Summit for Advancing Health Equity in Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery

Lynn M. Morrison, PhD.

President and CEO

Brandywine Counseling & Community Services, Inc. (BCCS)

President and Chief Executive Officer of Brandywine Counseling & Community Services, Inc. (BCCS) and a leader in Delaware’s response to the opioid epidemic. BCCS is a non-profit, community-based behavioral health organization and the largest provider of behavioral health and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment in Delaware. She began her career at BCCS as a Substance Abuse Counselor and advanced into positions of greater responsibility, until becoming the CEO of BCCS in 2009. Under her leadership BCCS budget has doubled, outpatient programs have consistently met performance-based contract requirements, decreased patient wait time and no-shows, and incorporated numerous evidence-based practices. In addition to her role as CEO, she is a member of numerous Council and Commissions: Governor Advisory Council; Access and Treatment Sub Committee; Behavioral Health Subcommittee Chair; Delaware Overdose System of Care Committee. BOD Member: Housing Alliance and Ability Network of Delaware.

• 1:05 - 2:20 PM, Sep 11, 2024 Christina Room

  Making Data Actionable to Advance Health Equity

• 10:15 - 11:30 AM, Sep 12, 2024 Brandywine Room

  Promising Practices: Community Treatment, Engagement and Partnerships

Kris Fraser

Quality Improvement Manager

Office of the Director

Kris Fraser is a behavioral and public health professional with 10+ years of experience in health research, strategic planning, change management, policy development, evaluation, and quality improvement. He has a master’s in public health with a concentration in Health Management and Policy, from Drexel University, is a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and is a certified Project Management Professional. He has worked in various capacities for Delaware’s Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health starting his career at the Delaware Psychiatric Center as an analyst working on various quality improvement projects.

He currently works as the Quality Improvement Manager in the Office of the Director working on driving the development of data dashboards, data visualization, and promoting evidence-based and data-driven decision-making at the senior leadership level. Additionally, he has a professional interest in research on the social and economic factors that have positive and negative effects on people with behavioral health needs, focusing on how system change can either mitigate risks or provide protective factors.

• 1:05 - 2:20 PM, Sep 11, 2024 Christina Room

  Making Data Actionable to Advance Health Equity

Haneef Salaam

Youth Institutional Coordinator

Delaware Center for Justice

Haneef Salaam is the Youth Institutional Coordinator for the Delaware Center for Justice. In this role Haneef provides cognitive behavior intervention groups at New Castle Detention Center, Ferris, and The Cottages. Haneef is also a small business owner and is contracted by Office of Defense Services to provide community engagement services. Haneef has been passionate about working with youth and adults in the justice system for the past 19 years.

• 10:15 - 11:30 AM, Sep 11, 2024 Concord Ballroom

  Exploring the Intersections of BH and the Justice Involved Community

Tyrone “Ty” Mathis

Lead Encampment Peer Support Specialist

Bridge Clinic Outreach

Tyrone “Ty” Mathis is currently the Lead Encampment Peer Support Specialist on the Bridge Clinic Outreach team in Newcastle, Delaware, for the Delaware Department of Health and Social Service within the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health. Mr. Mathis’s has worked with DSAMH for the last five years, with prior roles on the SUD team, and also worked as a Management Analyst responsible for the daily operations of the stationed RV at the Gander Hill Prison. Mr. Mathis considers helping others to be one of his areas of expertise and was awarded the 2024 Trailblazer Award from the Mental Health Association. Mr. Mathis has served his community for 18 years as a Volunteer Firefighter. Outside of work, Mr. Mathis enjoys the outdoors, making memories with his family, beach visits and catching the Phillies games.

• 10:15 - 11:30 AM, Sep 11, 2024 Concord Ballroom

  Exploring the Intersections of BH and the Justice Involved Community

Rachel Stucker

Executive Director

Housing Alliance Delaware

Rachel Stucker is the Executive Director of Housing Alliance Delaware, a statewide non-profit organization that works to advance housing opportunities and end homelessness. She is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, and has worked in youth services, community development and direct crisis services with the homeless. Rachel grew up in Delaware and earned her graduate degree in Urban Affairs and Public Policy from the University of Delaware's Biden School of Public Policy. She lives in New Castle County with her partner and their preschooler. She currently serves on the New Castle County Housing Advisory Board.

• 1:05 - 2:20 PM, Sep 11, 2024 Brandywine Room

  Unveiling the Intersections Among Homelessness, SUD and Health Equity

Nyla J. Christian

Executive Director

Center for African American Recovery Development

As Executive Director of the Center for African American Recovery Development and the Founder of the LivingWell Project, Nyla Chris)an brings her profound personal experience and professional expertise to drive significant advancements in recovery advocacy, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Nyla is a Nationally Certified Intervention Professional, Peer Recovery Specialist, and Life Empowerment Coach. She has been a vocal advocate for women, focusing on social advocacy, peer leadership, and providing life-building support for women in underserved communities. Her role as the Founder and CEO of Life Inspired Development has been instrumental in guiding stakeholders in building community-based, inclusive and culturally congruent support programs for behavioral health and wellness. Nyla's educational journey includes studies at Wesleyan University and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and certifications from The Addictions Academy and NAADAC. She has been recognized by the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National Civic League and has made significant contributions as the Lead of the City of Las Vegas’ Mayor’s Faith Initiative Addiction & Recovery Task Force. Currently, she holds a position on the board of directors for both the Vegas Stronger Coalition and Los Angeles' Painted Brain,
reinforcing her dedication to empowering community voices. She is also a board member of Global Recovery Initiatives Foundation focused on the newly launched National Recovery Friendly Workplace Institute. A passionate global music enthusiast and talented dancer, Nyla cherishes her marriage to her college sweetheart and delights in their three remarkable sons' global adventures. Additionally, she dedicates her me to mentoring women all over the country, guiding them in personal growth and helping them realize their dreams. Recognized as a powerful keynote and inspirational speaker, Nyla Chris)an panels as an industry subject maXer expert and conference moderator dedicated to creating positive change through her advocacy in recovery coaching, training, education, community cultural awareness, and social advocacy.

• 2:35 - 3:15 PM, Sep 11, 2024 Concord Ballroom

  Afternoon Plenary

Dr. Dominique "CJ" Clemmons- James

Secretary/Communications Committee

Center for African American Recovery Development

Dr. CJ holds a PhD in Rehabilitation Counseling and Administration. She is also a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Master Addictions Counselor, Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist, Certified Clinical Supervisor, and credited with being a founding coordinator of Aggies for Recovery, the first collegiate recovery community at an HBCU, at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Dr. CJ is an advocate for dialogue regarding the current trends and topics in the field of addiction, recovery, and substance misuse. As a woman of color, she prides herself on bringing awareness to BIPOC issues within the field. In her role as collegiate recovery champion, she provides consultation and expertise regarding innovative programming relevant to diverse campus culture. As a recovery advocate for collegiate recovery at HBCUs, Dr. CJ is passionate about sharing her knowledge and
experience in the areas of addiction and recovery among people of color. In her career as an Assistant Professor, Dr. CJ strives to identify, expand, and replicate the success of collegiate recovery on more-- and hopefully one day all-- HBCU campuses. As the Director of the Master’s in Rehabilitation program at East Carolina University, Dr. CJ strives to mentor, guide, and inspire new generations of clinicians. Her other professional interests are working with veterans, identity development, biofeedback training, relaxation techniques, life-long recovery, and wellness.

• 2:35 - 3:15 PM, Sep 11, 2024 Concord Ballroom

  Afternoon Plenary

Lionel Oglesby

Board Member

Center for African American Recovery Development

As the Equity Officer, Lionel is responsible for the development and implementation of principles and processes that promote racial justice, diversity, equity & inclusion at Legal Action Center. He supports the organization in identifying and addressing systemic and institutional barriers internally and externally. Guided by a framework of equity principles and processes, Lionel supports LAC in fulfilling its commitment to addressing racial justice and equity diversity (RJED). Lionel also serves as a member of Legal Action Center’s Management Team, and
co-chairs Legal Action Center’s Racial Justice and Equity Committee.

• 2:35 - 3:15 PM, Sep 11, 2024 Concord Ballroom

  Afternoon Plenary

Melissa A Harrington, PhD

Director

Delaware Center for Neuroscience Research

Melissa Harrington has been at Delaware State University (DSU) since 2001 where she started as a faculty member in the Department of Biological Sciences. She currently serves as the Associate Vice President for Research and in this role oversees research administration at DSU, and directs the Delaware Institute of Science and Technology, the DSU’s research institute. Currently, Dr. Harrington leads two NIH-funded research centers. She is the co-director of the NIMHD-supported Interdisciplinary Health Equity Research Center and the director of the NIGMS-funded Delaware Center for Neuroscience Research. She is also a co-director of two NIH-funded training grants, one that supports a summer neuroscience research program for undergraduates and a T32 grant that supports students in DSU’s neuroscience PhD program.

• 1:05 - 2:20 PM, Sep 11, 2024 Brandywine Room

  Unveiling the Intersections Among Homelessness, SUD and Health Equity

Corie Priest

Community Engagement Program Administrator

Delaware Department of Justice

Corie Priest is the Community Engagement Program Administrator for the Delaware Department of Justice. He started this pioneering position in April 2019. Corie is a leading figure in reentry and criminal justice reform in the state of Delaware. Corie has extensive professional practice in reentry, starting at the Wilmington HOPE Commission Achievement Center in 2014 as the Peer Support Specialist. He is considered one of the first “reentry” peers in the state of Delaware. While still at the Achievement Center, Corie’s talent led to the creation of the In-Reach Coordinator position. This role help increase membership to unprecedented numbers. Mr. Priest was then hired to be the New Castle County Supervisor of Reentry for Connections, CSP.
Outside of his DOJ employment, Corie acts as director of C L Priest Consulting, a firm that centers its focus on mass incarceration, inner city poverty and crime, reentry, workforce development, child support and community engagement. He also owns and operates Mobile Entertainment, a video game truck/RV (www.met302.com).
Always looking to support our local communities, Corie also serves on several committees Delaware Correctional Reentry Commission Community Wellbeing Initiative Steering Committee, Central Delaware Workforce Taskforce, executive committee of Group Violence Intervention Delaware. He serves on the Board of Directors at the Food Bank of Delaware and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware. He is a member of the Delaware Technical Community College’s New Castle County Development Council, and the State of Delaware Racial Equity Consortium.
Corie’s greatest passion is encouraging, supporting, listening, and advocating for individuals beset with barriers and obstacles, all in an effort to empower them to become their best selves.
With that passion, Corie has been acknowledged in 2015 from Delaware Technical and Community College with the Bridge Builder Award. In 2019, he was giving the Leadership Through Service Award from the Ebony Tie Affair. In 2020, M & T Bank recognized Mr. Priest for his continued leadership in the community. In 2021, the Department of Correction awarded him with a DOC recognition certificate for being the beacon of hope for all residents living in its facilities and encouraging hundreds of residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19. His efforts allowed DOC to surpass the targeted threshold, after having challenges getting individuals vaccinated. For Black History Month in February of 2022, Mr. Priest was recognized for his relentless years of services from the Delaware Blue Coats and 76ers organization, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware, and Delaware Technical and Community College. Corie was also recognized with the 2022 Governor’s Team Excellence Champions Award for his role with Gun Violence Intervention Delaware Operations Team. For all of his fierce advocacy for social Justice, Corie was awarded the ACLU’s Kandler Award in 2022, and was chosen to be the 2023 Ebony Tie Affair Chair.
Corie was born and raised in the Southbridge and Northside sections of Wilmington. He attended Delaware Technical and Community College, graduating with a degree in Human Services. Corie also obtained a B.S. in Psychology from Wilmington University. Corie is supported by his wife Janice and two amazing children, Brayden and Bria.

• 10:15 - 11:30 AM, Sep 11, 2024 Concord Ballroom

  Exploring the Intersections of BH and the Justice Involved Community

Dr. Xuanren Goodman

Assistant Professor

Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice at Delaware State University

Dr. Xuanren Goodman is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice at Delaware State University. Her research interests include health disparities among vulnerable populations in the US. Her work has been funded by NIH, Delaware CTR-ACCEL, and Catholic Charities USA. Her studies have been published in multiple peer-reviewed journals including Delaware Journal of Public Health, Journal of American College Health, and Discover Social Science and Health.

• 1:05 - 2:20 PM, Sep 11, 2024 Brandywine Room

  Unveiling the Intersections Among Homelessness, SUD and Health Equity

Rev. Dr. Ronald W. Whitaker, II

Mother Africa Church

The Rev. Dr. Ronald W. Whitaker, II is the Senior Pastor at the Historic Mother African Union Church. Dr. Whitaker is an ordained minister of the Gospel, who has held numerous ministerial leadership positions for over 20 years. As a Spiritual thought leader, Dr. Whitaker has been uniquely gifted to assist churches, ministries, and faith-based organizations.

As a Critical Scholar-Practitioner, Dr. Whitaker is an incoming Associate Professor at Arcadia University, an appointed Scholar in Residence at Duquesne University, and an inaugural faculty fellow at Vanderbilt University, for the initiative for Race, Research, and Justice.. Dr. Whitaker presents his research at both national and international conferences. His research centers on issues of Race, Racism, White supremacy, Social Justice, Organizational Psychology, the Plight of Black Males, and the Prophetic Black Church Tradition.

Educationally, The Rev. Dr. Ronald W. Whitaker, II has earned Five degrees. He received his Doctorate Degree from Duquesne University, master’s Degrees from both The University of Pennsylvania and Eastern University, and Undergraduate Degrees in Leadership and Biblical Studies from Geneva College, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. Further, Dr. Whitaker also earned a Certificate in Culturally Sustaining Teaching from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and an Executive Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University.

• 10:15 - 11:30 AM, Sep 11, 2024 Christina Room

  Meet the Mini-Grantees Session #2: Harrison Family Practice A Peaceful Place, Black Mothers in Power, Mother Africa Church

• 9:10 - 10:00 AM, Sep 12, 2024 Concord Ballroom

  Plenary Welcome

Ronaldo Tello, PhD

Clinical Director

Hispanic American Association of Delaware

Dr. Tello is a licensed mental health professional with extensive experience in implementing evidence-based programs to support maternal health. As the clinical director of the Hispanic American Association of Delaware, he has led initiatives such as Amigas Activas y Saludables and Madres Felices, Bebés Felices, which have successfully reduced stress and improved overall well-being among Hispanic women. Dr. Tello's practical experience in mental health is further complemented by his studies in mindfulness in Japan and India, enriching his holistic approach to mental wellness.

Deeply engaged in advocacy and committee work, Dr. Tello has held leadership roles in several advisory groups, including the Delaware Hispanic Commission and the DCHI Patient & Consumer Advisory Committee. Most recently, he is a member of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Stakeholder Advisory Group. His commitment to advancing culturally competent mental health services is further evidenced by his research on acculturative stress among Hispanics in Delaware, culminating in the publication of his doctoral research titled "Acculturative Stress Among Hispanics in Delaware."

In addition to his role as an advocate and researcher, Dr. Tello is providing clinical direction for a series of innovative initiatives aimed at reducing stigma and creating enhanced pathways to treatment for Latinos in partnership with DSAMH. These efforts include the publication of the first-ever Bilingual SUD/Addictions Guide for the state of Delaware, along with the development of Spanish podcasts, video interviews, and social media campaigns. Dr. Tello also manages a Spanish Facebook Page (Dr. Ronaldo Fe) with over 300K followers, where he offers life coaching and mental health tips. His unique blend of clinical expertise, research background, and community engagement positions him as a valuable contributor to the Health Equity Summit Panel.

• 10:15 - 11:30 AM, Sep 11, 2024 Brandywine Room

  Meet the Mini-Grantees Session #1: Lotus, Mental Health Association (MHA), Hispanic American Association, Mother, Baby and Beyond

• 1:05 - 2:20 PM, Sep 12, 2024 Christina Room

  Mitigating Stigma in the Latinx Community

Brent Waninger

Director of Executive Programs

DSAMH, Delaware’s Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health.

Brent Waninger currently serves as the Director of Executive Programs, Grant Administration, and the Overdose Response Center within DSAMH, Delaware’s Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health. In his current position, he provides oversight and executive level project management of multiple Federal Behavioral Health grants and initiatives, including SAMHSA’s State Opioid Response (SOR) Grant. Mr. Waninger has extensive experience with managing and coordinating federal grants from his employment with Delaware’s Division of Public Health and his roles at DSAMH. Prior to his time with state government, Mr. Waninger was a high school teacher and assistant principal and holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from Wilmington University.

• 9:00 - 9:10 AM, Sep 11, 2024 Concord Ballroom

  Welcome Remarks

• 3:15 - 3:30 PM, Sep 11, 2024 Concord Ballroom

  Summary / Wrap for the day

• 3:15 - 3:30 PM, Sep 12, 2024 Concord Ballroom

  Summary and Closing Remarks

• 9:00 - 9:10 AM, Sep 12, 2024 Concord Ballroom

  Welcome Remarks

Joanna Champney

Director of the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health

Department of Health and Social Service

Joanna Champney is the Director of the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health at the Department of Health and Social Service. Prior to joining the Division, Champney served as Chief of Planning, Research & Reentry at the Delaware Department of Correction (DOC) where she established and led the Department’s new Office of Reentry, expanded DOC’s use of evidence-based practices, and was instrumental in the recent redesign of the DOC’s prison-based substance use disorder treatment program, Road to Recovery (R2R). Prior to joining state government, Joanna served as the Executive Director of the Delaware Center for Justice, which serves a variety of justice-involved populations through direct services, advocacy and policy reform work. Previously, she worked with a criminal defense law firm in Maryland and with a finance company in Delaware. She earned a Master’s Degree in Criminology from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Delaware.

• 9:00 - 9:10 AM, Sep 11, 2024 Concord Ballroom

  Welcome Remarks

• 3:15 - 3:30 PM, Sep 11, 2024 Concord Ballroom

  Summary / Wrap for the day

• 3:15 - 3:30 PM, Sep 12, 2024 Concord Ballroom

  Summary and Closing Remarks

• 9:00 - 9:10 AM, Sep 12, 2024 Concord Ballroom

  Welcome Remarks

Eric Robinson

CEO

J2M Consulting, LLC

Eric Robinson is a seasoned facilitator with over 15 years of experience working across various service industries, including churches, state correctional facilities, grassroots organizations, and businesses. A graduate of The State University of Rutgers with a Master's degree in Social Work (MSW), Eric has dedicated his career to engaging with Mental Health, justice-involved, and at-risk youth populations, particularly in underserved communities. His expertise lies in developing and delivering cultural competency training programs, aimed at enhancing workplace satisfaction and employee engagement through effective onboarding and support for challenging populations. Eric's commitment to service and innovative training solutions makes him a valuable partner for organizations focused on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) initiatives.

• 1:05 - 2:20 PM, Sep 11, 2024 Concord Ballroom

  Cultural Mental Health & SUD Training

Dr. Andre Johnson

Founder, President & CEO

Detroit Recovery Project Incorporated (DRP)

Dr. Andre L. Johnson, a native Detroiter, is currently the Founder/President/CEO of the Detroit Recovery Project Incorporated (DRP). DRP is a trailblazing multi-service non-profit agency that provides a wide spectrum of prevention, treatment, and recovery support services to the city’s recovery community. DRP is the first recovery community organization in the state of Michigan designated as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic.

Dr. Johnson has consulted on behalf of the United States President Emergency Plan Against Aids abroad to the Department of Ministry of Health, in Dar Es Salaam, Zanzibar, Tanzania. Dr. Johnson was appointed by Kathleen Sebelius former U.S. Secretary of Health Human Services to serve a three-year term (2015-2018) as a National Advisory Council member for the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment/ Substance Abuse Mental Health Service Administration. Dr. Johnson currently teaches Psychology classes at Wayne County Community College He is a pass Advisory member of the Third Judicial Circuit Court Family Division Drug Court Team. Dr. Johnson is a board member of the Wayne Center an agency that provides services for the mentally ill and the developmentally disabled. Dr. Johnson sits as a national board member to the Center for African American Recovery Development. Dr. Johnson is currently a Board of Trustee for Michigan School of Psychology. The United States President Barack Obama recognized Mr. Johnson as the “2016 Champion of Change for Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery” at the White House. Dr. Johnson completed his clinical internship at an approved American Psychological Association site at Tarzana Treatment Center treating 12–18-year-olds with substance use and mental health disorders in Tarzana, California. In 2023, Dr. Johnson was appointed by U.S Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use Dr. Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon to serve as a member of SAMHSA National Advisory Council.

Dr. Johnson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Morehouse College, a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix, and a Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology, from Michigan School of Psychology.

• 9:10 - 10:00 AM, Sep 11, 2024 Concord Ballroom

  Plenary Welcome

Stephen Metraux

Professor of Public Policy and Director of the Center for Community Research and Service (CCRS)

University of Delaware

Stephen Metraux is Professor of Public Policy and Director of the Center for Community Research and Service (CCRS) at the University of Delaware. Dr. Metraux is a widely recognized expert on homelessness and has done extensive research on associations between homeless and other services systems, including behavioral health, veterans, criminal justice and child welfare. His research uses administrative services data as a basis for understanding dynamics of multi-system services use. Dr. Metraux consults widely with local jurisdictions and non-profits around developing policy-specific and localized solutions for providing homeless and other services more effectively and efficiently.

• 1:05 - 2:20 PM, Sep 11, 2024 Christina Room

  Making Data Actionable to Advance Health Equity

Dr. Cynthia Newton

Director of Partnerships and Programs

DSU Biomedical, Behavioral, and Allied Health Center

Dr. Cynthia Newton is the Director of Partnerships and Programs for the DSU Biomedical, Behavioral, and Allied Health Center at Capitol Park as part of the Wesley College of Health and Behavioral Sciences.

Dr. Newton holds a Ph.D. in Public and International Affairs from Northeastern University, an MPA in Nonprofit Management from Clark University, and a BA in Politics and Women’s Studies from Assumption College. She has 20 years of teaching and higher education experience and many years of starting and managing nonprofit organizations. Dr. Newton is deeply involved in food systems, obesity, and health policy. Her current primary area of research surrounds food insecurity.

Dr. Newton chairs the Kent County Committee of NAMI Delaware (National Alliance on Mental Illness), is a member of the Delaware Healthy Literacy Task Force, and is part of the Dover Youth Committee. She served on the boards of the Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing, Dover Strong Foundation, and Friends of the Delaware Public Archives. With these experiences and her current role at DSU, she draws on local organizations, community leaders, and members to improve the quality of life, as all true change begins at this level.

• 10:15 - 11:30 AM, Sep 12, 2024 Brandywine Room

  Promising Practices: Community Treatment, Engagement and Partnerships

Pierluigi Mancini PhD

Consultant & Speaker

Dr. Pierluigi Mancini is a national and international consultant and speaker about mental health and addiction specializing in cultural and linguistic responsiveness, immigrant behavioral health, social and racial justice, health equity and health disparities. His new book “…And Healthcare for All - How to become a highperforming, equity-centric organization: A Practical Guide for Health Care Leaders’ has just been published and is being heralded as a timely and important book. It is available now in English and soon it will be available in Spanish at Amazon.com. He has provided expert content to clients at the local, state and federal level. Internationally, he has provided guidance, mentorship and internships to psychology students in Mexico, has consulted in underage drinking prevention programs in Italy and consulted in Cuba, Mexico, Kosovo, Kuwait, Colombia and Argentina.

Dr. Mancini’s public service announcement and documentaries addressing Latino underage drinking, suicide and prescription drugs have won a combined six (6) EMMY® awards. Dr. Mancini has been honored with the 2023 Advocate of the Year Award, the National Latinx Psychological Association Star Vega Distinguished Service Award; the UnidosUS (NCLR) - Helen Rodríguez- Trías Award for Health; and the Mental Health America “Heroes in the Fight” Award and was named one of the 50 Most Influential Latinos in Georgia.

He is the Chair for Mental Health America National Board of Directors, serves on the
Board of Directors for Recovery Innovations International, the Ruderman Family Foundation Mental Health Task Force, chairs the Minority Fellowship Program for the National Board of Certified Counselors Foundation and sits on the Advisory Council for The Center for Victims of Torture.

• 2:35 - 3:15 PM, Sep 12, 2024 Concord Ballroom

  Afternoon Keynote

Faith Dyson-Washington, PhD, MBA

Principal

Health Management Associates

Faith Dyson-Washington, PhD, MBA, Principal

Faith Dyson-Washington is a licensed clinical psychologist and an accomplished healthcare administrator with extensive expertise in mental health. Her professional journey is rooted in a profound commitment to ending health disparities and promoting mental well-being in marginalized communities.

Before joining Health Management Associates, Dr. Dyson-Washington was the Chief Executive Officer for Community Behavioral Health, overseeing the Medicaid behavioral health managed care program for the city of Philadelphia. She was responsible for a $1.4 billion Medicaid budget, nearly 600 employees and all managed care core operations, ensuring a robust provider network, and continuum of care for mental health and substance abuse services for over 700,000 eligible Medicaid members.

On the provider side, Dr. Dyson-Washington's experience includes oversight of behavioral health operations in federally qualified health centers and clinical oversight of various levels of substance abuse programs. She has consulted with a variety of nonprofits, assisting multidisciplinary teams to serve women, children, and families involved with health and human service systems. Working as a private practice psychologist and consultant has also provided her with a unique combination of experiences that include crisis services, outpatient care, and integrated care settings.

Having worked on both the provider and payer sides of healthcare, Dr. Dyson-Washington possesses a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare system, enabling her to develop and implement strategies that enhance care delivery and improve patient outcomes. Known and respected for Dr. Dyson-Washington strategic prowess and commitment to service, she has been instrumental in expanding partnerships between managed care organizations, providers, and community based organizations aimed at achieving health equity.

Dedicated to ending mental health disparities and improving health outcomes for marginalized and underserved populations, Dr. Dyson-Washington demonstrates her commitment to education and her community. Dr. Dyson-Washington has conducted research internationally, led training sessions, and served as an adjunct faculty member at Drexel University. She serves on the board of directors for Dr. Dyson-Washington’s neighborhood community development corporation, focusing on ensuring affordable housing accessibility and improving her community’s quality of life. Her career reflects her dedication to a whole person approach to healthcare, emphasizing the inseparable link between mental and physical health.

Dr. Dyson-Washington earned her PhD in clinical psychology and her master’s degree in business administration from Drexel University. She also earned a master’s degree in counseling psychology and a bachelor’s degree in psychology and African American studies from Temple University.

• 10:15 - 11:30 AM, Sep 12, 2024 Concord Ballroom

  Grant Writing, “BIG” Thinking for CBOs: Building CBO Capacity, Integrating Resources and Generating Results

Suzanne Daub, LCSW

Principal

Health Management Associates

Suzanne Daub is a leading expert and nationally recognized trainer in integrated healthcare who knows how to help clients design, scale, and evaluate behavioral integration into primary care and wellness culture. She is a coach who believes building quality integrated systems of care means committing to the people who deliver the work and empowering service users. She is best known for her leadership style, which inspires those who serve vulnerable populations to embrace responsibility for transforming the way healthcare is delivered. She is passionate about a “no wrong door” approach to integrated care and works across systems to ensure individuals and families get whole-person, recovery-oriented services regardless of where they seek help.

Ms. Daub has more than 30 years of experience in direct patient care, program administration, and managed care. For 18 years, she served as director of behavioral health at a multisite federally qualified health center in Philadelphia where she integrated care using the Behavioral Health Consultation model. She co-founded the largest network of primary care behavioral health providers in the country and was recognized by the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers with the Innovations Award.

When health disparities among people with serious mental illness were recognized, Ms. Daub brought her integrated care skills to community mental health organizations across the country as a senior integrated care consultant for the National Council for Behavioral Health.

Immediately prior to joining HMA, she was the senior director of integrated care initiatives for UPMC/Community Care Behavioral Health, Pennsylvania’s largest Medicaid behavioral health managed care organization. She led the scaling of behavioral health homes to 65 organizations serving adolescents, adults, and individuals receiving opioid treatment.

Ms. Daub earned a master’s degree in social work from Smith College School for Social Work and a postgraduate certification in marriage and family therapy. She is published in the area of integrated care workforce development. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Collaborative Family Healthcare Association and has an active clinical practice.

• 10:15 - 11:30 AM, Sep 12, 2024 Concord Ballroom

  Grant Writing, “BIG” Thinking for CBOs: Building CBO Capacity, Integrating Resources and Generating Results

Dr. Tiffany M. Jenkins

Founder

Awakening Change LLC

Dr. Tiffany M. Jenkins is a dynamic leader and founder of Awakening Change LLC, as well as the Principal of TMJ Consulting LLC. As a licensed therapist, Dr. Jenkins specializes in creating supportive environments where individuals and teams can share, learn, and grow. Her expertise in enhancing emotional intelligence and cultural competence makes her a sought-after advisor on cultural sensitivity, practice development, and
organizational leadership.

An accomplished author, Dr. Jenkins has penned "Reclaiming My Time: A Black Woman’s Guide to Self-Care" and "Between the Couch and the Cross." She has also contributed to the anthology “Shut ‘Em Down: Black Women, Racism, and Corporate America” and co-authored the “Building Bridges Cultural Humility Toolkit.”
Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Jenkins treasures her roles as Darryl's wife, David and Raymond's mom, and Xavier’s TiTi, finding joy and fulfillment in her family life.

• 1:05 - 2:20 PM, Sep 12, 2024 Concord Ballroom

  Approaching Addiction and Health Equity with Cultural Humility

Chris Devaney

General Manager

American Treatment Network

Chris Devaney is an accomplished senior executive in the behavioral health industry. Having over 24 years in the industry, his leadership spans the entire continuum of behavioral health services. He has led large behavioral health organizations and has experience in creating successful patient focused programs in the addiction treatment, mental health, specialty treatment programs. He is an expert in criminal justice involved citizens and the unique challenges associated with reentry and accessing care and services.

• 10:15 - 11:30 AM, Sep 12, 2024 Brandywine Room

  Promising Practices: Community Treatment, Engagement and Partnerships

Dr. Priscilla Mpasi

Assistant Medical Director

Clinically Integrated Network

Dr. Priscilla Mpasi is the Assistant Medical Director for the Clinically Integrated Network and practices as a primary care Pediatrician at ChristianaCare Health System. She completed a health policy fellowship in the National Clinicians Scholars Program at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Her primary role focuses on healthcare system navigation for medically vulnerable populations and Medicaid network adequacy through community medicine coordination and her research efforts address health equity promotion and pediatric health disparities.
Dr. Mpasi earned her B.S. in Psychology from Duke University and her M.D. from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. She completed her pediatrics residency at the University of Maryland Children’s Hospital with a certificate in Advocacy. She is completing a Master of Science of Health Policy and Research from the University of Pennsylvania. She is also a National Health Service Corps Scholar.
She is a nationally recognized leader in health equity and a health expert in pediatric health and community medicine. She is the Chair of the Delaware Maternal Health and Infant Consortium appointed by Delaware Governor John Carney to lead statewide efforts to address infant and maternal health outcomes. She serves on the Board of Trustees for the National Medical Association (NMA) and has also held several national leadership positions with the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association. She was bestowed as a National Vice-President Emerita of the Student National Medical Association and is a Lifetime Member.
Dr. Mpasi has received numerous awards that include the National Minority Quality Forum 40 Under 40 Leader in Health, Virginia Commonwealth University 10 Under 10 Alumni Award, the AMA Women Physicians Section Inspiration Award, the NMA Top Healthcare Professionals Under 40 and the AMA Foundation Physicians of Tomorrow Award.
Dr. Mpasi is originally from Silver Spring, MD with family origins from the Democratic Republic of Congo and currently resides in Philadelphia, PA.

• 1:05 - 2:20 PM, Sep 12, 2024 Concord Ballroom

  Approaching Addiction and Health Equity with Cultural Humility

Matthew Sullivan

Chief Executive Officer

American Treatment Network, LLC

Matthew Sullivan is a 30-year healthcare executive with experience leading Fortune 500 and disruptive healthcare companies that are evidenced based offering access to all. American Treatment Network is an integrated behavioral health company and is a certified Center of Excellence in Pennsylvania. Founded in 2018 , the company has grown to five locations in two states and continues to redefine the standard of care with its value-based behavioral healthcare model.

• 10:15 - 11:30 AM, Sep 12, 2024 Brandywine Room

  Promising Practices: Community Treatment, Engagement and Partnerships

Dr. Claire Wang

Associate Deputy Director

Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health

Dr. Claire Wang is a physician epidemiologist with a career that spans academia, federal and state governments, and the non-profit sector. She currently serves as the Associate Deputy Director in the Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health. In this role, she is part of the Division’s executive team and leads the Research Evaluation and Population Health Bureau, which manages the Division’s data analytics, program evaluation, and informatics functions. Prior to her current role, she was a tenured Associate Professor of Health Policy & Management at Columbia University. She also previously served as Vice President of research at the New York Academy of Health and as policy advisor in the Obama administration and the National Academy of Medicine.

• 10:15 - 11:30 AM, Sep 12, 2024 Concord Ballroom

  Grant Writing, “BIG” Thinking for CBOs: Building CBO Capacity, Integrating Resources and Generating Results

Nora Carreras

Associate Principal

Health Management Associates

Nora Carreras is a proven leader and team builder with expertise in social determinants of health (SDOH) and non-profit management. She has broad cross-cultural experience management, community and government relations, program development and program evaluation. She has more than 20 years of experience in the public, academic, private, and non-profit sectors.

Before joining HMA, she served as special advisor to the secretary in the executive office of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Her role there included leading large-scale projects for the secretary, including the procurement of a statewide platform to address SDOH in collaboration with managed care organizations, providers, non-profits, local government entities and other state agencies. As an advisor, Nora provided guidance on priority initiatives and topics. Her work also included the formation and oversight of several advisory committees of internal and external stakeholders.

Her work with the Commonwealth also included serving as a policy analyst and specialist for program offices including the Office of Medical Assistance Programs, and the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. She has experience conducting research, developing policy recommendations, and leading executive staff on projects and initiatives.

Nora is a seasoned program administrator, budget and grant manager, and coalition builder. Her non-profit and association work includes serving as chief program officer and planner for the York County Community Progress Council where she oversaw program operations, budgets, and administration of the county’s Community Action Agency. Her work included developing and overseeing programs aimed at improving the lives of residents. She also worked in fund development for the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter and the Penn State Hershey Medical Center.

She earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of Puerto Rico and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Puerto Rico Interamerican University. She is pursuing a PhD in public administration from Pennsylvania State University and holds a certificate from the Fostering Diversity and Inclusion program at Yale University, School of Management.

• 1:05 - 2:20 PM, Sep 12, 2024 Christina Room

  Mitigating Stigma in the Latinx Community

Dr. Dorothy Dillard

Director & Consultant

Center for Neighborhood Revitalization and Research (CNRR)

Dr. Dorothy Dillard is a sociologist and consultant with academic expertise in substance abuse treatment, disparities in the juvenile and criminal justice systems, and offender programming. The overall goal of Dr. Dillard’s research program is to address the entrenched social and health disparities in marginalized communities and groups. She has had the good fortune of conducting sociological research in both the academic and practice environments, gaining a more informed perspective on the need for translation and community engaged research. She has applied her project management skills, qualitative and quantitative research training, program evaluation expertise, and collective impact expertise to support and assist community serving organizations. Dr. Dillard has over 40 years of conducting sociological research, evaluating social service programs, and teaching. As Director of the Center for Neighborhood Revitalization and Research (CNRR), she is responsible for developing and overseeing research practice partnerships. As lead of the Community Engagement and Dissemination Core of DSU’s Interdisciplinary Health Equity Research Center, Dr. Dillard works with her CED team to advance community engaged research, establish and strengthen community engagement and partnerships, and strengthen translation research.

• 10:15 - 11:30 AM, Sep 12, 2024 Concord Ballroom

  Grant Writing, “BIG” Thinking for CBOs: Building CBO Capacity, Integrating Resources and Generating Results

Domenica Personti

CEO and Founder

Impact Life

Domenica Personti brings over two decades of dedicated experience to the behavioral health field, blending personal insight from her long-term recovery journey with a solid academic foundation. As the CEO and founder of Impact Life, Ms. Personti is committed to supporting individuals on their journey to wellness with compassion and understanding. With a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and specialized training in Addictions, Harm Reduction, Criminal Justice, Advocacy, and Public Policy, Ms. Personti has cultivated a comprehensive skill set. She holds licenses and certifications including Chemical Dependency Professional, Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Co-Occurring Disorders Professional-Diplomat, and Prevention Specialist. Ms. Personti actively engages in advocacy efforts to promote systemic change and equitable access to mental health and addiction services.

• 1:05 - 2:20 PM, Sep 12, 2024 Brandywine Room

  Addressing Stigma Through Storytelling: Impact Life