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CAHS conducts annual employee training

May 8, 2023

CAHS’ leadership team and behavioral health experts headlined the agency’s daylong Annual Training Conference, held May 5, at the Baton Rouge Marriott hotel.

“Think Factory” group participation.

Almost 300 CAHS employees from every department, division, and unit attended the T.E.A.M. (Together Everyone Achieves More) training, which included topical information for directors, managers, supervisors, administrative and support personnel, prescribers, clinicians, nurses, and peers.

“We filled the room with enthusiasm, filled our minds with the latest information, and took further steps to fulfill our mission of providing caring, responsive, and excellent services to individuals and families throughout our region,” said CAHS Executive Director Jan Laughinghouse, PhD, LCSW-BACS, LAC.

CAHS’ Employee Relations Committee (ERC) produced and hosted the training that included an interactive “Think Factory” in which management and staff shared ideas for progress, innovation, and effective client support.

The breakout sessions featured the following topics:

  • “Customer Service in Behavioral Health,” presented by Joi Plain, LCSW; Dr. Laughinghouse; Daniel Cook; Jennifer Brigalia; Okerda Mitchell; and William Ruffin
  • “Holistic Health and Wellness,” presented by Gayle Young HHP, MA, JD
  • “Treating Depression,” presented by Rayan Al Jurdi, MD
  • “Adverse Childhood Experiences,” presented by Toni Bankston, LCSW-BACS
  • “Social Determinants of Health and Communication,” presented by Rachel Abadie. MSN. RN
  • “Autism and Developmental Disabilities,” presented by Bryan J. Gros, PhD

One of the training’s highlights included recognition of employees for five, 10, 15, 20, 25, and more than 30 years of service to CAHS and the state of Louisiana.

Recognized for 30+ years of service by Dr. Laughinghouse were (l-r) Patricia Hadley (35), Lisa Kiriakos(33), Melissa Martin (32), Pamela Matthews (31), and Anthony Monteleone (30). Not pictured are Stephen Aguillard (33) and Queenie Bethely (31).
ERC members show their CAHS spirit. Front row, (l-r) are Tamala Spears, Teresa Maxwell, Urvi Thaker, Najah Freeman, Dr. Jan Laughinghouse, Shaketha Carter, and Destiny Nash. Back row (l-r) are Debra Hebert, Rahkeyah Howard, Jennifer Brigalia, Brandy Irving, and Calantha Kemp.