PM Breakouts – 60 minutes
OVERVIEW
This session will introduce participants to the science of compassion and the positive impact it can have on service delivery. There is now revolutionary scientific evidence that caring makes a difference and compassion impacts human connection in treatment in a fundamental way. The science of compassion, or “Compassionomics,” provides the evidence that one simple tool, compassion, can positively impact patient outcomes, the financial health of organizations, and the well-being of clinicians. Join this session if you are interested in learning more about the “wonder drug” of 2024.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
As a result of attending this presentation, participants will:
- Define the science of compassion;
- Understand the importance of the neuroscience of emotional connection; and
- Utilize the model of balanced compassionate caring.
TARGET AUDIENCE
Mental health workers in direct practice with individuals, couples, and/or families
PRESENTERS
Michael Waltke obtained his undergraduate degree from Carson-Newman University in 1999 with a major in Psychology. He began his career as an Adult Integrated Services Team Case Manager with the McNabb Center (HRMC) in 2000 and has remained an employee for the past 23 years. During his tenure at HRMC, he obtained his Master’s in Science and Social Work from the University of Tennessee; graduating in 2007. Michael is currently licensed as an Advanced Practice Social Worker in the State of Tennessee. Michael has held numerous supervisory positions throughout his tenure at HRMC and most recently served as the Senior Director of Adult Outpatient Mental Health and Recovery Services. In this position he managed 36 programs and approximately $10 million in annual revenue. These programs primarily related to adult outpatient mental health, recovery, homeless, peer support, supported employment, and supportive housing services. Throughout the past several years, he also assisted in leading the implementation of a variety of Centerwide strategic initiatives related to payment reform, value based care, access redesign, and controlled substance prescribing practices. Michael assumed his current position in November 2022 and presently acts as HRMC’s Vice President of Organizational Excellence and Strategic Initiatives. In this role he oversees the Center’s Corporate Compliance, Data Analytics, Quality Assurance, and Health Information Management departments. Michael participates in a variety of both internal and external committees and is currently serving on the board for the Mental Health Association of East Tennessee.
Mary Katsikas received her bachelor’s degrees in Psychology from the University of Tennessee at Martin and her Masters in Forensic Psychology from the Professional School of Psychology Argosy University. Ms. Katsikas joined the Helen Ross McNabb Center in 2001 as a direct-care provider working with children and their families in the Center’s school-based mental health program. Mary has held numerous leadership positions throughout her tenure at the Center and has played a significant role creating and enhancing the clinical service delivery system. She has served in her current role as Executive Vice President since July 2001. Prior to that she served as the Senior Director of Children and Youth Mental Health Programming 2008-2021 and the Regional Clinical Vice President. Over the past 23 years, Mary has dedicated her work to improving the lives of those served through system change and building strong relationships. She oversees programs in several counties, manages 52% of the Center’s workforce, and coordinates programming and budgeting for over $36 million dollars annually in grant, fee for service, federal and state funding. Mary has created, developed and implemented new programming through new funding avenues, and has overseen the expansion of programming that is dedicated to families, children and adults. She is viewed as a leader across the state and participates in numerous community and state advocacy groups. In 2012, Mary was part of the Greater Knoxville Business Journal 40 under 40 class. In 2020, Mary was awarded the Dorthea Dix Professional Service award by the Tennessee Association of Mental Health Organizations. She currently chairs the Children and Youth Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services State Planning and Policy Committee, and is a member of the Court Improvement Program Task Force as well as the Tennessee Association of Mental Health Organizations Children and Youth Committee.