CHFS Community Podcast

As we work to improve the health of all Kentuckians, vaccines are a key part of the process. Vaccines are safe and scientifically proven to protect the individual who receives the vaccine as well as families, friends and communities that interact together. Amy Herrington, RN, is the clinical team manager for the Department for Public Health Immunization Branch. In addition to raising six children, she has spent many years as a certified emergency nurse and nurse educator. Since day one, her career has been driven by a desire to help others and provide a voice for those who do not have one. Today we discuss the importance of education, availability and collaboration in the elimination of vaccine preventable diseases throughout the commonwealth.

April is Autism Awareness Month and today’s guest, Devenna C. Bales, is a nurse administrator with the Office for Children with Special Health Care Needs in Somerset. She describes growing up in Appalachia, donating plasma to help pay for college and raising three children while working full time. Bales’ vast experience and special insight as an autism mom allow her and staff members to better assist Kentucky families in locating resources for improved care and quality of life. Her warmth, wisdom and passion for public service is contagious, and I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did.

The Cabinet for Health and Family Services has made great strides in quality improvement initiatives. From working to improve visitation rooms by expanding culturally appropriate toys, books, and music, to improved support for social workers, and increased recognition to community partners. Jessica Bowman, a resource management analyst in the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS), helps advocate for improvements by bringing data to life using data dashboards, infographics and scorecards. Each one of the visualizations gives a voice to community partners, both internally and externally. From surveys and conversations, Bowman identifies ways to help both clients and employees. She has also been a DCBS Kentucky Employees Charitable Campaign chair and is the owner of Little Wildflower Books, children’s books that promote empathy, inspire a love for exploration of the outdoors and give space for conversation around difficult subjects. In this episode we talk about her life, the link between math and music and how creativity spreads joy and brings personal satisfaction.

March is National Social Work Month, and a time to recognize the courage and dedication of Department for Community Based Services  (DCBS) workers and staff. Today’s guest, Monica Gregory, shares her journey from college to DCBS and what makes her job so rewarding. Everyday heroes at DCBS strive to protect the vulnerable, enhance self-sufficiency and improve safety and permanency for individuals and families throughout the state. I would like to thank each one of you for your service and sacrifice on behalf of Kentuckians. 

Shannon Dussault is a human resource specialist III with the Office of Human Resource Management. After 12 years in the private sector, she came to the cabinet for work-life balance and better opportunities. She said it’s the best decision she has ever made. On Employee Appreciation Day, I am grateful for Shannon and for every employee at the Cabinet for Health and Family Services for your unwavering dedication to the health, safety and well-being of Kentuckians. We are aware of your efforts and hard work, and we cannot thank you enough. 

Ambre Irby grew up on a farm in Bracken County where she learned to work hard. After marrying and moving to Ohio, her husband suffered a catastrophic brain injury following a car accident. One month later, Irby gave birth to a son and moved back to Kentucky to be near family. As a newfound sole provider, she signed up for the Ready to Work (RTW) Program offered by the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) and Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS). This led to a family support position at DCBS. Having navigated the social service system, Irby provides compassion and first-hand knowledge to DCBS clients. We discuss her journey and the joy she receives from helping others on their path to self-reliance.

In January 2022, Adam T. Trosper transitioned to state opioid coordinator with the Kentucky Opioid Response Effort (KORE). Previously a program administrator in the Adult Substance Use Treatment and Recovery Services Branch of the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (DBHDID), Trosper oversaw the Oxford House program and faith-based initiatives. On today’s episode we discuss summer camp counselor life and shared work with homeless populations, as well as KORE’s significant impact across the state. Trosper has an undergraduate degree in sociology with a minor in religion from Centre College and a master’s degree in social work from Western Kentucky University.

Walking down the streets of San Francisco, today’s guest heard Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish and many other languages growing up. It was a desire to bring people together that propelled Child Support Enforcement Division Director Lily Chan Patteson to become a mediator in sixth grade. Later on, an undergraduate degree in criminal justice led to law school in Kentucky, where she has lived ever since. Patteson says her appointment by Commissioner Steve Veno after the birth of her second child was a leap of faith, but she has never looked back. Today’s discussion ranges from Patteson’s accomplishments to child support services, balancing work and family, travel and the 2022 Fatherhood Summit. We also talk about employee resource groups as a way to raise cultural awareness and create a sense of belonging in state government.

Today’s guest is Program Manager Beth Jordan with the Children’s Mental Health and Recovery Services Branch at the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (DBHDID). We discuss her training and accomplishments from girl scout leader and horseback riding instructor to graduating from a clinical master’s program and appointment at DBHDID. The Children’s Mental Health and Recovery Services Branch specifically serves children and youth with or at risk of behavioral health (mental health and substance use) challenges, and their families. The families served are often involved with other state agencies such as child welfare system, special education, juvenile justice, and the court system. In 2021, DBHDID was awarded close to $17 million in competitive grants to preserve the behavioral health safety net and mitigate adverse behavioral health outcomes in Kentucky. To achieve success for all families, these agencies as well as community partners, coalitions and volunteer groups must continue to work together across the commonwealth.

I hope you enjoy today’s discussion with Angela M. Kik, supervisor at the Emergency Preparedness and Response Branch with the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH). Kik is an RN with a passion for emergency preparedness, who has been on several strike team missions, most recently in Florida after Hurricane Ian. She shares fascinating insights about international flight missions, disaster nursing and end-of-life care. Since 2019, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services has operated through a series of emergencies including COVID-19, catastrophic tornadoes and historic flooding. During this holiday season I am especially grateful for “the helpers” at our Cabinet who work tirelessly to protect Kentuckians from the health effects of emergencies and disasters in our state.