CHFS Community: Recent Episodes
Julianne Hatton
CHFS Community is a conversation about health and well-being featuring Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) employees and partners. Get ready to be inspired by outstanding individuals who are passionate about helping Kentuckians reach their full human potential. Join our community, and look for the Podcast Preview in your email so you'll never miss an episode. And while you're at it, tell your friends about the show. Until next time... stay healthy Kentucky!
When it comes to kynect, David Verry has done it all. He was among the first frontline team members answering phones on Day 1 of the health benefit exchange launch. He’s answered Kentuckians’ questions about health care options in malls and stadiums. Today, he serves in leadership as the assistant director of the Division of Health Plan Oversight in the Department for Medicaid Services. In this episode, he discusses his journey from military brat to his role today helping Kentuckians get the help they need through kynect.
In Harlan, Amanda Body was raised in a safe community that encouraged young. In her career as a social worker, she appreciates that not all young Kentuckians grow up in these circumstances. Today, Amanda is the Director of the Division of Prevention and Community Well-Being in the Department for Community Based Services – and relatively new role that focuses on helping vulnerable people before a crisis. Amanda discusses her path to the Cabinet for Health & Family Services and the importance of prevention.
Not long after graduating from Anderson County High School, Chelsea Agee embarked on a path to becoming a photographer. Today, Chelsea focuses on Managed Care Organizations and the well-being of her Medicaid coworkers. She is the Contract Monitoring Branch Manager for the Division of Health Plan Oversight in the Department for Medicaid Services – and she also hosts Mindfulness Mondays. In the former, she helps ensures Kentuckians are delivered the health care they need. In the latter, she uses her training in yoga, life coaching and mindfulness to help colleagues manage the sometimes chaotic nature of government work.
Playing football in his youth, Sam Flynn learned the importance of teams – each person performing their assignments in tandem toward a greater goal. Flynn applied the lessons learned on the gridiron in Northern Kentucky to his role as Executive Director of the Kentucky Office for Medical Cannabis. Flynn discusses building and leading the office from the ground up, bringing Kentucky to a point where medical cannabis licenses are being issued to patients.
Growing up on a Franklin County farm taught Grant Gillion lessons in the value of hard work and being ready for what the day brings. Today, preparedness is at the core of his work. Gillion serves as Manager for Emergency Preparedness and Response Branch in the Department for Public Health – an important response team when disasters strike Kentucky. Just days before storms swept across Kentucky in late February, bringing tragic loss of life and property to several counties, Gillion spoke with us about his journey to CHFS and the steps each Kentuckian can take to put themselves and their family in the safest position possible during an emergency.
For Dr. Stephanie Rose and Gina Brien, the health of Kentucky women is a central concern. Rose is director of the Division of Women’s Health, working with Brien – assistant director of the Department for Public Health – to ensures promote women's health education, navigate access to care and provide access to vital services including breast and cervical cancer screenings. As we entered a new year, Rose, who grew up in Louisville, and Brien, who is from Pike County, shared about their journey to the becoming key Cabinet for Health & Family Services team members and the important work of the Division of Women’s Health.
For their respective Kentucky communities, Vickie Flynn and Graham Temple are community resources. Graham is a kynector based in Owensboro; Vickie is a kynector based in Covington. Each day, they walk people through the process of applying for health care programs, SNAP and other benefits, assistance and resource programs – putting a human face on the many ways CHFS helps people reach their full human potential. Just before the holidays, we spoke about their experiences as kynectors.
Dr. Lisa Lee Williams, D.Min., MaOM, is the new Chief of Staff for CHFS. She shares her thoughts about serving as a member of Team Kentucky and the Cabinet’s commitment to help Kentuckians reach their full human potential. She returns to the CHFS Community Podcast to help reflect on the important work that happened within CHFS in 2024. Dr. Williams has more than 20 years of leadership and program management experience in both the public and private sectors. She is also a teacher, author and consultant to religious and non-profit organizations.
After growing up in Louisville and college at Kentucky State University, John Miles joined the U.S. Army – in doing so, he gained knowledge and skills from his service and travels that he’s used throughout his career. It just so happens that John’s career centers around helping his fellow veterans. John is the veteran families and caregiver support coordinator for the Department for Aging & Independent Living, helping veterans and their families navigate the array of supports available to them from the state government and federal government, as well as nonprofits. As we celebrate America’s veterans this month, John discusses his journey and his love of veterans and his work.
For Chase Barnes, compassion has always been a part of his life. From volunteering in college to serving in the United States Peace Corps in Belize, Chase gravitates toward opportunities to help others. Today, Chase helps Kentuckians in some of their most challenging times in his role as manager of the Kentucky Department for Public Health Harm Reduction Program. From distributing life-saving naloxone to supporting public health professionals in the work of helping steer people with substance use disorder toward recovery, Chase has a role in tackling one of Kentucky’s most important challenges in recent years.
The daughter of an assistant fire chief, Angela Roberts had public service and the ideals of a first responder in her blood. After graduating from the University of Louisville, Angela’s early career focused on disaster response with the American Red Cross. Today, she focuses on individuals in crisis as the 988 program administrator in the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities. She shares some of 988’s successes in helping Kentuckians in crisis over the last two years.
Growing up in Harrodsburg, Amanda Heacock thought her future career would be teaching. Her journey through the University of the Cumberlands would take her on another path through a similarly compassionate field – social work.
Today, she’s in a role where she’s helping young people learn while also supporting them in their needs outside of school, as Youth Service Center coordinator at Bondurant Middle School in Frankfort. Some days, she’s providing students with moral support; others, she’s helping a family find a new place to live. A few weeks ago, she was helping students with another critical need – shoes.
For more than a decade, Tricia Steward’s work took her to city after city to survey health care facilities. She enjoyed the travel but over time wanted to work closer to home in Kentucky – and it just so happened that an office she cared deeply about needed someone with her expertise to help improve staffing. Recently, Steward agreed to become Acting Inspector General, continuing her work to further build up a team.
Elizabeth Goode grew up in Hopkinsville, the daughter of a physician, and until college she assumed she would follow in his footsteps. But, after reflection, she took a new path, graduating with a master’s in public health from the University of Kentucky. She launched a career working in health care policy and today serves as director of the Kentucky Department for Public Health's Division of Prevention and Quality Improvement. Her focus is on helping Kentuckians take steps that lead to healthy lives so they can reach their full human potential.
Amy Smith was raised in Frankfort and began her state government career with the Department of Revenue. Driven by a passion for working with children and helping families, she joined the Department for Community Based Services in 2014 and is currently serving as a policy and research consultant. Today, we discuss early intervention, evidence-based practices and what it’s like to navigate social services as a single parent. Amy is a doctoral student at the University of the Cumberlands who advocates for education, human services and self-reliance. She also founded Capital Area Autism Parents and is involved in numerous organizations and community initiatives including the Midway Alumni Association, Focus on Race Relations and Capable Ministry at Capital City Christian Church. Her son Brendan is entering Georgetown College in the fall.
Supporting the social, emotional and mental health of young children is a large part of what we do at the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Today’s guest, Brittany Barber, oversees the implementation of the statewide early childhood mental health program for the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities. We will discuss how Brittany’s education and life experience influenced her impressive career. You’ll also discover why universal training, early intervention and trauma informed care are vital when it comes to the future of Kentucky’s children.
Every day, I hear remarkable stories about the work we do at the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. These stories often contain elements of adversity, hope and resilience. I’ve also discovered that every employee at the cabinet has a story that is equally inspiring. Today’s guest, Danita Coulter, is no exception. She is a branch manager for equity and determinants of health at Medicaid Services. This Danville native grew up hearing stories about her ancestors, family ties and the trauma of slavery. These narratives sparked a passion for equity and public service that touches every part of the work she does. We’ll talk about service, compassion and connection, and also reveal some secrets for workplace success in this week’s episode of CHFS Community Podcast.
Today’s guest, Aubrey Mason, is an associate and fiscal grants officer with Serve Kentucky. She began her public service career with the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. This allowed her to get eMARS and other important training that led to her current position. Outside of work, Aubrey has a variety of interests we’ll discuss, including cooking, art, travel and yoga. We also talk about the Governor’s Service Awards, coming up on April 16. This Serve Kentucky partnership with the Office of the Governor highlights the importance of volunteer and national service across the commonwealth. You can find out more about becoming an AmeriCorps member on the program webpage.
The Office for Children with Special Health Care Needs (OCSHCN) has provided comprehensive care to children and youth with special health care needs for 100 years. Today’s guest, Sondra Gilbert, shares her personal journey that began as a OCSHCN client with three special needs children. The Family-to-Family Program Director now matches families with mentor parents who provide emotional support and assistance in finding and accessing information and resources. Sondra is a trailblazer and valued leader at OCSHCN, but more importantly, a friend to those who need services or just someone to talk to.
Today’s conversation is with my longtime colleague and friend, Staci Cain. She is the commissioner for the Department for Income Support (DIS) Disability Determination Services/Child Support Enforcement. We’ll take a trip down memory lane to discuss our humble beginnings, and how hard work and perseverance have enhanced both of our careers and provided much in the way of personal and professional satisfaction. You’ll also learn about the social security disability program and how DIS became the industry standard, with the third lowest processing time in the nation.
On today’s episode, Kendra Steele describes growing up in the coal fields region, becoming an Emmy nominated broadcaster and her path to the Emergency Preparedness Branch. Kendra utilizes her media expertise to spread awareness about public health preparedness. Tune in to hear our impressions and takeaways from the deadly tornadoes in western Kentucky in 2021, and the catastrophic flooding in eastern Kentucky in 2022. For information about how to prepare for disasters, check out Kendra’s monthly articles in the employee newsletter and click on ready.gov.
Jennifer Dudinskie was raised in Spencer County and went on to graduate from Eastern Kentucky University with a double major in music and elementary education. Beginning as a Medicaid services specialist, she has come full circle in the span of 20 years as the director of program integrity. Today, we discuss her inspiring career path, management style and expertise in identifying fraud, waste and abuse. Jennifer also shares with our listeners some interesting life lessons and her enthusiasm for yoga, health and wellness practices.
Food safety is something we take for granted, until there is a food-borne illness or outbreak. The Food Safety Branch at Public Health makes sure our food products stay safe. This includes grocery stores, restaurants, hospitals, nursing homes and other locations where food is available to Kentuckians. Today’s guest, Mark Reed, is the food safety branch manager. He began his career in environmental health as a food safety inspector with a local health department. You won’t want to miss his fascinating stories along with some impressive accomplishments here and abroad. I guarantee you’ll never take food safety for granted again.
How does one begin to tell the story of Medicaid? It is a state and federal program that provides health care for eligible populations. But there’s so much more to Medicaid than programs and services. Medicaid is about individuals: children, pregnant women, elderly adults and people with disabilities. Today’s guest Beth Fisher manages communications for the Department for Medicaid Services. We discuss her life in Oil Springs, journalism career and 18-year anniversary with the cabinet. We also talk about the benefits of Medicaid, including improved health care access, lower medical costs and the ability to fill medical coverage gaps in rural areas. I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did, while gaining an even greater appreciation of how Medicaid benefits Kentuckians.
I first met Jason Bagley when I was chief resilience officer at Louisville Metro government. Together, we advocated on behalf of homeless individuals and families who were facing tremendous obstacles. Today we discuss his path from the foothills of Mt. Hood, Ore., to the circus, and then to the city of Louisville where he worked at a homeless shelter for 21 years. Bagley is currently the BHDID program manager in the Adult Mental Health and Recovery Services Branch at the Division of Mental Health. We’ll share what we have learned firsthand about trauma, resilience and how to best advocate for Kentuckians who are displaced.
Storytelling is an important part of what we do at the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Sharing genuine stories about our lives and the Kentuckians we serve boosts morale and builds trust. Today’s guest Susan Dunlap is Executive Director in the Office of Public Affairs. As spokesperson for the largest cabinet in state government she brings common sense and C-suite experience to the conversation. Tune in to find out what we’ve discovered about successful and not-so-successful communication strategies, along with some heartfelt stories of our own.
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month is ideal for a conversation with Chief Privacy Officer Kathleen Hines in the Office of Legal Services. Raised in the south end of Louisville, she was a French language and literature major at Rhodes College in Memphis and attended law school at Case Western Reserve University. After graduating from law school, Hines began her legal career as a prosecutor in the juvenile division at the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office before coming to CHFS. Today, we discuss cybersecurity and the superheroes behind the scenes who protect private information at the cabinet. The Commonwealth Office of Technology encourages you to be aware of the latest cybersecurity technologies to stay safe and secure online. Our security and privacy teams are available to assist you with work-related questions and concerns about information security and privacy.
Kentucky Medicaid is a state and federal program authorized by Title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide health care for eligible, low-income populations. This population comprises around 1.6M children, low-income families, pregnant women, the aged and those who are disabled. Today’s guest works behind the scenes as an important part of the Medicaid team. Meagan Hart received her undergraduate degree at Midway College and MBA at Columbia Southern University in Orange Beach, Ala. Today, we discuss how she came to state government, the importance of teamwork and why flexibility and communication are important traits for cabinet employees to strive for.
Greta Greenwade Jones, Ed.D., is assistant director in the Program Integrity Division at the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities. Born number 12 out of 13 children, she was raised in a loving home with a single mother in Western Kentucky. In today’s episode, we discuss Greta’s family life, career path and passion for volunteerism beginning at age nine. I personally consider it a blessing to wake up every morning with the opportunity to change somebody’s life through work and am grateful for the vast number of employees, like Greta, who exemplify this at CHFS.
Did you know that almost 185,000 people in the U.S. are expected to be diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma in 2023? Most patients do not have a fully matched, healthy donor in their family and have to depend on national registries for bone marrow donations. A group of employees from the Office of Data Analytics are doing something about this. Ben Duncan, Reagan Gaetz and Darby Todd are raising awareness about how ordinary people can register to donate bone marrow and blood stem cells. On today’s episode, Darby and I talk with Be The Match Representative Dannielle Moore about how easy it is to provide hope and save lives by volunteering or becoming a donor for a patient seeking a match.
Wanda Hartley is the longest serving employee at the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. After a diligent and productive career, she is retiring with almost 50 years at the cabinet. Hartley remembers the days of mimeographing, copying letters with a noisy hand-cranked machine and stamping envelopes. Today, we are rebroadcasting our 2020 conversation about her journey from single mother of two with the work incentive program to office support assistant at the Department for Community Based Services in Newport. Hartley says her favorite parts of the job are when there is reunification with families, and when she feels she played a part in helping people get through their problems. Having the opportunity to work with people like Wanda has been the highlight of my career. We wish her a happy retirement with contentment and good health.
Born in Germany to a military family, Kyra Dailey lived in Oklahoma and Texas before landing in Frankfort, Ky. at age 10. After graduating from Midway College, she accepted a job at the Kentucky Community Crisis Response Board and was later hired at the Kentucky Department for Public Heath following graduate school. In today’s episode we discuss the extraordinary process of finding one’s niche in the face of adversity, and how a simple task like managing a website could affect millions of lives for the better.
Today’s discussion is about what we did right during COVID-19 and the amazing team behind our success. Dr. Keith Knapp arrived at the cabinet with 37 years of practice as a licensed nursing home administrator from managing stand-alone skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities, to leading continuing care retirement communities. When many states were paralyzed with fear by the pandemic, Keith helped to assemble a team of high functioning experts including academic leaders, medical directors, representation from AARP and even a medical ethicist. Our focus was on saving lives, and the broader medical community affirmed our decisions at every step. In this edition of CHFS Community Podcast we discuss recent accomplishments, the future of long-term care and the groundbreaking potential of Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).
Kentucky’s community health workers (CHW) have connected clinics with communities since 1994. These public health advocates provide access to medical, social and environmental services while striving to overcome health inequities. Laura A. Eirich, M.P.H., manages the Kentucky Office of Community Health Workers. On today’s episode we discuss her educational journey, year of service with AmeriCorps and the CHW program. Whether working with hospitals, non-profits or managed care, CHWs are as exceptional as the communities they serve. Tune in to discover the tremendous impact of CHWs across the state.
Produced by Julianne Hatton
Taban Herrington brings a unique perspective to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. While growing up, her father’s job took the family to Mexico to build self-sustaining communities. At times, their family lived without electricity and running water. This and other experiences deepened her empathy and commitment to help others in meaningful ways. Herrington’s family later moved to the U.S., where she went on to obtain a master’s degree in risk and crisis communication. More recently, her efforts helped provide immediate assistance to hospitals during the pandemic and contributed to jumpstarting future public health careers. Herrington is currently “living her dream” as chief of staff at the Kentucky Department for Public Health. In today’s episode we discuss grit, community service, and how public health came together during a worldwide pandemic.
Sarah Cooper is executive director at the Office of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs (OLRA) with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Her state government career began in Protection and Permanency at the Department for Community Based Services before moving to OLRA as a policy analyst and staff assistant. Today, we discuss her current role in the legislative and regulatory process and what happens within the cabinet when a bill is passed by the legislature.
Steve Cambron is a program administrator for the Purple Star Program in Kentucky. On the Friday episode before Memorial Day, we discuss the importance of supporting military-connected children in their diverse communities across the state. Son of a Korean war veteran, Cambron was raised in a Louisville neighborhood along the Ohio River called Rubbertown. After high school, he spent over 10 years in France before completing a master’s degree at the University of Louisville. While working at the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities, he became involved in addressing the needs of military-connected youth through a federal grant and launched Kentucky's Purple Star Program in 2021. The program has grown to include 42 schools in 13 counties across the state. Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the American patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting and defending our country. Please keep our soldiers and their families in mind this weekend.
I often say, “All means all y’all,” and today’s episode reminds listeners that every Kentuckian deserves to be part of a caring community, despite our differences. My guest, Vestena S. Robbins, is a senior executive advisor in the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities. Raised in Bell County, her Berea College experience ignited a passion for research, innovation and evidence-based practices. Robbins went on to receive a doctorate in Child and Family Research and Policy from the University of South Florida and has worked in children’s mental health for over 30 years. We discuss her personal journey, professional vision and newfound perspective as a client of services provided through the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
As we work to improve the health of all Kentuckians, vaccines are a key part of the process. Vaccines are safe and scientifically proven to protect the individual who receives the vaccine as well as families, friends and communities that interact together. Amy Herrington, RN, is the clinical team manager for the Department for Public Health Immunization Branch. In addition to raising six children, she has spent many years as a certified emergency nurse and nurse educator. Since day one, her career has been driven by a desire to help others and provide a voice for those who do not have one. Today we discuss the importance education, availability and collaboration in the elimination of vaccine preventable diseases throughout the commonwealth.
April is Autism Awareness Month and today’s guest, Devenna C. Bales, is a nurse administrator with the Office for Children with Special Health Care Needs in Somerset. She describes growing up in Appalachia, donating plasma to help pay for college and raising three children while working full time. Bales’ vast experience and special insight as an autism mom allow her and staff members to better assist Kentucky families in locating resources for improved care and quality of life. Her warmth, wisdom and passion for public service is contagious, and I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did.
The Cabinet for Health and Family Services has made great strides in quality improvement initiatives. From working to improve visitation rooms by expanding culturally appropriate toys, books, and music, to improved support for social workers, and increased recognition to community partners. Jessica Bowman, a resource management analyst in the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS), helps advocate for improvements by bringing data to life using data dashboards, infographics and scorecards. Each one of the visualizations gives a voice to community partners, both internally and externally. From surveys and conversations, Bowman identifies ways to help both clients and employees. She has also been a DCBS Kentucky Employees Charitable Campaign chair and is the owner of Little Wildflower Books, children’s books that promote empathy, inspire a love for exploration of the outdoors and give space for conversation around difficult subjects. In this episode we talk about her life, the link between math and music and how creativity spreads joy and brings personal satisfaction.
March is National Social Work Month, and a time to recognize the courage and dedication of Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) workers and staff. Today’s guest, Monica Gregory, shares her journey from college to DCBS and what makes her job so rewarding. Everyday heroes at DCBS strive to protect the vulnerable, enhance self-sufficiency and improve safety and permanency for individuals and families throughout the state. I would like to thank each one of you for your service and sacrifice on behalf of Kentuckians.
Shannon Dussault is a human resource specialist III with the Office of Human Resource Management. After 12 years in the private industry, she came to the cabinet for work-life balance and better opportunities. She said it’s the best decision she has ever made. On Employee Appreciation Day, I am grateful for Shannon and for every employee at the Cabinet for Health and Family Services for your unwavering dedication to the health, safety and well-being of Kentuckians. We are aware of your efforts and hard work, and we cannot thank you enough.
Ambre Irby grew up on a farm in Bracken County where she learned to work hard. After marrying and moving to Ohio, her husband suffered a catastrophic brain injury following a car accident. One month later, Irby gave birth to a son and moved back to Kentucky to be near family. As a newfound sole provider, she signed up for the Ready to Work (RTW) Program offered by the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) and Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS). This led to a family support position at DCBS. Having navigated the social service system, Irby provides compassion and first-hand knowledge to DCBS clients. We discuss her journey and the joy she receives from helping others on their path to self-reliance.
Walking down the streets of San Francisco, today’s guest heard Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish and many other languages growing up. It was a desire to bring people together that propelled Child Support Enforcement Division Director Lily Chan Patteson to become a mediator in sixth grade. Later on, an undergraduate degree in criminal justice led to law school in Kentucky, where she has lived ever since. Patteson says her appointment by Commissioner Steve Veno after the birth of her second child was a leap of faith, but she has never looked back. Today’s discussion ranges from Patteson’s accomplishments to child support services, balancing work and family, travel and the 2022 Fatherhood Summit. We also talk about employee resource groups as a way to raise cultural awareness and create a sense of belonging in state government.
Today’s guest is Program Manager Beth Jordan with the Children’s Mental Health and Recovery Services Branch at the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (DBHDID). We discuss her training and accomplishments from girl scout leader and horseback riding instructor to graduating from a clinical master’s program and appointment at DBHDID. The Children’s Mental Health and Recovery Services Branch specifically serves children and youth with or at risk of behavioral health (mental health and substance use) challenges, and their families. The families served are often involved with other state agencies such as child welfare system, special education, juvenile justice, and the court system. In 2021, DBHDID was awarded close to $17 million in competitive grants to preserve the behavioral health safety net and mitigate adverse behavioral health outcomes in Kentucky. To achieve success for all families, these agencies as well as community partners, coalitions and volunteer groups must continue to work together across the commonwealth.
I hope you enjoy today’s discussion with Angela M. Kik, supervisor at the Emergency Preparedness and Response Branch with the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH). Kik is an RN with a passion for emergency preparedness, who has been on several strike team missions, most recently in Florida after Hurricane Ian. She shares fascinating insights about international flight missions, disaster nursing and end-of-life care. Since 2019, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services has operated through a series of emergencies including COVID-19, catastrophic tornadoes and historic flooding. During this holiday season I am especially grateful for “the helpers” at our Cabinet who work tirelessly to protect Kentuckians from the health effects of emergencies and disasters in our state.
Leslie Hogue Hoffmann is Deputy Commissioner with the Department for Medicaid Services (DMS). Today we discuss her life, education and where our careers have crossed paths over the years. In addition to her other responsibilities, Hoffmann serves as a Medicaid racial and health equity champion tasked with ensuring that the program is diverse and inclusive of all populations. This includes a focus on data driven policy and partnering with other states to learn about best practices and lessons learned. Commissioner Hoffmann and I also discuss the mobile crisis project intended to help any Kentuckian regardless of age, gender, genetic orientation or ability to pay. The project is focused on prevention and diversion, appropriate placements, better quality of life and outcomes. I take great satisfaction in the development of this project, along with Cabinet leadership and support staff, and how it will serve our entire state going forward.
As former Chief Resilience Officer for Louisville–Jefferson County Metro Government I was involved in discussions around equitable economic development, racial equity, homelessness, sustainability, infrastructure and the environment. Participating in homeless outreach during this time taught me that helping people reach their full human potential is about their vision of success, not mine.
Working with patients and their families at the Office for Children with Special Health Care Needs (OCSHCN) is no different. Today’s guest, Social Service Clinician Mark J. Miller, shares several stories about advocating for children and families in Kentucky while respecting their autonomy. We also discuss barriers people face in becoming more resilient including language, transportation, physical and mental health difficulties.
The purpose of OCSHCN is to enhance the quality of life for Kentucky's children with special health care needs through quality service, leadership, advocacy, education, and collaboration. Providing the highest quality of life for these children requires compassion, cooperation and community support.
Hillary Lantrip Croft has been part of the legal community for half of her life. Her father is a narcotics officer, and she took an early interest in criminal justice. At the age of 15, Croft became an intern at the Hopkins County Attorney’s Office and returned to her hometown after graduating law school. She’s come full circle as Assistant County Attorney and Child Support Director in Hopkins County and is quick to tell you she is more than a prosecutor. Awarded the 2021 Child Support Attorney of the Year, Croft participates in community job expos and yearly expungement clinics so her clients can work towards self-sufficiency. Today’s discussion is about what it means to have a servant’s heart and why everybody wins when we invest in our communities.
Former clients are some of our finest employees at the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), and today’s guest is no exception. When Tammy Thornsberry applied for Medicaid as a young mother-to-be, her case worker encouraged her to consider a job with the state. A year later, Thornsberry accepted a job at the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS). She became a case worker as a way to pay it forward and the rest is history. Thornsberry says every client has a story and should be treated with the utmost care and consideration. She feels the same way about those she supervises in Adult Medicaid, Medicaid and SNAP in the Northern Bluegrass Service Region. Hopefully, today’s conversation underscores our commitment to the health and well-being of Kentuckians on either side of the desk, inside and outside of the Cabinet.
The Kentucky Prescription Assistance Program (KPAP) helps qualified individuals identify sources of free and low-cost medications offered by pharmaceutical companies. The process reduces paperwork and offers more direct access to programs. Today’s guest, Bryant Hileman, is a KPAP Western Kentucky community consultant. At the age of 22, he launched a non-profit in Paducah that eventually became a model for the KPAP. Hileman joined the Cabinet in 2008 as a consultant and organizer. We discuss resilience, social action, and how affordable prescriptions can reduce health care costs and increase financial security for all Kentuckians.
The Kentucky Prescription Assistance Program (KPAP) helps qualified individuals identify sources of free and low-cost medications offered by pharmaceutical companies. The process reduces paperwork and offers more direct access to programs. Today’s guest, Bryant Hileman, is a KPAP Western Kentucky community consultant. At the age of 22, he launched a non-profit in Paducah that eventually became a model for the KPAP. Hileman joined the Cabinet in 2008 as a consultant and organizer. We discuss resilience, social action, and how affordable prescriptions can reduce health care costs and increase financial security for all Kentuckians.
Before joining the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (DBHDID), Commissioner Wendy Morris worked for Appalachian Regional Healthcare Inc. in Hazard for over two decades. Following the historic flooding in eastern Kentucky, we traveled to the region to meet with people and find ways that the Cabinet can assist. Today’s discussion is about what we witnessed, how Kentuckians can help flood victims and what it takes to increase emotional resilience.
Before joining the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (DBHDID), Commissioner Wendy Morris worked for Appalachian Regional Healthcare Inc. in Hazard for over two decades. Following the historic flooding in eastern Kentucky, we traveled to the region to meet with people and find ways that the Cabinet can assist. Today’s discussion is about what we witnessed, how Kentuckians can help flood victims and what it takes to increase emotional resilience.
LaToya Payne is director of the Division of Administrative Hearings Office of the Ombudsman and Administrative Review (OOAR). A graduate of Centre College with an MS in Family Studies from the University of Kentucky, she takes pride in the commitment of the Division to serving the residents of Kentucky. In today’s conversation, we discuss the lessons she learned growing up in a large family, her unique leadership style and the inspiration she receives from co-workers. We conclude that great things can happen when people are empowered to carry out their own solutions.
LaToya Payne is director of the Division of Administrative Hearings Office of the Ombudsman and Administrative Review (OOAR). A graduate of Centre College with an MS in Family Studies from the University of Kentucky, she takes pride in the commitment of the Division to serving the residents of Kentucky. In today’s conversation, we discuss the lessons she learned growing up in a large family, her unique leadership style and the inspiration she receives from co-workers. We conclude that great things can happen when people are empowered to carry out their own solutions.
Jennifer Craig is the coordinator of the Office of Dementia Services in the Department of Aging and Independent Living (DAIL). The office was established in 2021 after Gov. Beshear signed KY SB74. The program provides education, outreach and resources to over 75,000 Kentuckians living with dementia, their families and their caregivers. Craig has worked in the aging and disability field since 2005 as a direct service provider at a skilled nursing facility and as the Aging and Disability Resource Coordinator at Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency (KIPDA) Area Agency on Aging and Independent Living. Over a decade ago, Craig and her husband Darrin became primary caregivers for her father-in-law, who was diagnosed with vascular dementia. With limited experience and little money, Craig and her family had to maneuver through the challenging world of dementia services and resources. She hopes to use her life and work experience to educate CHFS leadership and staff, community partners and Kentuckians on the importance of the Office of Dementia Services as it moves forward.
Arielle D. Akin is a resource management analyst III in the Integrity Analysis Section within the Program Integrity Branch at the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS). Over the years, she has acquired a knack for investigative work, particularly related to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits trafficking. Having witnessed firsthand the abuse of SNAP benefits, the self-proclaimed “keyboard warrior” works with her team to identify and alleviate fraud, and recoup benefits for Kentuckians who truly need them. In this episode, Akin shares how she overcame childhood adversity and eventually found her forever family with the help of dedicated social workers in Caldwell County. Akin credits these workers for her personal and professional success, calling them “family” to this day.
As a former Chief Resilience Officer in Louisville, I noticed that trauma was a common thread among Kentucky’s most vulnerable populations. Trauma, an emotional reaction to a distressing experience, affects both mind and body and its symptoms can be short or long-term. However, a person does not need to experience trauma firsthand to be affected. Frontline and other CHFS workers can experience secondary trauma through the traumatic experiences of the people they serve. Today’s guest, Marjorie Shular, MSSW, knows something about the effects of trauma. Her life experience led her to become a front-line social worker, supervisor and now staff assistant who helps recruit social workers for CHFS. In this episode, we discuss trauma, the necessity of self-care and how to enhance resilience during challenging times.
Julie Watts McKee, DMD, knew she wanted to be a dentist by the eighth grade. After graduating from dental school and practicing for 10 years in Mt. Sterling, she went on to work for the Governor’s Office, Inspector General’s Office and local health department as a director. Currently, the director of the Kentucky Oral Health Program (KOHP) in the Department for Public Health (DPH), her unique background helps Dr. McKee appreciate the perspectives of dental practitioners, state regulators and public health advocates.
Today’s conversation is about the mission of the KOHP and its role in providing programs and services to help Kentuckians achieve optimal oral health through education, fluoride supplements, fluoride varnishes, sealants, hygiene and other services. We also discuss the impact of COVID-19 on health and well-being across the state and the enormous responsibility of developing and administering safety guidelines, protocols and recommendations for dental care during a worldwide pandemic.
Is is significant but not surprising that in addition to serving Kentuckians for a living, many Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) employees volunteer in their spare time. Today’s conversation is with Daniel J. Owens, human resources administrator with the Office of Human Resources and Management (OHRM), and community volunteer. The Frankfort native and former CHFS Employee of the Month has mentored or coached at least 275 youth, and received the YMCA Central Kentucky Volunteer of the Year Award. We discuss the importance of volunteer work, and how mentoring blesses the giver as much as the receiver.
There was a time when health equity was a new term and social determinants of health was a new concept for Kentucky. Our Cabinet, the Department for Public Health (DPH) and community partners have discovered that those terms are midstream indicators that impact health and health outcomes. There are also important systemic, institutional, and historical factors that continue to impact the health and wellbeing of Kentuckians. And we can't talk about one without the other. Today’s guest, Vivian Lasley-Bibbs, MPH, is part of that effort as director of the Office of Health Equity (OHE) in DPH, providing technical assistance in the areas of evaluation, survey development, study design and data analysis. As advocates for change we are proud of the conversations we are having, and more importantly, seeing tangible, actionable results come out of those conversations.
Today’s conversation is about leadership. Not the type of leadership that you study in college or self-help literature. I’m talking about values-centered leadership based on equity, empowerment and program excellence. Along with these shared values, my guest Marta Miranda-Straub brings lived experience to her role as commissioner of the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) at the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS). A refugee from Cuba who arrived in the U.S. at age 12, Dr. Miranda-Straub has spent 48 years in organizational and clinical social work practice. We discuss our goals for a diverse and inclusive organization within the largest Cabinet in state government, whose mission is to protect and promote the health and wellbeing of all Kentuckians.
Today’s conversation is to honor those who died while serving in the United States military and mourn with friends and loved ones left behind. Heath Dolen is the Service Members, Veterans and their Families (SMVF) Behavioral Health Project Manager for the Kentucky Division of Behavioral Health (DBH) within the Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (DBHDID). Since 2008, he has focused on enhancing the care and coordination of resources for the SMVF population in Kentucky. We discuss what a privilege it is to ensure our veterans and their families receive all the benefits they have earned. We also express gratitude for exemplary veterans and service members throughout the state, including those who work in the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS).
Some of the most important work we do at the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) happens behind the scenes. The Kentucky Health Information Exchange (KHIE) is a perfect example. KHIE allows participants with certified electronic health records technology to access, locate, and confidentially share necessary health information with other health care providers at the point of care. Andrew Bledsoe is a deputy executive director at the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and in charge of KHIE. Today we discuss how KHIE supports the health care community in Kentucky to provide an improved quality of patient care as one of the nation’s largest health information exchanges.
Prevention, detection and investigation of fraud, abuse, waste and mismanagement is a responsibility that the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) takes very seriously. The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is in charge of investigating these and other matters related to the Cabinet and its programs. Today’s guest, Flo Brown, is a certified welfare fraud investigator (CWFI) for the OIG who has been with the state for almost 11 years. She shares some interesting stories and statistics that exemplify our commitment to ensuring the integrity of Cabinet programs and services.
Today’s guest on CHFS Community is Jiji Masri, executive advisor with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Born in Lebanon, to a family who valued public service, Masri moved to Louisville to attend graduate school. After receiving an MBA, she spent time in banking and at a tech start-up before discovering her true calling. We talk about that journey, and how Masri came to love the natural beauty of Kentucky and the people who live here.
There are many unsung heroes at the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), and I am continually amazed at the tireless work you do to help everyday Kentuckians. Today’s guest, Julie A. Son, is a field services supervisor at the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) Family Support Services. A lifelong resident of Princeton, she knows what it’s like to be on ‘both sides of the desk’ at the family support office. As a young single mother needing occasional support services, Julie returned to college to eventually become a supervisor over the Lyon and Caldwell County Family Support Offices. So, it wasn’t surprising when Julie and her son Michael risked their own safety, minutes after the devastating tornado hit Western Kentucky, to help dozens of people who were injured and traumatized. Julie’s story of courage, compassion and resilience will make you proud to be a public servant in the great state of Kentucky.
Today’s episode of CHFS Community is a discussion with Adam Berrones about Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting (KASPER) and the importance of data. An epidemiologist with a doctorate from the University of Kentucky, Berrones loves to tackle critical problems through research, discovering new questions he can answer statistically. He is passionate about using data findings in a practical way to inform and support policymakers. KASPER is administered by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) under the Office of Inspector General (OIG), but also partners with law enforcement and other regulatory agencies to prevent the misuse, abuse and diversion of controlled substances in Kentucky. If you or someone you know is struggling with a substance use disorder call 833-859-4357, or visit the findhelpnow website to find an addiction treatment facility that is taking new clients right now.
I never tire of interviewing Cabinet employees who worked their way into management through sheer effort and determination. Sapna Sairajeev is one of those people; she began her career at the Department for Medicaid Services (DMS) provider enrollment call center. Eleven years later, she manages the Provider Licensing and Certification Branch at the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS). Although her branch supports the provider community, Sairajeev said she was powerfully influenced early on by phone calls from mothers seeking surgery for their children, wives needing cancer medication for their husbands and others seeking medical assistance. Her team still gets calls from Medicaid members and Sairajeev’s greatest satisfaction comes from ensuring that providers are enrolled in a timely manner and in accordance with state and federal regulations, thus enabling them to provide the level of care needed for our members. I know many of our listeners are as grateful as I am to be able to show up every day in support of the health and well-being of all Kentuckians. Please enjoy our conversation, and thank you for supporting CHFS Community.
Part of our mission at CHFS is to protect and promote the health and well-being of all Kentuckians. For this reason, kynect resources was created as a one-stop-shop to reduce barriers for applicants while promoting a holistic approach to service for community partners.
Seth Butt is with the OATS Division of Eligibility Systems (DES), and part of the award-winning team that created kynect resources. In today’s episode, he describes why collaborating with a variety of organizations was essential in building a network of support to complement the services CHFS provides.
Accessible, affordable health care is a basic human right that everyone deserves. Thanks to OATS and our partners, we are committed to the health and well-being of this state. Over 4,000 referrals per month shows that kynect resources is working to keep Kentuckians safe, healthy and happy.
February is American Heart Month, and a good time to focus on improving cardiovascular health. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The Kentucky Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program works in partnership with the Kentucky Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Task Force to address strategies and transform our state's cardiovascular health approaches and practices. David Davis is the communications coordinator for the Kentucky Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program within DPH. In this episode, we discuss positive lifestyle changes that can help prevent and manage high blood pressure. Davis also shares how running helps him manage stress and improve sleep. Hopefully, this conversation will inspire us all to set healthy goals for 2022.
In October 2021, the “Kentucky State Plan on Aging” was approved by the federal government with a mission to promote the welfare, dignity, and independence of older adults, individuals with physical disabilities, and adults in need of a guardian. Gov. Beshear has designated the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), Department of Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) as the State Unit on Aging.
Whether it’s equity, food insecurity or caregiver support: CHFS is committed to serving Kentuckians across the commonwealth. We are proud to have delivered over six million meals since the COVID-19 pandemic. This and future accomplishments require community partnerships and lots of creativity. In this episode, DAIL Commissioner Victoria Elridge and I discuss the beauty of human potential, the power of resilience, and how we’ll lead with vision, compassion and community support in 2022.
Astrud Masterson is executive director of the Office of Administrative Services (OAS). She grew up in Louisville and graduated from Georgetown College. In today’s episode, we discuss how OAS touches all CHFS agencies in one way or another.
When COVID-19 hit, OAS was in the heat of contract season. Masterson shares how she led her team through uncertain times by making communication a priority. She praises OAS for pulling together and learning new technology, which saved endless hours of paperwork.
Between facilities management, general accounting, and procurement, OAS provides crucial support in helping Kentuckians reach their full human potential. I hope that you enjoy my conversation with Astrud, and develop a greater appreciation for the work she does at OAS.
Lala Williams is Deputy Commissioner for the Department for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL), and on this episode we discuss her journey from Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, to East St. Louis, Chicago, and finally back to her hometown. Along the way, Williams acquired an MS in public administration and policy as well as a unique perspective that she brings to the Cabinet.
Welcome everyone, to CHFS Community. Today’s guest is Dr. Kelly Giesbrecht, our state public health veterinarian. She has a doctor of veterinary medicine degree from the University of Florida and a masters of public health from the University of Texas. After clinical practice, she spent 11 years in the U.S. Air Force as a public health officer and most recently worked at the Northern Kentucky Health Department as a regional epidemiologist. This episode is perfectly timed for Halloween because we discuss bat invasions, dead rabbits in trees and a human bone house; as well as spooky diseases like rabies and tularemia. We also talk about happy things like tulips, family fur babies and why pets are good for the soul. Enjoy our discussion, and don’t forget to stay safe this Halloween!
Melissa Goins is Director of the Division of Family Resource and Youth Services Center (FRYSC) at CHFS. Raised in a tradition of public service, Goins’ parents worked in social services, education and the court system while managing a family farm in Harrison County. Goins and her sister worked side-by-side with their parents and members of their small community, which taught her the value of a job well done. She also learned the importance of obtaining an education, when neighbors showed up at the house to request her dad's help reading their utility bills. Goins says FRYSC cannot take away all risks for children, but 'it can provide support that protects them along the way.' I am grateful for all the FRYSC folks, who do a tremendous job removing non-academic barriers to learning in order to enhance student academic success.
Shelly Canada is responsible for communications and outreach for the Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) Program within the Department for Public Health. A widow with two adult children and three grandsons, Canada has a true passion for public health and keeping Kentuckians educated and safe. She began working for the state health department in 2011 where she has held positions in Education and Workforce Development, Chronic Disease Prevention, and as the Community Health Action Team’s Program Manager and Preventative Health and Health Services Block Grant Coordinator. Canada has also been very involved in DPH’s accreditation and quality improvement efforts. We are here today to talk about EPHT, Kentucky’s one-stop shop for Kentucky specific health and environmental data and the upcoming Children’s Environmental Health Summit. If you are looking for data for grants, research, term papers or just curious about the health and environmental conditions in your community, visit EnviroHealthLink.org.
Mary Mosley, M.Ed., LCADC is the program administrator in the Adult Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery Service Branch at DBHDID. On today’s edition of CHFS Community we discuss exploration – from the trees and trails of Pine Mountain to the deep introspection necessary to overcome setbacks and inspire others to become more resilient.
Mosley’s personal and professional life is dedicated to helping women and children across Kentucky heal from the effects of substance use disorder. We agree that there’s no darker place than the absence of hope, yet hope and help are always present if we don’t give up. CHFS employees will find inspiration in Mary’s journey and in our conversation about service, compassion, and commitment.
Jean Hall is the Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting (KASPER) integration project manager and has worked tirelessly with our state and many others on data sharing initiatives. Today, she describes her Pennsylvania upbringing and passion for health care technology. We also discuss how KASPER helps practitioners and pharmacists provide optimal medical and pharmaceutical patient care using controlled substance medication. September is National Recovery Month, and CHFS supports people in all forms of recovery and the individuals who serve them.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a substance use disorder call 833-859-4357, or visit the FindHelpNow website to find an addiction treatment facility that is taking new clients right now.
Every significant brand has a logo, and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services is no exception. After months of contemplation and collaboration, we are proud to unveil the new CHFS logo at the Kentucky State Fair. Today I am discussing the new logo with Zach Stewart, Vice President and Director of Design at Doe-Anderson. He explains why fonts matter, the psychology of color, and why the shape of our state is perfect for branding. Stewart is an award-winning art director and designer who has designed for a variety of clients, including Carrier Corporation, Jim Beam, Kentucky Science Center, Maker’s Mark and Norton Healthcare.
Kathy McNaughton is branch manager in the service acquisition branch at CHFS. In this insightful podcast, she describes how her time as a military spouse broadened her outlook and gave her confidence to reach out to people as a leader and a mentor. Learning to navigate eMARS, acquisition, and mastering internal policy was McNaughton’s path to management, and her secret to success is caring about one’s job and helping others. Through procurement, McNaughton is proud to support the great work being done in the cabinet because, as she observed, "CHFS touches every Kentuckian in some way.”
Dr. Lisa Lee Williams, D.Min., MaOM is the executive director for the Office of the Ombudsman and Administrative Review (OOAR) at CHFS, and the author of, The Power of Unity: Confronting Conflict in Church Leadership Teams. With 20 years of leadership and program management experience, Dr. Williams is also a teacher and consultant to religious and non-profit organizations. Today, we discuss the importance of cultural humility and why it’s important to “empathize with understanding” in order to make lasting change in our community.
Today’s podcast guest is Marjorie Payne, Branch Manager of EEO/Civil Rights Compliance with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. She was raised in Danville, KY with three older brothers, an older sister, and four younger brothers. Payne is passionate about education and describes her earlier years of work, commuting, and night school while raising a family and building a church with her husband. I am grateful for employees like Marjorie whose job is to ensure that our workplace is safe and free from discrimination and harassment. Her self-discipline and positive outlook inspires everyone she meets, including me.
Some of you may not know I was the Chief Resilience Officer for the City of Louisville for a time, and population was one of the metrics we studied. In that capacity, I learned much of the population growth in Louisville is due to immigrants and refugees, who are known to counteract population decline and strengthen economies. However, access to health and human services can be difficult for individuals and families who have not yet mastered the English language.
Today’s guest, Alexandria Ramos, works to minimize language barriers for Kentucky’s migrants, immigrants and refugees in order to provide full access to CHFS programs and services. Ramos is supervisor of the Language Access Section, fluent in three languages, and a former tactile and sign language interpreter. We discuss how her life in Vietnam, Puerto Rico and the United States prepared her for a fulfilling and sometimes challenging role at CHFS.
This week, I interview Dr. Allen Brenzel, medical director of the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental, and Intellectual Disabilities (BHDID). Dr. Brenzel is a lifelong Kentuckian who graduated from the University of Louisville School of Medicine. His five-year residency at the University of Kentucky (UK) allowed him to study general pediatrics plus adult and child psychiatry, making Dr. Brenzel a triple board graduate. In this podcast, we have a valuable conversation about attachment, trauma and the importance of investing in young children and their families. We also discuss the Kentucky Opioid Response Effort (KORE) during COVID-19, and how much we value CHFS employees who have served wholeheartedly throughout the pandemic.
Marnie Mountjoy is the Director of the Division of Aging and Physical Disability at the Department for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL). Her career in state government began at the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS), which she says was a time of personal and professional growth.
From there, she accepted a job at DAIL where she continuously draws on the insight gained at DCBS.
“We do a lot of programs in the Department for Aging around grandparents and caregivers,” she said, “So, I take the knowledge that I learned and use it to this day.”
Since then, Mountjoy has become a fierce advocate for Kentucky’s aging community and network. Her focus is on programs that serve the elderly, caregivers, and those who are physically disabled. Learning from the COVID-19 pandemic, Mountjoy says her goal is to incorporate the lessons from 2020 and build on the successes.
This week we introduce you to Shannon Ramsey, Operations Officer at Serve Kentucky, where she wears many hats. Shannon was raised in Nicholasville, KY, where she currently resides with her husband and teenage son. Shannon’s parents worked in the local school system when she was growing up, and they remain close to this day. Shannon studied business administration and marketing at Georgetown College with a minor in philosophy. She oversees Serve Kentucky's federal AmeriCorps and administrative grants, manages agency communications and social media channels, and provides support for meetings, events and trainings. Shannon shares how her team thrived during the pandemic with virtual meetings, collaborative tools, and elective after-hours social events.
Wes Duke is the General Counsel for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), where he has been since Dec. 2019. Before then, he was Assistant Attorney General with the Office of the Attorney General for six years. He was born in Pikeville, raised in Paintsville, and graduated from Indiana’s Valparaiso School of Law after getting a Master’s in Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) from the University of Kentucky. Duke's time in VR ignited an appreciation for human and disability rights that has served us well at CHFS, where he manages over 15 attorneys. The theme of today’s discussion is the importance of public service during challenging times. We talk about ways CHFS employees have risen to the occasion during this unprecedented pandemic and how much everyone has grown along the way. Together, we agree that COVID-19 and its aftermath present endless possibilities for CHFS employees to help Kentuckians reach their full human potential.
Early childhood development is an issue that touches everyone in Kentucky, including at-risk families, children with special needs, working parents and businesses that rely on dependable employees. From First Steps to Head Start, to after-school programs, there is an ongoing need for early childhood programs in our state. Join me as I discuss this important issue with Dr. Sarah Taylor Vanover, director of the division of child care at DCBS. Sarah began her career as a daycare infant room assistant and went on to work in preschool, public school, and Head Start in support and management roles. She brings her vast knowledge and experience to the cabinet as an accomplished leader, author and advocate for children across the Commonwealth.
David Knapp is the Kentucky Training Finder Real-time Affiliate Integrated Network (TRAIN) Administrator and Special Projects Manager in the Education and Workforce Development (EWD) Branch. He was born in Pasadena, California and lived a number of places before landing in Louisville, Kentucky as a teenager.
As a University of Louisville graduate in biology, David has a lifelong interest in science. His job at EWD is a combination of science, technology, and workforce development. David and I discuss the evolution of the TRAIN Learning Management system, which is a multifunctional web-based training system tailored to public health organizations. It is made available to our cabinet, state government, hospitals, EMS, Universities and other public and private sector partners. The training is available 24 hours a day and has gone from one learner in 2003 to three million users as of February 2021, with over 50,000 courses available for free continuing education.
David is also a recipient of the 2020 Ted Ervin Award in recognition of this outstanding service and contributions to the field of public health. He has assisted federal, state, and local health agencies throughout the county in improving their workforce development activities. Sometimes we don’t understand the magnitude of our impact as CHFS employees, and because of this, I want to thank David personally for his selfless dedication, creative vision, and outstanding leadership at DPH.
In honor of National Nutrition Month, I had a conversation with Edward Clark, Branch Manager for Aging Services in the Department for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL). We marveled at how DAIL has successfully managed to feed senior Kentuckians since the March 13, 2020 closure of senior centers due to COVID-19, when meals went from group dining in senior centers to drive-through and home-delivered. DAIL and its partners went above the call of duty and through hard work and creativity managed to provide over one-and-a-half million more meals than the previous year.
Isolation has been a problem for most people during the pandemic, especially for seniors. Edward provides advice about how CHFS employees can better help seniors as they struggle with isolation --starting with one’s own family. Edward is not just an advocate for the elderly, however, he is also a champion for kids as a parent of five adopted children ages six to twelve. Edward shares how he balances a large family and three dogs with his important work responsibilities – hint, he wakes up early. Like many CHFS employees, Edward gives back to the community at every opportunity and we are proud to share his life and story with you.
The Kentucky Employee Assistance Program (KEAP) provides a tremendous service for CHFS employees with personal and work-related concerns. These services are free and open to state employees and their dependents. On this week’s episode of CHFS Community, Benefits Branch Manager Trina Wilkins Koontz and I have a conversation about the importance of being trauma informed as a cabinet, and making sure CHFS employees are aware of resources that can improve their mental health and well-being.
KEAP can assist with:
- Stress, anxiety, depression
- Mental health concerns
- Marital, parenting, eldercare issues
- Substance abuse
- Work-related stress
- Financial concerns
- Grief and loss
- Home or workplace violence
- Crisis response
- Management consultation
Trina dispels the notion that KEAP is the place to go after things get really bad, and encourages employees to make a phone call when problems first arise. The call is 100% confidential and employees do not have to use their names.
Trina and her colleagues are licensed or certified by the Kentucky Board of Psychology and experienced in assisting those with personal and work-related issues. To schedule an appointment or workshop, call KEAP: 502-564-5788 or 800-445-5327.
Today’s guest is Katie Marks, Ph.D, Project Director for the Kentucky Opioid Response Effort (KORE), which includes the SAMHSA-funded State Opioid Response grants awarded to the CHFS Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental, and Intellectual Disabilities.
Dr. Marks was raised on a farm in Jefferson County and attended Murray State for her undergraduate degree. After completing her Master’s degree at American University, she returned to the commonwealth to obtain her Ph.D. in psychology at the University of Kentucky.
Dr. Marks’ utilizes her research background in substance use disorder treatment and behavioral health recovery to guide KORE. She shares a passion for data, implementation science, and community engagement with her many collaborators in the Cabinet. We wholeheartedly agree that treatment works, and recovery is possible.
If you or someone you know needs information about recovery, go to findhelpnow.org or call 1-800-854-6813.
Today’s guest is Ivy Alexander, Executive Director of the Office for Children with Special Health Care Needs (OCSHCN). This is a position I once held that is very near and dear to my heart. Ivy comes from a family of scientists and engineers, and graduated with a BS in Biomedical Engineering with a focus on rehabilitation. Part of her education was to design devices and systems that make children’s lives easier. She is now responsible for policymaking and the administration of all programs related to specialty medical and therapeutic services for children with special health care needs.
OCSHCN has 11 offices across the state and has made every effort to be involved in local communities over the years, from community baby showers to booths in county fairs. This advocacy has increased awareness and access to health care in smaller towns where traveling teams of doctors see children and families. Ivy’s office was on the cutting edge of telehealth with OCSHCN's autism and neurology program even before COVID-19. Building on this, a grant was recently received to allow families to consult with physicians from their homes. Ivy has some exciting goals for 2021 to further support and provide health care access to children across the commonwealth.
I miss working directly with children at OCSHCN, but I am grateful for exemplary leaders like Director Alexander who enhance the quality of life for Kentucky’s children with special health care needs.
As we continue talking to team members across the cabinet, we are delighted to share a recent conversation with IT Specialist Chad Heilig. His CHFS career began about 15 years ago as an IT Contractor. One year later he was offered a full time job at CHFS. His current area is SharePoint applications. SharePoint allows employees to create websites, and provides a secure place to consolidate, organize, and access information from any device. The collaboration platform has been crucial during COVID-19 because it allows people to approve and resubmit important documents remotely. I am personally in awe of how quickly our IT staff pulled it together during the early days of the pandemic. Every computer specialist at CHFS should be proud of your contributions. Although most IT professionals prefer to remain in the background, we can all agree that their work is essential for every member of the cabinet. After all, someone has to keep all of this software and hardware working correctly.
New year, new music, and new guests. We start off 2021 with a fascinating conversation with Lynn Gillis, Assistant Director of the Division of HR Administration with OHRM. Her division makes sure you get your paycheck, while maintaining employment actions and administering benefit information --along with many other behind-the-scenes responsibilities.
Lynn marvels at how much training HR has been able to accomplish during COVID-19, as they have gotten used to using Teams and ZOOM conferencing. She says telecommuting has been a challenge, but presents better opportunities for work-life balance in the future. We both agree that the most important skills CHFS employees can master in 2021 includes a strong work ethic, a desire to succeed, and the ability to work as a team.
Throughout this pandemic we have indeed worked hard and supported each other. As a result we have lifted individuals, responded to emergencies, and provided lifesaving services to Kentuckians across the commonwealth. Whether up front or behind-the-scenes, each one of you have contributed in your own way to a better tomorrow in 2021. Please know your efforts are deeply, deeply appreciated.
Sincerely,
Secretary Eric Friedlander
In the spirit of introducing folks across the cabinet, this week’s CHFS Community conversation is with Heather Morris, Administrative Specialist with the Clinical Services Branch at BHDID. She has been with BHDID since 2001 and her main job is keeping Kentuckians with intellectual/developmental disabilities safe.
We discuss how COVID-19 has changed the way we work and how we communicate. Evolving to meet technological challenges has become extremely important this year at CHFS. Heather credits her success to fellow employees who, “pull together, step up, and make sure things get done.”
I am proud to say that Heather is one of many CHFS employees who volunteer, in addition to their full-time jobs helping people. For the past 15 years, BHDID has provided Christmas gifts to children and families receiving services through The Sunshine Center in Frankfort. The Sunshine Center provides services for survivors and families who have experienced abuse or neglect. They also provide counseling, therapies, and supervised visitation. Heather won a Governor’s Service Award 10 years ago for her service.
This week’s discussion with Rashaad Abdur-Rahman is about leadership and cabinet-wide unity. Rashaad brings a rich background to BHDID as an individual and family therapist who assisted those who experienced abuse and trauma. From there, his managerial opportunities led him to the Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods with Louisville Metro Government, where we worked together. Last Spring, he accepted a job with CHFS as an Executive Advisor for BHDID.
In this episode, we discuss our common goal to develop a cabinet that is unified in addressing racial disparities across the department and state behavioral health systems. We agree that this needs to start from the ground up as individuals and families receive the assistance they need with an extra dose of humanity and compassion.
November is National Adoption Month, and this week’s guest is Veronica Jordan Sears, Adoption Services Branch Manager with the Division of Protection and Permanency located within the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (DCBS). She obtained her BSW from EKU in 2001. Like many others at CHFS, Veronica names Commissioner Marta Miranda-Straub as her favorite professor.
Veronica’s duties include oversight, policy, and working with regional staff; but says adoption is one of the best parts of her job. There are currently 3,141 children in out of home care in Kentucky. 635 children are free for adoption and do not have an identified adoptive home. Approximately 425 of these young people age 13 and older do not have an identified adoptive family through no fault of their own. This year’s National Adoption Month is focused on teens.
It may come as a surprise that one doesn’t have to be married or have the perfect family to adopt. The qualification process for those age 21 and older includes: training, sufficient income, a home study, overall good health and a background check. You can learn more about adoption at adopt.ky.gov.
After 30 years in the cabinet, I am very aware that working in foster care and adoption can be discouraging. This is why confidential support services are offered to CHFS employees through the Kentucky Employee Assistance Program (KEAP). When things get hard, remember the joy you feel when you help someone else. Let’s be kind to each other, especially as we approach the holidays. And never forget how grateful I am for frontline workers helping vulnerable children across the commonwealth.
Budget discussions are not known for being utterly fascinating, but I encourage you to listen to this week’s podcast with the Executive Director for the Office of Finance and Budget, Eric Lowery. His job is much more than providing review and oversite for the CHFS annual budget. That is the big picture. More importantly, he assists the Secretary’s Office in helping Kentucky communities strengthen individuals and families. Our conversation ranges from milkshakes at Tommy’s Root beer Stand in Barbourville, to how the pandemic has affected this year’s budget. I hope your takeaway is our deep appreciation for the work that you do as CHFS, as we strive to lift all Kentuckians, including our most vulnerable populations.
October is audiology month, and I recently had the opportunity to speak to Michelle Niehaus, Program Administrator with the Kentucky Division for Behavioral Health. Michelle is one of only nine state coordinators focused on mental health and substance use services for individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing in the U.S.
Michelle’s passion for the deaf and hard of hearing began at age 12 when she encountered a group of people on a bus trip who were using sign language. Some members of the group taught basic signs to Michelle and she was hooked. From there, she used her signing skills to volunteer at an agency for people with developmental disabilities. This led to a degree from Indiana University, graduate school at Washington University, and a career driven by advocacy for the deaf and hard of hearing community.
Kentucky is a leader in supporting the deaf and hard of hearing, but there is always more we can do to address inequities in services for those in the commonwealth. In this podcast, Michelle provides ideas about how CHFS can address disparities and improve health outcomes for the deaf and hard of hearing.
And finally, we discuss the silver lining of the COVID-19 epidemic including telehealth and the return of kynect to help provide Kentuckians the basic human right that is healthcare. Michelle would argue that communication is a basic human right, too. I hope you enjoy getting to know Michelle, and learning more about blessings and challenges faced by those with hearing loss in Kentucky.
It’s not often that a person gets to return to a job they love with an even greater opportunity to make a difference. This is what happened in 2019 when Secretary Eric Friedlander accepted an invitation to lead the Cabinet for Health and Family Services as Deputy Secretary. A few months later, he was appointed to CHFS Secretary. Carrie Banahan, who has also returned to CHFS, is the new Deputy Secretary. They are pleased to be working together again.
Deputy Secretary Banahan started at CHFS in 1982. She has had over 27 years at the cabinet and eight years with the Department of Insurance. Their plan is to “pick up where we left off” by expanding services that support the health of Kentuckians. CHFS has relaunched a streamlined kynect with mobile friendly access, easier navigation, and expanded information, and CHFS employees will be happy to hear that applications for benefits will take 15-20 minutes compared to an hour or more.
On this episode, Deputy Secretary Banahan shares the secrets and shortcomings she experienced along the road to career success. She shares her commitment that all CHFS employees feel valued and appreciated. She talk with Secretary Friedlander about their passion for people and policy; and mutual commitment to do what it takes to improve the health and well-being of Kentuckians.
Secretary Friedlander interviews Wanda Hartley on this week’s podcast. Wanda has served diligently for 562 months at the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, making her the longest tenured employee at CHFS. Following a celebratory lunch with Commissioner Miranda-Straub, they have a captivating discussion about life in small-town Kentucky, the Cincinnati Reds, and the personal satisfaction that comes from a job well done. Wanda takes the listener from the days of mimeograph machines, typewriters, onion skin and carbon paper; to high speed computers and video conferencing. Wanda concludes that the best part of working for CHFS is helping social workers, supervisors, and community partners keep Kentucky’s children safe.
September is National Preparedness Month (NPM) and in this episode Secretary Friedlander interviews Preparedness Branch Manager at the Department for Public Health Robbie Hume. With the 2020 NPM theme in mind: Disasters Don't Wait, Make Your Plan Today, they discuss four keys to emergency preparedness:
Make a Plan
Build a Kit
Prepare for Disasters
Teach Youth About Preparedness
Hume suggests that downtime during COVID-19 is a good time to reassess one's current emergency plan, because it's not a matter of "if", it's a matter of "when" a disaster will strike Kentucky.
Hume's father was a fire chief, and he developed a passion for helping others as a volunteer firefighter. This passion extended to preparedness and public health, guiding Hume to public service as a career. He expresses gratitude for volunteers, co-workers, and stakeholders who worked 14-hour days during the early months of COVID-19 and for those still serving tirelessly during this historic event.
The Inspector General’s office is the regulatory and licensing agency for health care, day care, long-term care facilities, child adoption, and child placement agencies in Kentucky. In this week’s interview, IG Adam Mather discusses how his office provides safety, and improves the quality of life for Kentucky’s most vulnerable. IG Mather also describes how his nursing education and training gives him the clinical and critical thinking skills necessary to oversee a state regulatory agency. Also discussed, is how KASPER takes bad players out of the market, and the recent Shearer drug store prosecution.
Last week I had the opportunity of interviewing Commissioner Victoria Elridge with the CHFS Department for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL). It’s not often that you meet someone who knew what they wanted do at an early age. As a store cashier in her teens, Victoria connected with a special needs child which launched her journey to become an occupational therapist. This led to a bachelor’s degree in occupational science and a masters in occupational therapy from EKU. Commissioner Elridge’s clinical experience includes working with amputees, non-brain injury trauma, spinal cord injuries, dementia, joint replacements and burns. In the podcast we discuss the importance of human validation, and giving people the power to set their own goals. Victoria and her husband Colmon have three bi-racial children. In the current atmosphere of racial trauma, Victoria assures CHFS employees “It’s OK not to be OK”, and stresses the importance of checking in on one other. She says casual discussions can be followed by deep conversations because “If we don’t do it, who will”? Victoria started her job two weeks after the COVID-19 epidemic and shares the lessons she’s learned from the pandemic, and who her greatest hero is when it comes to advocacy. I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did. -- Victoria Elridge is the commissioner of the Department for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) in the KY Cabinet for Health and Family Services. A licensed occupational therapist, she was diagnosed with epilepsy as a child which empowered her to pursue a career in health service. Elridge has spent her career working in state government and providing client-centered occupational therapy services to individuals of all ages. As the DAIL deputy commissioner in the administration of Gov. Steve Beshear she worked to ensure public services for Kentucky’s seniors and people with disabilities supported independent living through contract negotiations, revising and updating state regulations and overseeing the state guardianship program. Most recently, Elridge worked as an occupational therapist for EasterSeals Society Cardinal Hill Pediatric Therapy Clinic, a non-profit organization in Lexington, KY. She received specialized training in pediatric neurodevelopment, autonomic nervous system regulation and fragile infant feeding and used that expertise to further address feeding difficulties and delayed developmental milestones in infants and toddlers at the clinic. Previous clinical experience includes helping amputees gain independence and working with patients with non-brain injury trauma, spinal cord injuries, joint replacements and burns. Additionally, she developed and implemented a client-centered dementia program for an inpatient rehabilitation facility. Commissioner Elridge grew up in Louisville, KY and is a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University where she earned a bachelors degree in occupational science and a masters in occupational therapy. She currently resides in Georgetown, KY with her husband, Colmon Elridge (III) and their three sons, Colmon (IV), Carter and Camden. They have a divided household where she loudly cheers for the Louisville Cardinals and her husband and three sons cheer for the Kentucky Wildcats.
Marta Miranda-Straub was appointed by Gov. Andy Beshear as the Commissioner of the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) on July 1, 2020. She brings 47 years of leadership, teaching, writing, and social work practice to this position. In this episode, Miranda-Straub describes how her time in eastern Kentucky shaped her core values, and enabled her to recognize potential in everyone. Secretary Friedlander and Miranda-Strab discuss the importance of a healthy work-life balance for front-line workers in an environment of support and compassion. As the first refugee to lead DCBS, Miranda-Straub believes in listening carefully with empathy and respect through the lens of prevention. Sec. Friedlander and Miranda-Straub agree that there is a silver lining to COVID-19 and we can build back better with a vision and a plan.
Joe Bringardner is the executive director for Serve Kentucky, the state’s service commission where he proudly oversees 20 AmeriCorps programs with over 800 members serving in more than 100 counties across the commonwealth. In this episode of CHFS Community, Sec. Friedlander and Director Bringardner agree that the government-non profit partnership is invaluable, and people benefit both physically and mentally from public service. Friedlander says the COVID-19 pandemic offers Kentuckians a historic opportunity to reach their full human potential through public service.
This episode, for CHFS employees and managers, features a discussion between Miriam Silman and Sec. Eric Friedlander about gaining strength through adversity. Silman lays out a road map keeping mind and body healthy while strengthening others along the way. Managers are reminded that human connections make happy, more productive workers. Friedlander expresses hope that CHFS employees will come out of the COVID-19 pandemic better by realizing that what happens to the most vulnerable impacts us all.
Sec. Friedlander introduces Dr. Ursula Mullins as they discuss a wide range of subjects including her passion for data, participation in Toastmasters, and what she's learned from facing adversity head-on. Mullins and Friedlander agree that employees who have been on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic and witnessed recent protests for fairness and equality have the ability to circle the wagons as we do our best to help Kentuckians from all walks of life.
Sec. Friedlander introduces the Ombudsman for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Shambra L. Mulder, Ph.D. Friedlander describes how Mulder’s background in psychology, special education training and advocacy have prepared her to ensure that those seeking public services are treated fairly. Friedlander and Mulder agree that helping Kentuckians rise to their full potential is the main purpose for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
Sec. Friedlander interviews Stephanie Brammer-Barnes from the Office of Inspector General who is retiring after 29 years at the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. She describes the early years of ash trays, electronic typewriters and floppy drives, and how perseverance helped her gain confidence and discover her voice. Friedlander and Brammer-Barnes agree that public service is a calling that brings satisfaction and great rewards.
Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Eric Friedlander interviews CAPT Doug Thoroughman about the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Thoroughman is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention field officer and Acting State Epidemiologist in Kentucky. He describes his undergraduate studies and service in Liberia, followed by a PhD from Emory University with time spent in New Mexico at the Indian Health Service. Dr. Thoroughman gives listeners a glimpse into his daily routine during the pandemic...along with the secret sauce that goes into producing the Key Points Document for Gov. Andy Beshear.
In the spirit of social distancing, PIO Julianne Hatton interviews Acting CHFS Secretary Eric Friedlander from her home studio in Frankfort, KY. Episode One is a discussion about leadership, connectivity and resilience. Friedlander marvels at how CHFS employees have worked across departments and exceeded expectations during an extraordinary pandemic. Friedlander implores employees and the community at large to stay connected.