agenda
wednesday, september 10th
7:45am - 8:45am: Breakfast
9:00am - 10:00am: 600 Breakout Series
Breakout 601: OMH & OASAS Prevention Working Together to Support NYS Students
Kristen Stanton, Director of School and Youth Initiatives, NYS OMH Suicide Prevention Center of New York
Jennifer Haggerty, LMSW, Program Manager, NYS OASAS
As the mental health and substance use challenges facing New York State students continue to grow, cross-agency collaboration has become not just valuable—but essential. This session will explore how the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) are working together to build comprehensive, school-based systems of support that promote student well-being, resilience, and academic success.
Participants will gain insight into current joint initiatives, including prevention and early intervention strategies, integrated service models, and innovative funding approaches. The session will also highlight opportunities for schools, communities, and service providers to partner with OMH and OASAS in creating safe, supportive environments for all students. Attendees will be invited to share feedback, ask questions, and help shape future collaborative efforts.
Breakout 602: Thriving Together: Retaining Talent While Driving Performance (cancelled)
Mary Streett, PCC, Chief Talent and Culture Officer, The Child Center of NY
Steve Donowitz, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, The Child Center of NY
Claire Wang, Executive Director, Impact Collaborative
This interactive panel discussion explores the balance between retaining talent and driving performance in behavioral health through an open, collaborative dialogue. Featuring executives from a large children and family services provider and a leadership expert, the session examines innovative workforce engagement strategies and the impact of physical environments on employee and client satisfaction. Participants will leave with actionable insights and a toolkit to implement strategies that foster trust, efficiency, and alignment across their teams.
Dr. Matthew Dunn, PsyD, MCPC, Training Institute Specialist and Organizational Psychologist, Helio Health
This session introduces a culture-first approach to creating psychologically informed workplaces in behavioral health, where staff well-being and emotional safety are central to organizational effectiveness. Drawing on system psychodynamics and trauma-informed care, participants will explore how leadership, group dynamics, and culture shape the workforce experience. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to assess their own environments and implement changes that support resilience, trust, and staff retention.
Breakout 604: Bridge the Gap: Coaching Skills for Leaders Building the Next Generation
Matinah Drew, Founder and CEO, NobleHearts HR
Today’s Applied Behavior Analysis workforce spans generations and experience levels, making coaching a critical skill for clinical leaders. This session introduces tools for effective coaching conversations that boost confidence, performance, and engagement—especially for newer registered behavior technicians and early-career board certified behavior analysts. Leaders will walk away with actionable frameworks to support staff growth while protecting service quality.
Breakout 605: How to Create & Sustain a 'Creative Writing for Recovery' Program
John Dillon, CARC, Heliotrope Productions, Inc.
Through a series of writing exercises, participants are led through a sample 'Creative Writing for Recovery' workshop. With the sample workshop as a foundation, participants learn a step-by-step process on how to start and sustain a creative writing program in their center.
Breakout 606: Emerging Trends in Substance Detection: NYSDOH Drug Checking Program
Matthew Fallico, MSW, Program Coordinator, New York State Department of Health
The New York State Department of Health will share the latest results from the Drug Checking Program, including data on fentanyl and other adulterants detected across the state. This session will highlight emerging trends identified through the program’s surveillance efforts and their implications for prevention and harm reduction. Participants will also learn how service providers and communities can get connected to the program and use its findings to strengthen local response efforts.
Breakout 607: NYS OMH discussion on CCBHCs and Integrated Care
Nicole K. Haggerty, LMHC, Deputy Director, Adult Community Care Group, Division of Adult Services, Office of Mental Health (OMH)
Danielle Olsen, LMHC, Director, Adult Treatment Unit, Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS)
Kelly Bevins, Deputy Director, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, Treatment, and Care Coordination, Office of Mental Health (OMH)
Brigette Hartman-DeCenzo, LCSW, Director, Bureau of Treatment Services, NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports
The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) and Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) will lead a focused discussion on the expansion and impact of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) and integrated care initiatives. This session will cover progress to date, including regulatory and licensure updates that support integrated behavioral and physical health services through streamlined certification and coordination across OMH, OASAS, and DOH. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with OMH and OASAS leadership and ask questions.
10:15am - 11:45am: Closing Plenary Session
Expanding Access Through Responsive Care for All New Yorkers
Deirdre Rice-Reese, MPA, CASAC, Assistant Vice President of Residential Treatment, Samaritan Daytop Village
Tibisay Hernandez, PhD, Chief Equity & Inclusion Officer, Office of Addiction Services and Supports
Imari Wilson, MA, Deputy Director, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Office of Mental Health
Tina Kim, MSPH, Deputy Commissioner, Office of Health Equity and Human Rights, Department of Health
Participants will join state agency leaders in a discussion on how shared values and diverse experiences can guide services to be more accessible, inclusive, and responsive to all communities. The session will highlight practical approaches to strengthening service delivery and everyday operations, featuring an interactive activity that equips attendees to develop strategies they can apply in their organizations and communities.