Need help?  We're here 24/7

Call 802.229.0591

About Us

Helping people live their best lives is what we do at WCMHS. From the top down, every member of the WCMHS family is a dedicated to this goal. On this page, you'll learn just about everything you'll need to know about us.

Contact Us

OUR STORY

 Our Vision

Healthy Neighbors, Healthy Communities: Leading the way to wellness through collaborative, inclusive and compassionate care.


 Our Mission

WCMHS advocates the inclusion of all persons into our communities and actively encourages Self-Determination and Recovery. We serve all individuals and families coping with the challenges of developmental and intellectual disabilities, mental health, and substance use by providing trauma-informed services to support them as they achieve their highest potential and best possible quality of life.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At WCMHS:


  • We welcome the unique perspectives, experiences, and the intrinsic value that each individual brings to advance the WCMHS mission.
  • We value the visible and invisible qualities of each individual.
  • We recognize that systemic and individual racism and institutional oppressions negatively impact our well-being.
  • We believe it is essential to intentionally nurture and sustain an environment in which all individuals experience fairness, dignity, respect, and belonging.
  • And we are striving to include diversity, equity, and inclusion practices at the center of our daily work.  


Our History and Company

Washington County Mental Health Services (WCMHS) is designated by Vermont Statute to provide a wide variety of support and treatment opportunities for children, adolescents, families, and adults living with the challenges of mental illness, emotional and behavioral issues, substance use disorder, and intellectual/developmental disabilities. These services are both office- and community-based. The range of services we offer include prevention and wellness, assessment and stabilization, and 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-week emergency response. WCMHS is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit community mental health center.

 

The agency was established [under this name] in 1967 and proudly celebrates over 50 years of serving our community. We take a flexible approach to person-centered care for residents within Washington County and the adjacent towns of Orange, Washington, and Williamstown. Acceptance and participation in our programs are the same for everyone without regard to race, color, national origin, or religion. Our dedicated staff works to assist each individual to reach his or her goals.

 

Within the last year, more than 6,700 individuals benefited from the services offered by WCMHS. Many of these individuals participated in multiple programs offered across the Agency’s divisions, receiving collaborative direct services. Many individuals were also served via community-based services whether educational sessions, community forums, extended family and other non-billable services. WCMHS is a state- and town-funded Agency.

 OUR LEADERSHIP

Our Board of Directors

The WCMHS Board of Directors (BOD) is a dedicated group of individuals that are family members, peers, and community providers. The BOD meets monthly with the Executive Director, the Chief Financial Officer, and other program directors to ensure alignment with the WCMHS mission and its financial and ethical integrity.

Sarah Holland

President

Sarah Holland serves as the President of the WCMHS Board of Directors. She has been a member of the board since 2009, and has been in her present role for the past three years. Sarah earned her bachelor in nursing in 1975 from Emory University (Atlanta, Ga). For 12 years, she worked full-time in clinical nursing at Dartmouth Hitchcock and Central Vermont Medical Center and five years as a Clinical Instructor in Norwich University’s Associate Nursing Program. Sarah is also a graduate of Vermont Technical College where, in 2000, she earned an associate degree in Landscape Development and Ornamental Horticulture. She is an Accredited Organic Land Care Professional through the Northeast Organic Farming Association; she is a Vermont Certified Horticulturist through the Vermont Nursery and Landscape Association. Sarah is the principle and owner of River’s Bend Design, an organic landscape design/build company based in Moretown, VT that serves both residential and commercial clients throughout central Vermont and the Champlain Valley. The mission of River’s Bend Design is to provide beautiful and healthy outdoor living spaces, a philosophy that extends as well to Sarah’s stewardship of WCMHS in building and promoting a strong and reliable community mental health system. Sarah’s passion to serve on the Board of WCMHS is born out of more than 20 years receiving life-saving mental health services from this local community health agency. 


Every free-time opportunity Sarah can take is invested in her children and grandchildren. Family has always been of paramount importance. Sarah has three adult children who live close by enabling frequent visits with grandchildren.

Kristin Chandler

Vice President

Kristin Chandler is a graduate of Colgate University and Seattle University School of Law. Kristin is the Coordinator of Team Two, a one-day training for law enforcement, police dispatchers and mental health crisis clinicians that fosters a collaborative response to mental health crises. Kristin also teaches Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure and Evidence as an adjunct professor at Norwich University. She was a Vermont Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Mental Health for eight years where her area of practice focused on criminal cases as well as involuntary commitments and involuntary medication hearings in Family Court. Kristin started off her legal career as a prosecutor in Seattle, Washington. She coaches the junior varsity girls’ basketball team at Randolph Union High School and has a daughter who works in publishing, a son in high school and a rescue dog named Joe. Kristin also serves on the boards of Gifford Medical Center and GEMS, a camp for middle school girls in Randolph. She loves to play tennis, paddle a kayak and is an avid Red Sox fan.

Kristin Chandler

Vice President

Kristin Chandler is a graduate of Colgate University and Seattle University School of Law. Kristin is the Coordinator of Team Two, a one-day training for law enforcement, police dispatchers and mental health crisis clinicians that fosters a collaborative response to mental health crises. Kristin also teaches Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure and Evidence as an adjunct professor at Norwich University. She was a Vermont Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Mental Health for eight years where her area of practice focused on criminal cases as well as involuntary commitments and involuntary medication hearings in Family Court. Kristin started off her legal career as a prosecutor in Seattle, Washington. She coaches the junior varsity girls’ basketball team at Randolph Union High School and has a daughter who works in publishing, a son in high school and a rescue dog named Joe. Kristin also serves on the boards of Gifford Medical Center and GEMS, a camp for middle school girls in Randolph. She loves to play tennis, paddle a kayak and is an avid Red Sox fan.

Robert “Bob” Harvey

Treasurer

Bob Harvey grew up and attended high school in Long Island NY. He is a graduate of Norwich University with a BS in Engineering and the Polytechnic Institute of NY where he earned an MS (MBA) in Industrial Management. Bob was commissioned a First Lieutenant in the US Army and served in Vietnam during the war. Bob worked for the Northrop-Grumman Corporation for 30 years as an Engineer, Project Manager, Department Manager and Director and finally as an Executive Corporate Manager. Bob served on the VT State Developmental Disability Council as a member from 2003 – 2009. Bob was a Barre Town Justice of the Peace and served on its Board of Civil Authority from 2002 – 2012. He is an FAA licensed pilot.

 

Bob is married to Ginette (Jacques) Harvey who grew up in Barre, Vermont.

Paul Wallace-Brodeur

Secretary

Paul Wallace-Brodeur is a graduate of Bowdoin College and the University of Connecticut School of Social Work. He is retired but spent his professional life working in the health and mental health field in Vermont, first as a social worker at the Brandon Training School, then in the Community Mental Health program as Chief Social Worker at the Vermont State Hospital, and then, for a short period, as Deputy and Acting Mental Health Commissioner. Paul also served as the Executive Director of the Vermont Health Policy Corporation and later the Health Policy Council. He also service as a staff member in the Vermont Health Care Authority, a health reform initiative under Governor Howard Dean. Paul moved to the State Medicaid office and served as the Medicaid Managed Care Director and at retirement as the Medicaid Director. Paul lives in Montpelier with his wife Ruth, a children’s book author. They have four children who all live in Vermont.

Paul Wallace-Brodeur

Secretary

Paul Wallace-Brodeur is a graduate of Bowdoin College and the University of Connecticut School of Social Work. He is retired but spent his professional life working in the health and mental health field in Vermont, first as a social worker at the Brandon Training School, then in the Community Mental Health program as Chief Social Worker at the Vermont State Hospital, and then, for a short period, as Deputy and Acting Mental Health Commissioner. Paul also served as the Executive Director of the Vermont Health Policy Corporation and later the Health Policy Council. He also service as a staff member in the Vermont Health Care Authority, a health reform initiative under Governor Howard Dean. Paul moved to the State Medicaid office and served as the Medicaid Managed Care Director and at retirement as the Medicaid Director. Paul lives in Montpelier with his wife Ruth, a children’s book author. They have four children who all live in Vermont.

Regan Demasi

Director

Regan Demasi joined the board in February 2011. He became the Board representative on the CSP Standing Committee in early 2021. He resides in Waterbury and has worked at the Village Market for over 20 years. To say that Regan likes sports is an understatement. He is a HUGE Red Sox fan. He plays in an annual basketball tournament and has won a number of medals over the years and will proudly tell you about them. Regan is a consumer at CDS.

Paul Zabriskie

Director

Paul Zabriskie has been on WCMHS board since 2005. In his work he directs Capstone Community Action’s energy efficiency and weatherization programs. His background in ecological design and building science supports programs that reduce fuel consumption in homes and buildings while improving indoor air quality, safety and durability. Paul believes that we can’t engineer our way out of the climate crisis. We need to invest in infrastructure renovations to use less energy and evolve our behavior to eliminate waste.

Amy Caffry

Director

Amy Caffry completed her undergraduate and graduate work at the University of Vermont. She began her teaching career in Warren, Vermont over 20 years ago, currently she teaches in Barre Town. Amy joined the WCMHS Board in 2013 because she is passionate about accessible services for our most vulnerable community members. She believes all people are entitled to services that support the best quality of life choices for them. Amy and her husband live in Waitsfield with their three teenage children, one who has autism.

Chief (Retired) Anthony “Tony” Facos

Director

Tony Facos was formerly the Chief of the Montpelier Police Department. He began his law enforcement career as an Auxiliary State Trooper for the Vermont State Police in 1985. In 1987, he was hired as a full-time patrol officer for the Montpelier PD. In 1997 he was promoted to the rank of sergeant, a position held until he was appointed Chief of Police for the City of Montpelier (VT) in 2007. Tony retired in 2020 from the Police Department.


Over the course of Tony’s more than thirty-four years in law enforcement, he has worked in marine enforcement, instituted MPD’s bicycle patrol unit in 1993, served as hostage/crisis negotiator, has experience in drug enforcement, patrol, tactical operations, investigations, and incident command.

Tony also serves on several state level groups and boards that include the Vermont School Crisis Planning Team, Vermont’s Council on Domestic Violence, and other state groups that focus on improving law enforcement response to mental health calls for service. Tony is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA (session #218), the New England Institute of Law Enforcement Management’s Command Training Program at Babson College, and the Rural Executive Management Institute. Tony is the current president of the FBI National Academy Associates—New England Chapter.


He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from Norwich University, a certificate in Criminal Justice from the University of Virginia, and a Master of Arts in Diplomacy/International Relations from Norwich University.

Eric W. Nordenson, Chief of Police, Montpelier Police Department-

Director

Cindy joined the Board in the third quarter of 2019. As a family advocacy and peer support provider for more than 20 years, Cindy has worked with family run organizations such as The Autism Society of Vermont, ARC of Vermont, and the Vermont Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health. Cindy lives in South Barre with her husband and currently is the Executive Director at a Pregnancy Resource Center in of Central Vermont. Cindy is the mother of two adult sons, one of whom is on the Autism Spectrum. Cindy believes all families are entitled to high quality services and supports they need to help their family thrive. Every person can reach their dreams with the right supports and care.

Eric began his law enforcement career in 1996 working for the Barre City Police Department as a reserve officer. In 1997 he was hired as a full-time police officer for the City of Montpelier, and he has served as a patrol officer, field training officer, corporal, sergeant, and deputy chief. In December of 2022, he was appointed Montpelier’s 16th Chief of Police. he has been a strong advocate for community wide peer support, expanding the co-response model to those experiencing mental health crisis and substance misuse, officer wellness and working with community stakeholders to create the Washington County Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) program. He graduated from Castleton State College with a BA in criminal Justice and enjoy traveling, coaching college soccer, camping (in an air-conditioned RV) and BBQ. He lives in Berlin with his wife Jen, son J.T. and daughter Emily.

Cindy Tabor

Director

Cindy joined the Board in the third quarter of 2019. As a family advocacy and peer support provider for more than 20 years, Cindy has worked with family run organizations such as The Autism Society of Vermont, ARC of Vermont, and the Vermont Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health. Cindy lives in South Barre with her husband and currently is the Executive Director at a Pregnancy Resource Center in of Central Vermont. Cindy is the mother of two adult sons, one of whom is on the Autism Spectrum. Cindy believes all families are entitled to high quality services and supports they need to help their family thrive. Every person can reach their dreams with the right supports and care.

Cindy Tabor

Director

Kris Rowley, MSIA

Director

Kris Rowley is a new addition to the WCMHS Board of Directors. Kris has enjoyed a successful career as a digital information security specialist. He was the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for the State of Vermont for eight years prior to becoming a full-time professor at Norwich University. Kris has taught various subjects within the field of information security and just completed his sixth year. He also served as an adjunct professor for 12 years at both Norwich University and the Community College of Vermont, instructing in both online and in-classroom environment.

 

Kris earned two undergraduate degrees from Norwich University. A BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Management and a BS in Computer Information Systems. He later earned his Master of Science in Information Assurance in 2006, also from Norwich University.

 

Kris was a member of the MS-ISAC during the time he worked for the State of VT. He is a member of the ACM as well as a member of the Upsilon Pi Epsilon honor society of Norwich University. Kris has published several articles in industry publications and has also won the Computer World Honors Laureate for his work in digital security. He maintains connections with industry leads such as the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigations, State of Vermont security departments and security organizations. 

 

Kris lives in Brookfield, VT. His interests are outdoor activities such as hiking and snow shoeing and generally enjoying the beautiful Vermont outdoors. He shares these activities with his dog, Shae, a border collie/lab mix. Gardening and landscaping are other interests. Cooking and sharing food and fun with friends and family also bring happiness to his life.

Our Senior Management Team

Beth Sightler

Chief Executive Officer

With over 30 years of experience in human services, Beth began her career on the frontlines, working in group homes, crisis teams, and direct care before moving into leadership roles. After nearly a decade as the Executive Director of a specialized service agency in Colchester, she joined WCMHS to continue expanding her knowledge and impact in the field of developmental disabilities and mental health.

Before entering this work, Beth spent time in the trades restoring wooden boats and as an artist—passions that continue today. She lives with her spouse, four sons (and one grandchild!), two dogs, a flock of chickens, a goldfish pond and beehives. Outside of leadership, she remains active as an artist, blending creativity with her commitment to community care.

Supporting people in services to be independent and live full, engaged lives is just as important as being fierce advocates for our workforce. Beth is deeply committed to both—ensuring quality support for individuals while championing those who provide care.

Heidi Hall

Chief Financial Officer

Heidi came to Washington County Mental Health in 2014. Prior to WCMHS, she worked for the State of Vermont for 22 years in various positions, the most recent being Director of Finance for the Department of Mental Health. There she developed and managed the department’s budget and assisted in creating program funding models and interdepartmental collaborations across the Agency of Human Services.

 

Heidi is active in her community and when she is not in the office, she can be found cheering her children on at various sporting events and music activities or sliding onto the ice for a game of ice hockey!

Heidi Hall

Chief Financial Officer

Heidi came to Washington County Mental Health in 2014. Prior to WCMHS, she worked for the State of Vermont for 22 years in various positions, the most recent being Director of Finance for the Department of Mental Health. There she developed and managed the department’s budget and assisted in creating program funding models and interdepartmental collaborations across the Agency of Human Services.

 

Heidi is active in her community and when she is not in the office, she can be found cheering her children on at various sporting events and music activities or sliding onto the ice for a game of ice hockey!

Jessica Kell, MA, LPC-S, NCC, MBA

COO, Interim Director, Human Resources

Jessica is the Chief Operating Officer and is acting as the Interim Director of Children, Youth, and Family Services, after having joinied the Senior Manager’s team in December 2021.

 

Jessica has an MA in Clinical Psychology and an MBA in Healthcare Administration. She worked in Alaska from 2010-2020 as a behavioral health clinician in the public and private sector, while leading program development and implementation in every position she held. Following a short stint working in Pre-Trial Jail within Corrections, she took a position directing a long-term adolescent residential treatment and rehab facility, which included after-hours crisis response. For six years of that 10-year period, Jessica worked with the Tribal Health Organization in the Kodiak region providing clinical counseling and substance use services, collaborating with Native village tribes, city council, school districts, public safety, social service agencies and fishing industries to develop an integrated behavioral healthcare system within a Federal Qualified Health Center (FQHC). In 2020, Jessica made the decision to leave Alaska, setting her sights on New England, where she would be closer to family. Covid halted her travels in Colorado, where she was offered a position as the Chief Clinical Officer for a Community Mental Health Organization. During that time, she continued to scope out her ultimate plans and find the right match for her strong project management skills and passion for serving children and families, leading her to apply for our Director’s position here at WCMHS.

Jessica Kell, MA, LPC-S, NCC, MBA

Director, Children Youth & Family Services

Jessica is the as Director of Children, Youth, and Family Services, joining the Senior Manager’s team in December 2021.

 

Jessica has an MA in Clinical Psychology and an MBA in Healthcare Administration. She worked in Alaska from 2010-2020 as a behavioral health clinician in the public and private sector, while leading program development and implementation in every position she held. Following a short stint working in Pre-Trial Jail within Corrections, she took a position directing a long-term adolescent residential treatment and rehab facility, which included after-hours crisis response. For six years of that 10-year period, Jessica worked with the Tribal Health Organization in the Kodiak region providing clinical counseling and substance use services, collaborating with Native village tribes, city council, school districts, public safety, social service agencies and fishing industries to develop an integrated behavioral healthcare system within a Federal Qualified Health Center (FQHC). In 2020, Jessica made the decision to leave Alaska, setting her sights on New England, where she would be closer to family. Covid halted her travels in Colorado, where she was offered a position as the Chief Clinical Officer for a Community Mental Health Organization. During that time, she continued to scope out her ultimate plans and find the right match for her strong project management skills and passion for serving children and families, leading her to apply for our Director’s position here at WCMHS.

Karen Kurrle, MS

Director, Intensive Care Services

Karen is a Licensed Psychologist-Master and has worked for WCMHS since 1997. Prior to working for WCMHS, Karen worked in an alternative high school classroom in a Vermont school. Karen started her career at WCMHS working in an adolescent day treatment program. She then became the Children’s Access Clinician and a Program Coordinator in 2005. Karen then became the Clinical Director for Emergency Services in 2010 and has been the Intensive Care Services Director since 2013.

 

Karen attended Cornell University for her undergraduate studies and Saint Michael’s for her graduate program.

Rachel Corbett Lavallee, BA, BSN, RN, TTS

Director, Nursing Services

Rachel (“Nurse Rachel”) is the WCMHS Director of Nursing Services. Rachel began her nursing career at Washington County Mental Health Services (WCMHS) in 2012 and became Associate Director of nursing in 2016.

 

At WCMHS, Rachel has worked as a residential program nurse in both Children’s and CSP, led programming for Wellness and Smoking Cessation across the agency, taught medication training for all new staff, worked on policy development, and served on multiple Agency-wide and community committees. Rachel believes in the importance of nursing in the positive outcomes of our clients. She believes that the medical care that our agency provides is hinged on the knowledge and credentials of the nursing staff and the education and skills that those nurses provide to staff and clients. Maintaining an educated, empathetic, professional, ethical, and driven nursing department is essential to the success of our agency and the care our clients receive. Rachel is proud to represent and advocate for the WCMHS nursing team and for the care that each nurse provides.

 

Rachel obtained her BA from the University of Vermont and her BSN from Norwich University. When not researching nursing policies and caring for clients, Rachel can often be found hiking mountains or painting amongst fields of flowers.


Rachel Corbett Lavallee, BA, BSN, RN, TTS

Director, Nursing Services

Rachel (“Nurse Rachel”) is the WCMHS Director of Nursing Services. Rachel began her nursing career at Washington County Mental Health Services (WCMHS) in 2012 and became Associate Director of nursing in 2016.

 

At WCMHS, Rachel has worked as a residential program nurse in both Children’s and CSP, led programming for Wellness and Smoking Cessation across the agency, taught medication training for all new staff, worked on policy development, and served on multiple Agency-wide and community committees. Rachel believes in the importance of nursing in the positive outcomes of our clients. She believes that the medical care that our agency provides is hinged on the knowledge and credentials of the nursing staff and the education and skills that those nurses provide to staff and clients. Maintaining an educated, empathetic, professional, ethical, and driven nursing department is essential to the success of our agency and the care our clients receive. Rachel is proud to represent and advocate for the WCMHS nursing team and for the care that each nurse provides.

 

Rachel obtained her BA from the University of Vermont and her BSN from Norwich University. When not researching nursing policies and caring for clients, Rachel can often be found hiking mountains or painting amongst fields of flowers.


Diane May (she/her), M.J.

Director, Administration & Human Resources

Over the past 30 years, Diane has led programs and human resources functions in various organizations in Vermont and Maine. While she has worked in both the nonprofit and business sectors, her work has largely focused on supporting mission-driven organizations that provide critical supports to individuals, families, and communities. Diane holds a Master of Jurisprudence degree from Tulane University Law School.

Dr. Robert Duncan

 Interim Medical Director

...

Justin Knapp, MD

 Medical Director

Justin joined WCMHS at the beginning of 2021 and after eight months, he accepted the role as Medical Director. Dr. Knapp is a seasoned practitioner and leader. Prior to his arrival at WCMHS, he served as Medical Director of Inpatient Psychiatry at CVMC where he oversaw the psychiatric care provided to the medical center’s Emergency Department (ED), Inpatient Psychiatry Unit and general units throughout the facility. Under his leadership, he helped the ED improve the provider assessment process and resulting client treatment, meeting the demands of a three-fold increase in the number of patients presenting with a mental health crisis. Dr. Knapp’s clinical experience also helped the Inpatient Unit at CVMC meet the needs of patients presenting with a higher-level acuity. With his guidance, psychiatric care at CVMC extended into the community where he collaborated with the WCMHS Intensive Care Services (ICS) team and other community providers.

 

Before moving to Vermont from his home state of Wisconsin, Dr. Knapp served as the Vice Chair of the Psychiatry Department at Marshfield Clinic, a multi-specialty facility with more than 700 physicians. He also served as co-Medical Director of Norwood Health Center, a county psychiatric hospital.

 

Dr. Knapp is also an educator having served on the faculty at the University of Vermont Medical School where he provided instruction to as many as 24 third-year medical school students on subjects covering psychiatric medications and interviewing patients. He is a past member of the American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association, and the Vermont Psychiatric Association. Dr. Knapp’s psychiatric residency took place at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.

Keith Grier, MBA

Director, Community Support Program

Keith Grier is the Director of the Community Support Program (CSP). Keith has been working in the field of community mental health and developmental services since 1996. Prior to coming to Washington County Mental Health, Keith worked at the Counseling Service of Addison County where he held a variety of positions including case manager, program coordinator, crisis clinician, and as a member of the senior leadership team responsible for compliance, quality improvement, strategic planning, and risk management. He has served on a variety of statewide committees working on system wide efforts including as chair of the Vermont Care Partners Outcomes committee and designing values-based payment methodologies with the Department of Mental Health.

 

Keith has a commitment to inclusion and consumer voice and is an ardent advocate for self-determination, the dignity of risk, and meeting individuals where they are. He received his undergraduate degree from Boston College and his master’s degree from the College of Saint Joseph in Rutland, Vermont.

Levin Paul, MSL

Director, Community Development Services

Levin is the Director of the WCMHS Community Development Services, the Agency’s division providing services to individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD). Levin joined the WCMHS in July of 2022, hailing from Huntsville, Alabama where he served as the Quality & Planning Specialist at the Alabama Department of Health. He has been working in the mental health and I/DD field since 2004, serving in ascending roles first as an Instructor, then a Vocational and Day Habilitation Administrator, a Qualified Developmental Disability Professional and then the Director of Residential Services/Day Habilitation Service at Ability Plus, Inc. in Huntsville. During this time, Levin also served as a Psychiatric Technician at Decatur Morgan Hospital, also in Alabama.


Levin earned his Master’s in business-Strategic Leadership from St. Bonaventure University in New York, his Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Alabama A&M University and did his undergraduate work at Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama. Levin is an ardent advocate for disability rights.


Alycia Post, LCMHC, LADC

Co-Director of Outpatient Services 

Alycia Post has worked for WCMHS for 10 years. She started her career with WCMHS as a Residential Support Staff and then transitioned to House Manager. She has a Master's in Psychology from Goddard College and is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor. She has a BA in Liberal Arts from Johnson State University, has an AA in Liberal Arts from CCV, and is currently working on her PhD in Forensic Psychology at Walden University. She has experience is various management roles at WCMHS including the LINCs trauma treatment program, Reach Up program, and CSIP reentry program. She also has experience working in private practice in Vermont as well as running a substance use IOP with WCMHS community partner Treatment Associates. She has been Co-Director of Outpatient Services at WCMHS since November 2022. 

Abigail Tobais, LPMA

Co-Director of Outpatient Services


Abby has worked at WCMHS for a total of 22 years. She has a BA in Psychology from Antioch College and worked for 7 years in Children, Youth and Family Services in various roles before taking a break, getting her Master’s in Clinical Psychology at St. Michael’s and returning to WCMHS at Outpatient Services. Abby began her tenure at Outpatient 15 years ago as an individual therapist in the BHIP program, then moved through various management roles including BHIP Program Manager and Assistant Director of Outpatient Services. She has been Co-Director of Outpatient Services since November of 2022.


Kimberly Ead

Director of Communications and Development

Kim joined WCMHS in 2025, she has over 15 years’ experience in diverse environments requiring flexibility, innovation, and problem-solving. From  marketing and organizational development at a global NGO, career counseling at UVM, teaching in high national and international schools, to directing programs at local non-profits, Kim has a consistent record of securing partnerships with unique stakeholders, implementing and evaluating large scale events, introducing professional development initiatives, creating nationally recognized programming and has a deep commitment to social justice. She also loves to snowboard, mountain bike, and eat chocolate.




Results Based Accountability

Washington County Mental Health Services is committed to the Results Based Accountability (RBA) evaluation framework, which is a tool WCMHS embraced a number of years ago. RBA was adopted in 2014 by the State of Vermont and now is a mandate that all State governmental programs use it to assess and report on the three main questions:

  • How much do we do?
  • How well do we do it?
  • Is anyone better off?

The RBA structure helped organize our report in a way that succinctly and effectively informs our community about how our services impact the lives of those we serve. Just as importantly, RBA is used to inform our programmatic practices and evaluate the day-to-day work we are accomplishing and track the differences we are making in the lives of the clients we support.

 

As a mental health agency, we are always striving to do the best work we can and make the most positive impact in a myriad of ways for our community. We use the RBA model to help us assess our accomplishments and areas that need improvement.

 

How Much Do We Do?
Answering the “How Much Do We Do?” question helps us evaluate one piece of the picture in assessing effectiveness. We essentially count the number of services we provide and the number of clients we support. Following is an overview of how much WCMHS did in Fiscal Year 2021 in serving the Washington County community:

 

  • Overall
  • Number of Clients: 4,382
  • Total Lives Impacted: 8,552
  • Number of Services Provided: 266,589

 

  • Center for Counseling & Psychological Services
  • Number of Clients: 1,385
  • Number of Services: 25,805

 

  • Children, Youth & Family Services
  • Number of Clients: 913
  • Number of Services: 73,542

 

  • Community Developmental Services
  • Number of Clients: 373
  • Number of Services: 58,087

 

  • Community Support Program
  • Number of Clients: 375
  • Number of Services: 62,609

 

  • Intensive Care Services
  • Number of Clients: 1,336
  • Number of Services: 11,722

 

How Well Do We Do It?
In June 2021, WCMHS surveyed its clients to see how well we are doing our job according to the opinions of the individuals we serve.

The WCMHS client census is nearly 4,400 individuals. The most recent Client Satisfaction Survey, now in its 10th year, covered the time period of Fiscal Year 2021 (July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021), and was conducted from June 7th until June 30th, 2021. This year’s survey had 444 client respondents or about 10 percent of our active client base. This is a similar survey that is used to gauge client satisfaction at all state-designated agencies throughout Vermont. Six core questions are asked and methods for distribution and response varied across the agency. Responses to the survey were anonymous. 


Overall, WCMHS clients are very satisfied with the services they receive. This is in line with how our clients responded in the previous year. In all four of the core measures for Centers of Excellence (please see below), the agency scored above 89 percent, well above the standard as defined by “excellence.” More than 50 per-cent of individuals said they got services in the community or in school. 30 percent of surveys were filled out by individuals 18 and under, and 73 percent of the total surveys were filled out by the individual receiving services themselves.


Survey Performance Highlights 

Services received were right/appropriate: 

  • Strongly Agree - 66.11% 
  • Agree - 25.96% 
  • Maybe Agree / Disagree - 6.01% 
  • Disagree - 0.96% 
  • Strongly Disagree - 0.96% 


Received the services needed: 

  • Strongly Agree - 64.90% 
  • Agree - 27.40% 
  • Maybe Agree / Disagree - 5.29% 
  • Disagree - 1.68% 
  • Strongly Disagree - 0.72% 


Is Anyone Better Off?
Ultimately, our performance is about how the Agency impacts the lives of our clients is what matters. WCMHS administers a variety of standard assessments to monitor clients’ progress toward recovery. These assessments are implemented across different agency programs and over time are evaluated to see how our clients are better off.


Quality of life improved as a result of services received: 

  • Strongly Agree - 54.33% 
  • Agree - 28.85% 
  • Maybe Agree / Disagree - 13.46% 
  • Disagree - 2.40% 
  • Strongly Disagree - 0.96% 


Services received made a difference: 

  • Strongly Agree - 63.46% 
  • Agree - 25.96% 
  • Maybe Agree / Disagree - 8.17% 
  • Disagree - 1.68% 
  • Strongly Disagree - 0.72% 


To download the FY21 WCMHS Client Satisfaction Survey – click here. To learn more about Results Based Accountability, you can visit their website – click here.

Our Community Speaks...

Kind Words from the Community We Serve


Community Support Program Client

“Thank you for all staff treating me with respect even when I thought I was all alone and hopeless.”

 

Center for Counseling and Psychological Services Client

“My counselor is incredible. We have done a lot of hard soul-searching work. I am feeling happier and feel like I have a bright future.”

 

Children, Youth and Family Services Client

“Without the Hilltop ABA Program, my grandchildren wouldn’t be where they are now. It has made a huge, positive difference.”

 

Timothy J. Bombardier, Barre City Chief of Police, Fire and EMS

“WCMHS and the Barre City Police Department have an outstanding working relationship in the community and have for some time now. Whether it be the Shift Officers and the Emergency Response Teams dealing with a person in crisis or the Police Department’s Community Outreach Worker and street level staff assisting returning offenders and others in need with the basic day-to-day items needed to be successful, they have demonstrated that a strong collaborative team approach to providing services is key to people’s success.”

 

Community Support Program Client

“Your programs have been very helpful to me. Being around people that care about you, accept you and manage stressful moments.”

 

Children, Youth and Family Services Client

“CHOICE staff are amazing! They have really helped our son. He has come a long way! They have always been there to talk/help when needed for our son and myself.”

 

Michael Sweeney, District Manager, Barre Department of Corrections, Probation and Parole

“Barre Probation and Parole has worked closely with the WCMHS Collaborative Solutions Integration Project (CSIP) for many years to collaborate in serving high risk populations. WCMHS CSIP staff communicate effectively and clearly…staff are organized, efficient and have good, solid treatment approaches that are effective…”

Awards & Accolades

WCMHS: A Center of Excellence

“Working to continually improve services and supports for Vermonters.” – Vermont Care Partners

 

The Vermont Care Partners (VCP) “System of Excellence” is a vision of the VCP Network that guides each of the 16 network designated (DA) and specialized services agencies (SSA) in Vermont toward becoming a Center of Excellence and known to the entire community as, “…a great place to get care and a great place to work,” (Jarvis, 2014). VCP has developed the Vermont Care Partners Centers of Excellence (VCP-COE) modeled after the five areas defined by the National Council’s Centers of Excellence (Jarvis, 2014). The VCP-COE promotes quality improvement and high-quality services through a rigorous agency review conducted by expert peers from within the DA/SSA network and from the Jeffords Institute for Quality at the University of Vermont. The work leading toward a System of Excellence includes agreement on standards and measures, and onsite peer review using the measures that align with the local and national measure sets that inform continuous quality improvement across all agency services at each VCP Network Agency.

 

In January of 2022 Washington County Mental Health Services, Inc. Washington County Mental Health Services was recently recertified as a Center of Excellence (COE), a certification that lasts three years until the next review process. The recertification is a first in the history of recognition as a Center of Excellence.

 

COE sets out clear measurable standards for the organization that every applicant must strive to meet and maintain to demonstrate continued Excellence in the services that are delivered to catchment area served. WCMHS is proud to have achieved COE recertification and remains steadfast in the Agency's ongoing mission to advocate for the inclusion of all persons at every level of the community and to actively encourage Self-Determination, Resilience, and Recovery.

 

To achieve this certification, the Agency needed to demonstrate Excellence in five identified “pillars” or areas of excellence. These five core tenets of a VCP Network Center of Excellence are:

1.    World class customer service

  • 5,000 people were employed across the VCP Network
  • 90% of people surveyed said they were treated with respect by agency staff
  • Agencies continue to engage in continuous quality improvement decreasing wait times for services

2.    Excellent outcomes

  • People supported by VCP network agencies are hospitalized and readmitted less than the national average saving taxpayer dollars
  • People told us that services made a difference (90%) and that their quality of life improved as a result of the services they received (87%)
  • People with significant mental illness and with intellectual and developmental disabilities are employed at higher rates than the national average
  • 86% of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who were enrolled in a higher education program were employed upon graduation

3.    Easy access

  • Network agency facilities and programs are located in your community where you live, work, learn, and recreate
  • 100% of mental health supporting agencies provided supports in integrated health care environments
  • 91% of supervisory unions had VCP Network Staff embedded within their schools in clinical, case management, and direct support positions

4.    Comprehensive care

  • Network agencies serve more people with mental health needs than the national average reducing the need for more expensive and restrictive hospitalization programs
  • Network agencies provide a broad array of supports and services for people with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and intellectual and developmental disabilities and coordinate with community agencies to promote seamless care

5.    Excellent value

  • Network agencies provide high quality care through efficient and effective services with a strong evidence base
  • Agencies provide effective programs that decrease the need for more expensive services, such as mental health crisis beds and public inebriate programs

 

In order to fulfill these five tenets, reviewers at both the VCP and Jeffords Institute consider how participating agencies stack up against 38 measures within each of these core areas. If participating agencies meet a certain threshold, they receive the designation. More than one agency can be recognized as a COE; it is not a competition. Rather, it can be considered akin to the “Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval,” a long-time standard of trust for excellence, value and reliability, for health/mental health and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) providers.


Washington County Mental Health Services was the first in the state to be designated as a COE in 2018 and though it’s been more than three years, due to COVID-19 pandemic, the Agency is the first in Vermont history to be recertified as a Center of Excellence.


The review team highlighted a number of noteworthy elements as a part of the certification process including:

  • The Agency’s ongoing dedication to housing, finding creative ways to support people who are not currently housed through 38 buildings and a spectrum of innovative services
  • Dedication to peer supports and use of these important resources to support programs
  • The support of young and expecting mothers through the doula program
  • WCMHS’ independent school and its use of emerging literature and brain research to inform their day-to-day practices
  • The overall culture of creativity to identify and address a problem and solve it
  • Equity, diversity and inclusion across and within WCMHS’ programs
  • Better use of data for decision making for individual, programmatic, and agency growth


Highlights of the Center of Excellence:

Category No. of Questions Possible Score Score Needed WCMHS Score
Easy Access 5 10 7.5 10
Word Class Customer Service 15 30 22.5 28
Comprehensive Care 6 12 9 10
Excellent Outcomes 5 10 7.5 9
Excellent Value 7 14 10.5 12.6

WCMHS Media

News Stories and More!

In the News



On YouTube


Visit our YouTube channel where you can see our latest TV commercials, Learning Collaborative activities, testimonials by our staff on how a career at WCMHS gives their lives purpose and way more!