New Leadership Team Members & Promotions

Clockwise from top: Kristie Worster, Danielle Parent, Lindsay Susi

Welcome to the newest members of the Sweetser leadership team and congratulations to those promoted to new leadership roles.

New Member of Leadership
Please welcome Kristie Worster as our new Chief Program Officer. She joins Sweetser after holding both administrative and clinical leadership positions in Maine. She served as an outpatient therapist for several years in York County prior to becoming a Regional Director in the Mid-Coast region, where she managed outpatient, community-based, crisis and residential services. More recently Kristie implemented clinical programs for a large health system. She has an undergraduate degree in English and a master’s degree in social work, both from The University of New England. Kristie also has specialized training in clinical supervision and has several certifications in Evidenced Based Practices, including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, MATCH-ADTC, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapies. She has a Certificate as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt from Acuity Institute and has experience with leading employee engagement projects. Kristie loves the simple things like spending summers outside discovering new parts of New England and Maine with her family.

Recent Leadership Promotions
Please congratulate Danielle Parent, who has accepted the role of Sweetser’s Chief Growth Officer. In her new role, she’ll focus on program development, expansion and special projects. Danielle began her career at Sweetser in Crisis Services in 2014, leading the expansion of the department, as well as the subsequent development of the OPTIONS, Adult Residential (PNMI) and CCBHC (Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic) programs. Prior to Sweetser, Danielle lived briefly in Vietnam, followed by several years in Washington, D.C., where she worked in behavioral health at Community Connections, starting its first Forensic Assertive Community Treatment team. She participated in the Hanley Health Leadership Development course and is the 2019 recipient of NAMI Maine’s Mental Health Leader award. Danielle graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo with a Master’s of Social Work and a Juris Doctorate in Law. She is a licensed independent clinical social worker. She enjoys camping and off-grid adventures with her partner and their dog, Tuukka.

Please congratulate Lindsay Susi, who has accepted the role of Sweetser’s new Clinical Director for our New England Eating Disorders (NEED) program, which she joined as a clinician in 2014. Lindsay became part of the Sweetser team when NEED moved to the organization in 2017. As Clinical Director, she is involved in the day-to-day needs of the program’s patients and staff, supporting staff with helping the program run smoothly and addressing issues that arise. Lindsay also remains involved in direct clinical work and supervises staff. She has worked in mental health for many years, and has been interested in mental and behavioral health since high school. Lindsay is passionate about working with those who struggle with eating disorders. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in psychology from UMaine Orono and obtained her MSW from the University of Southern Maine in 2014. Outside of work, Lindsay enjoys spending time with her husband, two young daughters, dog, and wonderful friends and family.

Sweetser syrup production featured on Newscenter Maine

Reporter Anne Baldridge left, Educator Julia Birtolo right

Sweetser Educator & Farm Manager Julia Birtolo along with a handful of our students showed Newscenter Maine reporter Anne Baldridge around the farm to demonstrate the entire process of producing bottles of maple syrup from start to finish. Check out the story below:

Sanford area groups raise $20,000 to support mental health

From left to right: Katie Shaw (Elks), Bob Shaw (Elks), Steve McGrath (Sweetser board member), Jayne Van Bramer (Sweetser President & CEO), Marise Anagnost (Elks), Denise Labbe (Elks), Karen Staples (American Legion), Kelly Thayer (Sweetser Development Director), Jodie Hansen (Sweetser Donor Engagement & Events Manager)

SANFORD, MAINE (February 28th, 2023) – The Sanford and Springvale communities came together to raise $20,000 to support mental health services throughout Maine.

Jamming for Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention is an annual February event at the Sanford Elks Lodge that is the culmination of multiple fundraisers throughout the year to benefit Sweetser’s behavioral health programs.

First held in 2019 after Denise Labbe became Exalted Ruler of Sanford Elks Lodge, the annual event is a joint effort of the AMVETS with Son’s & Ladies Auxiliary Post #3, American Legion T.W. Cole Post #19, Sanford Elks Lodge #1470, Sanford VFW & Auxiliary Post #9935, Springvale Social Club & Knights of Columbus, and Wolves Social Club.

Labbe came up with the idea to focus on mental health because of firsthand experiences within her own family and because she recognized that mental illness is often not discussed despite its prevalence. After participating in a Day of Caring event volunteering for Sweetser, she was put in touch with Jodie Hansen, their Donor Engagement & Events Manager.

“My goal is really to bring it to the forefront so people aren’t ashamed to ask for help, or discuss it with another person,” said Labbe. “It just may save a life.”

Covid put the event on hiatus in 2021 and 2022, making 2023 the third time the event has been held. This year’s event proved the most financially successful to date.

“This is my third fundraiser for Sweetser,” she stated. “They are so hands-on in working with us, allocating moneys for the Sanford/Springvale area. That’s where we wanted our efforts, so it really has worked well.”

Bands performed throughout the day, including Hellraizers, C4, Wacko Magnet, Middleman and Wiretap. The event also featured raffles and t-shirt sales, as well as speakers who have lived experience with mental health.

For more information about Sweetser services, visit sweetser.org. If you are interested in volunteering or fundraising for Sweetser, please reach out to Jodie Hansen at 207-294-4476.

Legislature recognizes Eating Disorders Awareness Week

AUGUSTA, MAINE (February 28th, 2023) The Maine Legislature has declared Feb. 27- March 5 Eating Disorders Awareness Week, bringing the issue to the forefront in Maine.

The resolution, passed today, was introduced by Senator Donna Bailey and will bring important awareness to the issue of eating disorders, which impacts at least 9% of Americans at some point in their lifetime. 

It calls for a group approach to awareness with collaborations between people from all walks of life to encourage open and honest discussions around eating disorders that will potentially save lives.

“It’s critical that we do our part to destigmatize eating disorders and other treatable mental and physical illnesses,” says Senator Donna Bailey, sponsor of the bill. “This disorder doesn’t discriminate. It can impact anyone. The legislature aims to prioritize mental health this session.”

This issue is important now more than ever, with the National Eating Disorders Helpline seeing a 107% increase in calls since the COVID-19 pandemic. Locally, Sweetser’s New England Eating Disorder or NEED program aims to help individuals of any age struggling with eating disorders. Sweetser’s NEED Director Lindsay Susi knows the severe impact this has on those with mental illness.

“For some, food and body insecurities can feel insurmountable,” Susi said. “If you find that you, or someone you love, are struggling with concerns related to food and body, and you are looking for a professional level of support, call 207-294-4522. You are not alone. Non-judgmental help is available.”

Last year alone, Sweetser served 237 individuals with eating disorders. The NEED team provides individual, family, group and nutritional therapies as well as psychiatry and coordination of medical care with primary care providers. For more information or to begin the eating disorder recovery, visit: https://www.sweetser.org/need.

Senator Donna Bailey introducing the resolution

FULL RESOLUTION: 

JOINT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY 27 TO MARCH 5, 2023

AS EATING DISORDERS AWARENESS WEEK

 WHEREAS, eating disorders are serious but treatable mental and physical illnesses that can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes and weights; and

WHEREAS, while no one knows for sure what causes eating disorders, a growing consensus suggests that it is a range of biological, psychological and sociocultural factors; and

WHEREAS, in the United States, 9% of people will experience an eating disorder at some point in their lives; and

WHEREAS, eating disorders have the 2nd highest mortality rate of all mental health disorders; and

WHEREAS, the National Eating Disorders Association helpline has experienced a 107% increase in contacts since the start of the COVID‑19 pandemic; and

WHEREAS, Eating Disorders Awareness Week is a collective effort of individuals from every walk of life, including persons with lived experience, family members and friends; students, educators and coaches; and professionals, health care providers and organizations committed to raising awareness of eating disorders; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED: That We, the Members of the One Hundred and Thirty‑first Legislature now assembled in the First Regular Session, on behalf of the people we represent, take this opportunity to recognize February 27 to March 5, 2023 as Eating Disorders Awareness Week and encourage the citizens of Maine to support the annual awareness campaign to educate the public about the realities of eating disorders and to provide hope, support and visibility to individuals and families affected by eating disorders.

About Sweetser:
Sweetser is a behavioral health nonprofit that provides evidence-based treatment, support and hope through a statewide network of community-based mental health, recovery, and educational services.

Podcast Episode 4: What parents say

On the fourth episode of our podcast “Not Now, Maybe Later”, hear an interview with a real mom talking about her family’s life raising kids, now teenagers, with different but significant mental health issues. Topics covered include how this parent views privacy versus safety when it comes to her children’s mental health, their successes and struggles trying to get therapy and support. Listen below…

Community Mental Health Services Awareness Day

Friday, February 10th was Community Mental Health Services Awareness Day in Maine! The legislature passed a resolution making it possible. In conjunction with the added awareness, behavioral health providers across the state held legislative tours to talk about the importance of our services and the road ahead for the entire system with important legislation pending this session.

We’d like to thank the following lawmakers for joining us at our special purpose school on our Saco campus:

Senator Henry Ingwersen

Representative Lori Gramlich

Representative Holly Sargent

Representative Gerry Runte

Representative Daniel Hobbs

The following Cumberland County lawmakers visited our Portland location:

Representative Charles Skold

Representative Art Bell

Representative Annie Graham

Representative Steve Moriarty

Representative Kelly Noonan Murphy

Representative Poppy Arford

We deeply appreciate their leadership and commitment to behavioral health.

 

 

 

Adult Residential Services Expansion in Belfast

Sweetser is excited to announce that we have converted our Belfast campus into offering adult residential services. Like our Waterfall Place in Topsham, we will now be providing Private Non-Medical Institution (PNMI) that serves adults with major mental illness in Belfast.

This program is designed to build skills for a successful transition to independent and/or less supportive living environment. Clinical oversight, management and intervention are delivered with a focus on increasing independence and self-sufficiency, including functional skills, increasing self-understanding, crisis prevention and self-management.

This continues our focus on expansion of behavioral health services throughout the Midcoast.

Learn more about our program here: https://www.sweetser.org/programs-services/services-for-adults/residential-services-for-adults

Brunswick CCBHC in the News

This past month, we publicly announced the expansion of our Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) in Brunswick, thanks to a $4 million Federal grant.

Our President & CEO Jayne Van Bramer joined our Medical Director Dr. Marc Kaplan, CCBHC Senior Director Danielle Parent, and CCBHC Clinical Director Joey Rossignol in speaking with various news outlets about this important expansion of service throughout the Midcoast.

Newscenter Maine

WMTW

TIMES RECORD

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Bonus Podcast Episode: Common Teen Therapies

As part of the third episode of “Not Now, Maybe Later”, here is some bonus material for you. Listen here to learn about five of the more common therapies for teens: CBT, DBT, EMDR, Creative Therapies, Equine Therapy. Great resources for more information on types of therapy are: goodtherapy.org and verywellmind.com. This podcast is a project supported by Sweetser.