Topher Hansen (CenterPointe), Mary Barry-Magsamen (St. Monica's), Pat Connell (Boystown), Connie Barnes (Behavioral Health Specialists), Jay Conrad (Houses of Hope)
The Connie Barnes Memorial Mentor Program
Connie was the President of NABHO from 2014 through 2016. While serving in that role, she saw a need to build our leadership team and bring new voices to the table. Under her guidance, we created a “Strong Foundations” mentor program to invite two individuals per year to participate in the work of the Executive Committee. In 2020, we re-christened the program the Connie Barnes Memorial Mentor Program (CBMMP) to honor the passing of our former President.
The CBMMP aims to ensure that NABHO continues to grow in its ability to advocate on behalf of our members. We want to be a trusted voice and resource for policy makers and behavioral health stakeholders. Institutional knowledge and experience are important, and we realize we need a way to “pass the baton” on to new potential leaders. This mentorship program is a means to encourage our members to feel involved and take ownership of their organization.
Testimonials
Here's what past participants have to say about the program:
NABHO’s “Strong Foundations” mentor program was undoubtedly the best leadership development I’ve ever received. The experience of getting to participate with some of the sharpest minds in the field while solving the real-world challenges allowed me to learn firsthand how systemic change actually gets done by being “in the room” as discussions happened and solutions emerged. The relationships that were built and the confidence that I gained through this experience was unparalleled. I am confident that anyone looking to grow in their leadership and understanding of statewide behavioral health issues will benefit immensely from this program.
Chase Francl – Mid- Plains Center for Behavioral Healthcare Services, Grand Island
The NABHO mentee program has been a great help to me in my career. As a mentee, working with the Executive Team was beneficial to see the various roles of leadership. The amount of knowledge I gained, specifically about the legislative process was invaluable for my role within behavioral health. I would encourage any individual looking to gain skills in this area to learn more and apply to become a mentee.
Natalya Young – Executive Director St Monica’s, Lincoln
Participant Responsibilities and Commitments
We are excited about this program and what it brings to NABHO. An organization’s effectiveness and longevity depend on the willingness of members to actively engage, contribute, and accept leadership positions. We understand the many demands on our members’ time and energy and know that it is always challenging to balance work, family, and day-to-day responsibilities. We appreciate all our members give to NABHO, especially those who believe so strongly in our work that they are willing to take on leadership positions and add that responsibility to their list of commitments.
Participants in the program need to understand the following guidelines. These were developed to help participants get the most out of this program while protecting the integrity and work of the Executive Committee.
- To keep the program manageable and maintain order during Executive Committee meetings, we will limit participation to 2 members per year.
- Each new class will be selected in June and December. New participants will begin attending our August or January meetings, respectively. The commitment will be for one year, ending in June or December following enrollment in the program.
- Mentees will be expected to attend a minimum of 75% of Executive Committee meetings. Those meetings are typically held once a month, on the third Friday of the month (the same day as our regular membership meetings), from 8:00 to 10:00 am. Mentees will also be invited to participate in other meetings conducted by the Executive Committee.
- Mentees will not be able to vote on any of the issues that come before the Committee but are encouraged to ask questions and/or share perspectives on any agenda items or issues raised for discussion and input.
- The Executive Committee does most of NABHO’s “heavy lifting.” We discuss NABHO’s priorities and agendas and to execute the association’s work. As we work to build understanding and consensus within the group, some discussions are meant for the Executive Committee only. To avoid miscommunication, misinformation, and undue anxiety, it is vitally important that these conversations are kept confidential until the Executive Committee is fully prepared to take the matter to the membership at large. Similarly, we need to ensure that our work is not communicated to the general public, policy makers, or agencies until we are well-prepared for the communication and have finalized a solid and informed message. The work we do is important to members’ wellbeing and impacts our credibility as a statewide organization. Our proceedings are not intended to be “secret,” but we need to be able to have frank discussions. If those discussions are prematurely presented outside of our committee, it could potentially damage the reputation of individuals, member organizations, or NABHO.
- While many of the past program participants have gone on to become elected members of the Executive Committee, participation in the mentor program does not automatically assure participants a position on the Executive Committee. Our Nominating Committee meets annually to discuss and present a slate to our membership for election to the Executive Committee. They look to our mentees for potential nomination, but it is not guaranteed.
Who can be a part of the CBMMP?
To be eligible to participate in the CBMMP, nominees must work for a NABHO member agency. Nominees may self-nominate or be nominated by someone in their organization. To nominate yourself or someone else who works within your NABHO agency, complete the online Nomination Form below.
Nominations from first-time organizations will be given priority consideration. The Executive Committee will also take into consideration what unique perspectives the nominee brings to the Executive Committee and strongly encourages rural and smaller organizations to consider participation.
We sincerely thank you for your interest and willingness to give of your time and talents to keep NABHO a strong and trusted representative of the behavioral health system.
Please contact me directly with any questions.
Sincerely,
Annette Dubas, Executive Director
Nebraska Association of Behavioral Health Organizations
Annette.Dubas@NABHO.org
308-550-0614
To nominate yourself or someone else for the Connie Barnes Memorial Mentor Program, complete the fields below.
