MANCHESTER, CT (September 4, 2025) – On August 26th, twenty-one leaders from across iCare Health Network nursing facilities – including Administrators, Program Directors, and other care team members – successfully completed the Behavioral Health Ambassador Training through the Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Skilled Nursing Facilities (COE-NF). Each participant earned two professional credentials:
- COE-NF Behavioral Health Ambassador Badge
- CPI Verbal De-escalation Strategies Certificate
The COE-NF, funded by SAMHSA, provides education and resources to strengthen mental health and substance use support in skilled nursing facilities nationwide. Ambassadors are recognized as advocates who champion mental health awareness, model best practices, and serve as positive change agents for residents and colleagues alike.
The training included a series of self-paced modules on mental health, substance use, and de-escalation strategies, as well as a live CPI webinar focused on verbal intervention and communication skills. These tools equip iCare leaders to better support residents, reduce stigma, and promote safe, compassionate care environments.
Reflecting on the program, Renee Cole, LNHA, CDP, shared:
“I am excited to offer Program Coordinators an opportunity to earn two professional credentials and join a national effort to improve behavioral health care in skilled nursing. Education is one thing, but culture change is the real work. The badge is more than a checklist, more than compliance, and more than programming. This badge reflects what you already are: advocates for our residents. Knowledge is not power until it is shared.”
For those who participated in person at the central office, the training was also an opportunity to connect, reflect, and reinforce iCare’s commitment to building healthier, stigma-free communities within our centers. The newly certified Ambassadors now carry both the badge and the responsibility to extend their learning to their teams.
Their leadership and dedication will strengthen behavioral health supports across our facilities and enrich the lives of the residents we serve. Congratulations to the twenty-one iCare team members who achieved this certification:
Chelsea Place Care Center – Hartford, CT
- Dilpreet Sehmbi, iRecovery Program Coordinator, Social Services
- Brittany McGhie, Memory Care Program Coordinator, Social Services
Fresh River Healthcare – East Windsor, CT
- Robin Suhie, Behavioral Health Program Coordinator, Social Services
- Jennifer Koblosh, Huntington’s Disease & Parkinson’s Program Coordinator, Director of Social Services
Parkville Care Center – Hartford, CT
- Jen Johnson, Administrator
- Katie Jeans, Therapeutic Recreation Director
Silver Springs Care Center – Meriden, CT
- Julie Seguinot, Behavioral Health Program Coordinator, Director of Social Services
- Fitzritson Ingram, iRecovery Program Coordinator, Social Services
- Brittany Fiasconaro, Memory Care Program Coordinator, Social Services
Touchpoints at Manchester – Manchester, CT
- Alison Choiniere, Behavioral Health Program Coordinator, Director of Social Services
- Patrick Neagle, Administrator
Trinity Hill Care Center – Hartford, CT
- Jenn Welles, iRecovery Program Coordinator, HIV Program Coordinator, Director of Social Services
- Alyssa Torres, Behavioral Health Program Coordinator, Social Services
Westside Care Center – Manchester, CT
- Ashely Frame, Administrator
60 West – Rocky Hill, CT
- Emily Adamaitis, Memory Care Program Coordinator, Director of Social Services
- Janelle Taylor, Behavioral Health Program Coordinator
- Jessica DeRing, Director of Operations, MissionCare Health
MissionCare at Holyoke – Holyoke, MA
- Stephine Busbee, Behavioral Health Program Coordinator
MissionCare at Bennington – Bennington, VT
- Chelsea Hudson, Mental Wellness Director
iCare Health Network (Corporate) – Manchester, CT
- Renee Cole
- Kelli Grzeika
