From the Frontlines highlights the people who work for the Office of Civil and Forensic and Mental Health (OCFMH), which operates Colorado’s two mental health hospitals, the Forensic Services Division and the Division of Mental Health Transition Living. The office provides a continuum of mental health care that includes pre-trial restoration services, inpatient hospitalization and, soon, transition homes for community-based care.
DeAnn George, Program Coordinator with the Forensic Support Team
In a system as large as Colorado’s Office of Civil and Forensic Mental Health (OCFMH), it would be easy for individuals to be overlooked as just a number, a collection of nameless faces and cases. However, 40 years of experience in the field has led DeAnn George to cultivate a very different space within her work. She holds an acute understanding that when you’re working with people, it’s about so much more than what you see on paper. “I saw people getting lost in the shuffle, and have a passion to make sure those people are seen and heard,” said DeAnn. With roots in community corrections and 18 years of direct involvement working within jails, she is dedicated to giving a voice to those without one, and to amplifying these voices to ensure each individual is heard and receives the help they need.
Lona Oerther, Librarian at the Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo
Lona Oerther is passionate about two things - fostering community and gathering information. As the librarian for the Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo (CMHHIP), Lona oversees three libraries and a hospital archive. Patients, visiting students and staff get to use the libraries, which are filled with more than just books. Lona helps CMHHIP’s teaching staff with research, publishing their studies and purchasing academic journals to stay up to date on their profession. It’s about more than just formal education, though - they also have music, a new graphic novel section and movies. “I want the patients, staff, even the groundskeepers to know they can rent a movie to take home and watch with their kids.”
James Jackson, Social Worker at the Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Fort Logan
From an early age, James realized the importance of mental health and the stigma that comes along with it. He knew he wanted to help the people who needed it most - adults with serious mental illness. This led him to focus his Master’s Degree in Social Program on Adult Mental Health and ultimately led him to come to work at the Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Fort Logan.
Dora Paolillo, Social Worker with Forensic Services
Oftentimes, there is not a one-size-fits-all approach when working with individuals with serious mental illness caught in the criminal justice system. Social worker Dora Paolillo works to find person-first solutions for individuals who have been in outpatient competency restoration treatment for over 300 days.
JulieAnne Hacsi, Specialty Clinic Supervisor with the Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo
JulieAnne Hacsi stands out from the crowds of amazing employees at CMHHIP. Not only does she maintain a professional and cheery demeanor in her everyday job duties, but she has also taken compassion to the next level when assisting her coworkers.
Jade Adams, Nurse Manager with the Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Fort Logan
Individuals with mental health conditions are often underserved and face additional barriers in seeking support and resources due to the stigma surrounding mental health. Addressing these issues requires advocacy and persistent work. Jade Adams has always been passionate about breaking down these barriers, and she plays a key role at the Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Fort Logan in ensuring that clients receive the best quality of care possible.
Catrysse Smith, Operations Director with Forensic Services
Since 2018, Forensic Services Operations Director Catrysse Smith has worked tirelessly to foster the administration of justice within Colorado’s Office of Civil and Forensic Mental Health (OCFMH). OCFMH’s Forensic Services is responsible for conducting a variety of court-ordered sanity and competency evaluations to provide accurate and timely reports to the courts. Catrysse oversees the coordination of these evaluations from start to finish, ensuring that they will be completed successfully and within the appropriate mandated timeframes. She also facilitates communication with the courts, stakeholders and clients.
Bill Wade, Commander of the Department of Public Safety at the Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo.
Commander Wade has over 23 years of experience with the Department of Public Safety (DPS) at the Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo (CMHHIP) and 27 years with the State of Colorado. Commander Wade embodies the ideal image of a law enforcement officer - he is approachable, and professional, and exudes a sense of safety and security for visitors, staff, and the patient population.
Matthew Dransfield, Charge Nurse at the Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Fort Logan.
Matthew Dransfield brings a unique perspective to Fort Logan, drawing on his perspective as a veteran and his background in Intensive Care and Home Healthcare. He holds a personal and nuanced understanding of the profound impact even just one person can have. His background has shown him the potential he has to impact and transform lives through meaningful connection.
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