Mental Health Awareness Month: Honoring Behavioral Health Professionals
In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, Fidelis Care salutes our team of behavioral health professionals who work tirelessly to help our members receive the care and services they need. This week, we highlight some of these counselors, social workers, and administrators who have dedicated their careers to assisting others.
Ashlei Allen, Care Manager
I knew at an early age that I would go into behavioral health because I recognized how helping others positively impacted me. Whether this was talking through a problem with a friend or mediating a conflict within a group, I always found joy when people felt better. I joined the Fidelis Care team in 2022 as a Care Manager. In this role, I assist members with getting connected to providers and programs that can improve their overall health. I find meaning in helping members identify solutions to their health concerns, in addition to informing them of resources that could be beneficial to them.
Jon Anderson, LMSW, Manager - Clinical
Using my clinical skills and experience, I can positively impact the lives of our members with mental illness and substance use disorders. I joined Fidelis Care in 2015 following a 15-year career spent providing direct care to individuals in the community. Fidelis Care leaders encouraged me to access my creativity and compassion to improve health outcomes for our members. Working on a team dedicated to improving lives, one member at a time, has been the highlight of my professional career.
Jennie Calvaneso, LMHC, Clinician Specialist
I am currently the Clinician Specialist in the Utilization Management Department with previous behavioral health experience at Fidelis Care and with other mental health experience in outpatient clinics and crisis intervention. I chose to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor because I saw firsthand what untreated and unsupported mental health issues can do to a person. In my transition from direct care to Fidelis Care, I have enjoyed expanding my knowledge base while still being able to help address mental health issues for people in need.
Kristen Esopi, LMSW, Care Manager - Social Work
As a Care Manager on the Transitions of Care team, I help members who were recently discharged from a behavioral health unit or substance use disorder treatment program. The days immediately following a hospitalization can be a very vulnerable time. I am proud to personally provide support to these members with the goal of furthering their recovery. I am dedicated to making a difference in the lives of our members. My daily interactions with them provide countless opportunities to assist and engage.
Melissa Kenna, Utilization Review Clinician
I chose to go into behavioral healthcare after working in psychiatric hospitals as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. I gained experience leading groups, completing clinical assessments, and working with individuals on their treatment plan goals. My work with these individuals led me to want to help more. Fidelis Care has given me the opportunity to provide quality care by working directly with providers to assure proper treatment for our members. This leaves me feeling humbled and knowing that I can make a difference.
Jennifer Liang, LCSW, Manager - Clinical
I started within the realm of social services as a case manager at a domestic violence agency in 2005. My role was to ensure the survivors were connected to services and benefits to start their healing journey. That experience led to my decision to pursue a higher degree in clinical social work. Any small or large change provides me with a sense of gratification and motivates me each day. In my current role as manager of the Fidelis Care pediatric program, I am entrusted with the pivotal responsibility and privilege of providing comprehensive oversight to a specialized care management team.
Thomas Michaels, LMHC, Medical Management Auditor
I wanted to become a social worker to assist people in meeting their everyday needs. As a Medical Management Auditor within the Behavioral Health Department, I have the chance to help others. I provide care management analysis to people leaders, while working within an interdisciplinary framework to help enhance the lives of our members. Fidelis Care provides a working environment that promotes member-centered care, while also providing a supportive, professional learning environment to continue my growth as a social worker.
Damanie Outar, LMSW, Care Manager - Social Work
I decided to pursue a career as a social worker to help others strive for a better life, overcome their challenges, and make a positive impact on our community. As a Fidelis Care Social Work Care Manager, I provide planning, coordination, and authorization of services to our members. I complete health assessments as well as reviews of environmental and psychosocial status of members. I also identify risks for members and recommend appropriate interventions. I find being a social worker is a fulfilling career because I get to do what I love every day.
Carolina Rosado, Authorization Specialist
I started with Fidelis Care in November 2020 as a behavioral health call center representative, working with members and providers on mental health concerns. I was later trained on how to identify members in crisis and send them to a crisis hotline. I then moved to the team that handles authorization requests and quickly became team lead. My work at Fidelis Care makes a difference in the lives of our members. Raising awareness of mental health issues reduces the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness and seeking treatment. There is no overall health without mental health.
Emilie Saccone, LMSW, Care Manager - Social Work
Behavioral health is such an important aspect of overall health because our physical and mental health are so closely linked to each other. As a Care Manager at Fidelis Care for the past two years, I experience the ups and downs with our members as we navigate their mental health needs together. It is a great accomplishment any time I get to see a member connected to the supportive services they need to contribute to their overall wellness.
Maggie Villafranca, LMSW, Care Manager - Social Work
I have enjoyed volunteering and helping my community since high school and knew early on giving back to my community was going to be my professional focus. I graduated with a master’s degree from NYU’s Silver School of Social Work where the curriculum was focused on working with individuals, groups, and families. Working at Fidelis Care has allowed me to continue that path in assisting members by navigating the complexities of their psychosocial needs while understanding the importance of their overall health.
Vickie Zemla, LCSW, CASAC II, Manager - Clinical Business Monitoring
As a licensed clinical social worker and credentialed alcoholism and substance abuse counselor, supporting individuals to achieve their goals and establishing continuity of care has always been my passion. In my clinical career, I work with individuals in crisis and forensic mental health. The most rewarding part of my job is seeing how our organization can quickly adapt and change our approaches to ensure we are providing the best person-centered, quality care management.