Tell us a little about yourself, experience, etc.?
Amy: I have over 17 years of experience working in behavioral health. I started my behavioral health career working with the older adult population on a geriatric-psych inpatient unit in San Antonio, Texas. I have experience with older adults, adults, and adolescents. I have managed inpatient and outpatient programs, physician clinics, outpatient counseling services, ECT programs, and home health services. I have held various behavioral health leadership positions in multiple states and different hospital systems. I am on the National Advisory Panel for the Mihalik Group and served as a Board Member for a Regional Behavioral Network from 2014 through 2018 in another state.
Where did you go to school?
Amy: I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from University of Texas at San Marcos, a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Our lady of the Lake in San Antonio, Texas, and a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Phoenix.
Why did you choose behavioral health as a career?
Amy: I chose to enter the social work field after my grandfather passed away suddenly from a heart attack in 1990. I quickly saw changes in my grandmother who used to be the grandmother who rode the roller coasters and water slides at amusement parks to a grandmother struggling with depression and a diagnosis of dementia. I realized that mental health was an unmet need and that relationships or loss of relationships do impact a person’s mental health.
Why the jump to Healthcare Administration?
Amy: As a social worker, I realized I could and wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. After I had worked in an inpatient setting for a couple of years, I felt that I really needed to go back to school for another degree in healthcare administration because I wanted to make a bigger impact working in the mental health field.
What is your vision for Ridgeview – Monroe?
Amy: My vision is to provide excellent quality care for our patients with high satisfaction rates for patients and their families. Also, to meet the mental health needs of the community.
What do you see about Ridgeview – Monroe that really sets it apart?
Amy: Monroe is unique because it has specialized programming tracks for different genders and populations such as the Women’s Connection Program, the faith-based Solid Rock program, and the dual-diagnosis program.
What is your treatment philosophy?
Amy: For Ridgeview Institute Monroe, my approach is that all patients are provided with evidence-based treatment, comprehensive care in our continuum, and personalized behavioral health care.
What do you see as biggest need in Mental Health/Addiction field?
Amy: I believe that in the mental health and addiction field there are so many unmet needs. I feel that to meet the need of a community it will take collaboration and outreach for everyone to understand that mental health and substance abuse issues impact everyone in one way or another. Ridgeview Institute Monroe is a resource for patients seeking mental health and/or substance treatment for inpatient and outpatient services.
Family?
Amy: My daughters, Gretchen and Clare, are both in college.
What are your interests outside of work?
Amy: I enjoy traveling, music, volunteering, and reading.