The NMBHPA thanks you for attending
6th Annual Conference on Behavioral Health
The event provided a fantastic opportunity for everyone to interact and learn from each other. Whether you were an executive, direct practitioner, or support staff, the spirit of partnership and innovation was evident.
The message was clear: our work is challenging, but together, we can achieve remarkable things.
Reclaiming Our Power
The Resonance of Shared Voices
- Reduce workplace burnout by 35% and improve team cohesion by 40%: Dr. Jeremy Holloway, combines academic expertise with real-world impact. As a former Geriatric Professor and Director of Geriatric Education at the University of North Dakota and current Health, Equity & Justice Professor at New Mexico Highlands University, Dr. Holloway brings a results-oriented approach to addressing the Social Determinants of Health.
- Bringing quality training to behavioral health in New Mexico: Growing up in deep poverty as the child of a single mother on public assistance, Brian Serna of Serna Solutions forged a path to leadership in the behavioral health field that was anything but guaranteed. With raw honesty and heartfelt humor, he will share the formative experiences that shaped his mission, the doubts and “imposter syndrome” that nearly derailed it, and the inner strength and guidance he found by trusting himself to find his way in the darkness. Now the leader of a company that has six locations, trained over a thousand providers in New Mexico, and an internationally sought-after trainer.
- Holistic Behavioral Health Approach: We explored the importance of viewing behavioral health as a comprehensive system, covering prevention, crisis intervention, treatment, and recovery. Enhancing data collection and integrating evidence-based practices are essential for improving our programs.
- Making inroads around understanding death by suicide: Ane Romero currently serves as the State Director to U.S. Senator Ben Ray Lujan here in New Mexico. She is a proud graduate of New Mexico Highlands University. While still in college, she authored, NM Senate Joint Memorial 61, which became one of the first mental health bills to pass the New Mexico State Legislature. During the drafting of the Affordable Care Act, she was one of the lead Congressional Staffers working to ensure behavioral health was included as one of the 10 essential benefits and worked with the White House to draft the language included in President Obama's Project AWARE, which New Mexico was one of the first states to receive mental health funding.
- Improving outcomes for underserved communities: Kristi Brooks Kristie has managed high-impact initiatives, advocated for federal funding, and secured millions in grants to expand access to mental health, substance use disorder treatment, and crisis care. Her work has focused on building partnerships across health systems and governments. Brooks is a licensed professional counselor and a citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. She holds a Master of Science in Human Resources Counseling and a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services Counseling from East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma.
conference presentation and Photo downloads
Thank you to all of the exhibitors,
sponsors, and keynote speakers!
This conference simply isn't possible without you!
What Our Members Say
“NMBHPA has provided me a network of fellow providers throughout New Mexico who have an insurmountable amount of knowledge in the world of NM Behavioral Health. It is beyond helpful to be able to present ideas and brainstorm with such a variety of providers.” – Molly Chavez
"Being a member of NMBHPA has truly been a transformative experience. The collaborative environment and commitment to mental health advocacy are unparalleled. Through NMBHPA, I've gained valuable insights, resources, and connections that have enhanced my ability to support individuals with behavioral health needs. I'm grateful to be part of such a dynamic community dedicated to improving mental health outcomes in New Mexico." – Devan Manilla
The NMBHPA keeps our agency updated on important legislative and policy changes. Throughout the year, team members from different departments in our organization participate in the biweekly meetings to ask questions and share ideas. We appreciate the chance to learn about different programs and client populations and enjoy networking with industry professionals throughout the state. The NMBHPA provides us with a strong voice in the NM Legislature as well as with the Managed Care Organizations and NM BHSD. In addition, membership offers ample opportunities for our team to contribute to advancing the profession and to assume leadership roles in behavioral health initiatives. – Katharine Spehar, SHRM-SCP