Meet Me on the Boardwalk

Christian Ragland, MPA, is assistant vice president for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at AtlantiCare. He is responsible for the organization’s transformative diversity strategy, which aligns with AtlantiCare’s strategic plan. He works closely with senior leaders to cultivate an affirming and inclusive organizational culture.

In this role, Ragland provides guidance and support to AtlantiCare’s robust Employee Resource Group program and the Equity and Diversity Council. He partners with external organizations to promote initiatives that support understanding and inclusion across communities.

Joyce Marter has been a licensed psychotherapist for over twenty years and is the Founder of Urban Balance, an outpatient mental health company with sixteen locations in six states. Joyce has served several leadership positions in the counseling profession including Chair of the Midwest Region of the American Counseling Association, President of the Illinois Counseling Association, and two-terms as President of the Illinois Mental Health Association.

As a member of the National Speakers Association, Joyce Marter is a national keynote speaker and international corporate and continuing education trainer. She pens the Mental Wealth blog on Psychology Today and is routinely consulted as a mental health expert in the media, featured in such outlets as Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, CNN and MTV. She is the author of The Financial Mindset Fix: A Mental Fitness Program for an Abundant Life which was published by Sounds True in July of 2021.

Debra L. Berke is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a Master of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies. She also holds a Ph.D. in Family Studies from the University of Delaware. Prior to joining Wilmington University in 2009, she taught family studies and women’s studies at Messiah College for 15 years. She also directed the Gender Studies Project at Messiah College. Dr. Berke has been a consultant for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency and the State of Delaware. She has served on the Board of Directors of the National Council on Family Relations as well as President of the Family Science Association. She is also a member of the Board of Directors for Trauma Matters Delaware and an inaugural recipient of the Delaware First Lady’s Compassionate Champion Awards. Dr. Berke is a Certified Family Life Educator and the Director of Psychology Programs and the Center for Prevention Science at Wilmington University.

Peggy Swarbrick, PhD, FAOTA, has made significant contributions to the body of literature in occupational therapy, nursing, and community behavioral health care practice, focused on topics such as the 8 dimensions of wellness, wellness coaching, peer support, health disparities and social determinants of health, financial wellness, employment, trauma, self-care and more. She developed a strength based 8-dimensional wellness model to promote recovery from mental health and substance use. Peggy is known for bringing the voices and needs of people to the table by collaborating with the peer community and family groups to identify and address social determinants that are barriers to wellness. She has created self-care and wellness programs for people in recovery, caregiver’s, families, youth, and professionals. As a co-investigator, consultant, and collaborator on Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute grants as well as National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research, National Institute of Mental Health, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, she has contributed to significant research and been a lead for developing trainings and intervention manuals for many of these projects. Peggy was a co-investigator on Perspectives on the International Classification of Diseases (11th revision); Using lived experience to improve mental health diagnoses in the United States: INCLUDE – US Study. Peggy worked for many years at the Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey Wellness Institute and has been teaching occupational therapy courses for many years. Peggy received a doctoral degree at New York University and an Advanced Training and Research fellowship, National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research.

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Traynesha Allen is a Social Worker with five years of experience working for Resources for Human Development, three as an Intensive Case Manager. Traynesha received a BSW at Temple University and is currently studying at Widener University for her MSW. Traynesha specializes in the field of case management and is responsible for linking, monitoring, and providing an array of support to individuals with serve and persistent mental health conditions, while experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia. Traynesha is a powerful force in the workplace and uses her positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed. She is devoted to making effective connections while encouraging growth to all that she encounters. Traynesha is inspired daily by her six year old daughter and the community that he aims to serve. In her free time, Traynesha enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with family and friends.

Tristan Bentch is the Manager of Staff Development for Service Access & Management, Inc. He has over 16 years of experience in Behavioral Health settings including Case Management, Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Crisis, and Forensic. Tristan holds a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitative Science, and is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. Tristan is responsible to support the facilitation and oversight of current and new clinical programs on a company-wide basis via the development/planning, implementation, training, and monitoring of various models, standards, and processes in support of the highest standards of clinical practice.

After earning a Master of Forensic Psychology degree from Argosy University in Arlington, VA, Erica began her social services career at a restorative justice non-profit organization. Since then, she has worked in a variety of social service environments, expanding her case management and leadership skills, while becoming an expert in HUD supported programs. In 2012, Erica joined CCI as a Service Coordinator.
Since that time, Erica successfully took on many of the department’s special projects, including developing and implementing an intern program, mentoring new service coordinators, leading department forums to facilitate the sharing of ideas, best practices, and conflict resolution, as well as developing portfolio-wide data standards and procedures. Erica understands the importance of working as a team and constantly pursues opportunities to strengthen the relationships between property management staff, service coordinators, and company leaders.
Erica now leads a team of over 40 service coordinators to achieve the highest quality long-term, community-based supportive services in the industry. With her excellent leadership skills, creativity, passion, and determination, she ensures our residents receive the necessary support vital to their successful, independent living.

Dylan Black, CCM, is an Onboarding, Outreach, and Quality Supervisor for Mental Health Services with Service Access & Management, Inc. in Pennsylvania. He has been employed with SAM for 10 years. In his current role, Dylan has developed several in house tools to measure and report on line staff’s meeting quality and service delivery standards. His secondary focus has been on employee engagement and communication. Dylan received his Master’s in Business Administration from Penn State University and his undergraduate degree in Psychology from Cedarville University. Dylan Black is also a Certified Case Manager through CCMC.

Madeline Bradley is an Assistant BCM Supervisor for Blended Case Managers at Service Access and Management. She has a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from Penn State University and an Associate’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies. Prior to becoming an assistant supervisor, Madeline was a blended case manager who was able to achieve the master case manager credential. Madeline worked per diem as a crisis interventionist and mental health delegate in the crisis department at SAM Inc. Madeline actively participates in work groups and committees and is very passionate about leaving everyone she meets better off.

Jenise began her career in the social service field as a case manager for Intellectual Disabilities for which she pursued for 5 years at the Northeast Community Center. However, after seeing first- hand how substance abuse affected her family, her desire shifted to case managing individuals who had challenges maintaining a sober life-style with other co-occurring issues. She began my tenure with the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disabilities (DBHIDS) in Philadelphia, Pa. in 1994 through PMHCC Case Management (formerly Behavioral Health Special Initiative) where she learned how to utilize evidence-based practices to ameliorate and participate in the efforts of transforming lives, one life at a time. After 28 years, her life’s journey continues at PMHCC Case Management as Assistant Director.
Her education continues to be enhanced through schooling after recently obtaining my second Master’s Degree, now with an MBA and MSW. She cares about and enjoys helping people grow on and off the job. She am an avid participant of the faith community. She is also an entrepreneur, giving back to the community through dance and outreach.

Kelly Ciambra, MPA, is a Blended Case Manager Supervisor for the Mental health Service Line at the Lebanon Office with Services Access and Management, Inc. She has been employed with SAM Inc. for almost a year. Kelly graduated with her Bachelors in Criminal Justice/Sociology from Penn State University in 2014 and later went on to earn her Masters in Public Administration from Penn State University in 2018. Kelly has a passion for working with and advocating for individuals who struggle with mental health and addiction.

Lauren Cooke MSN, RN, CCM is the Corporate Director of Care Coordination for AtlantiCare, located in Southern NJ. She has been with the organization since 2008. Lauren has responsibility for Care Management across the enterprise (ED/Inpatient & Ambulatory), Transitions of Care, Remote Patient Monitoring, Post-Acute Services, & the Advanced Illness Management Service Line (Inpatient/Outpatient Palliative Care & Primary Care House Call Program).
Lauren attended Temple University (Philadelphia, PA) and earned a Bachelor’s of Science in nursing degree in 2005. In 2013, she earned a Master’s of Science in Nursing Management and Organizational Leadership (MSN) through American Sentinel University. In 2014, she received board certification in case management. Lauren has previous experience with Medical/Surgical & Cardiac Nursing, Quality & Professional Practice for the AtlantiCare Physician Group.
Lauren resides in Atlantic County, New Jersey - just outside of Atlantic City & neighboring shore towns. Favorite past times include traveling, relaxing beach days, and being the best dog-mom to a basset hound/lab mix rescue named Dublin.

Melissa is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor that has served in several clinical roles within the complex health delivery system (case management, care coordination, crisis services, juvenile probation, counseling services, and mobile therapy for adults, children, and their families). Melissa has led the design, development and implementation of several results-oriented, high impact community-based initiatives focused on braiding funding streams, formulating strategic community-based partnerships, and improving access of complex health populations to high-quality long-term supports and services.
Melissa enjoys exploring new ideas and breaking through stereotypes to showcase the potential in all people, with a particular emphasis in promoting individuals living with traumatic brain injuries (TBI), intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD), and behavioral health needs. Melissa also possesses extensive expertise working with youth and adults who are dually diagnosed with I/DD and behavioral health conditions.
Melissa received her undergraduate in Psychology from Pennsylvania State University with a concentration in health and science, and a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Gannon University. She previously served as the Advocacy Chair on the Board of Directors of the Licensed Professional Counselors Association of North Carolina (LPCANC) and continues to support LPCs navigate the state’s complex Medicaid system. As a wellness advocate, Melissa embraces holistic health care and balances the best of both eastern and western healthcare philosophies. Melissa currently resides in North Carolina with her husband, daughter, 2 cats, 2 dogs, and 2 hermit crabs.

Darnethia Cunningham received her Master Degrees in Social Work at Salisbury University and undergraduate degree in Social Work at Shepherd University. She has been working in the mental health field for over six years, helping and empowering many individuals in their day to day lives, and working for change within their community.
Darnethia began working in the case management realm almost three years ago at SAM and is studying to take her social work licensing exam later this year. She works diligently to continue advocating for community change and leave clients better off.

Lydia DeBiase is an Instructor at Kutztown University in the Social Work Department. She teaches Case Management: An Interdisciplinary Approach and Professional Dimensions of Case Management. She worked in child welfare for 17 years as a caseworker, supervisor, and placement manager. She has also worked with juveniles adjudicated delinquent, incarcerated adults with mental illness and outpatient mental health and addiction. In addition to teaching she has a private practice that specializes in working with maltreated children. She earned a BSW from Kutztown University and an MSW from Widener University. She is currently a PhD Candidate at Widener University. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Her areas of expertise include trauma-informed care, child welfare, families at risk, maltreated children, criminal justice, case management, clinical supervision, and clinical work.

Kelsey Dewitt is an Assistant BCM Supervisor at Service Access & Management, Inc. Kelsey graduated from Mansfield University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a minor in English. Kelsey transitioned from graduation to working as a Case Worker at a Partial Hospitalization Program for children to a Blended Case Management role and to her current role, as an Assistant BCM Supervisor. Kelsey also works as a SAM on call crisis staff in multiple counties. Kelsey is invested in growing the SAM team and putting the individuals served first. Kelsey currently spends additional time working on the monthly SAM newsletter, participating in the SAM Happy Helpers Group, and participating in Mental Health activities in her community.

Molly Dressler is an Onboarding, Outreach and Quality Supervisor for SAM, Inc. Molly has a BS from Clarion University. Molly recently earned the Master Supervisor Credential from SAM, Inc. Outside of SAM, Inc, Molly has established herself in a leadership position with her local Lion’s Club and is active in other volunteer organizations. Molly believes the most important impact you can make in life is by making a difference in the life of others.

Dennis worked in Philadelphia’s Behavioral Health System for over 40 years. Starting as a Music Therapist, he later served as Team Leader of the Community Treatment Teams (CTT). Most recently he served as a Training Specialist and then Program Director at the Behavioral Health Training and Education Network. Dennis authored the Philadelphia Behavioral Health Case Management Orientation curriculum. Local, state, and national conference topics have included the CTT “Philadelphia Experience,” Time & Stress Management, Training Case Managers, Crisis Management, and Enriching Recovery through Cultural Competence. Dennis earned a B.S. in Education as well as a Master of Music Therapy Degree. Prior to retirement, he was certified through the Crisis Prevention Institute and Mental Health First Aid. He holds an Advanced Certificate of Culturally Competent Human Services from Temple University. Dennis served for many years as a NACM board member.

Marian is a co-founder and serves as the Board Co-Chair of the Alliance for Citizen Directed Supports, a membership organization that is focused on developing, building and enhancing sustainable self-directed systems across the US and globally.
Along with her husband and partner Paul, Marian has co-founded Values Into Action, service organizations that only offer individualized services exclusively in people’s own homes and communities in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. She also helped to start the Collaborative for Citizen Directed Supports-New Jersey, an organization dedicated to advancing self-directed service options in New Jersey.

Ron Frederick is the Director of Safety and Security for Service Access and Management (SAM), Inc. He came to this position with over 20 years of experience in law enforcement, having spent seven years as a Detective/Sergeant, eight years as Chief of Police, and 15 years as a use of force instructor. He served for 13 years on the Dauphin County Crisis Response Team (SWAT), including five years as a Specialty Teams Leader. Additionally, he spent seven years as a member of the Dauphin County Joint Investigative Team, working closely with Children and Youth Services and the District Attorney’s Office to investigate reports of child abuse. Ron has been an adjunct instructor/trainer at the Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) Police Academy for 15 years and teaches courses on Patrol Vehicle Operations, Mechanics of Arrest, Tactical Firearms, Recognizing Special Needs, and Scenario Trainings.

Janice Gasker, DSW, LCSW, has been a social work practitioner and educator for over 25 years. She teaches generalist social work practice to bachelor's and Master's students and advises doctoral candidates. She is involved in program administration and evaluation and is the author of numerous articles and several books, including Generalist Social Work Practice, 2nd Ed. (Sage Publications).

María E. González, MSW ASW 102788, is a Bilingual Mental Health Clinician at IBHT and serves as a part-time In-Home Supportive Services provider. Ms. González has a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California, a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology (Law and Society; Pan-African American Studies) from California State University, Los Angeles, and an Associate degree in Psychology and Child Development from Los Angeles Valley College. She has over 20 years of social service experience providing services for persons affected by HIV/AIDS, substance users/abusers, homeless and low-income individuals including children, youth, families, and older adults.

Sheila is a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS), Forensic Peer Specialist, and an advanced level WRAP facilitator. She has trained many people on the topics of trauma, recovery from addiction, and supporting CPS in the workforce. She is an advocate for people with the lived experience of hearing voices. She believes that people can recover from anything. HOPE is one of my favorite words. She has been successful in her own recovery because she lives by the principles she imparts to others.

Ami Harris is the Incident Management Analyst for the Support Coordination Service Line with Service Access & Management. She’s held various leadership roles since 2012. She graduated from King’s College in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania in 2007 with a degree in psychology. She’s a graduate of the Capacity Building Institute led by PA’s Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) & Mental Health and Substance Abuse Offices. Ami is an ODP Certified Investigator and is Quality Management certified. Ami’s focus areas include individuals who are dually diagnosed, autism, trauma-informed care practices, and collaborating with teams related to risk mitigation and long-term planning.

Dr. Christopher Harris earned a Masters and Ph.D. in social work from Widener University and a BS in Political Science from St Vincent College in Latrobe PA. Dr. Harris is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work and teaches in the BSW program. Dr. Harris has taught both online and in-person classes previously at Temple University. His professional interests include substance abuse, poverty, homelessness, veterans and families, complex case management, hospital & community social work, aging, and childhood obesity.

Tiffany Jarvis received her Master Degrees in Social Work at Salisbury University and undergraduate degree in Social Work at Shepherd University. She has been working in the mental health field for over six years, helping and empowering many individuals in their day to day lives, and working for change within their community.
Tiffany began working in the case management realm almost three years ago at SAM and is studying to take her social work licensing exam later this year. She works diligently to continue advocating for community change and leave clients better off.

Amy N. Jedele currently works as the Project Lead for the Collaborative for Citizen Directed Supports NJ and is the Director of People, Projects & Innovation for FTC Kids as well as a Projects & Innovation Consultant for Values Into Action. She helped lead The Collaborative for Citizen Directed Supports NJ to win the 2021 Grand Prize for the Administration of Community Living's "Blazing New Trails for Direct Support Professionals" Innovative Challenge. She serves as the Board Treasurer for the Community Networking Association of NJ and is a Board Member of the Community Health Law Project. Amy is committed to increasing opportunities and connections for human & social service agencies to create greater impact within communities across the country.

Craig previously served as President and CEO of Service Access and Management, Inc. (SAM), a human services organization serving individuals and families throughout the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Craig initially studied History at Salem College in West Virginia with the intent to become a teacher and later got his Master’s degree in psychology at Kutztown University. He has worked as a Resident Advisor, Rehabilitation Counselor, Client Services Manager, Crisis Intervention Worker, Mental Health Therapist, and Crisis Intervention Supervisor at various mental health agencies. In 1997, Craig helped design and create Service Access and Management, Inc., which was created to provide intake, case management, and crisis intervention and to manage the contracts of the various human service providers as a private organization under contract to the Berks County Mental Health/Mental Retardation Program. SAM, Inc. provides services in 60 counties serving over 25000 individuals with over 850 employees. Craig has served on the NACM board since 2012.

Kristy is currently participating as an Assistant BCM Supervisor with Services Access and Management with a BA in Sociology from Shippensburg University. Prior to becoming a supervisor she was a Blended Case Manager for Adults with mental health diagnosis, where she also received achievement as Master Case Manager. Kristy is a mother to a sweet 10 year old little girl and is active as a volunteer in her daughter’s dance studio and also helps to coach her softball team. Outside of these roles, Kristy enjoys being active within the community and in her personal health. Whether in her career, personal, or community involvement, Kristy’s WHY is to be a light for those whose own light has gone dim, and help them to make it shine bright again.

Ethan Jury is an Intensive Case Manager with RHD FaSST/Connections, a Targeted Case Management agency serving individuals experiencing severe and persistent mental illnesses in Philadelphia. Ethan has worked with RHD since 2013, originally as a Resource Coordinator with RHD FaSST Connections in Philadelphia, and later on the RHD Metropolitan ACT Teams Mobile Crisis Teams in New Orleans, Louisiana. He obtained his Master's Degree in Social Work from the Southern University at New Orleans and is passionate about advocacy and Social Justice.

Tess Kehoe has been the Onboarding, Outreach, and Quality Manager for the Southeast Region at Service Access and Management (SAM) since 2020 and has been employed at SAM since 2012. Prior, Tess worked in victim’s services and subsequently in the intellectual disability field at Lehigh County, PA. She has held various positions in the intellectual disability field since 2010. Tess is a graduate of Cedar Crest College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. She is Quality Management Certified and is a graduate of the Capacity Building Institute led by Pennsylvania’s Office of Developmental Programs & Mental Health and Substance Abuse Offices.

Jessica Kemp is the Eastern Region Director for Service Access & Management, Inc., and has been employed at the company since 2011. Jessica’s mission has always been helping and supporting others. Throughout her upbringing she volunteered at local organizations which were making an impact on the community, organizing church rummage sales, volunteering at local soup kitchens, or volunteering with Meals on Wheels. At Meals on Wheels, Jessica was exposed to the needs of the elderly population, this is where her love of Home and Community Based services began. Through Service Access & Management’s partnership with Managed Care Organizations, she has developed programs that have successfully supported elderly Pennsylvanians in meeting their goal of receiving services in the most comfortable setting through the Community Health Choices (CHC) program in Pennsylvania.

Kate Knebels is a Senior Case Manager and Team Leader for the Families in Transition (FIT) team for Philadelphia Mental Health Care Corporation (PMHCC) Case Management. Kate graduated Cum Laude from Temple University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and minored in Cognitive Neuroscience. Kate shares her passion for trauma-informed, harm reductionist, person-centered, culturally responsive and housing-first services regularly through her work as a frontline worker supporting Philadelphia community members and as a team leader on the unit. These principles align with the mission of PMHCC Case Management services, focusing on promoting autonomy and self-advocacy. Kate supports participants in all stages of recovery by taking time to build rapport, understand each individual’s needs, assess strengths and barriers, and create a plan to help participants access support and community resources to achieve their self-defined and self-directed goals.

Mary Ann is CEO-Elect and Chief Financial Officer at Service Access & Management, Inc., a NACM Charter Member organization. SAM, Inc. is a human service organization serving over 25,000 individuals in 65 counties in the state of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. She is a Pennsylvania State University graduate, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, and she is currently a Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Global Management Accountant. Additionally, she earned her Masters of Science Degree in Leadership. Mary Ann has over 35 years of progressive management experience in not-for-profit, financial services, administration, and public accounting sectors. Her areas of expertise include organizational leadership strategies, strategic planning, financial analysis, and financial reporting. Mary Ann joined the NACM board in 2012 and currently serves as the Association’s Chairperson.

Dr. Carol Kuprevich is a faculty member in the Doctor of Social Science in Prevention, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Wilmington University in Delaware and Chief Executive Officer at THEKS Holdings, LLC. Over the last 40 years she has worked in numerous state, private, and national systems as a case manager, administrator, director, educator, crisis response leader, researcher, and in quality improvement.
Dr. Kuprevich retired in 2018 from The State of Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health and continues to provide consultation services through her sole proprietor consulting practice. She serves on the academic advisory councils for numerous academic institutions.
Dr. Kuprevich has been an active Board Member for NACM since 2002 serving as Treasurer for several terms, Chair of Nominating for several years and is currently active on Special Projects, Nominating, Conference, and Membership Committees.
She embodies the constructs of life-long adult learning theories as well as both pedagogy and andragogy and remains a practitioner of strength-based approaches in interpersonal interactions and service provision.

Nicole Lorenzetti, BA, is an Onboarding, Outreach and Quality supervisor for Mental Health Services serving the western region of Service, Access, & Management, Inc. of Pennsylvania. She has serving the mental health population for over 15 years. Nicole graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. She is currently in pursuit of a master’s degree in business administration. Nicole’s current work includes helping create inventive ways to recruit and onboard staff that grows engaged, proactive, and determined employees. Nicole is passionate about nurturing all dimensions of wellness, empowering individuals to foster change and growth, and finding time to laugh and connect with others. Nicole is also a certified Yoga, Pound Pro and Generation Pound Pro, and Group Aerobics Instructor.

Jeff Marks has forty (40) years of experience in behavioral health, including direct service and administrative/management responsibilities in community, forensic, private, and educational settings. Related programming includes: Mental Health residential services; Crisis Intervention/Delegate Services; Outpatient and Partial Hospitalization Treatment; Family-Based and Wrap-Around Services; case management services; employee assistance; drug & alcohol counseling; school administration/student services; providing lethality assessments in correctional facilities; providing therapy in private practice. Jeff holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology and is licensed as a Psychologist.

Theresa (Tess) Marsh served in the United States Marine Corps and worked in the Defense Industry for 16 years. In 2009, Tess made a career transition into healthcare and holds a degree in Healthcare Administration. Tess spent 12 years in the healthcare sector as a Clinic Manger, Fellowship Coordinator, and is currently a Board-Certified Patient Advocate as well as an ACE Certified Health Coach. Tess recently made a career pivot to Higher Education and is currently the Employer Relations Coordinator at Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania.

Rebekka Matthews, BSW, is the Onboarding, Outreach and Quality supervisor for the South Central Region for Service Access and Management, Inc Mental health Service line in Pennsylvania. She has been employed with Service Access and Management (SAM) since 2019. Rebekka graduated with her Bachelors of Social Work from Limestone University in 2010 where she was awarded the Social Work Student of the Year. Her passions include Mental health, fighting for human rights and social change while making communities stronger, families healthier and increasing compassion in all areas of life. Rebekka is currently in the process of pursuing her passion of pubic speaking and writing a personal Anthology of surviving a traumatic childhood.

Dr. Miller is the Employee Experience Manager for a local Community Hospital in Lewisburg Pennsylvania and the founder of the Lisa Edgerton Memorial Fund at a level-III trauma center in Danville Pennsylvania. She has a diverse background in areas such as medical records, critical care, surgical medicine, and patient experience. For over 20 years she has sought to improve patient and employees lives while honing her skillset as an employee and leader. Dr. Miller holds a degree in Surgical Technology; a Bachelor's in Business with an emphasis on Healthcare System Management, a Master's in Business with an emphasis on Leadership and a Doctorate of Education in Leadership and Learning with a specialization in Health Care Administration and Leadership. In addition to her previously mentioned roles, Dr. Miller in an online Faculty Member at the University of Phoenix.

Christine started her career in the social services field as a residential treatment counselor at a facility for adolescents with behavioral disorders. She was anything but a counselor and she didn’t feel like she was making a difference. Christine began thinking about what else she could do and case management didn’t seem like a good idea either. She did not want to “intrude” in someone’s home and rip and run the streets of Philadelphia. However, she took the chance and it turned out it was the best decision she made. She loved it, being in the community and in participant’s homes working with them and helping them get the services they needed. She has been in case management in one capacity or another, with children and adults, for 20 years. Christine went back to school and earned a Master’s Degree in Human Services with a concentration in Management of Non-Profit agencies. She transitioned to administrative management but still having a connection to the population we serve and ensuring they receive the services needed. It has become her passion to help others understand the integral part they play in a participant’s life as a catalyst for change.

Ervin Munro has an M.S. in School Psychology and a B.S. in Education from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He's worked as a licensed School Psychologist, Educator, Case Manager, Director of Social Services, and medical Operations Manager. Currently, he works as a private Educator and Consultant.

Mr. Munro has provided services in multicultural settings for homeless persons, persons with mental illnesses, chronic health conditions, physical and intellectual disabilities, post-incarcerated, veterans, substance users/abusers, older adults, persons affected by HIV/AIDS, homeless and runaway youth, hospice and homecare patients, and immigrants/refugees.
He served 8 years on the NACM Board of Directors and was Chair of the Membership Committee. working with a highly qualified evaluation team for federally-funded substance abuse grant programs focusing on at-risk populations.

Danielle is the Onboarding, Outreach, and Quality Manager for the Northeast Region of the Support Coordination Service line at Service Access and Management, Inc. (SAM). She has over 12 years’ experience working at SAM in various roles and prior to SAM, worked as a therapeutic support staff for four years. She is Quality Management Certified and a graduate of Kutztown University with a Bachelor’s in Psychology.

MIchael is a Certified Peer Specialist and an advanced level WRAP facilitator. He has trained many in the greater Philadelphia area. He upholds a trauma informed perspective and has valuable experience working with the forensic population. He takes pride in supporting mutual aid groups in Montgomery County along with being connected to the transformative work at Creating Increased Connections. His mantra is: The only way I can be my best only happens if I can support you being your best. Striving we can all be our best together.

Miles Newman joined Pathways to Housing PA in 2019 as a Service Coordinator and now serves as his ACT team’s Substance Use Specialist. He conducts community outreach, facilitates connections to behavioral health programs, and provides advocacy and other case management services to program participants. Miles is currently pursuing his MSW degree.

Jim Peightel is a general and addiction Psychiatrist with over 25 years of experience serving Philadelphia in a wide range of treatment settings. His work has focused on team-based treatment approaches, novel program development, and systems-oriented integration of service for the chronic mentally ill, medically ill, homeless, and disenfranchised. Dr. Peightel supports various RHD programs including FaSST/Connections a shelter-based mental health case management unit, and is a consultant psychiatrist at Project HOME. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Leadership Committee (PPLC), a fellow in the APA, and was the 2014 recipient of the Philadelphia Psychiatric Society's Robert Jones Awards, honoring a psychiatrist for lifelong commitment and service to the chronically mentally ill.

Veronica Pilon, LCSW, is the Deputy Director for Mental Health Services with Service Access and Management, Inc. in Central Pennsylvania. She has been employed with SAM Inc. for 3 years and has over 18 years of experience in the Mental Health field. Veronica graduated with her Master’s Degree from the University of Illinois Chicago and achieved her Clinical Social Work License in the State of Pennsylvania. Veronica is a Board Member of The Edible Classroom and a practicing Clinician in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Veronica promotes leadership through mentoring with passion and guiding her teams to strengthen and elevate their leadership potential.

Joe Quinn joined Pathways to Housing PA in 2017 as a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) on the first opioid team. In 2021 Joe joined the Center of Excellence at Pathways to Housing PA as a Medically Assisted Treatment Care Manager. Prior to coming to Pathways to Housing, Joe worked as a CPS at an outpatient facility for 6 years.

"Dr. Melissa Richards has over 25 years of experience providing behavior supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, severe behavior disorders, and psychiatric disorders. After serving as the State Behavior Analyst Coordinator for the State of Tennessee, a behavior analyst at Southbury Training School, and the Chief Behavior Analyst at Clover Bottom Developmental Center, she was the Director of Behavior Services for The Columbus Organization for 15 years. She is currently Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations for The Columbus Organization, where she oversees all quality and compliance programs in an effort to ensure meaningful outcomes for people.
Melissa Covert is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor currently functioning as the Clinical teams Vice President within the Complex Health Structure at CareSource. Melissa has extensive clinical experience supporting a diverse range of complex populations. As the Director of Care Management/Utilization Management, Melissa, participated in the development and the led the implementation of a Resource Allocation model for 1915(c) waiver participants which allowed for the equitable and predictable distribution of funding across people with similar support needs. Melissa is a strong proponent of Person-Centered thinking and believes that when people have a voice and a choice, outcomes are achieved.

Steve Rumberger, BA, is an Onboarding, Outreach, and Quality Supervisor for the Mental Health Service Line at Service Access & Management in Pennsylvania. He earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Administration of Justice from the Pennsylvania State University, with a minor in Sociology. He has been working for SAM since 2009, and began as a Children’s Resource Coordinator before transitioning to Crisis Intervention, and a leadership role as a BCM Supervisor. Steve’s current duties include recruiting and onboarding case management staff, while ensuring that they have proper training and preparation to effectively provide service to the community.

Ann Ryan is the Unit Director of Resources for Human Development’s (RHD)” FaSST/Connections” Targeted Case Management Unit in Philadelphia PA. Ann’s primary focus is to establish collaboration with inter and intra agencies to provide housing supportive service. Ann has expanded the program from a shelter based program funded serving 30 individuals diagnosed with mental illness to a unit that serves upward of five hundred homeless individuals in a fee for service program. The current program serves individuals in a practical integration of CTI principles and recovery-based practices into a shelter based case management agency. Ann provides trainings to a multidisciplinary audience on various social service topics. Ann has been involved with a variety of startup programs which consist of crisis response center, residential programs, and case management programs.

Christine Santana, BS is a Blended Case Manager at the Lebanon Office with Service Access and Management, Inc. She has been employed with SAM Inc. for almost a year. Christine graduated with her Bachelors of Science in Christian Life Ministries from Lancaster Bible College in 2008. She was certified as a Recovery Specialist in 2016 and became certified as an Associate Addiction Counselor in 2018. Chris has a drive and dedication to serve people in the human service field.

Joann Sciandra MHA, BSN, RN, CCM is the Vice President of Care Coordination and Integration at Geisinger, one of the nation’s largest health care organizations. In her role, Joann is accountable for the oversight of outpatient Care Management services, Proven Health Navigator® (PHN) (Medical Home), and Special Needs Unit.

Joann is charged with managing medical trends, designing, implementing, and administering best practice disease and case management programs, collaborating with Geisinger’s
Community Medicine and other provider groups in the clinical transformation. Joann is also responsible for the oversight and implementation of ProvenHealth Navigator®, leveraging continuous quality improvement, and driving and promoting services that are patient-centric.

Prior to her promotion to Vice President, Joann held the role of Associate Vice President of Population Health with a focus on outpatient community services. In this role, she was integral in the start-up, maintenance, and providing direction to the nurse case managers within the ProvenHealth Navigator ® program at Geisinger Health Plan.

Joann earned her Master of Health Care Administration Degree from Grand Canyon University and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree from Wilkes University. She is also a Certified Case Manager. Joann has been a co-author for several publications and has presented nationally in Singapore regarding Medical Home and Case Management.

Gloria-Ann Seel is Corporate Director of Clinical Behavioral Health at AtlantiCare. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Juniata College in Huntington, Pennsylvania, followed by a Master’s in Social Work at the University of Denver in Colorado.
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Drug and Alcohol Counselor, and Master Addiction Counselor (MAC). Gloria has over 15 years’ experience in the field. She has specialized experience in medication assisted recovery, opioid treatment programs, criminal justice, and community based programs.

Melissa Spriggs has worked in the human services field for over 20 years in the areas of disabilities services, substance abuse, juvenile corrections, mental health, and career development. Melissa has also been adjunct faculty at George Washington University, Trinity Washington University, McKendree University, and Lindenwood University. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Truman State University, a master's degree in counseling from Western Illinois University, and a doctorate in counseling from George Washington University. Melissa is currently the director of the Master of Arts in Human Services program at Webster University in St. Louis, Mo. Melissa enjoys educating, mentoring, and advising her students as they progress and grow through the program and in their careers. Her current research interests are compassion fatigue, self-compassion, mental health first aid, and identity and career development of human services workers.

Dr. Strickland graduated from Bryn Mawr College in 1993 with a Doctorate in Psychology and a focus on experimental research and neuroscience. Past positions include a faculty position at the Medical College of Pennsylvania and affiliate faculty positions at Widener University and Springfield College. He currently has guest lecturer privileges at the Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research, the Rutgers School of Social Work and an affiliate professor position at Thomas Jefferson University, East Fall Campus. Dr. Strickland is the owner of
Biobehavioral Education and Consultation, LLC. And he loves teaching!

Robin Teitelbaum is currently the Manager for Quality Service & Practice Excellence at Service Access & Management. Robin has over 35 years of experience in the human service field, working in both local government and non-profit entities in direct service, management, administrative and corporate level positions. Robin's expertise in case management processes, group facilitation, organizational management, strategic planning/training, early childhood development and child/family supports has allowed her to enjoy a diverse professional experience throughout the years she has worked for Service Access & Management. She is a certified Autism Specialist, has a Bachelor of Science degree in Rehabilitation Education and a Masters Degree in Business Administration.

Tori is currently employed as the Quality Review Specialist with RHD FaSST/Connections and has been with the agency since 2012. Tori is an alumni and former panelist of RHD’s leadership development program and is the founder and president of Hoops for Hope, a non-profit organization in Philadelphia which utilizes basketball to engage and empower individuals experiencing homelessness. When Tori isn’t working she enjoys playing and watching sports and spending time with family and friends.

John Vafeas is the Chair of the Department of Social Work at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. He completed undergraduate degrees in both Greece and the United States and received his MSW and DSW from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Vafeas’ clinical and research work centered in the field of vocational rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities and for the past 25 years he has taught at Kutztown University. He has held previous faculty appointments at the University of Pennsylvania and Ryder University. Dr. Vafeas’ research includes services delivery systems, policy and program evaluation, accreditation, and graduate and undergraduate social work curriculum design. John joined the NACM board in 2014.

Ryan Villagran (he/him) is a Training Specialist for Pathways to Housing PA’s Housing First University. Ryan holds a Master of Social Work from Temple University with a concentration in Communities & Policy. His clinical background includes delivering psychiatric rehabilitation services in the mental health recovery model at a Community Integrated Recovery Center. He also developed and coordinated a social work training program at Temple University, taught a Human Behavior in the Social Environment course, and has conducted trainings and workshops all over the country on Housing First, harm reduction best practices for service delivery.

Dr. Wei earned her doctoral degree in social work from University of Texas at Arlington. She teaches research related courses, introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare, and practice courses. Dr. Wei's most recent scholarship is focused on social and economic development, health rights, critical thinking, substance use prevention, and elderly social isolation services. Dr. Wei has presented papers in international and national conferences. She has several publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Presenter(s) Bio Mary Rita Weller is an Assistant Professor at Kutztown University’s Department of Social Work and a licensed social worker. She has over 20-years clinical experience working primarily with children and adults specifically sexual minorities and individuals with disabilities. Her area of clinical and research expertise is in individuals with disabilities and sexual minorities such as gay, lesbian, transgender, etc. and issues around poverty. She has a published several articles and book chapters related to poverty, women’s issues, disabilities, relationship building and supporting sexual minorities.

Dave has over 42 years of experience in the behavioral health field. He began his case management work with Central Behavioral Health in 1980. Central Behavioral Health Case Management supports over 800 people a year. The department employs case management staff providing support to children, transitional age youth, adults and older adults. Central Behavioral Health's main office is in Norristown Pennsylvania. Also, Dave is the board president of a local human service collaborative ""lnteragency Council of Norristown"" as well as a National Association of Case Management board member.

Shawn Wunder is a learning & development architect, website developer, game designer, and instructor. He holds a Master's Degree from Bloomsburg University in Instructional Technology and certifications in eLearning and Instructional Game Design. He has spent over a decade assisting nonprofits with their technological needs, and has taught website design at the collegiate level.

Ashley Yanni has a Master's degree in Social Work from Temple University and is a Licensed Social Worker. Ashley specializes in mental health case management with those experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia. She partners with Homeless Advocacy Project (HAP) in their SOAR program to connect individuals with income, works as a Team Lead to help train new and emerging case managers, and facilitates a weekly women's recovery group. Ashley is passionate about advocacy, social justice, and navigating the legal system.

Mary Ann Yehl is a Primary Care Physician working in several roles at AtlantiCare. She is the Medical Director for Population Health, Ambulatory Quality & Safety and Virtual Care. She began her career in Boston as an RN then moved on to obtain her MSN, CNM, NP at University of California, San Diego. She moved back to the East Coast and returned to school at Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine. Her internship/ residency were completed at the Hospital University of Pennsylvania and Aria Jefferson Hospital.