Each year, CBHC's Annual Behavioral Health Conference draws hundreds of participants, including behavioral health specialists, members of the state and criminal justice systems, physical health providers, and university students. This premier event highlights best practices in clinical care and business operations within the behavioral health field.
September 30 - October 3, 2026 Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center | Breckenridge, Colorado
Welcome to the 2026 Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council (CBHC) Annual Conference: Meeting the Moment for Communities. Across Colorado, behavioral health providers, community partners, policymakers, advocates, and people with lived experience are navigating a period of profound change. Demand for services continues to grow. Systems are evolving. Expectations are increasing. And every day, communities are asking more of the behavioral health safety net. Yet if there is one thing this field has consistently demonstrated, it is the ability to adapt, collaborate, and respond when it matters most. This year’s theme reflects both the realities and responsibilities of behavioral health work in Colorado today. Meeting the moment is not the responsibility of any single organization, sector, or role. It is collective work rooted in coordination, trust, shared accountability, and a commitment to ensuring that individuals, families, and communities can access the care and support they need. During this conference, we invite you to engage in conversations that are grounded in real-world practice and current conditions. This year’s program reflects the daily experiences of providers and partners across Colorado, balancing clinical expertise, operational realities, and system-level coordination. You will hear from peers navigating similar constraints, explore what it takes to sustain services under pressure, and examine how collaboration can be strengthened across systems even in challenging environments. Across sessions, you will find a focus on practical insight and applied learning, highlighting what it means to stabilize the safety net, improve coordination across systems, and adapt care models in ways that are responsive to community needs. Rather than abstract or theoretical discussion, this conference centers real experience, real adaptation, and real lessons learned. We are grateful to the providers, advocates, policymakers, community leaders, and experts who make up Colorado’s behavioral health system. Your work is essential to sustaining care across the state, and your commitment continues to shape a system that strives toward accessibility, responsiveness, and integrity. We hope you leave this conference with new ideas, practical strategies, and stronger connections to the broader community of leaders and professionals doing this work alongside you. The challenges before us are significant, but so is the collective expertise, commitment, and innovation represented here. Meeting the moment is the work of a community. Thank you for being here. Thank you for the work you do every day on behalf of Colorado’s communities. And thank you for helping ensure that, together, we continue to meet the moment.
Mandy Kaisner, LPC Conference Chair CEO/President, Solvista Health
Kara L. Johnson-Hufford, MPA Chief Executive Officer Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council
Thursday | Mental Health First Aid Awards | 8:45am - 9:00am Friday | Golden Abacus & Golden Lightbulb Awards | 8:45am - 9:00am Friday | Behavioral Health Legislative Champion Awards | 9:00am - 9:15am CBHC Awards Presentations | (Breckenridge Ballroom)
Keynotes
Thursday | 9:00am - 10:30am | (Breckenridge Ballroom) Meeting the Moment: Moving Beyond Coping to Build Resilient, Connected Communities | Johnny Crowder
Friday | 9:15am - 10:30am | (Breckenridge Ballroom) Adaptive Leadership in Complex and Uncertain Times: The Power of Mindset and Resilience Amer Kaissi, PhD
CBHC & Membership Org Board Members Only | Half-Day Event (Imperial Ballroom) CBHC Annual Board Meeting | Friday 12:00pm - 12:30pm Membership Orgs & CBHC Awards Lunch | Friday 12:30pm - 1:30pm Membership Orgs & CBHC Board Session | Friday 1:30pm - 3:30pm Federal Policy in Motion: HR1, Medicaid Budget Pressures and Work Requirements in Colorado’s Behavioral Health System Membership Orgs & CBHC Board Reception | Friday 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Networking Reception Thursday Evening | 5:15pm - 6:30pm | (Colorado Ballroom) Gather for our Networking Reception with appetizers and cash bar.
Sponsored by Sponsored by
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Meeting the Moment for Communities
CBHC 2026 Conference Registration Fees Full Conference | $500 per person Thursday/Friday/Saturday | (Thursday 7:45am - Saturday 11:00am) (Includes Thursday networking reception, all conference sessions, breakfasts, lunches, and coffee breaks) #1 Pre-Conference Workshop + Full Conference | $560 per person Wednesday/Thursday/Friday/Saturday | (Wednesday 8:00am - Saturday 11:00am) (Includes Wednesday and all Thursday-Saturday sessions, breakfasts, lunches, and coffee breaks) #2 Pre-Conference Workshop + Full Conference | $670 per person Wednesday/Thursday/Friday/Saturday | (Wednesday 8:00am - Saturday 11:00am) (Includes Wednesday and all Thursday-Saturday sessions, breakfasts, lunches, and coffee breaks) Credits | Up to 19 CEU Credits from NASW & NAADAC Pre-Conference Workshops | Wednesday, September 30, 2026 #1 Pre-Con Workshop: $60 | Behavioral Health Trainings: Building the Future of Prevention, Education, and Community Impact | Details #2 Pre-Con Workshop: $170 | Meeting the Moment With AI: A Practical Playbook for Behavioral Health Leaders and Clinicians | Jonathan Liebert, MA (Wednesday | 8:00am - 4:00pm | Includes training, breakfast, lunch, and coffee breaks) (Note: Pre-Conference workshop fees are separate from conference fees shown below)
Hotel room block open now Reserve your room
Visit to learn more about CBHC cbhc.org
Register Now! Click the link below CBHC 2026
CBHC Conference Cancellation/Refund Policy Conference registration fees will be refunded upon written notice of cancellation if received no later than August 1, 2026.
Questions : Contact Tracy O’Shaughnessy Tracyhmsr@gmail.com or call 303-525-2811
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CBHC Members Thank You Member Organizations!
2026 CBHC Conference Planning Committee Mandy Kaisner, LPC Conference Chair Chief Executive Officer/President Kara L. Johnson-Hufford, MPA Chief Executive Officer CBHC, Denver, CO Brittany Langevin Administrative Director CBHC, Denver, CO Ann C. Noonan, MA, CAS, LPC Behavioral Health Consultant Noonan Consults Longmont, CO Allye Batterton, BA Crisis Manager Valley-wide Health Systems Alamosa, CO Megan Coatley, MA, BCBA Chief Culture Officer North Range Behavioral Health Greeley, CO Diamond Mobbley, LPC, CAS Clinical Director of Intensive Programs San Luis Valley Behavioral Health Group Alamosa, CO Jes Rau Director of Training and Staff Development Solvista Health Cañon City, CO WellPower Denver, CO Sara Reid, MA Director of Quality and Program Development Clinica Family Health & Wellness Lafayette, CO
Aurora Mental Health and Recovery Centennial Mental Health Center Clinica Family Health and Wellness
Community Reach Center Crossroads Turning Points Diversus Health Health Solutions Health Solutions West
Jefferson Center for Mental Health Mile High Behavioral Healthcare North Range Behavioral Health San Luis Valley Behavioral Health Group Solvista Health
SummitStone Health Partners Valley-Wide Health Systems WellPower
Continuing Education Credits CBHC provides pre-approved Certificates of Attendance for attendees to submit to
NAADAC & NASW for their continuing education credits.
CEU Credits Provided! Up to 19 CEU Credits from NASW & NAADAC
@CBHC_News | #CBHC26Conf
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Hotel Reservations
Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center 620 Village Road, Breckenridge, Colorado 80424 Call 1-800-525-2253 for reservations.
POINTS OF INTEREST Click here for hotel rooms starting at $177 + tax, service charge and parking fee. Be sure to mention you are attending the CBHC Conference to receive the group rate.
STAY AMENITIES DINING PARKING SHOPPING VENUES
Relax, Reinvent, Reconnect.
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Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center Interactive Map Click here to access the Beaver Run Interactive Map below. Or go to: https://beaverrun.com/welcome-back-cbhc For use on tablets, laptops and desktop devices: ( not available on phones ) Locate all your session rooms!
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CALL US 800-525-2253 OR EMAIL US stay@beaverrun.com And one of our local on-property experts can guide you through the booking experience.
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Contact
Beaver Run
Visitors
Schedule at a Glance | September 30, 2026 | Wednesday
CBHC Pre-Conference Workshops | Wednesday Only 7:30am - 4:00pm | CBHC Registration Open | Third Floor Foyer
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#1 Pre-Con | Behavioral Health Trainings: Building the Future of Prevention, Education, and Community Impact See full description here This 2026 pre-conference workshop brings together behavioral health educators, trainers, coordinators, and community leaders from across Colorado and beyond for a full day of learning, collaboration, and statewide strategy development. Designed for professionals involved in MHFA, QPR, ASIST, safeTALK, Psychological First Aid, substance use prevention and recovery education, and community behavioral health outreach, this convening supports those who deliver and coordinate training programs across the state. Participants will move beyond individual trainings to explore a more coordinated, systems-level approach to behavioral health education and prevention.
8:00am - 4:00pm
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Peak 17 (Front of the Breckenridge Ballroom)
( Includes training, breakfast, lunch, and coffee breaks) 8:00am - 8:30am Breakfast & Networking
10:00am - 10:15am Break 11:45am - 12:45pm Lunch 2:15pm - 2:30pm Break 4:00pm End
#2 Pre-Con | Meeting the Moment With AI: A Practical Playbook for Behavioral Health Leaders and Clinicians Jonathan Liebert, MA Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping behavioral health care, creating new opportunities and new responsibilities for providers, clinicians, and system leaders. This full-day, hands-on workshop moves beyond introduction to application, equipping participants with practical tools and frameworks to engage with AI thoughtfully and effectively. Designed for both clinical and operational audiences, the session explores where AI is already showing up across behavioral health settings, from documentation and treatment planning to access, operations, and strategic decision-making.
8:00am - 4:00pm
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Imperial Ballroom (Fourth floor of Convention Center)
( Includes training, breakfast, lunch, and coffee breaks) 8:00am - 8:30am Breakfast & Networking
10:00am - 10:15am Break 11:45am - 12:45pm Lunch 2:15pm - 2:30pm Break 4:00pm End
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Schedule at a Glance | October 1, 2026 | Thursday
THURSDAY 7:30am - 4:30pm | CBHC Registration Open | Third Floor Foyer 7:45am - 6:30pm | Exhibit Hall Open | Colorado Ballroom 7:45am - 8:45am | Breakfast in Exhibit Hall | Colorado Ballroom
8:45am - 10:30am | Keynote & Awards
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8:45am - 10:30am Breckenridge Ballroom Keynote & Mental Health First Aid Awards Keynote | Meeting the Moment: Moving Beyond Coping to Build Resilient, Connected Communities | Johnny Crowder, CRPS-Y/A 10:30am - 11:00am | Coffee Break | Visit the Exhibits & Sponsors in the Colorado Ballroom 11:00am - 12:00pm Peak 17 #100 Keeping Coloradans Covered: Preventing Medicaid Coverage Loss Under HR1 | Liz Owens Peak 14-16 #101 Bypassing a Bachelor’s Degree: How Alternative Admissions to an MA Degree Can Revolutionize Workforce Development | Kevin Doyle, EdD, LPC, LSATP & John Solomon, LPC Peak 6-10 #102 Beyond Compliance: How Actionable Data Supports Sustainable BH Care | Dorota Carpenedo, MPH & Robyn Odendahl, MPA Peak 11/12 #103 Ghost Asylums: When Families Become the System for Psychotic Disorders | Kelly Comcowich, MA & Robin Predny, LPCC, MS, MA Coppertop 2 Beaver Den Cl
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#104 Elevating the Voices of People with Lived Experience Latisha Quintana, LCSW; Jennifer Turner, MSW; Lottie Elliott, HS; Barbara Vassis; Tyler Himelstieb Coppertop 3 #105 Bridging Care and Community: Food Is Medicine in Behavioral Health | Mindy Klowden, MNM & Marti Macchi, DrPH, MPH, MEd
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#106 When Postpartum Risks Collide: Dyadic Considerations Around Perinatal Mental Health, Substance Use, and Intimate Partner Violence | Sarah Briley, MPH, CHES; Lauren Smith, BSSW; Sonia Subudhi Warwick, MD, MPH 12:00pm - 1:30pm | Lunch (Note room locations below) Lunch for all attendees (Colorado Ballroom) CCBHC Lunch ( Base Nine Lounge )
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MarComms Meeting & Lunch ( Mercury Board Room - Bldg. 4 ) Data & Technology (CIO) & Lunch (Spencer’s Private Dining Room)
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Schedule at a Glance | October 1, 2026 | Thursday (continued)
1:30pm - 3:00pm Peak 17 #200 A Perfect Storm: Why Trauma, Neuroscience, and
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Attachment are Fundamental | Meredith Buschart, MSW, LCSW & Anne Hellstrom, MSEd, LPC
Peak 14-16 #201 Gettin’ By: How Poverty Changes the Brain, Which Changes Everything | Linda Riddell, MS Peak 6-10 #202 Safety Net Merger Experiences: From Concept to Reality Jania Arnaldi, DHA, MBA & Simon Smith, MHA Peak 11-12 #203 Reimagining Youth Crisis Care: Key Takeaways from the
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Youth Crisis Resolution Team in Weld County | Zhaelin Cruz, MSW; Natoshia Murray, LPCC; Samantha Santy, LCSW; Lyza Verosky, LCSW
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Coppertop 2 Beaver Den #204 For Everyone Who Takes Care of Everyone Else: Accessing Your Own Tools | Kat Atwell Coppertop 3 #205 Division of Fire and Prevention and the World of BHEs Pete Anderson, FI-III, CLSS-HC & Craig Montoya, FI-III
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A State Perspective on Youth and Family Systems of Care Stephanie Beasley, MSW, BHA Commissioner & Gretchen Hammer, HCPF Executive Director
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#304 SMI Barriers and Transitions: Collaboration Overcoming Complexity | Owen Love, MHA, MA, LPC, LAC, ACS & Bonnie Wright, MBA, MS Coppertop 3 #305 Advancing Quality Through Measurement-Based Care Cathie McLean, MA, LPC, CAS & Harry Williams
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#306 The Transformative Impact of Peer Support on Reducing Suicidality | Megan Bettenberg, MA, LPC & Marchell Taylor
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Networking Reception Join us for the drawing of Two-Night Stay at Beaver Run Resort and $100 Visa Gift Card
Thursday | 5:15pm - 6:30pm | (Colorado Ballroom & Patio)
Gather for appetizers and cash bar.
Sponsored by
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Schedule at a Glance | October 2, 2026 | Friday
FRIDAY 7:30am - 4:30pm | CBHC Registration Open | Third Floor Foyer 7:45am - 1:30pm | Exhibit Hall Open | Colorado Ballroom 7:45am - 8:45am | Breakfast in Exhibit Hall | Colorado Ballroom
8:45am - 10:30am | Keynote & Awards
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8:45am -9:00am 9:15am - 10:30am Breckenridge Ballroom Golden Abacus & Golden Lightbulb Awards CBHC Behavioral Health Legislative Champion Awards Keynote | Adaptive Leadership in Complex and Uncertain Times: The Power of Mindset and Resilience Amer Kaissi, PhD 10:30am - 11:00am | Coffee Break | Visit the Exhibits & Sponsors in the Colorado Ballroom 11:00am - 12:00pm Peak 17 #400 Lessons Learned: 5 Years of Providing the Full SUD Continuum of Care | Jennifer Holcomb Peak 14-16 #401 Universal Adoption of Outcome Tools | Lindsay Gries, PsyD Peak 6-10 #402 Embracing AI in Clinical Training: One Counseling Program’s Approach to Using AI for Good in Clinical Skill Development | Jane Flournoy, PhD, LMFT, LPC, LAC; Liz Catbagan, BA; Britt Feia, BA; Benjamin Keller, BA Peak 11/12 #403 Fulfilling a Century-Old Promise: The Integration of Housing and Behavioral Healthcare | Evan Caster & Tyler Jaeckel, JD, MPP Coppertop 2 Beaver Den #404 Community Engagement from Assessment to Presence Biko Bloom-Fisher, MS Coppertop 3 #405 Promoting Parity Through Data: What Transparency in Coverage Means for Colorado Behavioral Health Providers Mindy Klowden, MNM 12:00pm - 1:30pm | Lunch (Note room locations below) Lunch for all attendees (Colorado Ballroom) Deputy Directors’ Lunch (Spencer’s Private Dining Room) CBHC Member CFO /Finance & Budget Lunch (Base Nine Lounge) 9:00am -9:15am Bu Bd Cl Bu Cl Bu Cl Bu Bd Bu Bd Bu
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Schedule at a Glance | October 2, 2026 | Friday (continued)
CBHC & Membership Org Board Members Only Half-Day Event | (Imperial Ballroom) 12:00pm - 1:30pm | Annual CBHC Board Meeting & Board Awards Lunch 1:30pm - 3:30pm | #506 | Federal Policy in Motion: HR1, Medicaid Budget Pressures and Work Requirements in Colorado’s Behavioral Health System
Panel & Discussion | Cristen Bates, MPH; Liz Owens; Kari Snelson, LCSW, CHC 3:30pm - 4:30pm | Membership Orgs & CBHC Board Member Only Reception 1:30pm - 3:00pm Peak 17 #500 Colorado System of Care: Where Are We Now? | Stacey Davis,
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LCSW; Perry May; Mary Kay Meintzer, LPC, LAC, ACS; Marc Winokur, PhD; Kelli Reidford, LCSW; Jenn Conrad, LCSW, CCM; Annie Stiasny, MFT; Amanda Berger, MSW, LCSW
Peak 14-16 #501 From AI Chaos to Trust: Enterprise Governance for Colorado Behavioral Health Innovation | Brandon Ward, PsyD Peak 6-10 #502 When Reform Meets Reality: Practical Lessons from Colorado’s Behavioral Health Overhaul | Gina Lasky, PhD; Shannon Breitzman, MA; Angela Bergefurd, MPA Peak 11-12 #503 Embracing the Shift: Tools for Reducing Tension and Increasing Performance | Kathryn Cronin Miller, MSW, LCSW Coppertop 2 Beaver Den #504 Leading the Way Home: Integrated Health Services and Wraparound Supports for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness Anna Shapiro, MD; Amanda Smith, LCSW; Roberta Sturgeon; Allison Ulness A Unified Approach to Behavioral Health Access | Meghan Shelton, LPC; Marque Green, MS; Elizabeth “Liz” Thomas; Alyssa Hetschel, LCSW, LAC; Marc Condojani, LCSW, CAS 3:00pm - 3:30pm | Coffee Break | Visit the Exhibits & Sponsors in the Colorado Ballroom Coppertop 3 #505 | BHA Panel | Operationalizing Colorado for ALL: Bu Bd Bd
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3:30pm - 4:30pm Peak 17 #600 CCBHC and PPS in Practice: A Colorado Perspective Melissa Eddleman, MSW, LCSW, MPA & Steven Ihde, MS, PhD Peak 14-16 #601 The AI Shift: How Patients Find Behavioral Healthcare Now Timothy, A. Zercher, MBA Peak 6-10 #602 Do as I Say, Not as I Do? Applying Behavioral Health’s Expertise to Support the Workforce | Cheri L. Skelding, LCSW & Brandon Wilcox Peak 11/12 #603 Microdosing Psychedelics in Clinical Practice: A Holistic Framework for Mental Health Integration | Jessica Eden, LCSW, LAC, ADS-RT, NMIT Bu Bu Cl Cl
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Schedule at a Glance | October 2 & 3, 2026 | Friday & Saturday
3:30pm - 4:30pm (continued)
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#604 Beyond Alignment: Practical Strategies for Behavioral Health–Public Health Collaboration | Shannon Breitzman, MA; Margot Swift, MPH; Robyn Odendahl, MPA
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Coppertop 3 #605 Everything Under One Roof: Practical Lessons in
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Building Integrated Behavioral Health Care | Allison Pokrzywa, PA-C, MPH & Briana Tillman, DO, MEd
SATURDAY
7:30am - 11:00am | CBHC Registration Open | Third Floor Foyer 7:00am - 8:00am | Breakfast | Colorado Ballroom 8:00am - 11:00am (with 15-minute break) Peak 17 #700 ALIGN to Thrive: A Human-Centered, Measurable Approach to Change for Behavioral Health Teams Steven Haden, MSW, MBA, CPRP Coppertop 3 #701 Trauma, Oppression, and Audism: Clinical Implications for Serving Deaf and Hard of Hearing Communities | Paula DuPont, LCSW & Marja Possner
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#702 From Badge to Behavioral Health: Building Colorado’s Crisis Response System in Real Time | Gordon R. Coombes, MA
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2026 CBHC Behavioral Health Legislative Champion Awards
Friday | 9:00am - 9:15am | (Breckenridge Ballroom) CBHC is proud to honor the 2026 Behavioral Health Legislative Champions, recognized for their outstanding leadership and dedication to strengthening Colorado’s behavioral health safety net during the 2026 legislative session. Join us in thanking this year’s Champions!
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Evaluations Available Online
Evaluations Drawing Two-Night Stay at Beaver Run Resort and $100 Visa Gift Card Complete your online evaluation for a chance to win. Click here for live online session feedback! Enter your email to access the online evaluations. Available at www.cbhc.org/conference until October 9th.
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WiFi Lounge Sponsor
Open a browser on your device. Select network: Beaver Run Meeting 1 Enter Password: conferencewifi
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Mental Health First Aid Awards Presentation Thursday | 8:45am - 9:00am | (Breckenridge Ballroom) Take a course today! Identify. Understand. Respond. Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training that teaches participants about mental health and substance use issues. www.mhfaco.org
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#1 Pre-Conference Workshop Wednesday | September 30, 2026
8:00am - 4:00pm | (Peak 17 - Front of Breckenridge Ballroom)
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#1 Pre-Conference Workshop | Behavioral Health Trainings: Building the Future of Prevention, Education, and Community Impact This 2026 pre-conference workshop brings together behavioral health educators, trainers, coordinators, and community leaders from across Colorado and beyond for a full day of learning, collaboration, and statewide strategy development. Designed for professionals involved in MHFA, QPR, ASIST, safeTALK, Psychological First Aid, substance use prevention and recovery education, and community behavioral health outreach, this convening supports those who deliver and coordinate training programs across the state. Participants will move beyond individual trainings to explore a more coordinated, systems-level approach to behavioral health education and prevention. Behavioral health education strengthens communities, builds resilience, expands access to care, and supports a sustainable prevention workforce. This event focuses on strengthening that impact through collaboration and shared strategy. • Explore the importance and evolution of prevention training • Develop strategies for long-term sustainability • Strengthen statewide partnerships and collaboration • Expand community-wide impact Attend and explore: …The impact of prevention trainings (MHFA, QPR, ASIST, safeTALK, and others)
…Building community-wide behavioral health impact …Statewide collaboration and strategic planning …Outreach, engagement, and marketing strategies …Facilitator effectiveness and instructional excellence …Financial sustainability and revenue strategies …Cross-sector partnership development …Managing difficult classroom dynamics …Instructor retention and burnout prevention
Join the Conversation! This pre-conference workshop is more than professional development—it is an opportunity to help shape the future of behavioral health education, prevention, and workforce development across Colorado and beyond. Together, we can strengthen the systems that support mental health, suicide prevention, and community wellbeing. (Includes training, breakfast, lunch, and coffee breaks) 8:00am - 8:30am Breakfast & Networking 8:30am - 10:00am Workshop 10:00am - 10:15am Break 10:15am - 11:45am Workshop 11:45am - 12:45pm Lunch 12:45pm - 2:15pm Workshop 2:15pm - 2:30pm Break 2:30pm - 4:00pm End
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#2 Pre-Conference Workshop Wednesday | September 30, 2026
8:00am - 4:00pm | (Imperial Ballroom - 4th floor)
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#2 Pre-Conference Workshop | Meeting the Moment With AI: A Practical Playbook for Behavioral Health Leaders and Clinicians | Jonathan Liebert, MA Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping behavioral health care, creating new opportunities and new responsibilities for providers, clinicians, and system leaders. This full-day, hands-on workshop moves beyond introduction to application, equipping participants with practical tools and frameworks to engage with AI thoughtfully and effectively. Designed for both clinical and operational audiences, the session explores where AI is already showing up across behavioral health settings, from documentation and treatment planning to access, operations, and strategic decision-making. Through real-world scenarios, live demonstrations, and guided practice, participants will gain experience using AI tools while learning how to maintain clinical judgment, human connection, and trust. The workshop also examines key considerations around ethics, risk, and governance, including privacy, bias, and appropriate guardrails. Participants will explore where AI can add value and where caution is warranted within their own organizations. Using a practical framework, attendees will develop an initial approach to AI adoption and leave with actionable next steps, including implementation considerations, staff readiness, and change management strategies. Jonathan Liebert, MA is an AI thought leader, author, and nationally recognized advocate for social innovation, small business development and ethical AI use. A leader in the AI space, Jonathan founded The Colorado AI Collective, an interdisciplinary think tank of experts that are accelerating regional collaboration and education in artificial intelligence. He is the Chair of the National AI and Quantum Taskforce for the National Association of State Workforce Board Chairs, where he strategizes AI policy frameworks focused on workforce development, economic equity, and digital transformation. Jonathan is the visionary behind Colorado Springs’ inaugural BLAZE AI Summit, a statewide gathering designed to empower small and medium-sized businesses with AI tools and strategy. He also teaches applied AI through courses like AI Powerup for Small Businesses, enabling business leaders to adapt and thrive in an AI-driven economy. He is the author of Thought Partner. The Fusion of Soul and System: The AI Collaboration , a groundbreaking book exploring the synthesis of human and artificial intelligence. The work outlines a future-forward model of cognition and offers a practical framework for organizations and individ- uals to evolve alongside emerging technologies. He also has a weekly AI Column in the Southern Colorado Business Digest called, The AI Advantage. (Includes training, breakfast, lunch, and coffee breaks) 8:00am - 8:30am Breakfast & Networking 8:30am - 10:00am Workshop 10:00am - 10:15am Break 10:15am - 11:45am Workshop 11:45am - 12:45pm Lunch 12:45pm - 2:15pm Workshop 2:15pm - 2:30pm Break 2:30pm - 4:00pm End
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Keynote & Awards
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Thursday | 8:45am - 10:30am Meeting the Moment: Moving Beyond Coping to Build Resilient, Connected Communities Johnny Crowder, CRPS-Y/A
The behavioral health field has never demanded more from the people who show up for it every day. Tightening budgets, systemic complexity, and relentless change have left even the most dedicated leaders and clinicians quietly wondering if the weight of it all is theirs alone to carry. Drawing on his own experience navigating the system as someone who needed it to work, Johnny offers behavioral health professionals something rare: the view from the other side of the door. This is an honest, grounded conversation about being realistic (without defaulting to cynicism), speaking up instead of struggling in silence, and remembering that the gaps in care only close when the people responsible for filling them can learn to lean on one another. Join us to: • Develop the patience and long-term perspective that sustainable, systemic change requires • Build intentional lines of communication across teams and organizations so that problems can be identified and remedied • Foster trust throughout the continuum of care so that silos are broken through shared responsibility Johnny Crowder is a suicide/abuse survivor, TEDx speaker, touring musician, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, and the Founder & CEO of Cope Notes, a text-based mental health platform that provides daily support to users in more than 100 countries around the world. Armed with a decade of clinical treatment, a psychology degree from the University of Central Florida, and 10+ years of peer support and public advocacy experience through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Johnny’s youthful vigor for mental health has impacted millions of lives across the globe. Since his first keynote in 2011, Johnny’s refreshingly candid perspective has attracted praise from hundreds of outlets, including Forbes , Entrepreneur Magazine , The Wall Street Journal , and even CNN World . Whether leading corporate wellness trainings or touring with his Bill- board-charting heavy metal band, Prison, his infectious positivity and firsthand experience with multiple diagnoses uniquely equip him to provide realistic insight and inspiration amidst the pains of hardship with care, levity, and unconventional wit.
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Sessions & Speakers | Thursday Bd Bu
#100 | Keeping Coloradans Covered: Preventing Medicaid Coverage Loss Under HR1 This discussion will help behavioral health providers navigate upcoming Medicaid work requirements and six-month redeterminations by outlining what’s ahead, how changes may affect members, and how Medicaid plans can support outreach, care coordination, and continuity efforts. Providers will leave with guidance to help patients stay covered and connected to care. Liz Owens is the Chief External Relations Officer at Colorado Access, which is the state’s largest public sector health plan with more than 500,000 members. Liz leads external-facing strategy across policy, communications, and government partnerships, including oversight of Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) and Child Health Plan Plus contracts.
#101 | Bypassing a Bachelor’s Degree: How Alternative Admissions to an MA Degree Can Revolutionize Workforce Development
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BH organizations face ongoing workforce shortages, turnover, and limited advancement pathways. This session explores Hazelden Betty Ford’s alternative admissions pathway to a Master’s degree, that eliminates the need for a Bachelor’s degree. Attendees will examine employer retention strategies, education benefits, and implications for licensure, partnerships, higher education, and policy. Kevin Doyle, EdD, LPC, LSATP is President and CEO of Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School, following service at Longwood University as Professor and Department Chair, and a 26 year career in addiction treatment. He has led AASCB and the Virginia Board of Counseling and is licensed as an LPC and LSATP in Virginia. John Solomon, LPC is a behavioral health executive, educator, and Licensed Professional Counselor with experience spanning treatment, education, workforce strategy, association leadership, and rural systems development.
#102 | Beyond Compliance: How Actionable Data Supports Sustainable Behavioral Health Care This session equips behavioral health providers to measure quality and meaningful outcomes, balance provider priorities with industry standards, and use data for improvement. It addresses real-world challenges, emphasizing practical measurement for care delivery and accountability—moving beyond compliance to actionable insights that inform practice and policy.
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Dorota Carpenedo, MPH is a Senior Consultant with deep expertise in quality measurement, performance management, and behavioral health data analytics. An epidemiologist, she supports behavioral health and public health systems by designing meaningful measures, dashboards, and evaluation frameworks that translate complex data into actionable insights for improvement, accountability, and policy decision-making. Robyn Odendahl, MPA is a Principal with more than 10 years of experience in public health and behavioral health research, evaluation, and planning. She leads community‑engaged needs assessments, behavioral health system evaluations, and substance use prevention studies, translating qualitative and quantitative data into actionable strategies for health departments, policymakers, and community‑based organizations. Clinical Board Business/Upper Management Bd Cl Bu
CBHC 2026 | Behavioral Health Training Conference | 21
Thursday | Sessions & Speakers
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#103 | Ghost Asylums: When Families Become the System for Psychotic Disorders Two Colorado Mad Moms will share their lived experience to highlight how gaps in Colorado’s behavioral health system leave families functioning as de facto treatment providers for loved ones with psychotic spectrum disorders. Family homes become “ghost asylums,” filling the void left by systemic failures in access to care. Kelly Comcowich, MA is a fierce advocate with lived experience caring for a child with severe mental illness. After losing her daughter to suicide, precipitated in part by inadequate mental health systems in Colorado, she advocates to elevate family voices and promote compassionate systemic change. Robin Predny, LPCC, MS, MA is a therapist and advocate with lived experience raising two young adult sons with psychosis-spectrum and bipolar disorders. As a member of Colorado Mad Moms, she bridges clinical expertise with a mother’s perspective to champion stronger systems of care for families navigating severe mental illness. #104 | Elevating the Voices of People with Lived Experience This session elevates the voices of individuals living with behavioral health needs who have experienced justice system involvement. Through this session, members of Bridges Lived Experience Advisory Council will share their wisdom and insights on what does or doesn’t work at the intersection of these two systems. Attendees are invited to identify and embrace practices that are designed to serve clients in ways that truly have positive and meaningful impact. Latisha Quintana, LCSW serves as the Service and Resource Equity Director for Bridges of Colorado. She has dedicated the past two decades of her career serving victims of interpersonal violence, youth in the juvenile system, and individuals with complex behavioral health needs. Jennifer Turner, MSW is the Executive Director of Bridges of Colorado. She developed Bridges – the first of its kind in the nation - and has consulted on the development of similar models nationally. Prior to Bridges, Jennifer’s work focused on collaborative and client-centered approaches to problem-solving for youth with complex-systems involvement. Lottie Elliott, HS transformed lived experience into leadership and advocacy after years of incarceration, trauma, and substance use challenges. She reunited with her son after13 years and has earned an Associate’s degree and behavioral health certifications. Lottie works as a Certified Peer Recovery Coach supporting others and serves on Bridges of Colorado’s LEAC. Barbara Vassis is a family member and advocate for parents of adult children with serious brain illness who has become justice involved rather than receiving appropriate care via a civil safety net. She joined Bridges of Colorado LEAC in November 2023 and speaks for those unable to speak for themselves. Tyler Himelstieb is a 39-year-old identical triplet whose lived experience includes being found incompetent to stand trial and surviving the abuse of 4-point restraints at San Carlos Correctional Facility. Today he chairs the Mental Health Disability Advisory Council at Disability Law Colorado and serves on the Bridges LEAC. Clinical Board Business/Upper Management Bd Cl Bu
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Session Handouts Download at www.cbhc.org starting Sept 1, 2026
22 | www.cbhc.org
Sessions & Speakers | Thursday
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#105 | Bridging Care and Community: Food Is Medicine in Behavioral Health Food is Medicine explores how nutrition interventions can support behavioral health outcomes by addressing social determinants, chronic stress, and other health conditions. This presentation highlights collaborative models integrating food access into care, offering scalable, equitable solutions for providers and community partners tackling urgent mental health challenges today through prevention and sustainability. Marti Macchi, DrPH, MPH, MEd is President and CEO of Project Angel Heart, leading strategy, operations, and growth to deliver medically tailored meals for people with severe illnesses. She oversees staff, volunteers, and finances while fostering an inclusive culture. With 25+ years in public health, she advances chronic disease prevention and Food is Medicine initiatives. Mindy Klowden, MNM is a national consultant, leader, and strategist. As Managing Director at Third Horizon, she leads competitive business strategy, manages multidisciplinary teams, ensures high-quality deliverables, and provides strategic consulting and expert facilitation services. Mindy has 30+ years of experience, an MNM from Regis University, and a BA from Colorado College.
#106 | When Postpartum Risks Collide: Dyadic Considerations Around Perinatal Mental Health, Substance Use, and Intimate Partner Violence
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The postpartum year carries the highest risk for maternal morbidity and mortality, with leading causes tied to substance use, mental health, and interpersonal violence. Because maternal and infant health are inherently connected, risks affecting one impact the other. This session explores dyadic safety through didactics, case-based discussions, and practical strategies. The purpose of this session is to equip clinical caregivers to recognize overlapping postpartum risks, including substance use disorder, interpersonal violence, and maternal mental health conditions, and to apply this understanding to strengthen care for both birthing people and infants. Sarah Briley, MPH, CHES is a Clinical Quality Improvement Program Manager, focused on helping Colorado hospitals implement evidence-based perinatal substance use practices. She partners with maternal health leaders to improve care through provider education, policy development, and quality improvement initiatives. Sarah holds an MPH from Indiana University and is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). Lauren Smith, BSSW is the Integrated Care Program Manager for CPCQC. Lauren leads the implementation of IMPACT BH, a perinatal behavioral health program, and supports integration of community voice within maternal and infant initiatives. Sonia Subudhi Warwick, MD, MPH is a Pediatrician and Infant Initiative Manager / Quality Improvement Lead at the Colorado Perinatal Care Quality Collaborative. She leads NEST, a statewide hospital-based safe sleep initiative, and continues clinical practice while focusing on how maternal and infant needs intersect across the perinatal care continuum. Clinical Board Business/Upper Management Bd Cl Bu
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CBHC 2026 | Behavioral Health Training Conference | 23
Thursday | Sessions & Speakers
#200 | A Perfect Storm: Why Trauma, Neuroscience, and Attachment are Fundamental Elements for Understanding the Science of Addiction This session explores the impact of developmental trauma and highlights key intersections between the neuroscience of trauma and addiction. Using attachment theory as a foundational framework, it examines how early relational experiences shape the development of addiction and influence treatment approaches. Participants will gain insight into how integrating these perspectives can transform and enhance addiction treatment. Meredith Buschart, MSW, LCSW serves as Clinical Program Director at Valley Hope of Parker with 15 years specializing in complex PTSD, substance use, interpersonal violence, and co-occurring disorders. She is dedicated to trauma-informed care, staff wellness, and systems- level change across healthcare and community settings, and is committed to fostering healing, resiliency, and hope. Anne Hellstrom, MSEd, LPC is Executive Director of Valley Hope Addiction Treatment and Recovery with over 30 years in behavioral health. She specializes in trauma and substance use disorders and is known for her leadership, clinical expertise, and commitment to evidence-based, person-centered care that supports lasting recovery. #201 | Gettin’ By: How Poverty Changes the Brain, Which Changes Everything Experience the workshop that puts your brain into poverty. See how thinking and decision-making respond to scarcity, then learn brain science basics. Understand what people in poverty cope with and how to communicate effectively with them, improving your work with low-income families and clients. Linda Riddell, MS is an Epidemiologist specializing in poverty and brain science. She created Gettin’ By, a training program featuring a game that simulates the cognitive effects of poverty. An experienced public speaker, she presents at conferences nationwide. She holds a Master’s in Health Policy from the University of Southern Maine. Cl Cl Bu
#202 | Safety Net Merger Experiences: From Concept to Reality in a Changing Environment
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This session will provide insight into recent mergers within Colorado’s safety net. In 2023, Health Systems (FQHC) and Southeast Behavioral Health (CMHC) merged. In 2024, Clinica Family Health (FQHC) and Mental Health Partners (CMHC) merged. Executives will share background to the merger decision, progress, lessons learned, and insights. Simon Smith, MHA is President and CEO of Clinica Family Health & Wellness. Simon joined Clinica’s staff in 2011 and became CEO in 2013. Smith received his Bachelor’s of Arts degree from Earlham College and a Master’s of Healthcare Administration degree from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Dr. Jania Arnoldi, DHA, MBA is the President and CEO of Valley-Wide Health Systems. Jania joined Valley-Wide in 2019, having served as the CFO at 2 community health centers for over 20 years in Arizona. Jania received her Doctorate degree in Healthcare Administration in 2020 and her Master’s of Business Administration in 2006. Clinical Board Business/Upper Management Bd Cl Bu
24 | www.cbhc.org
Wellness & Relaxation Station Enjoy a FREE Chair Massage and Wellness Break! FREE Chair Massage Thursday | 10:30am - 11:00am Thursday | 12:00pm - 1:30pm Thursday | 3:00pm - 3:30pm Friday | 10:30am - 11:00am Friday | 12:00pm - 1:30pm Sign up for your time slot to enjoy a massage. Enjoy refreshments, relax and recharge. Located on the 3rd floor next to the pool in Building 3
CBHC 2026 | Behavioral Health Training Conference | 25
Thursday | Sessions & Speakers
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#203 | Reimagining Youth Crisis Care: Key Takeaways from the Implementation of the Youth Crisis Resolution Team in Weld County
The Youth Crisis Resolution Team (YCRT) meets the moment for communities by delivering a multidisciplinary response to adolescent mental health crises in Weld County. This session explores YCRT’s collaborative model and diverse interventions, concluding with a panel discussion that shares practical insights for strengthening community-based crisis response systems for youth. Samantha Santy, LCSW is the Director of In-Home Youth and Family Services at North Range Behavioral Health, where she leads programs that support adolescents and families across Weld County, Colorado. Sam earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Colorado State University in 2011, along with minors in Women’s Studies and Political Science. Early in her career, she worked as an advocate for young children impacted by domestic violence, developing a strong foundation in trauma-informed care and systems minded interventions. She later returned to Colorado State University to earn her Master’s in Social Work in 2016. Since joining North Range Behavioral Health in 2016, Sam has held several roles serving adolescents and families throughout Weld County. Natoshia Murray, LPCC brings over 8 years of experience supporting high-risk youth and families in crisis and community-based settings. Her career spans peer support, crisis response, clinical therapy, and program supervision, providing her with a well-rounded perspective on both frontline care and systems-level coordination. She played a key role in the development and early implementation of the Youth Crisis Resolution Team (YCRT), contributing to program structure, service delivery approaches, and clinical protocols. Natoshia integrates innovative approaches into her practice to support youth and families in achieving stability, wellness, and long-term success. Lyza Verosky, LCSW is the Director of Crisis Services at North Range Behavioral Health, where she oversees crisis response programs and works to ensure individuals and families have access to timely, compassionate behavioral health support during moments of acute need. Lyza earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with a minor in Disability Studies, from University of Wyoming in 2014. She later completed her Master’s of Social Work (MSW) at Arizona State University in 2019. Lyza began her career at North Range Behavioral Health as a Functional Family Therapist in 2019 prior to transitioning to a leadership role managing Crisis Services in 2021. Throughout her career, Lyza has developed expertise in several areas of behavioral health, including intellectual and developmental disabilities, domestic violence and sexual assault, homelessness, family therapy, and crisis intervention. Zhaelin Cruz, MSW is a Functional Family Therapist with a Youth Crisis Resolution Team (YCRT), where she supports youth and families navigating complex mental health and behavioral challenges. Zhaelin earned her Bachelor’s of Arts in Criminology & Criminal Justice, with minors in Legal Studies and Sociology, from the University of Northern Colorado in 2022 and is currently pursuing a Master’s of Social Work at Metropolitan State University of Denver. Since entering the human services field in 2022, Zhaelin has developed a strong passion for supporting individuals across the lifespan, with a particular focus on community re-entry following incarceration, as well as youth, adolescent, and adult mental health. Their work emphasizes strengthening family dynamics and overall functioning through collaborative, evidence-informed practices.
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26 | www.cbhc.org
Sessions & Speakers | Thursday
#204 | For Everyone Who Takes Care of Everyone Else: Accessing Your Own Tools
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Behavioral health professionals are trained to create safety for everyone else. You all know this. You can sit through an entire conference, earn your CE credit, and still go home with mental health struggles of your own. Sound familiar? We’ll look at why behavioral health professionals are often the last ones to use the tools they teach, and how we might go about doing things a little differently. Kat Atwell is a keynote speaker and mental health educator with over 20 years of lived experience with bipolar disorder, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. With her diagnoses comes an equally long career of figuring out how to be professionally functional about it. She helps teams have better conversations about mental health at work and beyond, while continuing to work on herself. Shout-out to all the therapists. #205 | Division of Fire and Prevention and the World of BHEs Prepare for your next Life Safety Survey with expert guidance from the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control. This session will cover practical strategies, common compliance pitfalls, and proven best practices to help healthcare facilities maintain compliance, enhance patient safety, and confidently navigate the survey process with greater success and readiness. Walk away with actionable insights that can help protect your facility, your staff, and the patients who depend on you every day. Pete Anderson, FI-III, CLSS-HC is the Acute Health Care Unit Chief for the State of Colorado, bringing over 26 years of dedicated public service to his role. He leads the team tasked with regulatory oversight of Colorado’s hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and behavioral health facilities, ensuring safety and compliance across the state’s healthcare network. Craig Montoya (FI-III) is a Plan Examiner/Inspector with the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC), serving since 2019. Holding multiple ICC and NFPA certifications, he developed DFPC’s Fire Prevention Branch training program and contributed to the agency’s 2024–2029 Strategic Plan. Craig also played a key role in restructuring Colorado’s Health Care Rules adopted in late 2025, drawing on his extensive background in healthcare facility maintenance, commercial development, and construction management. Clinical Board Business/Upper Management Bd Cl Bu Bd
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