The College for Behavioral Health Leadership

Where behavioral health leaders collaborate to grow and transform communities across the nation.

public events

Mentorship in Motion with Marcy Melvin and Steve Appleton

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June 24 @ 1:50 pm – 3:00 pm EDT

Join us for an honest conversation with Marcy Melvin and Steve Appleton

In this dialogue, Marcy and Steve will reflect on their experience at GLE’s 2026 Global Leadership Exchange: Ideas to action: inspiring leaders to mobilize collective solutions in Ottawa. She will share key takeaways from the Exchange, discuss emerging global priorities, and highlight the CBHL-sponsored gathering for North American behavioral health leaders. The conversation will focus on what these insights mean for the field and how they can inform leadership in practice.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage directly, ask questions, and reflect on how these lessons apply to their own work. This interactive session is designed for leaders at all levels and will explore how experience, timing, and decision-making shape lasting impact in behavioral health.

We invite attendees to join with cameras on, if possible, and come prepared to engage in thoughtful discussion and shared reflection.

This event will be delivered live and will not be recorded. By registering, participants acknowledge that access is limited to the live session. All registrations are final and non-refundable.

Complimentary for CBHL Members | $25 for Non-CBHL Members

Register via Glue Up

Steve Appleton

President and CEO of Global Leadership Exchange


Steve has been in post since January 2022, having previously worked as the European Regional Lead between 2019-2022 and UK Liaison between 2017-2019.

Prior to this, Steve was Managing Director of a consultancy and research practice specialising in work relating to mental health, housing, disability and older age.

Steve originally trained as a social worker. He held several practice posts and operational management roles in local government and then worked as a senior manager in a regional agency of the English National Health Service, leading on mental health strategy and performance. He has worked nationally and internationally on population based mental health improvement programs in cities and urban regions.

He is the author of a range of UK national guidance and best practice and has played a leading role in population based mental health initiatives in cities across the UK and beyond.

Alongside his role with GLE Steve also serves as Chair of the Board of the Association of Mental Health Providers in England and Wales, and Chair of the Board of Beacon CHC. He is a member of the Global Leadership Council of eMHIC and a Global Advisor to the Coalition for Mental Health Investment. Steve is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

    Marcy Melvin

    SVP Clinical Policy, Deputy Director of Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute

    Marcy Melvin is a pivotal executive with over 25 years of experience in behavioral health policy, training, and clinical practice. As a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas her experience includes providing direct clinical and supervisory services to children, youth, parents, and young adults in various clinical settings including residential, in-home, outpatient, private practice, primary, secondary, and post-secondary locations. Marcy is extremely passionate about advancing health equity and reducing disparities and disproportionality; this has been a culmination of her life’s work in various clinical, organizational and systems settings.

    Marcy has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Xavier University of Louisiana and a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Fisk University.
      Register Now

      What are CBHL Mentorship in Motion Dialogues?

      Mentorship in Motion brings leaders together for honest conversations about leadership in behavioral health. Through shared experiences and lived wisdom, participants will gain insights that they can carry into their own leadership journeys.

      We invite attendees to join with cameras on, if possible, and come prepared to engage in thoughtful discussion and shared reflection.

      This event will be delivered live and will not be recorded. All registrations are final and non-refundable.

      The purpose of CBHL Mentorship in Motion is to:

      • Learn from Leadership Journeys: Gain insight from experienced behavioral health leaders as they share lessons learned, pivotal moments, and perspectives that have shaped their leadership paths.
      • Engage in Honest Dialogue: Participate in open and thoughtful conversations about the challenges and opportunities of leadership in behavioral health, creating a space for reflection and shared understanding.
      • Strengthen Leadership Community: Build connections with fellow CBHL members through meaningful dialogue that supports mentorship, peer learning, and the development of behavioral health leaders.

      Mentorship in Motion with Ron Manderscheid | Lessons from a Lifetime in Behavioral Health Leadership

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      April 29 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm EDT

      Join us for an honest conversation with Ron Manderscheid, Ph.D.

      In this dialogue, Ron Manderscheid, Ph.D. will reflect on key moments and experiences from his career and explore their implications for behavioral health leadership today. Through storytelling and candid insight, he will offer perspective on how individual leadership journeys intersect with broader system change. 

      With a career spanning federal leadership roles, national policy, academic appointments, and executive leadership across major behavioral health organizations, Ron brings a unique, systems-level perspective grounded in decades of advancing social justice and whole-person care. His work has consistently elevated the voices of individuals with lived experience and their families while shaping national conversations on behavioral health.

      Participants will have the opportunity to engage in dialogue, ask questions, and reflect on how these lessons can inform their own leadership paths. This interactive session invites leaders at all levels to consider how experience, timing, and decision-making contribute to lasting impact in behavioral health.

      Complimentary for CBHL Members | $25 for Non-CBHL Members

      Register via Glue Up

      Ron Manderscheid, Ph.D.

      Partner and Director at Capstone Solutions Consuliting Group, Adjunct Professor at the Department of Mental Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, and Adjunct Professor, Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California.

      Ron Manderscheid, Ph.D., has a life-long commitment to social-good and social-justice. This is reflected through a career that spans national work with the Congress and Administration, federal agencies, NGOs, and university teaching. He serves currently as Partner and Director at Capstone Solutions Consulting Group, Adjunct Professor at the Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, and at the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California. Until recently, he was President/CEO, National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors and National Association for Rural Mental Health. Both organizations represent county and local authorities in the DC community. Concurrently, Dr. Manderscheid serves on the boards of the Global Leadership Exchange, the NASMHPD Research Institute, and the Danya Institute. He also served until recently as the Co-Chair of the National Coalition for Whole Health and on the boards of the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare and the National Grand Challenge for Social Work Initiative. Past appointments include Director of Mental Health and Substance Use Programs at the Global Health Sector of SRA International and several federal leadership roles at the National Institute of Mental Health, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, U.S. Department of HHS. Throughout his career, he has emphasized and promoted the concerns of peers with behavioral health conditions and their family members. Dr. Manderscheid was a Member of the HHS Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Healthy People 2020; the Clinton Healthcare Reform Task Force; President of the Federal Executive Institute Alumni Association (FEIAA) and Foundation; Chair of the APHA Mental Health Section and Governing Council, and a member of the post-9/11 Work Group; Chairperson of the Sociological Practice Section of the American Sociological Association; President of the Washington Academy of Sciences and the District of Columbia Sociological Society; and President of The College for Behavioral Health Leadership.

      He edited eight editions of Mental Health, United States, co-edited Outcome Measurement in the Human Services, and contributed to Public Mental Health, First and Second Editions. He also published more than 550 scientific and professional papers on services to persons with mental illness and substance use conditions. He currently serves on several editorial boards and prepares a periodic blog. For almost two decades, he served on the editorial board of Behavioral Healthcare Executive (www.behavioral.net).
        Register Now

        What are CBHL Mentorship in Motion Dialogues?

        Mentorship in Motion brings leaders together for honest conversations about leadership in behavioral health. Through shared experiences and lived wisdom, participants will gain insights that they can carry into their own leadership journeys.

        We invite attendees to join with cameras on, if possible, and come prepared to engage in thoughtful discussion and shared reflection.

        This event will be delivered live and will not be recorded. All registrations are final and non-refundable.

        The purpose of CBHL Mentorship in Motion is to:

        • Learn from Leadership Journeys: Gain insight from experienced behavioral health leaders as they share lessons learned, pivotal moments, and perspectives that have shaped their leadership paths.
        • Engage in Honest Dialogue: Participate in open and thoughtful conversations about the challenges and opportunities of leadership in behavioral health, creating a space for reflection and shared understanding.
        • Strengthen Leadership Community: Build connections with fellow CBHL members through meaningful dialogue that supports mentorship, peer learning, and the development of behavioral health leaders.

        Mentorship in Motion with Gary M. Blau | Fostering Partnerships with Families and Youth

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        March 19 @ 1:00 pm – 1:50 pm EDT

        Join us for an honest conversation with Gary M. Blau, Ph.D.

        In this dialogue with Gary M. Blau, Ph.D., we’ll explore what it truly means to foster authentic partnerships with families and youth, as a driving force in the development and implementation of services and supports, organizational leadership, and system design and reform. Together, we’ll reflect on how leaders can move beyond engagement to co-creation, building trust, shared power, and sustainable collaboration.

        Complimentary for CBHL Members | $25 for Non-CBHL Members

        Register via Glue Up

        Gary M. Blau, Ph.D.

        Executive Director Emeritus, The Hackett Center; Senior Fellow for Children’s Mental Health, Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute of Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute
        Founder of “Gary M. Blau, Ph.D. & Associates”

        Gary M. Blau, Ph.D., is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who serves as the Founder of “Gary M. Blau, Ph.D. & Associates.” He is also Executive Director Emeritus of The Hackett Center for Mental Health and a Senior Fellow for Children’s Mental Health for the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute. With over 30 years of experience as a leader in the field of child, youth, and family mental health, Dr. Blau most recently served as the Senior Advisor for Children, Youth and Families in the Office of the Assistant Secretary at the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). He had previously served as Chief of the Child, Adolescent and Family Branch for SAMHSA where he provided national leadership for child, adolescent, and young adult mental health, and created “systems of care” across the United States.
        Dr. Blau has over 70 professional publications and is the editor of nine books. He previously held a clinical faculty appointment at the Yale Child Study Center, and more recently he was appointed as an Adjunct Clinical Professor at the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Baylor College of Medicine, and as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Louis A. Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health.
          Register Now

          What are CBHL Mentorship in Motion Dialogues?

          Mentorship in Motion brings leaders together for honest conversations about leadership in behavioral health. Through shared experiences and lived wisdom, participants will gain insights that they can carry into their own leadership journeys.

          We invite attendees to join with cameras on, if possible, and come prepared to engage in thoughtful discussion and shared reflection.

          This event will be delivered live and will not be recorded.

          The purpose of CBHL Mentorship in Motion is to:

          • Learn from Leadership Journeys: Gain insight from experienced behavioral health leaders as they share lessons learned, pivotal moments, and perspectives that have shaped their leadership paths.
          • Engage in Honest Dialogue: Participate in open and thoughtful conversations about the challenges and opportunities of leadership in behavioral health, creating a space for reflection and shared understanding.
          • Strengthen Leadership Community: Build connections with fellow CBHL members through meaningful dialogue that supports mentorship, peer learning, and the development of behavioral health leaders.

          The Clubhouse Model in Action: Global Perspective and Local Impact

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          November 4, 2025 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm EST

          Tuesday, November 4th, 2025

          10:00 am PT / 11:00 am MT /
          12:00 pm CT / 1:00 pm ET

          This event is open to all!

          Learn More & Register

          Join the College for Behavioral Health Leadership (CBHL) for a special panel discussion exploring the Clubhouse model—a community-based, recovery-oriented approach that supports individuals living with mental illness through peer connection, meaningful work, and lifelong opportunity. Increasingly recognized worldwide, the model strengthens local systems of care by offering an evidence-based, person-centered pathway to engagement and recovery.

          This one-hour webinar will feature diverse voices from across the Clubhouse International network, including:

          • An introduction to the Clubhouse model and its global standards
          • Firsthand perspectives from Clubhouse members and leaders on the impact of the model
          • Lived experience perspectives, including Coalition building and sharing implementation lessons

          This interactive panel will equip attendees with a deeper understanding of how the Clubhouse model can complement behavioral health services and expand access to recovery-oriented care.

          This webinar is free for CBHL members and $10 for non-members. It is open to all leaders, providers, and partners interested in innovative models to strengthen behavioral health systems. A recording will be shared with all registrants.

          Meet the Speakers

          Sarah DeSouza Brown

          Program Officer, Clubhouse International

          Sarah DeSouza Brown is a Program Officer at Clubhouse International, with over a decade of experience in the Clubhouse Model of psychosocial rehabilitation. Previously, she worked at Genesis Club in Massachusetts, one of the 12 Clubhouse International Training Centers. Sarah is passionate about advancing the mission of ending social and economic isolation for people with mental illness by supporting the growth and quality of Clubhouse programs worldwide.

          Tristan Chirico

          Training Director, Fountain House

          Tristan Chirico is the Training Director at Fountain House. Fountain House is one of 12 Clubhouse International Training Centers, providing education on the model to programs from around the world. Before taking on this role, Tristan worked for over four years as a social practitioner on the Education Unit. Prior to entering the mental health field, he spent half a decade teaching theater and philosophy to high school students. Tristan earned an MA in Psychology and Education from Columbia University Teachers College, and received his MSW from The Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College. He is grateful to be able to spend is days working in a clubhouse and sharing knowledge about this transformative vision of supporting mental health through intentional community. 

          Michael Hamlin

          Clubhouse Ohio Coalition Staff, Magnolia Clubhouse

          Michael Hamlin entered the Clubhouse world in 2005 as a member of Fountain House in New York City. Inspired and supported to take advantage of the many opportunities for growth, he became immersed in the Clubhouse model and its history and has developed and facilitated Clubhouse training discussions all over the world. Michael has also been a member of the Clubhouse International Faculty and Advisory Council since 2015 and recently graduated Summa Cum Laude from CUNY City College with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. He is currently working as Technical Assistance staff with Magnolia Clubhouse in Cleveland and the Clubhouse Ohio coalition to develop accredited Clubhouses across the state.

          Megan “MC” Williams

          Community Trainer, Fountain House NYC

          Megan “MC” Williams has been working in the clubhouse world for ten years. She began working for Fountain House in 2015 and currently works as a Community Trainer with Fountain House in NYC. She has 10 years of experience working in the clubhouse world and has worked as a Social Practitioner in several units around the clubhouse. Throughout her time in the units, she developed a passion for learning more about this holistic approach to mental health and community based treatment.

          MC has a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from a Russell Sage college in Troy, NY and a Masters in Social Work with a specialization in Addictions from Rutgers State University of Newark and is a Licensed Social Worker. MC has a passion for rehabilitation, therapeutic communities, and the clubhouse as well teaching, training, and helping others tap into their best selves.

          Panel Moderator

          Victor Armstrong, MSW

          Vice President for Health Equity and Engagement, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

          CBHL Board Member

          Victor Armstrong serves as Vice President for Health Equity and Engagement with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. In addition, he is the National Director of Soul Shop for Black Churches, a workshop that teaches faith leaders how to minister to congregants that may be dealing with suicidal desperation. Victor previously served as Chief Health Equity Officer for North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services, with responsibility for leading the overarching strategy and operational goals to promote health equity, diversity, and inclusion across all the agency’s health and human services. Victor has also served as ‪Director of the NC Division of Mental Health, with responsibility and oversight of the public community-based mental health, intellectual and other developmental disabilities, substance use, and traumatic brain injury system in North Carolina. Prior to his NC state government roles, Victor spent six years as Vice President of Behavioral Health with Atrium Health. ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

          Victor has over 30 years of experience in human services, primarily dedicated to building and strengthening community resources to serve individuals who have been historically marginalized. ‬‬‬‬He is a nationally recognized speaker on issues regarding health equity and access to healthcare, particularly as it relates to individuals living with mental health challenges.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

          Victor currently serves on the steering committee of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention. He also serves on the Board of Directors for RI International as well as the Board of Directors for I2I Center for integrative health. He is a member of the Board of Advisors for East Carolina University School of Social Work and is the host of the “Strong Talk” podcast.

          Register Now