Update by Loretta Hall
Upon reopening for services after a 7-week closure in May of 2020, the call for increased contact with all our clinical staff was clear. In an effort to protect our hard-working, dedicated, resilient front-line, the BT Outreach Program was created. In an already somewhat isolating position (one in which they do not often have contact with their peers), our clinicians were especially vulnerable to the mental health burden that quarantine created.
Our first “BT Ambassador” was Lisa Cassasa who piloted the program by making phone calls to each and every one of our BTs to check in, offer an ear, and make sure they knew how much they are valued. Adrienne Ashley took over in early 2021 and, after agency-wide vaccinations were issued, she added in-person social gatherings for all BTs (with cautious optimism).
When Adrienne grew into the role of a Junior Supervisor she was tasked with passing the torch (no supervisors allowed in BT Outreach!) She nominated Logan Sepesi and Ilinca Ionescu. With so much love to give, both nominees were elected as BT Ambassadors!
Logan and Ilinca continue to reach out to all of our BTs by phone, ensure that they are available for a post-session venting, and are patiently awaiting more opportunities to bring everyone together in person again soon.
Thank you Lisa, Adrienne, Logan, and Ilinca for all you do and have done!