crisis teams and 9 crisis homes that serve individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Trenda Hedges believes recovery is an opportunity to create the life that gives us meaning and purpose! As an independent consultant and trainer, she passionately delivers recovery education, peer training, and advocacy support that empowers systemic change. Trenda also serves in the role of Manager of Wellness and Recovery Operations with Carelon Behavioral Health, leading staff, and operations of the Illinois Warm Line. She has obtained certification and credentials as a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Educator, Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS), and Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) and is also a trauma-informed trainer. She is honored to share her experiences to convey a message of hope and healing.

Teri Herrmann serves as Chief Executive Officer of SPARC Services and Programs with its corporate office located in Charlotte, NC. In this role, Teri is responsible for the company's program and business development strategy, policy and political strategy, and oversight of the agency's clinical, quality, and financial performance. SPARC is currently providing a unique and customer-driven continuum for children, families and adults with the mission of keeping individuals out of institutionalized care.Teri has been working in the Behavioral Health field since the late 90’s and has worked with children, families, adults in residential and community-based settings. This worked has spanned individuals with mental health needs, I/DD needs, and those that are dually diagnosed. She is passionate about services and supports that allow individuals to remain in the community. Teri holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from LeMoyne College in Syracuse, NY, and a Masters in Forensic Psychology from Sage Graduate School in Albany, New York.

Peter Hilen, LMFT has worked in the field of behavioral health since 2005. Peter began working in the field of adolescent and adult substance abuse case management, family therapy, and individual therapy at Chapman Medical Center. In 2007 Peter joined Saddleback College in the Health and Human Services department teaching the Crisis Intervention and Practicum Site seminar. Peter managed a variety of program types including Inpatient and Residential Substance Abuse, Outpatient Substances Abuse, Inpatient Geriatric and Adult Psychiatric, and Adult Crisis Residential Programs. Peter has participated on several community and privately held corporate boards such as the Salvation Army in Los Angeles, Crisis Residential Association, the Orange County Substance Abuse Network, and the A.F. Gilmore Company in Los Angeles. Peter believes in the power of recovery and in creating communities in which individuals and families can attain an empowering experience.

Katariina Hoaas, LCSW, is the Chief Clinical Officer at Access: Supports for Living Inc. Ms. Hoaas began her career with Access in 2008 and currently oversees the behavioral health, care management, housing and family services’ day-to-day operations of the agency. She provides strategic leadership and business development to Access’s Article 31 Mental Health Clinics, Personalized Recovery Oriented Services (PROS), Mental Health Residential and Care Management, Mobile Mental Health Teams, Child Welfare, and I/DD Clinical and Nursing Services and provides clinical leadership to services as needed. Ms. Hoaas is committed to customer service engagement and excellence, evidence-based and outcome-driven practices, and ensuring that the voices of people served and their identified families are always well represented. Ms. Hoaas embraces team work and is committed to supporting different teams in finding joy and high level of engagement in the work that we do. A native of Finland, Ms. Hoaas is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of New York having received her Master’s in Social Work from the University of New England, Biddeford, Maine, in 1995. Outside work, Ms. Hoaas enjoys traveling with her family, reading mystery novels, walks in the nature and is devoted to her two Maine Coon Cats.

Heather Honaker, MS, LPC, NCC- Heather is a nationally certified behavioral health professional experienced in operationalizing the mission and values of community-based services. She is a proven leader that achieves results through strategic planning and relationship building with extensive knowledge of crisis intervention and stabilization best practices that are grounded in ethics, integrity, collaboration, and enthusiasm. Known for designing and developing high-performing teams, she continuously seeks to raise the bar of excellence and hospitality in behavioral health service delivery. Heather volunteers time in several state and national trade associations to shape professional counseling and clinical services.

Bobbie is responsible for continuous review and evaluation of the provider network for quality of services, adherence to contract requirements, standards of care and performance, ensuring a full array of providers are available to meet the needs of our members while working with cross-functional teams, providers, and stakeholders.

Bobbie holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from The Pennsylvania State University and a master's degree in social work from Temple University and 23 years of experience in Non-Profit Management with a specialty in service development, growth and the implementation of children, youth, and family services.

Lidija Hurni (she/her/hers) has over 10 years of experience working in the field of mental health with concentrations in disaster behavioral health, family therapy and suicide prevention. Lidija completed her Master's Degree in counseling from Indiana University in Fort Wayne and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She is the current Assistant Director of the Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) at Vibrant Emotional Health, a position she has held since February 2023. She also served as the DDH Manager and DDH Coordinator of Best Practices in Disaster Mental Health since joining the DDH team at Vibrant in September 2017. Prior to her work at Vibrant, Lidija was the Clinical Director of the Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne Counselor Education program, and provided mental health counseling to individuals, couples, and families in a private practice.

Doug Jackson has been dedicated to Ohio social services systems for the past 24 years. His
experience includes serving people with disabilities and individuals with mental health needs, as
well as working closely with families, advocates, professionals, and lawmakers. Doug’s focus
continues to be forward-looking to improve the support system and the support staff. His
experience includes managing the services of a direct support agency, executive administration
in local and state agencies, teaching human services classes at Wright State University, and
guiding a state-operated developmental center as the Superintendent. Doug helped grow Ohio’s
ABLE program, a financial plan for people with disabilities, to be he most-used program in
America. Most recently, Doug has joined the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction
Servicesto administer Ohio’s 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and help lead Ohio’s mental health crisis
services focusing on the continuum of care for people with behavioral health needs to have
someone to call, someone to respond, a place to go, and the ability to thrive.

Elan Javanfard is a Psychotherapist (LMFT # 87054) who specializes in reintegrating the whole self, by utilizing present-focused methods of discovery and coping. Mr. Javanfard is the Division Director of Crisis Residential & Substance Services at Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services located in Los Angeles County, California. In his role he oversees 24 crisis residential beds, 40 substance recovery beds, and integrated substance treatment with clients experiencing diverse issues, with goals of crisis stabilization and hospital diversion. He also serves as an adjunct professor at Pepperdine University's Graduate School of Education & Psychology.

Renee Is a Certified Peer Specialist Supervisor at Solstice House Peer Run Respite. As a radical queer abolitionist, they seek to subvert systems of oppression by building alternative pathways towards healing, connection and love.

Cal Jenkins, M.S., is the Manager of Research and Evaluation for the Peg’s Foundation’s Clear Pathways Initiative. In this role, she leads a pilot to test an approach for enhancing governance and standard operating procedures between 9-1-1 and 9-8-8 in five Ohio counties. She collaborates with local partners and various subject matter experts to develop, implement, and evaluate the pilot.

In Ohio, Cal has contributed to development of the statewide behavioral health crisis services directory and worked with Nationwide Children’s Hospital to align community-based crisis response services with their Integrated Care for Kids pilot project. Prior to her work in Ohio, Cal was an assistant and coordinator at the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute in Texas, where she provided technical assistance for emergency room and jail diversion programs and participated in several behavioral health system assessments.

Cal holds a B.A. and M.S. in Criminology from The University of Texas at Dallas, where she held leadership roles in various student organizations including serving as president of both the Black Student Alliance and the Criminal Justice Honor Society.

Ms. Jones is the System Administrator for Affiliated Sante' Group's EHRs including Credible Inc, Behavioral Health Link, and ECR systems. Ms. Jones manages EHR configuration, accessibility, data extrapolation, system integration, and is the main point of contact for all EHR software agencies. Ms. Jones works with program leadership to ensure documentation success, data integrity, and develop trainings and resource materials to ensure data deliverables are captured and all documentation regulations and standards are met.

Rick Kellar is the President and CEO of Peg's Foundation, a position he has held since 2005. Born out of personal experience, Rick challenges the status quo to advance access to behavioral health care, student achievement, and appreciation for the creative arts. He believes Ohio can serve as a template for the nation, inspiring others to "Think Bigger!"

Prior to the foundation, he spent 28 years in the U.S. Army, including service in the Infantry and Special Forces (Green Beret). His work included a variety of leadership positions at the Joint Special Operations Command and at the Pentagon as the Director of Resourcing for the United States Army Operations and Readiness Initiative, supervising an $8.6-billion annual program.

Rick holds a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering from the United States Military Academy, West Point and a Master of Business Administration from Syracuse University Summa Cum Laude.

Rick served as a member and president of the Tallmadge School Board since 2005. He currently serves on the LeBron James Family Foundation Community Advisory Board, is a member of the CEO Alliance for Mental Health, and is a founding board member of Mindful Philanthropy. Rick was awarded a Doctor of Science, honoris causa, from Northeast Ohio Medical University.

I initially began my academic career studying for a degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology. While attending my undergraduate university, I was able to take a Victimology course and found my passion in helping and supporting survivors. I began interning with a local police department as a Domestic Violence Victim Advocate and went on to intern with a local Domestic Violence Shelter. Following graduation, I chose to pursue a Social Work degree so that I could continue to serve and support survivors. After completing my Master of Social Work Degree, I was hired at Atrium Health as a Domestic Violence Counselor. While at the hospital I learned that CMPD had a Co-Responder Unit and felt that this role would be the perfect combination of my degrees. I have been a CPCRT Clinician since September of 2021. In this role I work towards connecting consumers with appropriate community resources to keep individuals in their environments and to reduce inappropriate hospitalizations.

Melody Keown is a dedicated professional with a passion for mental health and a commitment to
making a positive impact on individuals in crisis. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology,
which she earned from Southern New Hampshire University in 2021. Currently, Melody is pursuing her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the same university, and she is on her way to obtaining her License Professional Counselor License.

Prior to her career in mental health, Melody spent 20 years in sales. However, during the lockdown in 2020, she experienced firsthand the challenges of an overwhelmed behavioral health system. Inspired by her personal experience, Melody made the decision to return to school and pursue a career that would allow her to be a part of the solution and provide support to those in need.

In 2021, Melody joined Rocky Mountain Crisis Partners as a Crisis Specialist, where she gained valuable experience in crisis intervention and support. It was during this time that she became acquainted with the Follow Up program and recognized its crucial role in providing ongoing care and assistance to individuals after a crisis event. Eager to expand her knowledge, Melody took on various roles within the Follow Up department, immersing herself in the intricacies of an effective follow-up service.

Drawing from her hands-on experience and her academic studies, Melody now serves as the Follow Up Program Manager. In this leadership role, she oversees the operations and implementation of the Follow Up program, ensuring that individuals receive timely and effective follow-up care. Her dedication, combined with her educational pursuits, enables her to bring a unique blend of practical skills and theoretical knowledge to her role.

Melody's goal is to contribute to the improvement of mental health services and support systems. With her empathetic nature, professional expertise, and ongoing education, she strives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges.

Mr. Labieniec has been working for Continuum of Care's Acute and Forensic Services since January of 2004. He now oversees the growing division which has expanded from New Haven into Bridgeport and Norwalk. The Crisis programs have become a critical necessity in their communities and have grown a reputation of excellence in serving the most vulnerable and at risk populations. Mr. Labieniec's commitment to recovery, client centered care and collaboration has developed a model of care that has now gained recognition across the state.

Tiffany Lacy Clark is the President and CEO of Behavioral Health Response, a behavioral health provider in Missouri.

Johnell Lawrence (they/he) is currently the Director of Equity and Belonging at Vibrant Emotional Health. Formerly, they worked at the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene serving as the Deputy Director of Clinical Operations Support for the COVD-19 response. Their framework and expertise is co-creating new systems within organizations by disrupting inequitable processes that reinforce persistent harm caused through anti- Black racism, sexism, transphobia, ableism and other forms of oppression. They have a strong background in facilitating groups and conversations around the impacts of racism, oppression and supremacy work culture within systems as a whole. Johnell's work centers healing, liberation and collaboration amongst all stakeholders while building bridges towards reimagining systems of care and disrupting cultures of neglect.

Yolanda was most recently Senior Director, Safety and Justice with The Pew Charitable Trusts, where she oversaw Pew's work to improve justice-related efficiencies at the state and local levels of government, including oversight for public safety performance, mental health, and civil legal system modernization. Before joining Pew, Yolanda served as the district court administrator for the Atlanta Judicial Circuit, where she managed the courts in Fulton County, Georgia, designing initiatives to improve public safety, including a focus on judicial administration, criminal and civil case management, mental health, and justice reinvestment. Yolanda has served as a faculty member for Michigan State University's Judicial Administration program, vice president of the National Association for Court Management, founding member of the Fulton County Smart Justice Advisory Council, and president of the Georgia Council of Court Administrators. She also has experience as an executive producer, host, and commentator for several TV shows covering justice-related issues. A certified court manager, Lewis is an appointee to the Racial Equity Advisory Board for the District Court of Columbia and a board member of the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System in addition to a host of other local and national affiliations.

Dr. Helen Littrell's interest in suicide prevention and crisis intervention started in 2012, when she was a volunteer for Lifeline in Australia. Dr. Littrell holds Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and in Commerce from the Australian National University, and a Master's and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Denver. Her doctoral dissertation focused upon optimal suicide prevention techniques in a team setting. Dr. Littrell has worked as a caseworker, in a therapeutic residential community, performed psychological testing at a private practice, and worked as a therapist at community mental health (CMHC) and in sliding scale settings. She became a Licensed Psychologist in 2021. Dr. Littrell was a Suicide Prevention Coordinator at a local CMHC where she rebuilt and facilitated suicide prevention focused training programs, revamped an acute treatment unit's group structure and content, and provided consultation to implement the Zero Suicide Initiative. Since 2021 Dr. Littrell has worked at Rocky Mountain Crisis Partners as the Crisis Services Director. She directly supervises six Program Managers who supervise 20+ supervisors. Since being in this role she has launched an internship program, updated employee recognition, helped roll out a new EHR, and overhauled how leaders have been trained and the standard of supervision quality. She was also a key player in coordinating a successful 988 launch.

Dr. Jennifer Lockman is an Assistant Professor in the Depression and Suicide Center in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Lockman's research program focuses on developing and testing brief, recovery-focused interventions for crisis settings and training the mental health workforce. She partners with Crisis Leaders across the United States and Internationally, believing that the best research and research-to-practice , happens only in partnership with Crisis Leaders, Peers, and Persons with Lived Experiences of Suicide. Dr. Lockman also leads the THRIVE clinic at UAB, which offers suicide-specific brief recovery-focused interventions and outpatient therapy across the Campus and Hospital continuum.

Dr. Stephanie Logan (she/her/hers) has been the CEO of DeafLEAD since its inception in 1995. DeafLEAD is a non-profit organization committed to meeting the crisis intervention needs of Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened and DeafBlind individuals nationwide. For over 28 years, Dr. Logan has focused her efforts on DeafLEAD providing culturally and linguistically appropriate services for the Deaf community. Dr. Logan is a proud graduate of the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) with a BA in Psychology. She has her Masters in Business Administration from William Woods University and her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Missouri. She is a Late-Deafened adult as a result of spinal meningitis over thirty-two years ago. Dr. Logan uses her unique perspective to educate professionals and to help bridge the gap between the Hearing and Deaf communities.

Dr. Jana Lord is a Chief Operating Officer at Sycamores, one of the largest mental health organizations in Los Angeles California. She brings her vast experience in mental health to her oversight of all mental health programs provided in the Antelope Valley, San Fernando Valley, Highland Park and San Gabriel Valley, all geographical areas within Los Angeles County, and the agency wide operation of Co Occurring department. Dr. Lord has been instrumental in the expansion of Sycamores’ services, which includes the launch of Sycamores’ Mobile Crisis Outreach Team, Palmdale Family Resource Center and mental health services provided in Riverside County, California. In addition to working for Sycamores since 2007, Dr. Lord has taught graduate courses on Interventions with Children and Adolescents, Law and Ethics and Psychological Testing. Dr. Lord has also been in private practice, as a licensed Clinical Psychologist, since 2004 and specializes in loss and grief, anxiety and navigating life transitions. Dr. Lord is seasoned in conducting trainings for mental health professionals throughout Los Angeles County in Law and Ethics, Child Abuse, Crisis Management, Loss and Grief, and Differential Diagnosis.
Dr. Lord received two Bachelor of Science degrees in Neuroscience and Psychology from Muskingum University in Ohio and her Masters and Doctoral degrees at California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles at Alliant International University.

Rista Luna, MA, MS. is a behavioral health professional with extensive experience in hospital administration, and a solid clinical background. She completed her M.A. in research psychology from the New School for Social Research, and a M.S. in Counseling Education from Western Connecticut State University. Ms. Luna has presented on topics including level of care determination and the implementation of canine-assisted therapy in various conferences, including Crisis Conn '22 and the American Academy of Suicidology 2023 conference. Ms. Luna worked as Director of Admissions and Crisis Services at Princeton House Behavioral Health, and, more recently, she served as Director of Admissions and Utilization Review at Silver Hill Hospital. She is currently the Family Program Coordinator at Continuum of Care in New Haven, CT. In total, she has more than 25 years of experience in hospital administration and the provision of crisis services. She is an expert in insurance authorization, patient placement, and the referral and transfer of patients suffering from mental illness.

Patricia S. Markwell, a dedicated professional with an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the field of mental health and substance use. Patricia is currently a candidate for a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree at the University of Arizona Global Campus. Patricia holds a Master of Nonprofit Management and Urban Policy from the prestigious New School University in New York City. This academic achievement provided her with a solid foundation in understanding the complexities of managing nonprofit organizations and navigating urban policy landscapes. Her multidisciplinary background equips her with a unique perspective when approaching the challenges faced by individuals seeking mental health, substance use support and services.

With over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Patricia's dedication and passion have been honed through a diverse range of roles and responsibilities. Her remarkable journey has led her to Rocky Mountain Crisis Partners, where she has served as the Substance Use Response Coordinator for the past 3 years. In this capacity, Patricia has played a pivotal role in coordinating and implementing programs that address substance use concerns in the Colorado community.

Patricia's unwavering dedication to breaking down barriers to treatment and support for individuals who use substances is at the core of her work. She is a passionate advocate for creating inclusive and accessible avenues to recovery and support, working to ensure that those in need have access to the resources necessary for their recovery and well-being.

Drew Martel (LISW, CADC) is the Chief Clinical and Training Officer with Foundation 2 Crisis Services. Drew has dedicated his career to developing and presenting on crisis intervention and suicide prevention at both state and national conferences. His work has been instrumental in the development and expansion of several crisis intervention and suicide prevention initiatives in Iowa. Drew's expertise includes developing crisis intervention frameworks, the development of a co-responder model, care coordination for Iowa's Zero Suicide Initiative Project, and helping to develop one of the first Mobile Crisis Programs in the state. Drew is also a site surveyor for The American Association of Suicidology, demonstrating his commitment to ensuring the highest standards of care in the field. In addition to his work at Foundation 2, Drew provides therapy at Meadowlark Psychiatric. Drew is a military veteran who lives in Cedar Rapids with his wife Anna, daughters, Madeline and River, and son Ellis.

Cindy Mataraso has been with Crestwood Behavioral Health for over 20 years serving people through the principles of recovery, compassion, and acceptance. Her duties have included leadership and direct care positions. She is currently focused on developing recovery-based internships where future behavioral health professionals can learn firsthand how to apply recovery to their learning. Cindy is passionate about providing people with opportunities for growth, personal exploration, and possibility. She is a Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner. Another area she focuses on is Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

Samantha Matthews (she/her) is a policy researcher at RAND and a PhD candidate at the Pardee RAND Graduate School. Her research is focused on behavioral health, suicide prevention, and criminal justice. This work includes examining the launch of 988, leading a literature review on emergency mental health hotlines, assessing implementation of 988-911 diversion, and developing a research agenda related to people with disabilities in the justice system. Her work often includes partnerships with government agencies and nonprofits, interviews with key stakeholders, and community engagement. Prior to RAND, she worked in local government in Los Angeles County, where she collaborated with police departments and municipal staff to implement homelessness and mental health alternative response programs.

Colleen McCollough is a Program Manager at Integral Care. She manages clinicians within the 911 call center, a first-in-class and nationally-recognized project that integrates mental health clinicians within the local emergency response system (i.e., 9-1-1). This project ensures that individuals in acute mental health crisis have access to the right care at the right time.
Colleen completed her Master's in Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin in 2009. For more than 10 years prior to her work at Integral Care, Colleen provided direct mental health care to consumers in crisis in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Colleen specializes in severe mental illness, and suicide prevention and intervention.

Kaitlin serves as the Director of the Lodge Crisis Residential Program in Bucks County, PA. She has worked in the mental health field for over a decade and has worked in outpatient, partial hospital, and crisis residential settings. Kaitlin has a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology from Holy Family University.

Richard McKeon Ph.D., MPH received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the
University of Arizona, and a Master's of Public Health in Health Administration from
Columbia University. He has spent most of his career working in community mental
health, including 11 years as director of a psychiatric emergency service and 4 years as
Associate Administrator/Clinical Director of a hospital based community mental health
center in Newton, New Jersey. In 2001, he was awarded an American Psychological
Association Congressional Fellowship and worked in the United States Senate, covering
health and mental health policy issues. He spent 5 years on the Board of the American
Association of Suicidology as Clinical Division Director and has also served on the
Board of the Division of Clinical Psychology of the American Psychological Association.
He is currently Chief for the Suicide Prevention Branch in the Center for Mental Health
Services, of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, where he
oversees all branch suicide prevention activities, including the Garrett Lee Smith
State/Tribal Youth Suicide Prevention, and Campus Suicide Prevention grant programs,
the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, and
the Native Connections program. In 2008, he was appointed by the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs to the Secretary’s Blue Ribbon Work Group on Suicide Prevention. In 2009, he
was appointed by the Secretary of Defense to the Department of Defense Task Force on
Suicide Prevention in the Military. He served on the National Action Alliance for Suicide
Prevention Task Force that revised the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and
participated in the development of WHO’s World Suicide Prevention Report. He is also
the Co-Chair of the Federal Working Group on Suicide Prevention.

Dr. McKissick is a licensed psychologist and the Division Director of Meck County DSS-CFAS Clinical and Contractual Services. She leads a team of licensed mental health clinicians, nurse case managers, and contract coordinators who provide guidance, knowledge, and expertise to the Department of Social Services and other Health and Human Services Departments specific to medical and behavioral healthcare issues.

They also manage a provider network to meet the needs of individuals and monitor the network's outcomes and performance data to improve service delivery.

Andrew D. Medina, LCSW, currently serves in the role of Crisis Administrator at AHCCCS (Arizona’s Medicaid & State Mental Health Authority), bringing with him a wealth of experience and expertise since joining the organization in 2021, as the Integrated Care Manager providing oversight of the Adult and Children’s System of Care. In his current capacity, Andrew holds full responsibility for all facets of crisis-related initiatives, projects, and service provisions spanning the entire state of Arizona.

Before embarking on his AHCCCS journey, Andrew built a rich clinical background catering to diverse populations, including those classified as challenging to treat, highly acute, actively suicidal, self-harming, gender diverse, and trauma-exposed individuals. His commitment to professional growth is evident in the completion of numerous post-graduate residency programs and certifications, equipping him with the knowledge and skills to apply evidence-based practices across the entire human lifespan.

At the core of Andrew's professional ethos lies an unwavering dedication to Crisis intervention, rooted in his profound concern for the well-being of those he serves.

Steve Miccio is Chief Executive Officer of People USA. His journey with the organization started in 1999. Inspired and driven by his personal lived experience, Steve has spent over two decades creating, providing, and promoting innovative crisis response services across the U.S. and internationally. These services provide our guests with person-centered communication, trauma-informed care, empathy, and positive expectations for their recovery & overall wellness. Steve’s unique models and approaches significantly reduce hospital utilization, incarceration rates, and overall healthcare spending. Steve’s professional highlights with People USA include: First in the United States to embed peers in a hospital psych. ER (Emergency Room), paving the way for an evidence-based practice standard today. Created the Rose House model of peer-operated crisis respites / home-like alternatives to hospital psych. ERs (Emergency Room) & inpatient units. Helped open over 40 peer-operated crisis respites with his model across the U.S. and Europe. Developed OMH (Office of Mental Health) White Paper which infused Recovery-Based Principles into Mental Health Services” with input from over 40,000 New Yorkers. Created the Dutchess County Stabilization Center; first peer-run crisis stabilization center in the United States. Created the Transitional Care Wellness Team model, a unique hybrid of transitional care management and wellness coaching. Created the Westchester Forensic Mobile Crisis & Response Team Engaged in community-wide systems transformation throughout New York’s Hudson Valley region. Developed unique training programs – for hospitals, local government units, and behavioral health organizations across the U.S. Organized and provided Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training to hundreds of law enforcement throughout New York. Steve is active with the following groups: Chair of the National Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (PRA) Chair of the wellness Collaborative of New York Independent Practice Association Former Board member of CIT International Board member of the Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse Subject matter expert for the Re-entry Policy Academy headed by the SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) GAINS Center and Policy Research Associates Member of the International Crisis Now coalition Member of the Crisis Residential Association Member of New York State Suicide Prevention Council Board member of 2-1-1 policy board of Hudson Valley Executive member of the Dutchess County Criminal Justice Council (DCCJC) Chair of the Dutchess County Diversion Committee (DCCJC) Member of the Dutchess County Police Reform and Modernization Collaborative Advisory Board member of the Northeast Caribbean Mental Health Technology Transfer Center Curriculum writer for the New York State Academy of Peer Services

Chad Minier is a graduate of Indiana Wesley University completing his MSW in 2023. Chad has worked 7.5 years serving individuals with intellectual disabilities and 6 years in crisis services. Chad has been a supervisor over ten years. He has been working for less than a year with Benchmark and has built relationship with law enforcement and community leaders focusing on getting those served to the right resource.

Ms. Morrison is a native of Buffalo and is the Owner and co CEO of Renewed Me- a Mental and
Wellness Private Consulting Practice. In her experience as a Wellness Life Coach, She has
worked many populations and has presented on Vicarious Trauma Effects on Children and
Families, Family and Individual Intensive Therapy, Cultural Diversity, Depression, Dual-
Diagnosis, Faith Based instruction, Building Communication Skills, and Career Evaluation,
using a Self-Empowerment approach as a motivator guiding others toward healing.

Ms. Morrison is a Mental Health Clinician with her MA Degree in Mental Health Counseling
and is working toward her PhD in Public Leadership and Management.

As the Director of Suicide Prevention and Crisis Services 24 hour Hotline for over 19 years, Ms.
Morrison oversees the daily operations within the most comprehensive crisis agency in WNY.
Where she leads a staff group of over 35 Counselors to deliver continuum of care within Suicide
Pre and Post-vention Best Practices models, and implemented and fostered collaborative
community programs over country wide and locally within eight counties surrounding Erie
County, in diversionary efforts geared to saving lives of those in crisis.

Ms. Morrison has been affiliated with University at Buffalo and SUNY Institution as an Alumni,
and within a few different areas as a Professional, has facilitated workshops and conferences for
The Biomedical STEP Program, Annual APACS Conferences, within SUNY CSTEP, and is
currently Adjunct Professor at Bryant and Stratton College.

Along with these experiences, Ms. Morrison assisted implementing community initiatives within
the Homeless, Homicide, and At-risk youth populations and recently has partnered with BFNC
and the Resiliency Center, aiding in the efforts to help heal our Buffalo community after the
May 2022 Massacre.

David Obergfell (he/him/his) will be starting as the Associate Vice President for 988 Network Engagement with Vibrant Emotional Health as of June 2023; just before that, he served as the Executive Director of Student Wellbeing and Violence Prevention/Senior Prevention Strategy Officer, serving as UNC-Chapel Hill's principal leader and collaborator on wellbeing and prevention initiatives and interpersonal and gender-based violence prevention. David is committed to intentional design and justice, addressing intersections of health, access to care, violence prevention and wellbeing, and systemic interventions. Before joining Student Affairs at UNC, David served on extended active duty as a suicide prevention and interpersonal violence subject matter expert with Headquarters Air Force A1Z Integrated Resilience Directorate. Previously, he was the senior director for crisis services with Terros Health, a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center in Arizona. David continues his service as a USAF Reserve Officer, clinical social worker, and sexual assault prevention and response team member. As an active-duty officer, he served as the family advocacy officer and disaster mental health team chief at Joint Base Langley-Eustis. David has also been the clinical trauma services manager for the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, the coordinator for the Northern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault and the associate director for victim advocacy services in Coconino County, clinical coordinator for La Frontera AZ - Empact Suicide Prevention Center, victim advocate, and forensic social worker. As a volunteer, David served as a member of the Peace Corps Sexual Assault Advisory Council. In addition, he has volunteered for GLSEN, the Red Cross, the National Council for Communities and Justice, and the Global Volunteer Network.

David holds a Doctor of Social Work from the University of Southern California, focusing on reducing IPV lethality. In addition, he has a Master's in Social Work from Arizona State University and a Master's in Forensic Psychology from Argosy University.

David maintains the following credentials: Victim Advocate (CA & D-SAACP) through the National Organization for Victim Assistance; Certified Case Manager (CCM) with the Commission for Case Management Certification; Certified Disaster Mental Health Response Specialist; Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)

Board Certifications: Diplomate with the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress and the American Board of Clinical Social Work.

Nze is a queer, Black, Nigerian writer & peer supporter located in Madison, WI. They are known for work surrounding peer-led crisis alternatives, peer warmlines, peer support supervision & harm reduction. Nze provides support around facilitates dialogue connected to shared lived experiences including harm related to psychiatric medications, grief and loss, systemic violence and institutional racism. They believe our stories hold power, community is our home, and pride is our path to liberation. Nze is currently the Peer Services Program Director at SOAR Case Management Services Inc., overseeing Solstice House Peer Run Respite & Peer Run Warmline in Madison, WI.

Rodrigo Olivares currently leads all contact center clinical and administrative functions at La Frontera Arizona, EMPACT- Suicide Prevention Center in Tempe, AZ. He is a social worker focused on suicide prevention via contact center strategy and development. In addition, he leads one the largest employee assistance programs in the southwest. Prior to this role, Rodrigo served in a number of leadership positions, including Chief Behavioral Health Officer at UnitedHealthcare, Chief of Operations and Clinical Officer for the Crisis Response Network (CRN) in Tempe, AZ. Rodrigo has also served on several boards and committees at the local, statewide, and national levels including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), National Association of Crisis Organization Directors, and was a Brain Trust Member for the National Dialogue on Mental Health and served on the board of the Childrens' Action Alliance. Today, Rodrigo proudly serves on the Board of Directors for The Jewish Board, based out of New York City. Rodrigo holds a B.S. degree in Criminal Justice and a M.S. in Social Work with major concentration in family focused practice with Latino individuals and families.

Allison Paladino, LCSW-C is the Director of Crisis Response Services in Baltimore County. Ms. Paladino has 25 years of experience working in behavioral health care. For the last 16 years she has led the Baltimore County Crisis Response team as the Director. Ms. Paladino was also the Clinical Coordinator for the program prior to becoming the Director. Ms. Paladino has prior experience in a number of setting including OMHC, school-based community treatment, substance use treatment and prevention, PRP and residential services. Ms. Paladino has experience serving in both a direct care and supervisory capacity in these settings. Ms. Paladino is a member of NASW, NASCOD, and the National Council of Behavioral Health. Ms. Paladino has lectured nationally on topics such as Post 911 Contact, A Comprehensive Approach to Suicidal Subjects, Bridging the Disciplines: Mental Health First Responders, and Partnering with Law Enforcement for Crisis Intervention. In 2013, she received a citation from the Baltimore County Police Department recognizing her leadership of the BCCRS system.

Isha has worked in the mental health field for 8 years in both the United States and the United Kingdom. For the past 5 years Isha had specialized in crisis intervention work with Vibrant Emotional Health. She started as a crisis counselor on the phone line at H2H in New York and then transitioned to a follow-up counselor, working with a small team to build the program from the ground up after the Follow-Up Program became in-house. Isha went on to work as a mobile crisis specialist and is now a clinical coordinator for 988 Lifeline centers with a focus on Care Transitions. With the growth of 988 her aim is to support crisis centers in understanding clinical best practices and skills to support operation of their Follow-Up program.

Tess brings diverse experiences as a clinical therapist and facilitator. As a former director at a large behavioral health provider, she leverages her Master of Social Work from the University of Denver in a career dedicated to serving individuals experiencing mental health emergencies in both outpatient, and residential settings. Tess believes authenticity and vulnerability are at the core of human connection, and this belief is the foundation of her clinical and consultative approach. Tess has an uncanny ability to strategically identify critical gaps in care and then create programs to bridge those gaps and truly save lives. She is also an avid writer, a minimalist at heart, and values meaningful connections with persons served, customers, and her community.

After serving approximately 8 years as a law enforcement officer in North Carolina, I recognized a special interest in Mental health. I attended the Joint Master of Social Work Program at UNCG and NC A&T. While in the program I was able to gain experience with youth as well as the substance use population. Upon graduating, I worked as a Mobile Crisis Clinician with Daymark Recovery Services. After approximately a year, my family relocated to the Mecklenburg County area and I found a posting for a Community Policing Crisis Response Team Clinician. I served as a clinician on the unit prior to being promoted to the Community Policing Clinical Coordinator position. In my current role I supervise 12 mental health clinicians on the unit, providing them with clinical and administrative supervision. I also manage a co-responder housed in the Town of Davidson. I oversee the day-to-day operations of both programs.

Dawn Peel became a Licensed Professional Counselor in 2008 and a Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor in 2013. Dawn received her undergraduate degree from the State University of New York at Geneseo in 1996 and her graduate degree from Canisius College in 1998. She has worked in the behavioral health field for over twenty-five years with diverse roles in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Dawn has worked for DBHDD for eleven years and currently serves as the Director, Office of Crisis Coordination. Previously, she served as the Behavioral Health Regional Services Director for the Region Two Field Office. Dawn is responsible for enterprise oversight of the DBHDD state-funded crisis system and collaborating with internal and external partners for the implementation of 988.

Jessica C. Pirro received her undergraduate degree in Child and Family Studies and her Masters of Social Work from Syracuse University. She is an NYS Licensed Master Social Worker.
Jessica started her career with Suicide Prevention and Crisis Service, Inc. (Crisis Services) in Buffalo, NY in 1999 and served various roles for the Organization. In 2014, she was appointed to President/Chief Executive Officer role and leads the agency's crisis first responders helping those impacted by crisis with specialty areas around suicide prevention, emergency mental health, trauma, domestic violence, rape, and elder abuse.

She is Chair of the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Erie County and is a Health Foundation of Central and Western New York's Fellow. She serves as a board member for the Anti-Stigma Coalition for Erie County, is a member of the WNED Advisory Board, serves as the Vice Chair for the National Association of Crisis Organization Directors (NASCOD) and member of the NYS Suicide Prevention Advisory Council. Jessica also served as the Project Coordinator for the Suicide Fatality Review Team for Erie County, a pilot project with the Suicide Prevention Center of NY.

Shelley Polanco (she/her/hers), State Policy Manager, Vibrant Emotional Health, serves as a State Policy Manager for Vibrant Emotional Health. Shelley serves as the point of contact for states on the Eastern seaboard, West Coast, and territories. Shelley works with states, crisis centers, advocates, legislators, and others to help analyze and identify policies and regulations which impact crisis services. The states she oversees are primarily in the Northeast, East Coast, and South. As 988 continues to evolve, ensuring states and crisis centers have the infrastructure in place to continue answering these life-saving calls remains imperative.

Kedra Priest has been a Licensed Professional Counselor for over a decade and currently services as the Practice Manager of Integral Care Expanded Mobile Crisis Outreach Teams. In this role Kedra oversees both the response team providing mental health crisis services in the community as well as clinicians embedded in the 911 Call Center. These nationally recognized programs provide Austin with a robust mental health crisis response that serves as a model for communities looking to expand the possibilities of mental health crisis response.

Kedra completed her Master's in Professional Counseling at Texas State University in 2011. Kedra began her career at Integral Care as a clinician on the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team in 2016. During her tenure she has supported efforts to increase impact of crisis services and linkage to mental health supports for school, hospital discharge, community, and jail populations. Prior to Integral Care Kedra worked on the Crisis Services Hotline in Buffalo, NY and worked in schools as a teacher, coach, and counselor.

Olivia earned her BA in Psychology from Thiel College and went on to earn her MA in Thanatology (Study of grief and bereavement). Olivia has worked in the Crisis field for 20+ years, having served in both clinical capacities and non-profit Administration. Olivia was the first Suicide Prevention Coalition Coordinator for Erie County (2012-2016).

Currently, Olivia serves as the Community Relations Director/ Assistant to the President for Crisis Services which includes: Media Relations, Strategic Outreach and Development, Project Management, Board Liason and Committee Leadership, Supervision of the Community Outreach and Education Coordinator

Shelby Rowe is the project director for the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, an award-winning artist, mother of three sons and suicide attempt survivor. She is the recipient of the 2021 American Association of Suicidology Transforming Lived Experience Award and the 2016 Chickasaw Nation Dynamic Woman of the Year. Ms. Rowe has been a leader in the suicide prevention movement at the local, state and national level since 2007.

Ms. Rowe serves on the American Indian/Alaska Native Task Force and the Care Transitions Advisory Group for the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, the Clinical Advisory Board for Crisis Text Line, and is the co-chair for the Lived Experience Committee for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. In 2019, she co-founded the Indigenous Peoples’ Committee for the American Association of Suicidology, and in 2020 she joined the board of directors for RI International. She holds a B.A. in Sociology and Philosophy, and an M.B.A.

Ryan is a member of the team at Vibrant Emotional Health (988) working on national programs for the Military and Veteran community. He is passionate about educating and empowering people to support this population and is himself constantly learning how to better do so. Ryan served in Afghanistan with the Oregon Army National Guard and has Bachelors of Science in Sociology option: Crime and Justice from Oregon State University.

Olivia Stein (they/them/theirs), MSW, is the Director of Videophone Crisis Line Services at DeafLEAD, Columbia, Missouri. They manage two videophone hotlines, with one of them being the Disaster Distress Helpline - Videophone (DDH VP). They are a life-long Deaf individual who appreciates and values ongoing direct communication, collaboration, and connection for the diverse, inclusive Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HH) community. Their main goals are to be a continuous advocate in reducing systemic barriers, and ensuring resources are made accessible and provided for the D/HH, especially resources that focuses on mental health and disaster crisis care. Olivia currently finds themselves settling along the Front Range of Colorado. Olivia is the third generation of their family who is Deaf and communicates using American Sign Language. When they are not at work, you can often find them enjoying the outdoors, and spending quality time with their family.

Megan Stone is the Manager of Clinical Best Practices and Care Transitions at the 988 Lifeline. One focus of Megan’s work is on Care Transitions, where she and her team work closely with crisis centers, professional organizations, mental health providers, and emergency service providers to support and advocate for follow-up programs and partnerships with crisis centers. Megan has worked in the mental health, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention fields for over 15 years.

Susie [수지] Reynolds Reece is the director of lived experience initiatives for the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC). In that capacity, Reece leads the development of multi-organizational inclusion practices, acts as a liaison and authority for national lived experience experts, and builds national guidance to center lived experience across any field. Reece also bolsters lived experience engagement by elevating experts from diverse experiential backgrounds and perspectives.

Reece began her prevention career as a grassroots organizer in Arkansas. She worked in substance use prevention for several years before becoming the first and only violence prevention specialist for CHI St. Vincent-Arkansas. Reece has championed and led multiple county- and state-level activism efforts revolving around suicide prevention, mental health, social justice, and systemic improvement.

Reece was an inaugural member of SPRC’s first-ever Lived Experience Advisory Committee. The committee is a national group of leaders and advocates personally impacted by suicide who provide expertise and insights from their lived experience to help ensure that suicide prevention efforts effectively meet the needs of people affected by suicide. Committee members co-develop, support, and lead national mental health and suicide prevention efforts, moving lived experience inclusion beyond trauma-limited storytelling or tokenizing practices to empowering strategies that elevate experiential perspectives in meaningful, substantive, and long-lasting ways. 

Reece has been a recognized leader and suicide prevention strategist for nearly a decade. She centers her work around her lived experience of being a child survivor of suicide loss. At age 10, Reece lost her beloved father, a decorated army veteran. Her father’s traumatic death drastically altered the course of her life and pushed her down a path of having open and candid conversations about suicide. Reece’s lived experience of suicide loss and her struggles with suicide ideation, suicide attempts, and stigma ensure she continually centers the needs of those most affected by suicide.

Dr. Melissa Tate-Scruse is a multi-faceted leader in the realm of therapy and self-help. She is the owner of Cohesive Counseling Associates LLC; a 3-time author of mental health and wellness books; and executive producer of the short film, Thony, a gripping memoire-esque story of domestic violence.

Sami Therme is a Crisis Helplines Program Manager at CommUnity Crisis Services. Sami manages CommUnity's 988 National chat/text suicide and crisis Lifeline contract. Sami has worked in multiple crisis intervention roles at CommUnity since 2017 and was instrumental CommUnity's 988 expansion in 2022. She is especially interested in process development, staff support, and value-driven leadership. Sami was born and raised in Iowa City, and she graduated from the University of Iowa with a bachelor's degree in criminology. In her free time, Sami enjoys visiting the camp she grew up at and working with children.

Wendy White Tiegreen, M.S.W. is the Director of Medicaid and Health System Innovation for the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities. She has almost 30 years of experience working in services delivery and administration in the public behavioral health sector. The majority of her career has been spent as a liaison to the state Medicaid authority. In that role, she was the primary negotiator with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in the establishment of peer supports as a Medicaid-financed service, and is a presenter at several national Medicaid, health, and behavioral health management conferences. In her various Departmental roles, she has led in the design, development, implementation of the Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL), Administrative Services Organization, Crisis Stabilization Unit certification, Adult/Youth/Parent Peer Support, High-Fidelity Wraparound, and System of Care frameworks for the State of Georgia. She has also been a contractor for CMS, SAMHSA, NASMHPD, and more than half of all states related to behavioral health, Medicaid, and peer support. Ms. Tiegreen has a master's degree in Social Work from the University of Georgia and her bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Wofford College. She has been honored by the Georgia Certified Peer Specialist Project as a Partner in Recovery and by the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network as Consumer Supporter of the Year and with the Randall Baxter Humanitarian Award.

Amber Trinkle, LMHC has been with Vibrant Emotional Health (formerly Mental Health Association of NYC) for 3 years serving in capacities from Clinical Supervisor through Mobile Crisis SPOA Manager. In her current role as the Mobile Crisis SPOA Manager, she oversees the Mobile Crisis Team Single Point of Access team. Amber holds her M.S. from Stetson University and has 6 years of experience in the crisis intervention and mental health counseling. NYC Well serves as the front door to NYC's behavioral health network, connecting New Yorkers to free confidential, high quality behavioral health information, referral, support and crisis intervention services as well as follow-up and peer support services 24/7/365 through phone, text and/or chat. NYC Well is also a member of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline network.

Calli Tucker is the Mobile Crisis Dispatch Program Coordinator at Rocky Mountain Crisis Partners (RMCP). Before joining RMCP she obtained her MS in clinical psychology while working on a behavioral health crisis line serving 263 counties across Texas and beyond and providing mobile crisis services to 6 counties in Texas. Calli then went on to work as a mobile crisis provider serving 6 counties in Colorado until starting as a Mobile Dispatch Specialist at RMCP. In her first year, she implemented a comprehensive mobile crisis training for new hires, launched the mobile dispatch department and the provider portal, and assisted in the design of the monthly mobile crisis state reports. She spent a brief period as the Supervisor of the department before promoting to the Program Manager where she managed mobile dispatch personnel while continuing to build RMCP's understanding of mobile crisis services, developing dispatch operations and relationships with providers, and interfacing with the state and administrative entities and provider organizations to execute mobile crisis services in Colorado's state-wide model. Recently she transitioned into the Program Coordinator role wherein she will continue to contribute to the management of RMCP's mobile crisis referral and dispatch operations while working more closely with those involved in the Colorado Crisis Services and 988 system for Colorado's 63 counties.

David Westbrook, M.S., is the Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Staff at Lines for Life, an Oregon-based nonprofit whose mission is to prevent substance abuse and suicide and promote mental wellness. David has overseen a 900% increase in staff growth in his time as COO CoS at Lines for Life. Working with Lines for Life's CEO, Chief Clinical Officer, and a dedicated team of staff the organization has grown from taking 30,000 calls in 2012 to answering 147,000 plus calls in the past year. In his prior role as Director of Crisis Lines David started Oregon's statewide suicide prevention line as well as YouthLine a peer-to-peer service for teens. He served on the original steering committee for the National Suicide Prevention Line. David got his first exposure to working crisis lines as a volunteer on his university's student hotline in the late 1980's. He has worked for Lines for Life for 17 years. During this time, he has served as Crisis Lines Volunteer Coordinator, Crisis Lines Director, and currently serves as Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Staff. While he no longer takes calls, he has answered thousands of crisis line calls during his career.

When not working, David is most likely training for or running an ultramarathon, rafting, or out hiking with his wife and their dog.

Tom is a California-certified drug-alcohol counselor and social worker. He has studied the role of early childhood trauma in mental health and substance use disorder treatment for over a decade, and has focused on whole-person approaches to health and wellness for 30+ years. He has worked in public and private SUD and mental health treatment facilities as a counselor in individual and group settings. He is cofounder of Wholehearted Publishing, which operates the Wholehearted.org website providing mental health and SUD education and training to professionals as well as the public. He is also , a, he co-coordinates planning and production of high quality clinical video and written materials to aid counselors in more effectively reaching clients. He is also a therapist trainee at Akua Mind-Body in Fair Oaks, CA, an inpatient mental health treatment facility, where he provides individual and group therapy to clients with mental health and substance use disorders.

Ms. Wiktorski-Reynolds began her career in social work in 1999. Her professional experiences began at SafePlace (now known as SAFE), a dual domestic violence emergency shelter and rape crisis center in Austin, Texas. Upon relocating back to Buffalo, NY, Ms. Wiktorski-Reynolds served as a clinical Therapist at the Child Advocacy Center.

Ms. Wiktorski-Reynolds began her work at Crisis Services in Buffalo, NY in 2003 as a Supervisor in the Advocate Department, which serves survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and elder abuse. She became the Director in 2006, where she served for 10 years, overseeing the 24 hour operations of the department. She launched the operationalization of the 24-hour New York State Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline after the agency was awarded the statewide contract. Additionally, she launched the local 24-hour Advocate Helpline- a local domestic violence hotline. She helped expand the prevention education efforts of the department and secured a regional 3-county contract from NYS Department of Health to oversee the coordination and implementation of sexual violence prevention strategies. She built many relationships with a variety of college campuses and was a founding member of the Western New York’s College Consortium’s Sexual Assault Awareness, Prevention, and Compliance Task Force. Eventually, the department secured contracts with multiple campuses along with state level funding to support the co-location of campus advocates and prevention specialists to work with college campus students, faculty and staff in the area of sexual and domestic violence.

In her current role as Vice President of Clinical Operations, her primary focus is on departmental direction, alignment and support of the organization’s 3 main departments: Crisis Counseling Program (24 Hour hotlines, 988); Emergency Mental Health Response Services (Mobile Outreach Response, Mobile Transitional Services and CIT) and; the Advocate Department. In this role, she also assists the greater organizational mission, implementing strategic goals and managing day to day operational needs of the 24-hour crisis center. Ms. Wiktorski-Reynolds has worked with the Union Leadership during her entire tenure at Crisis Services. Her experience is especially noted in how to supervise and operate crisis programs in a Union environment, preventing and resolving grievances as well as employee corrective action. Ms. Wiktorski-Reynolds currently serves as an adjunct instructor at the University at Buffalo’s Graduate School of Social Work program.

Education: BA English/Minor Women’s Studies | SUNY College at Buffalo
Masters of Science in Social Work | University of Texas at Austin

Sgt. Jason Winsky is a 17-year veteran of the Tucson Police Department, where he has led the creation and growth of TPD's Mental Health Support Team which is dedicated to positive, compassionate responses to persons experiencing a mental health crisis. A skilled educator, Sgt. Winsky trains officers across southern Arizona. He is a Mental Health First Aid Instructor and has taught over 1,000 officers in Crisis Intervention Team Training. Under his leadership, TPD was designated a Police-Mental Health Collaboration Learning Site by the US Department of Justice and won the Mental Health First Aid Community Impact Award from the National Council for Behavioral Health. Sgt. Winsky also serves on the Boards of both the Tucson Police Officers Association and the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Arizona and leads their governmental and legislative affairs activities. The Arizona Capitol Times named him the 2016 Healthcare Leader of the Year, and in 2021 he received the St. Thomas More Award for his lifelong dedication to community service and integrity in the field of law enforcement. Sgt. Winsky is a native of Tucson and received a BA in Political Science from the University of Arizona prior to joining the Tucson Police Department.