We believe everyone should have access to quality behavioral health care. Through our advocacy, lobbying and education efforts, we promote the reduction of individual and community problems related to unaddressed behavioral health issues. We regularly bring together behavioral health professionals to discuss ways we can inform public policy and improve the delivery of behavioral health services. And we support efforts to help the most vulnerable among us – children with serious emotional challenges, adults with serious mental disorders, and people living with substance use disorders.

OUR MISSION

Ensure access to high-quality, cost-effective, and culturally competent behavioral health care for the people of California by providing leadership, advocacy, and support to County Behavioral Health Directors and programs.

2021-2022
Board Officers

Phebe Bell
President

Phebe Bell, MSW is the Director of Behavioral Health for Nevada County where she oversees mental health and substance use disorder services. Prior to this position she worked for both Placer and Nevada County Health and Human Services Agencies managing programs in the Tahoe Truckee area. Previously she has worked for numerous mental health and family support non-profit organizations.

Dr. Ryan Quist — Dr.
Ryan Quist
President-Elect

Ryan Quist, Ph.D., is the Behavioral Health Director in Sacramento County. His focus is on mental health and substance abuse services for the homeless population, criminal justice population, and bolstering the crisis continuum of care to prevent psychiatric hospitalizations. For children’s services, he is dedicated to promoting field-based and school-based services and collaborating to support the foster youth and probation populations.

Dr. Sevet Johnson
Secretary-Treasurer

Dr. Sevet Johnson is a licensed Clinical Psychologist, and the appointed Director for the Ventura County Behavioral Health Department which oversees the County Mental Health Plan serving approximately 18,000 clients per year through outpatient services. She is the Co-Chair for the Cultural Competency, Equity and Social Justice Committee for the California Behavioral Health Directors Association and is active on several other committees. Diversity and Equity are passions of hers and she has continually partnered with advocates and stakeholder groups to ensure underserved populations are reached.

Dr. Veronica Kelley Past President

Veronica A. Kelley, LCSW is the Director for the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health and oversees the daily operations for both Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services. She is a member of the Governing Board for the County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California (CBHDA), she sits on the Executive Committee, and serves as the Co-Chair for the Substance Abuse Prevention & Treatment (SAPT) Committee. She is also a Council Member to the California Behavioral Health Planning Council, Board Member to the California Mental Health Services Authority and Associate Member to the American Society of Addiction Medicine.

OUR TEAM

Michelle Doty Cabrera (She/Her/Hers)
Executive Director
Michelle is the key management leader of the County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California. Learn more

Andrea Porter (She/Her/Hers)
Director of Operations & HR
Andrea provides oversight and management of the Association operations. Learn more

Elia Gallardo, ESQ. (She/Her/Hers)
Director of Governmental Affairs
Elia is responsible for assisting the Executive Director in advancing legislative, budget and administrative priorities. Learn more

Gail Gronert (She/Her/Hers)
Director of Strategic Initiatives
Gail is responsible for helping lead budget and advocacy efforts and provide strategic guidance to advance CBHDA’s mission. Learn more

Paula Wilhelm (She/Her/Hers)
Director of Policy
Paula is responsible for leading policy analysis and administrative advocacy efforts to advance CBHDA’s priorities for county behavioral health services. Learn more

Elissa Feld (She/Her/Hers)
Senior Policy Analyst
Elissa is responsible for policy efforts related to health equity, MHSA, Medi-Cal, and health outcomes. Learn more

Emily Lowrie (She/Her/Hers)
Senior Policy Analyst
Emily is responsible for policy analysis and administrative advocacy efforts related to Medi-Cal, crisis continuum, inpatient hospitalization, DMC/DMC-ODS, and fiscal issues. Learn more

Amer Rashid (He/His/Him)
Legislative Advocate
Amer is responsible for tracking legislative activity and representing county behavioral health needs to the legislature. Learn more

Kirsten White (She/Her/Hers)
Senior Policy Advocate
Kirsten is responsible for grants management and behavioral health workforce initiatives. Learn more

Heather Anders (She/Her/Hers)
Member Services and Board Engagement Manager
Heather is responsible for staffing most committees at CBHDA and providing communication to directors via e-mails and the Weekly Update. Learn more

Cynthia DeOliver, CMP (She/Her/Hers)
Executive Assistant
Cynthia provides administrative support to the Director of Policy, the Policy team and the Association. Learn more

Ophelia Szigeti (She/Her/Hers)
Legislative Analyst
Ophelia is responsible for analyzing and tracking legislative activity at both the state and federal levels. Learn more

Erica J. Kretschmann (She/Her/Hers)
Accounting Manager
Erica is responsible for many of the internal finance and budgeting functions of the Association. Learn more

Monica Aguilera Poteet (She/Her/Hers)
Senior Executive Assistant
Monica joined the CBHDA team in 2008 after working with the California Institute for Behavioral Health Solutions for three years. Learn more

OUR MISSION

2021-2022 Board Officers

OUR TEAM

2021-2022
Board Officers