January – February, 2025
CALM
If you’ve ever wanted to be led by a Minion for a meditation, listen to relaxing music to help you focus, or even fall asleep with your favorite celebrity, such as Mathew McConaughey, reading you a story, you can now do that with one of the 400 premium “seats” Frontier Health has purchased for the app, Calm Health. This is part of an initiative to offer resources to help reduce compassion fatigue and burnout.
Calm Health uses evidence-based, personalized programs to aid your overall wellbeing with content such as music, meditations, and sleep stories to name a few. Additionally, you may also share your subscription with up to 5 family members or friends. These personalized recommendations have already been a great tool for several of our colleagues at Frontier Health, with many individuals sharing that they are using the app in the morning to start their day strong, throughout the day during to help alleviate stress, and to help get relaxed for bed at night.
If you are interested in signing up for Calm you may find more information here.
Celebrating Genetta Gross’ Retirement
The team recently gathered to celebrate the retirement of Genetta Gross, honoring her years of dedication and service. While Genetta has officially stepped down from her roles as Project BASIC Coordinator and Greene County School-Based Program Coordinator, she will continue to make an impact by providing supervision and therapy part-time at the CAC and Nola.
We are grateful for Genetta’s contributions over the years and wish her the very best in this new chapter. Congratulations, Genetta!
Phoebe Reed Named Director of TN Outpatient Addiction Services
Frontier Health is excited to announce Phoebe Reed as the new Director of Tennessee Outpatient Addiction Services. Phoebe holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Appalachian State University and a Master’s in Human Services from Lenoir-Rhyne University. She is currently pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Clinical Addiction Counseling Studies at ETSU while working toward her LADAC II licensure.
Since joining Frontier Health in 2019, Phoebe has played a key role in addiction services, most recently serving as the Case Management Supervisor for the State Opioid Response Grant team. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and toddler, as well as summers on the lake. Phoebe feels at home at Frontier Health and looks forward to continuing to serve Northeast Tennessee in her new role.
Food City Champions Mental Health with $50,000 Donation to Frontier Health
Bristol, TN – On February 13, Food City reaffirmed its commitment to mental health in the region with a $50,000 donation to Frontier Health. The presentation took place at Bristol Behavioral Health Services, highlighting Food City’s dedication to supporting vital community services.
The donation was divided between two crucial initiatives:
- Children’s Walk-In Center in Kingsport: $25,000 will help establish a new walk-in center, set to open in early July, to provide immediate support for children and youth experiencing a mental health crisis.
- Hurricane Helene Mental Health Relief: The remaining $25,000 will fund mental health services for individuals affected by the hurricane, ensuring access to care at no cost.
This generous contribution exemplifies the power of community collaboration, bringing hope and healing to those in need. Frontier Health is grateful for Food City’s ongoing support in expanding access to mental health services across the region.
Banner Moore Steps into Case Management Supervisor Role
Congratulations to Banner Moore on her new role as Case Management Supervisor for the State Opioid Response Grant case managers and peers! Banner has been with Frontier Health for two years, previously working as a case manager at Overmountain Recovery. She holds a B.S. in Psychology from ETSU and has a passion for serving her community.
Outside of work, Banner enjoys hiking with her husband and dogs. She is eager to take on this new role and continue making a difference.
Upcoming: National SAFE Place Week
National Safe Place (NSP) Week is happening March 16-22, 2025! NSP Week is dedicated to three key goals that are foundational to the heart of Safe Place:
- Increase awareness of Safe Place.
- Build community support for Safe Place and licensed partners.
- Recognize individuals, organizations, and businesses that support Safe Place.
In the weeks leading up to NSP Week, National Safe Place Network (NSPN) will highlight each goal and provide resources to help your organization plan activities aligned with these objectives.
One of the most critical components of Safe Place is awareness. Youth need to know help is available and Safe Place sites provide immediate support. If young people don’t recognize the Safe Place sign or understand what it means, they may not utilize the program.
Since 1983, raising awareness about youth in crisis and the importance of effective community responses has been key to Safe Place’s expansion. NSP Week is the perfect opportunity to reinvigorate outreach efforts, ensuring youth and community members know that your licensed agency is ready to connect youth with the care they deserve.
Frontier Health Expands Housing Options for Independent Living
As of January 1, Frontier Health has expanded its independent housing opportunities with the successful transition of Laurel House in Johnson City to a Congregate Living facility. This coed home now provides a supportive living environment for up to 10 individuals, balancing social connection with personal independence.
Residents at Laurel House enjoy the privacy of their own bedrooms while sharing common areas that foster companionship and community. This setup encourages socialization and mutual support, enhancing overall well-being.
For referral applications or questions, please reach out to housingreferral@frontierhealth.org.
This new living option reflects Frontier Health’s ongoing commitment to providing flexible, person-centered housing solutions that promote both autonomy and connection.
New Leadership Brings Energy and Experience to Children and Youth Continuum Services
The Children and Youth Continuum Services division at Frontier Health is excited to welcome a dynamic group of leaders, each bringing unique talents and experiences to their roles.
Kendra Quillen – Director of Court-Based Services: Kendra holds degrees in criminal justice, psychology, and social work from ETSU and UT. With experience at the Victory Center and as a therapist at Washington County Detention Center, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her new role. Outside work, Kendra enjoys trivia nights, reading, traveling, and watching Marvel movies — with End Game being a particularly emotional ride.
Erin Gragg – Site Director at Adventure: Erin earned her graduate degree from ETSU in 2018 and joined Frontier Health in 2019. She transitioned to working with children and youth in 2022. Erin loves the outdoors and expressing her creativity through DIY projects.
Nicole Cullop – Director of TN Children and Youth Continuum and Residential Services: Nicole joined Frontier Health in 2023 as the Link House Residential Manager after serving as Director of Operations at Girls Inc. of Bristol for 20 years. A busy mom of two athletes and a devoted dog mom to her Chihuahua, Rip, Nicole enjoys crafting, family time, and all things Elvis.
Heather Harless – Residential Manager for Link House: Heather started at Frontier Health in 2023 as the Link House Secretary. A Bristol, VA native, she holds an Associate’s degree in Human Services and will soon graduate from King University with a BSW, with plans to pursue her MSW. A mom of three, Heather stays busy with her family, choir board duties, and even weekend baby care. She’s also a self-proclaimed karaoke star!
Kristi Mikan Steps into Role as TN IPS Program Supervisor
Frontier Health is excited to announce Kristi Mikan as the new IPS Program Supervisor for Tennessee. Kristi’s journey with Frontier Health began in Greeneville, where she served as a Mental Health Program Specialist at the Victory Center’s psychosocial program. Her dedication and leadership skills quickly propelled her into the role of Program Supervisor.
Now part of the Employment Services team, Kristi brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to helping individuals overcome personal struggles, achieve their goals, and discover their self-worth. With two master’s degrees in public service areas, she is well-equipped to guide and support those seeking meaningful employment and personal growth.
Kristi’s passion for empowering others makes her an invaluable asset to the IPS program, and Frontier Health is proud to have her leading this initiative across Tennessee.
Spreading Love and Cheer: Valentine’s Day at Hawkins County Mental Health
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At Hawkins County Mental Health, we believe in spreading kindness and joy, not just to those we serve, but also within our community and workplace. This Valentine’s Day, our team went all out to make the day extra special!
To share love beyond our office walls, we created handmade Valentine cards for the residents of a local nursing home in Rogersville. Each card was crafted with care, bringing smiles and warm sentiments to those who received them. It was a small gesture with a big impact, reminding our community’s elders that they are loved and remembered.
Inside the office, we kept the festive spirit alive with Valentine boxes filled with sweet treats for everyone to enjoy. It was a fun way to brighten each other’s day and add a little extra joy to the workplace.
And of course, no Valentines celebration would be complete without chocolate! Our “Chocolate Fest” was a huge hit, with a delicious variety of chocolate treats for staff to indulge in and enjoy.
From the nursing home to our own office, our Valentine’s Day celebrations were all about connection, appreciation, and spreading kindness. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this day so special!
Valentine’s Day Fun at Church Street Pavilion: A Throwback to School Days
At Church Street Pavilion, Valentine’s Day brought a nostalgic twist as staff and clients embraced the spirit of school-day celebrations. Everyone crafted their own Valentine’s boxes, filling them with candy, thoughtful notes, and fun surprises.
The simple joy of creating and exchanging Valentine’s cards brought smiles and laughter throughout the day. Clients loved seeing the decorated boxes, and the activity provided a meaningful pause from the hustle of everyday life — a reminder of how small, heartfelt gestures can brighten our days.
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped spread happiness and connection this Valentine’s Day!
Work Aniversaries
30 Years
Jennifer Dubar
25 Years
Margaret Cress
Shauneille Neal
5 Years
Melissa Bowman
Joseph Wilson
Nathan Kelley
Cody Grandfield
Glenda Pegues
Hollie Qualls
Allison Carpenter
Douglas Vaughn
Tosha Wade
10 Years
Kristie Hammonds
Pamela McCroskey
Mary Orndoff
Sherry Rutherford
20 Years
Stewart Rasnake