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Annual Conference

You can hear about the most topical mental health issues in NYS from state officials and other content experts at MHANYS Annual Conference. We focus on important topics for discussion that can help shape system changes for years to come. MHANYS works to keep you informed.

2021

Welcome and Mental Health: Innovations and Opportunities

Welcome: Glenn Liebman, CEO, MHANYS and William T. Gettman, Jr., CEO, Northern Rivers Family of Services and Chair, MHANYS
Mental Health: Innovations and Opportunities: by Ann Sullivan, MD, Commissioner, NYS Office of Mental Health


Session 1: Supporting Our Valued Asset: Our Workforce

Setting the Stage: Assemblymember Aileen Gunther, Chair, Committee on Mental Health
Moderator: Glenn Liebman, CEO, MHANYS
Selena Hajiani, Director of Strategic Operations and Planning, OHIP, NYS Department of Health
Charlotte Ostman, CEO, The Mental Health Association of Westchester
Karl Shallowhorn, Family Representative
Emil Slane, Deputy Commissioner and CFO, NYS Office of Mental Health


Session 2: Characteristics of a Trauma Sensitive School Environment

Moderator: Ellen Pendegar, Former CEO, MHA in Ulster
Brandon Beachamp, Director of School Mental Health Resource and Training Center, MHANYS
Deborah Faust, Director of Family Engagement and Support, MHANYS
Dr. Joseph Fantigrossi, Director of Intervention and Professional Development, Finger Lakes Community Schools


Session 3: Keynote – The Behavioral Health Workforce Crisis

Benjamin Miller, PsyD, President, Well Being Trust
Moderator: William T. Gettman, Jr., CEO, Northern Rivers Family of Services and Chair, MHANYS


Session 4: Transforming Community Behavioral Health Crisis Services

Setting the Stage: Senator Samra G. Brouk, Chair, Committee on MH
Moderator: Glenn Liebman, CEO, MHANYS
Steve Miccio, CEO, People USA
Andrew O’Grady, CEO, Mental Health America of Dutchess County
Denise Balzer, Director of Crisis Services, NYS Office of Mental Health
Katherine Alonge-Coons, Commissioner of Mental Health, Rensselaer County and Chair, NYS CLMHD
Kimberly Williams, President and CEO, Vibra
Closing Remarks: Glenn Liebman, CEO, MHANYS