The CFHA Member Spotlight is meant to highlight the amazing individuals that make CFHA great. Learn more about our member’s work and things they enjoy in their personal lives!
Stacy Ogbeide
How do you support social justice and health equity in your work?
“I spend my much of my time training the future primary care workforce – both Family Medicine and Psychology learners within primary care to work on teams effectively – more specifically, within Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH). The work of PCBH in practice – when done effectively – very much addresses health equity. Our [BHCs] presence in the primary care setting allows many individuals and families to access care when they need it – who otherwise would go without evidence-based and team-based care. Those of us in primary care hear this all of time but it is true – and I don’t want to take the power and importance of our work for granted (or habituate to it!) Another part of my work is faculty and professional development. I have a particular interest in mentorship for underrepresented in medicine (URM) faculty members in academic medicine. We need a multipronged approach to address ethno-racial workforce shortages in academic medicine as well as health care in general. We all need to do something – we all have lanes in which we work so if we would show up consistently in our spaces to address and call it issues as we see them, what a difference this could make. I am happy to serve in my lane in developing current and future URM faculty and professionals.”
What is something fun that most people do not know about you?
“I love watching (as well as learning and performing) short form improvisation!”
Yaira Oquendo-Figueroa
What made you go into IBH?
“I grew up in a rural disadvantaged community with very limited resources. I understood when I was very young that access to care was one of the main causes of people not getting better, a huge barrier to health overall. When I decided to study psychology, it was very natural for me to think about this profession as part of other healthcare professions, but I did not know how to do it so I pursue trainings and experiences that led me to practice in medical settings since I started my graduate studies. It has been quite of a journey. My career trajectory has been very rewarding because I see how we, behavioral health professionals, make a tremendous impact on the healthcare system and the people we serve every day. Living a purposeful life is very important for me and IBH gives me that satisfaction, even more, when I have the opportunity to introduce others to IBH in trainings, supervision, or mentoring.”
A fun fact about Yaira:
“I love the beach! As a good islander, I can spend hours there. My vacation time is specially reserved to devote my time to the beach. Snorkeling, kayaking, or paddle boarding are the activities I do the most when I have the chance. The energy that the ocean gives is something else.”
Virna Little
Virna Little | Co Founder Concert Health/ Zero Overdose
Tell us about one of the most interesting parts of your job? What gets you most passionate about the work you do?
“Perhaps one of the most enjoyable parts of the work I get to do is helping build organizations and teams. I have had the opportunity to build and scale Concert Health over the past eight years and Zero Overdose in the past year. The ability to find a need and then help to build services to fill and meet that need is a joy for me. I also really enjoy teaching and training, helping organizations and team members be successful in truly integrating care and services, understanding their roles but most importantly loving the work they do.”
What job or profession did you think you would have when you were a child?
“I always loved animals and wanted to be a wildlife photographer, which I do now on trips. I also do animal rescue and we almost always have a foster dog living with us!”
Alexander (Sandy) Blount
Introduction to Integrated Primary Care by Alexander Blount from Alexander Blount on Vimeo.
Kelli Bosak
Lead Behavioral Health Provider and Clinical Supervisor, Three Rivers Health Center, Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians
Monica Harrison
Clinical Trainer & Practice Coach
What made you go into IBH?
“I often say I fell into Integrated Behavioral Health. I initially worked as a Nephrology Social Worker at a Dialysis Center where that mind and body connection was first introduced to me. That began my understanding of how things related. I was then provided a grant opportunity with a program called Project LAUNCH in which the local Early HeadStart agency I had worked for was partnering with the local community pediatric practice and Health Department. At this point I had dipped my toe in the medical world and had already been a part of the Early Childhood world so I thought this seems like the best way to utilize both of my degrees (Teaching Degree and Social Work Degree). I applied for the Early Childhood side of things but was chosen for the medical Pediatric side of things. I began working with local pediatric practices on routine behavioral health screening/universal screening and appropriate interventions. This eventually led to me working at a Federally Qualified Health Center as their Behavioral Health Director and the rest as they say is history.”
What is one of your favorite hobbies or past times?
“In the fall I don’t plan anything on Sundays. Why? Well because of NFL Football of course. I enjoy cheering for my team (Hometown – New Orleans Saints) and talking a good amount of “trash” to the opposing team. What’s the sport without a bit of banter.”