Human Services Department (HSD) Cabinet Secretary David R. Scrase, M.D. and Children, Youth and Families Department Cabinet Secretary Brian Blalock announced plans to separate the roles of chief executive officer (CEO) for the New Mexico Behavioral Health Collaborative and the director for the New Mexico Behavioral Health Services Division, which were previously filled by a single individual. Bryce Pittenger is named as the interim CEO for the Behavioral Health Collaborative (20% of her time) and Mika Tari as the acting director for the Behavioral Health Services Division (100% of her time). HSD is actively recruiting to fill both positions with full-time permanent individuals.
Bryce Pittenger will serve as interim CEO for the Behavioral Health Collaborative for 20 percent of her time. Ms. Pittenger will continue serving (80% of her time) as the director for the Behavioral Health Services Division for the Children, Youth and Families Department where she oversees children’s behavioral health services; federal grants; forensic evaluation; wraparound services, family peer support, substance abuse program development; supportive housing programs, shelter care, and Medicaid licensing and certification activities.
Mika Tari will serve as the acting director for the Behavioral Health Services Division 100% of her time. Previously, Tari served as the deputy director of Program Services that included treatment and recovery. For Behavioral Health Services Division at HSD, she managed the clinical operations and programs, including oversight of behavioral health clinical activities and resources. Additionally, Ms. Tari is certified in Stress Management, Developing High Performance Teams, Communication and Assertiveness, and Conflict Resolution by the American Management Association. Ms. Tari has a Master of Social Work from New Mexico State University and a Bachelor of Science from Kaplan University.
The Human Services Department provides services and benefits to more than 1 million New Mexicans through several programs including: the Medicaid Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Child Support Program, and several Behavioral Health Services.
The New Mexico Children, Youth & Families Department provides an array of prevention, intervention, rehabilitative, and after-care services as part of its mission to improve the quality of life for New Mexico children and their families.
This was reported by the New Mexico Children, Youth & Families Department on August 22, 2019.
Contact information: New Mexico Human Services Department, Post Office Box 2348, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504; 505-476-9266; Website: www.hsd.state.nm.us
Contact information: Office of the Secretary, New Mexico Children, Youth & Families Department, 1474 Rodeo Road, Post Office Box 2348 Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504; 505-827-7750; Website: http://cyfd.org/
