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Our Employees

Learn more about our amazing employees.
Together, we are fearless.

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Employee of the Month

3/29/2024 12:00:00 AM

DARA LEWIS

Talent Acquisition Coordinator, Human Resources Department

Best known for her exceptional contributions to increasing employee appreciation initiatives at RBHA. Dara’s “go for the gold” mentality has made her the ideal leader for all agency-wide appreciation initiatives. From her role in leading the agency employee appreciation committee, to the brilliant details she brought to life at our latest all-staff events, including the 2023 Annual Employee Appreciation Event at The Park RVA and 2023 Benefits fair and Block Party, there is no project too big or small for Dara. Dara’s attention to detail and unique ability to problem solve have truly been an asset to our teams. As a respected team player, Dara always jumps in to help without questions and is committed to providing exceptional customer service and her professionalism is only matched by her helpful, honest, and caring spirit. As an aspiring HR professional, Dara is committed to expanding her excellence beyond the workplace and was recently recognized as the 2023 Rising Star for the Richmond Chapter of The Society of Human Resource Management as well as several professional development grants.

2/6/2024 12:00:00 AM

Daphine Woodson, AAS, R-CPRS

Administrative Coordinator, Adult Substance Use Disorders Services

In December 2023, Chelsea Hill had to be shut down due to building issues. Substance Use Disorders (SUD) Outpatient Services had to relocate their services to the 5th street location within another SUD Department. Daphine answered the call for help by securing office and group space as well as parking passes. Daphine had the offices cleaned and outfitted with the basics. She assisted in establishing a workflow for us to escort 10-15 individuals through the building for group and communicated with reception and security to alert them of this change. Frequently, Daphine assists SUD Outpatient Services in ordering various supplies and with submission of receipts for reimbursement. Daphine does all of this outside of her regular work duties with the Adult SUD Unit.

1/8/2024 12:00:00 AM

Jenny Kelly, LPC LSATP

Region 4 Hub Manager, Regional Programs

"Thank you for your partnership; I appreciate you wholeheartedly." This is a small sample of the tone Ms. Kelly sets as she delivers outstanding internal and external customer service. In the rapid-paced development of the regional crisis hub, 988 lifeline rollout, mobile crisis response dispatch, and Marcus Alert initiatives, Ms. Kelly has worked to educate herself and others about multi-faceted change, communicate clearly and consistently and be responsive to an abundance of partners. She has demonstrated deep commitment to all partners by establishing many workgroups, check-in meetings, presentations, and other means to inform, train and support all parties. Ms. Kelly committed to becoming a subject matter expert in the Virginia crisis connect data platform, mobile crisis and community stabilization regulations, and provider training expectations. She not only helped develop, message, and drive new processes but rallied the teams with her morale boosting energy!

12/31/2023 12:00:00 AM

Mary Richards

Waiver Resource Specialist, Developmental Services

Mary has served as a dedicated employee to RBH for twelve years. Mary has served as the Waiver Resource Specialist for the division since its creation in January 2017. Her position is both unique and invaluable in that she supports the entire division regarding all things DD waiver, guardianship, housing, and long-term Medicaid. She serves as a liaison with both our external waiver providers as well as DBHDS and DSS to ensure services, supports and benefits for the individuals and families we serve remain intact. Mary also serves as a direct support role for our Support Coordinators (SC) by reviewing and authorizing ALL waiver services authorizations. Mary is extremely dedicated and a strong advocate for both the individuals we serve and her fellow co-workers. Her job and oversight ensures the continuation of the supports and services our individuals need and she takes that job very seriously. Providers and fellow colleagues have praised Mary on multiple occasions about her hard work ethic, friendly disposition and helpful, positive attitude.

10/17/2023 12:00:00 AM

Nikai Carter

Reach Maintenance Worker, Developmental Services

Nikai consistently goes above and beyond in his role by ensuring that the homes under his care meet all the necessary licensure requirements. He conducts thorough monthly inspections to make sure that the facilities are in compliance and adhere to the standards set forth by the organization and regulatory bodies. He displays a swift response to maintenance issues, promptly attending to and resolving them. This dedication contributes to the overall smooth functioning of the facilities and the comfort and safety of the residents. His ability to communicate and coordinate with external partners contributes to the overall operational effectiveness of the program. His ability to work collaboratively and his friendly attitude contributes to the positive work environment. His contributions as a Facility Maintenance Worker for the Regional Education Assessment Crisis Services Habilitation (REACH) program demonstrate his dedication, skills, and commitment to the organization's mission.

9/29/2023 12:00:00 AM

Kenneth Harris

Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, Adult Substance Use Disorders Services

Kenneth Harris has worked for a number of years as a peer recovery specialist. Kenneth is assigned to the Alternative Sentencing Project which helps peers who are recently released from incarceration. Kenneth has been overseeing all of the case managers’ clients due to being the only peer on the unit. Kenneth calls all of the clients at least once a month and if there is a problem with the client, he gives information to the case managers. Kenneth is serious about his job, just as he is serious about his recovery. Kenneth will go out of his way to help the clients he serves. Kenneth will talk to the clients even when he is off of work. Kenneth is known to talk to the clients and assist them after hours and on the weekends. Kenneth helps clients get furniture if needed through Caritas. Kenneth also helps clients fill out forms to get their rights restored.

8/8/2023 12:00:00 AM

Sadie Hasenfus

Discharge Case Manager, Adult Mental Health, Crisis Stabilization Unit

Since Sadie was hired as the Crisis Stabilization Unit Discharge Planner, she has increased our communication with referral sources throughout a client's admission. Sadie communicates regularly with Region 4 stakeholders, Managed Care Organizations care coordinators, and is routinely recognized by her peers for her excellent work. She is quick to return phone calls to collaborate with partners and is always eager to assist where she can to create a better treatment experience for clients. Sadie is patient and listens closely to client needs. Sadie has also developed a streamlined discharge document for all clients at discharge that provides exceptional detail and person-centered services for wrap-around services.

5/12/2023 12:00:00 AM

Robinette Reaves

Homeless Families Case Manager

Robinette began her career at RBHA almost 36 years ago. She has provided support and compassion for literally generations of families during this time. In her role, she works closely with partnering emergency shelters in the community and connects families experiencing the crisis of homelessness to permanent housing. She meets each logistical challenge with a smile and a positive attitude and is always able to accomplish what she needs. Robinette is a lifesaver and is most deserving of this employee of the month award.

4/14/2023 12:00:00 AM

Peggy Page, CPRS

Peer Counselor

Peggy reaches out to patients meeting them where they are and taking the next step to getting them to their scheduled appointments. She makes reminder calls one week before their appointment and then a day before their appointment. If patients miss their scheduled appointment, she calls them to see how RBHA can assist them in making and keeping their next appointment. Peggy is also instrumental in helping patients who do not have a Case manager take the next steps to help with housing assistance and food assistance. Peggy will do what it takes to get the patient the resources they need, including assisting Case Managers in connecting with patients.

3/15/2023 12:00:00 AM

Amber Spivey, LCSW

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Program Manager II

This nomination is especially unique in that Amber’s entire team nominated her for this award. The ACT Team felt strongly that Amber should be commended for her leadership, tenacity, passion, initiative, and level of engagement and support. ACT has struggled with staffing over the last three years and during this time Amber has carried a caseload, provided daily interventions, and worked weekends and holidays to reduce the amount of burden and stress on her team. Amber does this in addition to her many managerial duties. She has supported and developed one of the most functional and solid ACT teams even while experiencing many challenges and barriers.

11/16/2022 12:00:00 AM

Heather Nieman, RN

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team Nurse

Heather is an exemplary employee on the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team. Her organization and attention to detail has helped improve our medication administration system on the team. She helps lead our medical team and ensures that all appropriate labs and injections are done on time. Heather is always willing to assist team members when they have medical questions regarding our consumers. Thank you, Heather, for your commitment.

10/21/2022 12:00:00 AM

Madeline Grey

Quality & Training Coordinator Developmental Services

Madeline has been a member of the Developmental Services (DS) Division since April 2017 and recently transitioned to her position as the DS Quality and Training Coordinator in February 2022. Since stepping into her new role, she has shown to be a resilient, self-motivated, and a positive addition to the DS Quality Team. She is a member of several internal committees to include the Equity Council, DS Celebration Committee and the new EHR team. Externally, she is the DS representative for the Region IV Support Coordination Committee, and on the DD CSB Region IV Committee. Madeline is always openly willing to support and help out her fellow teammates.

9/15/2022 12:00:00 AM

Alison Rowe, LCSW

Clinician II Rapid Access/Outpatient Services

Alison has been a dedicated employee of RBHA for almost 10 years. Alison is action-oriented. Her efficiency, motivation, and general ‘can-do attitude’ allows her to take on challenges without complaint. Her commitment to those we serve is fantastic. She has provided services for some very high-risk, high clinical needs Individuals and has taken on her role with grace and purpose, seeking feedback and support when needed. Alison can best be described as reliable, flexible, consistent, and a highly valued team member.

8/4/2022 12:00:00 AM

Yashima Douglas

Behavioral Health Technician Aide

Yashima develops excellent rapport with the individuals in treatment and has phenomenal relationships with all staff. She ensures that individuals entering treatment are appropriately welcomed to their rooms with the required linens and other needed items. Yashima "goes for the gold" by assisting clients with job searching and setting up virtual interviews. She performs her job independently and presents herself professionally at all times.

6/24/2022 12:00:00 AM

Crystal Deaton

Talent & Human Resources Compliance Manager

Crystal is a bright, articulate, open-minded, creative, and hardworking individual. She possesses the ultimate “can do” attitude while taking on multiple tasks with positive energy and a smile. Her upbeat personality, approachability, and engaging professional style enables her to interact effectively with staff and hiring prospects. It is also necessary to note that Crystal is extremely passionate at recruiting the “best of the best”.

Team of the Month

1/9/2024 12:00:00 AM

Mental Health Staff Appreciation Committee

The mental health appreciation committee has revived itself "post" COVID, specifically after the division's return to in person office work. New and existing members collaborate to bring joy, gratitude and creative ideas to the division. They meet consistently to keep celebrations on the calendar at a regular frequency. They hare inclusive of all programs and think of ways to celebrate staff for off-site and on-site programs. They have fresh ideas, outside of the normal "treat cart" that we dearly love and appreciate. They are bringing people together socially to help unite the division in group events, but also going a step further by choosing to consider the general well-being and morale of employees. For example, they hosted a series of self-care events, which included meditation, creating personalized "self-care kits" and sensory candles. This committee serves as a hidden leader for the division. Though we all benefit from their efforts, they are without a doubt positively impacting our culture.

12/31/2023 12:00:00 AM

Executive Committee of the Senior Leadership Team

In early 2020, the Executive Leadership team endorsed the creation of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). The purpose of the SLT is to lead the operations of RBHA identifying and solving problems, collaborating across Divisions and teams, influencing positive change, driving implementation of key initiatives, and strengthening communication throughout the organization. Circe, Crystal, and Kim decided that to empower the SLT there needed to be an executive committee to lead the SLT towards realizing their purpose. The executive committee consisted of a chair, vice chair and a communications chair. After no other members volunteered to take on these positions, Circe agreed to be the chair, Crystal the vice chair and Kim the communication chair. The terms are 1 year from July to June. All three of them are serving a second term. Circe, Crystal & Kim believed in the purpose of the SLT and stepped up providing exceptional leadership empowering the team to work together to improve operations.

10/17/2023 12:00:00 AM

Early Intervention/Part C, Developmental Services

Over the past year, the Early Intervention team has developed and implemented an ongoing community-based play group for toddlers and their caregivers in the City of Richmond that supports social communication and learning. The ITC of Richmond supports the development of children, birth to three, primarily in an individualized setting with few opportunities to consistently practice language and social skills within the context of peer interactions outside of those made with siblings and other household members. Young children in the City of Richmond with developmental differences are often left out of community-based activities because of their need for therapeutic support to engage fully and appropriately with their peers and because of the family’s inability to pay for such activities. Parents of EI eligible children often voice concerns of isolation, finding it difficult to connect with other parents of young children experiencing similar developmental delays. A play group was established with these children centered as the target group enabling their parents to find and establish a community of parents with similar challenges helping them to find solutions and access available resources together.

10/6/2023 12:00:00 AM

Region 4 Regional Education Assessment Crisis Services Habilitation (REACH) Residential Nurses in Developmental Services

These Registered Nurses work for the REACH program's residential sites. This team of nurses has demonstrated initiative that went beyond expectations, benefiting both the Region 4 REACH program and RBHA. A youth diagnosed with Autism as well as with medical support needs, was referred to the Child-Crisis Therapeutic Home for a crisis stabilization admission. This youth presents with high behavioral needs but what has complicated his ability to receive care is the fact that he also requires straight catheterization twice daily. The Crisis Therapeutic Homes do not have round the clock nursing, however in an effort to be able to offer these services to this youth and his family (and to prevent his psychiatric hospitalization) our nurses pulled together to provide this medical care throughout his 8-day CCTH stay. He was successfully discharged back to his family home. This was a huge feat as we have thus far been the only program site in the Commonwealth that has been able to accommodate this specific need.

8/8/2023 12:00:00 AM

Substance Use Disorders - North Campus Leadership Team

This leadership team has defied every odd and obstacle thrown at them over the last 3 years to keep the programs open and running. Often, they have worked shifts, including overnights due to ongoing staff shortages. They have facilitated groups and intervened in crises while continuing to work on managing census and intakes/discharges. This team does it all and their efforts symbolize their dedication to the difficult population they serve and to RBHA as an agency. Words don't do justice to everything these individuals have done to continue residential programming.

3/1/2023 12:00:00 AM

Regional Mobile Crisis Response Training Team

In efforts to support the expansion of the crisis continuum, RBHA staff within various regional programs have come together to form a unique Mobile Crisis Response Training team of trainers. All trainers themselves have completed the Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services’ (DBHDS') Mobile Crisis Response (MCR) Train the Trainer curriculum. Upon completion, this team developed a regional training plan to deliver this mandated training to both Community Services Board (CSB) and private provider staff who are licensed to deliver mobile crisis in the community. To date, 12 training cohorts have been delivered, totaling to 429 training hours. A total of 212 staff have successfully completed the training. This team has shown tremendous dedication supporting this initiative and has truly collaborated effectively with each other. They are all from different divisions within RBHA, but have come together effortlessly, and have represented both RBHA and Regional Programs with the highest level of professionalism.

1/10/2023 12:00:00 AM

Support Associates - During the Pandemic

During the pandemic Eric, Beth, and Beverly became a part of the Medical Services Unit family. All three of them worked well with the Medical Services unit by ensuring that individuals wore their masks, verified scheduled appointments, and if the individuals reported any medical concerns during their COVID screening, they were quick to alert the Practice Manager/Program Manager and the psychiatric medical nurses. The Medical Services team could not have completed our daily routines without their help during that difficult time and for that we will always be grateful for them.

1/10/2023 12:00:00 AM

Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) Outreach Team

When the majority of RBHA's employees were sent home to telework in March of 2020, there were a few programs, including RBHA's PATH Outreach Team, who were required to increase their work in the community. The CDC initially recognized that those experiencing homelessness were at greater risk of contracting, and dying, from the Covid-19 virus. RBHA's Outreach team, in collaboration with other homeless service providers in the community mobilized and made a commitment in March of 2020, that has continued to this day, to reduce the negative impacts of homelessness.

8/4/2022 12:00:00 AM

RICH Clinic Certified Medical Assistant Team

Rasheena, Latoya, and Sandy have all proven to be incredible assets to the RICH Clinic Team. They have built excellent rapport with our clients and coworkers and have contributed to the growth of the clinic services during their time here. All three are hardworking and willing to help wherever possible. Each has stayed late to help out in the clinic or see a client who was late on several occasions, without even being asked. They all joined the clinic during a time of a lot of changes (COVID operations, moving buildings at one point, opening the new clinic space) and have taken it in stride and ensured that our clients receive the best possible care. We thank you.

6/24/2022 12:00:00 AM

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team

The ACT Team has continued to provide exceptional face-to-face services during the entirety of the pandemic. They exemplify teamwork and creativity to engage and help meet the needs of those that we serve. The team demonstrates flexibility, commitment, hard work, collaboration, reliability, and empathy while providing high quality intensive community work to those with Serious Mental Illness. Pictured from left to right: Front Row- Jessica Whitton, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist; Dr. Shane Carrillo, Psychiatrist; Kristie Walthall, Administrative Assistant; Alic’e Robinson, Licensed Practical Nurse. Back Row- Jeffrey Ciak, Case Manager (CM); Maggie Sagan, CM; Donna McIntosh, CM; Darjane Westry, Clinician; Calvin Anderson, CM; Heather Nieman, Lead Nurse; Lucy Schapiro, Clinician; Amber Spivey, Program Supervisor.

Employee Spotlights

2/15/2024 12:00:00 AM |

Dr. Elethia "Lee" Moore

Registered Nurse - Region 4 REACH Programs

Congratulations to Dr. Elethia “Lee” Moore for recently earning her doctoral degree in Nursing AND earning her credentials as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. These are outstanding achievements, and we are fortunate to call her a colleague. Her full title didn’t fit in the headline: Dr. Elethia Moore, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN, PMHNP-BC, QMHP, QDDP – goodness!

6/12/2023 12:00:00 AM |

Andrew Etheredge

Health Care Data Quality Supervisor

Andrew was recently acknowledged by the United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg during their “Our Steps to Success” Awards. Andrew is the winner of the Community Impact: Individual Award for his work with Richmond teens providing job readiness skills training. This award is given to someone that shares the United Way’s commitment to transforming lives in the community. Congratulations Andrew! We thank you for your service to our organization and our community!

4/27/2023 12:00:00 AM |

Jillian Olson, LCSW

Care Coordinator, OBAT, RICH Clinic

Congratulations to our newest Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Jillian Olson! Jillian works as a Care Coordinator in RBHA's Office Based Addiction Treatment (OBAT) Program - a service provided through RBHA RICH Clinic. It takes a lot of hard to get to an LCSW. Congrats, Jillian!

4/27/2023 12:00:00 AM |

Katie Chlan, LCSW

Program Manager III, Adult Mental Health

Chesterfield County Mental Health Support Services recently awarded RBHA's Katie Chlan a Service Partnership Award at their 2023 Annual Recognition Dinner. Congrats Katie! It's always an honor to have one of our employees be recognized for their contributions to the community.

1/11/2023 12:00:00 AM |

Sheena Garner, SHRM-CP

Administration, Benefits, & Equity Manager

Congratulations to Sheena on completing the requirements and passing the exam for her Society for Human Resources Management as a Certified Professional (SHRM-CP).

9/23/2022 12:00:00 AM |

Holly Schreiner, LPC

Assessment Clinician, Mental Health Docket

Congratulations to our newest Licensed Professional Counselor! Holly has been the Assessment Clinician for the Mental Health Docket since August 2021. She is thoughtful, conscientious, and measured in her approach to her role. We are proud of her hard work and this tremendous accomplishment.

9/22/2022 12:00:00 AM |

Shannon Rivera, CPRS

Women's Substance Use Disorder Programs

I became a CPRS because someone saw something in me that I did not see in myself. The objective is to give back what was freely given to me. Sobriety date: 2/06/2004

9/19/2022 12:00:00 AM |

Peggy Page, CPRS

RICH Clinic

I am a person in recovery with Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder. I became a CPRS because I have many lived experiences that I share with individuals to help them navigate through some of their personal challenges while providing peer support in their process of recovery!

9/16/2022 12:00:00 AM |

Carla Heath, R-CPRS

Lead Regional Peer Recovery Specialist Coordinator

I work at RBHA as a Lead Regional Peer Recovery Specialist Coordinator. Peer Specialist work became my passion because of the difference it made in my life. Peer support and getting into this field gave my life meaning and purpose at a time when I felt stuck. I have been working at RBHA for almost 8 years and I have been in recovery from mental health challenges for 18 years. #recoverymonth #celebraterecovery

8/4/2022 12:00:00 AM |

Ashley Mickle, LCSW

Care Coordinator

Congratulations to Ashley - our newest Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Ashley has been employed with RBHA for 6 years and currently works at RBHA North Campus as a Care Coordinator in the Men's Residential Treatment Center. Kudos, Ashley, on your accomplishment.

6/23/2022 12:00:00 AM |

Whitney Sydnor, LCSW

Enhanced Care Coordinator Clinician

Whitney passed her LCSW exam this month and is officially a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Whitney has been employed with RBHA for 6 years. She began her career at RBHA as a MSW intern and became employed as an Adult Mental Health Case Manager in 2016. Since then, she has transitioned to her current role as an Enhanced Care Coordinator Clinician (ECC). Congratulations Whitney.

6/6/2022 12:00:00 AM |

Children's Mental Health Leadership Team

Sometimes our Super Heroes DO wear capes. Thank you to the Fearless Leaders of RBHA's Children's Mental Health Division.

Retirements

November 4, 1991 - December 30, 2022

Laura Minnick

Client and Family Affairs Coordinator

Laura started at RBHA in 1991 as a member of the Mobile Team (ACT). While she has worked in different capacities, most of her years at RBHA was in the position of Client and Family Affairs Coordinator. Laura is known for her patience, calm demeanor, always taking time to listen, offering support, or holding space for those who need it. She is kind, hardworking and generous. Laura has consistently put the needs and rights of our individuals first, and for that we will always be grateful. Thank you for your many years of service!

April 15, 1985 - June 30, 2022

Skip Cummings

Manager of Emergency Services

37 years. Wow. Skip has served our community as the Manager of Emergency Services at RBHA for years upon years. He is the master of details and keeper of agency history – all while being a model of dedication, caring, and compassion. The number of lives he has impacted over the years is countless. We wish Skip a joyful, restful, and fulfilling retirement. He’s earned it.