2011 Zarrow Mental Health Symposium: Addressing Trauma Accross the Lifespan
10/20/11 - Jami Nichols, Corporate Development Manager - Valeo Community Residence Program proudly co-sponsored the 17th Annual Zarrow Mental Health Symposium in Tulsa Oklahoma, September 22nd-23rd. The symposium is an annual education forum designed to provide state-of-the-art research and practice information to licensed social workers, professional counselors, therapists, certified alcohol and drug counselors, prevention specialists, and other professionals engaged in social services, health care, education, and the judicial system.

This years symposium brought together providers and national leaders to focus on research, best practices, and model programs aimed at the identification and treatment of trauma across the lifespan, including a special emphasis on veterans and military families.

The impact of violence, abuse, neglect, disaster, war, and other harmful experiences continues long after the traumatic event has ended. Exposure to trauma, whether a single event, or multiple incidents, is a pervasive issue that significantly impacts the health and well-being of many Americans. Understanding how trauma effects the emotional, behavioral, cognitive, social, and physical functioning of the people we care for greatly improves services and helps rebuild lives. The five plenary sessions and 27 offered workshops combined innovative approaches to treatment, and ethical professional practice, enhancing professional skills and knowledge in prevention, recognition, assessment, and treatment of trauma.

Valeo CRP Program Manager, Lisa Hastings, Case Manager, Ray Padilla, and Corporate Development Manager, Jami Nichols attended the symposium and supplied resource materials to the 500+ attendees. We give special thanks to the Zarrow Families, whose support makes this annual conference possible and the Mental Health Association in Tulsa for coordinating the event.
~~~~~~

Creations of Hope: An Exhibit by Artists Experiencing Mental Illness
The Upstage Gallery, Topeka, KS, 8/1/11 - Jami Nichols - Valeo Behavioral Health Care will sponsor the 7th annual "Creations of Hope" Art Exhibit. This is a juried art exhibit open to all artists experiencing mental illness. The exhibit will be displayed through the months of October and November to kick off the celebration of Mental Illness Awarness Week the first week of October. Selected entries will be exhibited at The Upstage Gallery located in downtown Topeka and will be featured on the "First Fridays" Gallery Walk.

Through"Creations of Hope" we aim to provide an accessible and empowering opportunity for artists experiencing mental illness to enter the art community. Additionally we strive to raise awareness and widen views of mental illness in the public by providing an event that celebrates creativity, strength, and hope.

Juror Information:
Pam Renovato is a life long artist working in both traditional two-dimensional mediums and in digital art mediums. She has more than 15 years experience as manager and curator in diverse gallery settings. Currently Pam works full-time developing websites for artists and galleries and actively exhibits in the Topeka area.

Mark Brenneman is the President of NAMI Topeka and serves on several leadership committees and advisory boards for mental health advocacy and services. Additionally, Mark is an alumni of the "Creations of Hope" exhibit and a senior at Washburn University studying Fine Arts, specifically painting.

Location and Date:
Submission Deadline August 10th, 2011
Exhibit October 7th-November 23, 2011
The Upstage Gallery,
720 Jackson St.
Topeka, KS
Opening Reception October 7th, 2011, 5:00-8:00pm

Contact Information:
Cara Weeks, MA,ATR
Valeo Expressive Therapies
2401 SW 6th St.
Topeka, KS 66606
785-357-0580 ext. 2138
cweeks@valeotopeka.org.
~~~~~~

Family Day 2011
Valeo Community Residence Program, Topeka, KS , 8/1/11 - Lisa Hastings - The Annual CRP Family Day Event was Friday, June 3rd which included educational presentations, a documentary film debut, and family case conferences. The residents enjoyed an Ice Cream Social Thursday evening to welcome family members to Topeka. It was wonderful to see all the families that attended this year. The caring and commitment to their loved ones is amazing. I had a chance to visit with all the families that arrived and updated them personally on the happenings at the houses.

The presentations were fabulous and special thanks go out to all the presenters: Jancy Stroud-Brush for her presentation on "Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment". She was a dynamic presenter and kept the audience engaged with the stages of IDDT. Cookie Cork and Brenda Patzel presented "Pharmacology Update". The families had many question regarding medications and these ladies did a great job answering their questions. Mark Brennamen, President, NAMI Topeka presented his "Personal Journey of Recovery". Rebecca Phillips documentary film debut for "Living With Schizophrenia: A Call for Hope and Recovery", in her role as Janssen Pharmaceuticals spokesperson. Both the consumer's journeys in recovery captured the audience with their lived experiences and the ability to move beyond mental illness.
~~~~~~

Benefits of Having Certified Peer Specialists on a Supported Employment Team: The Experience of Valeo Behavioral Healthcare's Supported Employment
University of Kansas School of Social Welfare, 12/21/10 - Linda Carlson, LMSW - The use of peer supporters has been rapidly expanding in the community mental health field, particularly with the inclusion of peer support as a billable Medicaid Service. In Kansas, Certified Peer Specialists began in July of 2007 and there are currently 350 trained certified peer specialists in Kansas.

The use of peer support can enhance services provided by supported employment programs. Valeo Behavioral Healthcare is the first center in Kansas to have Certified Peer Specialists (CPS) assigned to their supported employment team. This article describes Valeo's experience having CPS assigned to their team including how they use CPS, the benefits of CPS workers and the benefits of having these workers assigned to the supported employment team. For this article, information was obtained by interviewing two employment specialists (ES) on the supported employment team. Pat Vega and Amie Greene, as well as the two Certified Peer Specialists - Ratna Radhakrishna and Brian Thompson.

Valeo Behavioral Healthcare has a supported employment team consisting of eight employment specialists and a team leader. In April of 2010, two CPS (Brian and Ratna) were assigned to the supported employment team. The peer specialists are supervised by their CPS team leader, and each CPS has 16 hours per week dedicated to supported employment services. Brian and Ratna attend the supported employment weekly team meetings and are assigned people to work with from the supported employment team.

The Peer Specialists' Role:

Peer supporters assist in a variety of activities on the supported employment team. Ratna and Brian work with consumers who are anxious or unsure about going back to work, provide extra assistance for clients who are looking for work, and provide support to clients who are struggling on the job. They help with decisional uncertainty about work, organizational skills, problem-solving and symptom management. Recently, the peer supporters have also started a group for consumers who are working and receiving service from the SE program. The group is evolving, but the group's focus is problem-solving identified struggles in the workplace.

The employment specialists talked about the benefits of the unique role of the peer support specialist saying, "The quality of the work is different since they have the lived experience and can relate to the person as a peer and learn things that we may not be able to because of the way they relate." For example, one of the peer supporters talks with consumers about how you can work without losing your benefits since the peer supporter is in that situation, receiving benefits and working. Pat says, "The peer supporter sometimes can get information that the employment specialist can't." For example, Pat was having difficulty with one consumer in identifying their job preference. The peer supporter was able to discover that the consumer really wanted to be a receptionist and that the consumer did not know how to type, but really wanted to learn that skill. They were then able to help the client move forward. Pat said that often times self disclosing, "Yea, I've been there," really can help.

Amie gives an example of how peer supporters were able to help a consumer:

Amie was working with a client who was having a lot of difficulty on the job. The consumer was only able to identify that he kept getting stuck and not being able to continue his work at the same time every day, at 6:00 pm. When he got "stuck" he would begin to do repetitive, ritualistic behaviors. Amie says that both Brian and Ratna would work with the consumer on the job. They were able to help the consumer identify when it was happening. Brian discovered that the consumer loved music during the time he spent with him. Then Brian discovered that, if he would start singing a song and asking the consumer to guess what song he was singing, the consumer would get distracted from his 6:00 "stuck" period and would be able to continue with his work. Amie says that Brian is very creative in working with clients on ways to work with symptoms they are experiencing because he is very creative in dealing with his own symptoms.

Ratna and Brian talked about the benefit of their role in a similar way. They said that since they share the lived experience of a mental illness, they are able to share their experiences or similar struggles normalizing the consumers' experience. Ratna says, "They (consumers) can talk about stuff with us without being judged, because we've been there." Brian and Ratna are role models that demonstrate that your illness does not define you. The relationship tends to be more personal which can increase trust.

Brian says, "It is important to go in and say, "Yea, I'm hearing voices, but I'm here working and I feel good. I feel fine." Role modeling that attitude is good, it helps normalize the situation."

Ratna says, "I worked with someone who didn't want to take his pills in the break room at work. He felt stigmatized and I'm like "Dude, everyone takes pills & They don't know what kind of pills you're taking." When you are experiencing symptoms, it can be embarrassing or shameful & if you lose control or make mistakes, to have that cloud over all you've done just to have a buddy who has been there can be helpful."

Brian and Ratna also talk about the importance of role modeling in their work. They often work with consumers who are struggling on the job. Ratna talks about a consumer she is working with who is constantly afraid she will do something wrong and wants to get permission for everything. Ratna says, "I role model talking with co-workers, socializing with co-workers or talking with her boss and help her assess the work culture by interpreting cues."

The peer supporters also are able to share tools and coping strategies that they have used. One of the employment specialists, Amie, described a situation where Ratna was able to help a client by using a tool that Ratna had used.

Ratna observed that a consumer that we mutually work with had been experiencing increased paranoia. Ratna introduced the consumer to a CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) worksheet called "Be your own CBT Therapist" (the consumer was opposed to seeing a therapist at that time). The worksheet asks the person to look at a specific experience that is causing distress in order to think through whether their reaction to an event is effective. The worksheet appeared helpful to the consumer, so much that they wanted to take it with them.

Benefits of Peer Specialist on the Supported Employment Team

The employment specialists on the supported employment team are effusive in the benefits of having Ratna and Brian on their team and attending their team meetings. Pat and Amie expressed that one of the greatest benefits is the feedback that the peer supporters contribute, "they bring a different perspective to the team and help us remember to put ourselves in the consumers' shoes and understand how they may be feeling and thinking." Pat says, "having peer supporters on our team has helped me do more self-reflection and be more open minded and I get these "aha" moments when I hear their perspective." Amie says of the peer specialists, "they make me want to do my job better." In turn, Brian and Ratna say they feel valued by the team, "they want to hear our opinions and feel that our feedback is unique and helpful." Ratna says, "I love that they have weekly team meetings and like the way they structure the team meetings (with case presentations)...everyone on the team is different, but we are all focused on the work and can spend a lot of time trying to figure out how to be helpful to one person."

In addition to having better communication with the peer support staff when they attend team meetings, there appears to be enhanced mutual learning opportunities. Brian and Ratna are an equal part of the team; the employment specialists say they learn a lot from the peer specialists and the peer support specialists talk about how much they are learning from the employment specialists.

Using Certified Peer Supporters in Supported Employment Programs:

The inclusion of Peer Supporters within evidence-based practice supported employment teams is increasing across the country. As the certified peer support (CPS) program in Kansas develops, CSS programs are looking at ways to involve CPS staff in services. CPS staff can make a unique contribution when connected with a supported employment program.

The following outlines some ways a CPS staff can be helpful within a supported employment team. It should be noted that CPS staff working on a supported employment team should have some depth of experience working in competitive employment in the community in order to be most effective. They should also gain some knowledge of the evidence-base practice when they begin working. It is also important to distinguish the CPS staff role from an employment specialist. The CPS staff uses and shares their lived experience in order to engage and help the consumer they are working with on their recovery goal to work.

Possible Supported Employment Activities of Peer Supporters:

*Providing assertive engagement & outreach to consumers who may be ambivalent about work, discussing pros and cons
*Using Wellness Recovery Action Plans for employment
*Facilitating support groups of consumers who are employed
*Peer supporters model competence and attest to how they have been able to overcome obstacles and achieve employment goals
*Assisting consumers in looking at disclosure issues in the workplace
*Providing information to consumers about employment services and resources
*Providing individual support to consumers who are working
*Providing education to consumers about the benefits of working and the role of work in recovery

~~~~~~

Valeo Program Manager named "Provider of the Year"
Topeka, KS , 10/22/10 - Sue Ellen Jayne, LMSW, Mental Health Research & Training, University of Kansas School of Social Welfare - Valeo Behavioral Health Care Program Manager Cara Weeks was recognized as "Provider of the Year" by NAMI Kansas at the NAMI Kansas Conference October 16th.

Valeo Behavioral Health Care was the first community mental health center in the state of Kansas to implement and develop an evidence based practice family psycho-education program "Kansas Partnership of Families". Since the beginning of implementation in January of 2008, Cara Weeks has been the project leader to oversee this program and a practitioner providing direct services to participants in the program. She has played a critical role in the program, reaching excellent fidelity scores in their review. She continues to collaborate with KU School of Social Welfare in the implementation of KPF and is regarded as the "champion" at Valeo in providing support and guidance to consumers and family members participating in KPF. In addition to KPF, Cara manages the Supported Education and the C.A.R.E. programs also at Valeo Behavioral Health and Art Therapy at Valeo Community Residence Program.

Throughout her work, Cara has continued to provide information and education about NAMI's programs to consumers and family members for additional resources and support. She has taken on the leadership role of organizing activities to raise money and awareness for NAMIWalks.

Cara also co-facilitates with a KU consultant/trainer a KU Advanced Strengths Training "Families in Recovery: Skills in Working with Family Members of People Diagnosed with a Severe Mental Illness". This training provides information to mental health providers on understanding and working with family members of adults living with a severe mental illness.
~~~~~~

Valeo CFO Recognized as Topeka's "20 Under 40"
Topeka, KS , 10/22/10 - Jami Nichols - Congratulations to Angie Haggard, Valeo Behavioral Health Care, and Community Residence Program, Chief Financial Officer, who was selected as one of Topeka's "20 Under 40" Honorees for her leadership in the community! Look for her interviews in the November issue of TK Magazine and on WIBW television.

It's the first time for this event recognizing outstanding leaders in our community who are under the age of 40. The winners were selected from more than 70 nominees and will be honored at a banquet November 18th organized by the Jayhawk Council of Boy Scouts.

Jill Garrard, development director for the Jayhawk Council, says "the Boy Scouts are about leadership, so an event recognizing the contributions of young leaders to the community seemed a good fit."
~~~~~~

National Depression Screening Day October 7th, 2010
Valeo, 330 Oakley, Topeka KS , 9/20/10 - Jami Nichols - Held annually during Mental Illness Awareness Week in October [October 5th-11th 2010], National Depression Screening Day(NDSD) raises awareness and screens people for depression and related mood and anxiety disorders. One in four American adults experience a mental health disorder in a given year.

Valeo Behavioral Health Care, Stormont Vail-West, and Family Service & Guidance Center will offer free depression screenings to reconize National Depression Screening Day at Valeo's 330 Oakley location 1:00-4:30p. This event is co-sponsored by Topeka's Depression Bi-Polar Support Alliance, and NAMI Kansas.

Participants check in at the second floor waiting area. Children's screenings will be offered 3:00-4:30p.

For information: 785-215-8863, moreinfo@valeocrp.org.
~~~~~~

You Are Invited to "Creations of Hope" Opening Reception
The Upstage Gallery, 720 Jackson, Topeka KS , 9/20/10 - Cara Weeks - OPENING RECEPTION: FRIDAY OCT 1, 5:30-8:00 The Upstage Gallery 720 Jackson Topeka Ks "Creations of Hope: An exhibit by artists experiencing mental illness" is an annual juried art exhibit sponsored by the CARE program at Valeo BHC. The exhibit will be displayed through the months of October and November in celebration of Mental Illness Awareness Week. Selected entries will be exhibited at The Upstage Gallery located at 720 Jackson Street in downtown Topeka with an opening reception Friday October 1st, 5:30-8:00 pm.

Through "Creations of Hope" we aim to provide an accessible and empowering opportunity for artist experiencing mental illness to enter the art community. Additionally we strive to raise awareness and widen views of mental illness in the public by providing an event that celebrates creativity, strength, and hope.

For additional information: Cara Weeks, M.A., ATR 2401 SW 6th Topeka, KS 66606 (785) 357-0580 x2138 cweeks@valeotopeka.org
~~~~~~

Creations of Hope 2010 Call For Artists
Upstage Gallery, Topeka KS, 6/1/10 - Cara Weeks - The CARE program at Valeo Behavioral Health Care is sponsoring the 6th annual Creations of Hope art exhibit. This is a juried art exhibit open to all artists experiencing mental illness. The exhibit will be displayed through the months of October and November in celebration of Mental Illness Awareness Week. Selected entries will be exhibited at The Upstage Gallery located in downtown Topeka and will be featured on the First Fridays art walk.

Through, Creations of Hope we aim to provide an accessible and empowering opportunity for artist experiencing mental illness to enter the art community. Additionally we strive to raise awareness and widen views of mental illness in the public by providing an event that celebrates creativity, strength, and hope.

The submission deadline for artists is August 11, 2010. Please submit entries to: Cara Weeks, M.A.,ATR, Valeo CARE/Supported Education Program Manager 2401 SW 6th Street, Topeka, KS 66606. Call 785-357-0580 ext. 2138 for an entry form, or e-mail, cweeks@valeotopeka.org.

Creations of Hope Juror Information: Charles Anderson, ATR-BC- Mr. Anderson is an exhibiting photographer and nationally known Art Therapist. He has 40 years experience providing art therapy at the Menninger Clinic and has been a guest lecturer at Washburn University and Emporia State University.

Connie English, BFA- Ms. English is an internationally recognized watercolorist. Her work has been featured at the Twin Towers and John McEnroe Galleries in New York City as well as the Wichita Art Museum.

Location & Date of Exhibit: Opening Reception October 1st, 5:30-8:00pm. Exhibit Runs October 1st through November 26th at The Upstage Gallery, 720 Jackson Street, Topeka, Kansas 66601 (The Upstage Gallery is located inside the future lobby of the historic Jayhawk State Theatre and serves to further the mission of the Jayhawk's renovation campaign and provide a non-profit venue for local artists.)
~~~~~~

May is Mental Health Month
Topeka, Kansas, 4/20/10 - Valeo Community Residence Program and Valeo Behavioral Health Care will be participating in activities throughout the month of May which help advocate Mental Health and reduce stigma by educating the public on issues surrounding mental illness. Activities include:

*Washburn University Mental Health Symposium April 24th, Topeka Public Library 12a-12p. Guest speaker Marsha Bacote-Alleyne, Valeo ARNP.

*National Council Webinar Series "Mental Health First Aid USA" free to the public!

May 5th Understanding Depression Webcast 4-5pm
May 12th Understanding Anxiety Disorders Webcast 4-5pm
May 19th Understanding Psychosis Webcast 4-5pm
May 26th Understanding Substance Use Disorders 4-5pm

As a member of The National Council for Community Behavioral Health Care, Valeo brings you this free Webinar series every Wednesday the month of May featuring the evidence-based public education program, "Mental Health First Aid USA". You must register in advance for this webinar series. Register Now. No password required.

*"Hearing Voices" Training May 17th. Valeo Behavioral Health Care's Crisis Diversion Supervisor, Lisa Hastings will walk a group of staff, legislators, community leaders, and members of the press through an exercise that lets them experience what it is like to have a thought disorder. They will attempt tasks while being interrupted by recorded voices designed to simulate what someone with a thought disorder might experience.

*"Mental Health Month" display case in the Shawnee County Health Agency lobby the month of May. Display will include Mental Health Tips, education about Mental Illness, and resources available at Valeo.

Mental Health issues affect all of society in some way, shape, or form. It is estimated that one in four Americans will have a diagnosable and treatable mental disorder. YOU can help if you understand. Join us in learning more about Mental Health. For information about any of these activities call: 785-215-8863.
~~~~~~

Valeo Expands Supported Education Program
Topeka, Kansas, 4/20/10 - The Valeo Supported Education Program (SEP) assists persons with psychiatric disabilities in pursuing their educational goals. Participants gain individualized assistance in all phases of the educational process, from exploration to enrollment and success in the classroom. We are now accepting referrals for persons with psychiatric disabilities seeking their high school diploma or GED.

Since 2006 SEP has worked with participants in post-secondary education and we are happy to have our program grow to now include all levels of education. Counselors are excited to assist in the GED or high school diploma process. Some of the tasks we can help with include the following:

*Identify community resources that offer GED programs
*Access and follow through with GED classes
*Identify and implement classroom accommodations
*Practice ways to manage symptoms which impact learning
*Assist in utilizing self-study GED programs
*Learn study skills, time management skills, and test taking strategies
*Problem-solve ways to overcome barriers to GED completion


Each year the Supported Education Program works with the University of Kansas to review our practices. The program is rated on a fidelity scale that measures adherence to proven practices, ensuring that our program provides the best possible services. We are happy to announce that in 2009 SEP received the outstanding score of 60 out of 60 possible points!

In the fall semester of 2009 SEP had 29 participants, with 12 members enrolling in post-secondary education. The average cumulative GPA of those participants completing the semester was 3.33.

For more information on Supported Education contact Valeo Supported Education Program Manager, Cara Weeks M.A.;ATR at:

(785) 357-0580 ext. 2138
cweeks@valeotopeka.org
~~~~~~

Dual Recovery Anonymous Group
7/15/08 - Valeo Behavioral Health Care Announces New Dual Recovery Anonymous Group The Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment (IDDT) program at Valeo Behavioral Health Care is known as "Starfish". The IDDT team at Starfish has continually educated, encouraged, and supported consumers dealing with an emotional or psychiatric illness and chemical dependency. They have formed a Dual Recovery Anonymous community-based 12-step group patterned after AA & NA. Valeo's DRA group is called "Our Group" DRA. They meet every Friday from 6-7p.m. at the Bryce Miller Building, 2401 SW 6th Street.
This group is open to the public and designated as an open group, meaning anyone with an interest in Dual Recovery is welcome. The group is facilitated by community attendees with support as needed from the Valeo IDDT Team. For more information about this group contact: James Chiselom, IDDT Coordinator 785-357-0580 X 2163.
~~~~~~

Supported Employment Services receives National Award
5/5/08 - Jami Nichols - Supported Employment Services Celebrates National Award Valeo Behavioral Health Care's Supported Employment Services recently accepted the National Johnson & Johnson Dartmouth Achievement Award. Supported Employment Program Manager Kristin Farley attended the awards ceremony in Portland Oregon May 7th & 8th. Valeo was selected on the criteria of significant improvement in the number of people participating in high fidelity (measured in Evidence Based Practice Programs) Supported Employment Services, and in the number of people working in competitive jobs. The Supported Employment Program received a 70 out of 75 score on their latest Fidelity review with the University of Kansas. The national average for job retention among programs of this type is typically 32%-53%. Valeo's was 62% for 2007! Kristin Farley had this to say about her team, "I commend the Supported Employment Services staff for being so committed to assisting our clients in becoming employed and staying employed. I want to recognize all of the extra time they put into getting someone ready for work and making it a positive experience for both the employer and the employee". Supported Employment hosts their annual Employee Recognition and Employer Recognition events in June to recognize appreciation and achievement.
~~~~~~

Top of Page