Newport News Behavioral Health Center is pleased to announce the selection of Shawn Capehart as the November 2022 Employee of the Month. Shawn is a proven performer by demonstrating Maintenance excellence, autonomy, and productivity. As the sole Technician currently on staff and at one point the sole maintenance contact for six days, he expertly handled an amazing 68 work requests within the required timelines. He, additionally, assisted his team with 100% completion of 47 preventative maintenance orders…keeping facility systems fully functional. At the beginning and end of each shift, he proactively surveys the facility for needed repairs and ensures issues are addressed to minimize disruptions to residents/patients and staff and in the process, has identified/reported/seized several items of contraband in keeping youth safe. In maximizing his time, he toils between work orders to spot-repair/paint walls to ensure facility appearance is at its best. He, also, took initiative to keep the facility prepared for a fire event through inspection of 40 fire extinguishers and conducting of scheduled fire drills. Lastly, Shawn’s demeanor is known by all as someone who is skilled, pleasant and helpful and the epitome of Service Excellence.

Newport News Behavioral Health Center is pleased to announce the selection of Lauren Tatro as the November 2021 Employee of the Month. Ms. Lauren exemplifies teamwork and goes above and beyond not only for her residents but staff as well. She is always willing to intervene and process with any resident. She is a tremendous asset to the facility and the kids here at NNBHC. Lauren is a FT Resident Therapist here at NNBHC. She started as a Clinical Intern in April 2019 and became FT August 2020

Newport News Behavioral Health Center is pleased to announce the selection of Deborah Reyes-Sanchez as the May 2020 Employee of the Month. Deborah works as a charge nurse on the acute inpatient units, and has been instrumental in working towards the acute care facility’s transition to a medical model. Deborah oversees the supervision of the mental health technicians during her shift. As a hands-on registered nurse, she is often engaged with the patients in the milieu. She is a team player, who provides great ideas to maintain a therapeutic and engaging environment.

Newport News Behavioral Health Center is pleased to announce the selection of Natalie A. Wright as the April 2020 Employee of the Month. Natalie works in the Health Information Management department, as a Medicaid Specialist. Natalie demonstrates a high level of service excellence, and is always willing to take on new projects, and learn new tasks. She goes above and beyond to ensure her work duties are completed in an efficient and professional manner.

Newport News Behavioral Health Center is pleased to announce the selection of Brandi Lawson as the March 2020 Employee of the Month. Brandi has been employed close to one year, and due to her service excellence and commitment to her job, she has been chosen EOM twice. Brandi has an excellent rapport with staff, residents, and vendors. She is compassionate, kind and offers to help others often. Her positive attitude is contagious.

Newport News Behavioral Health Center is pleased to announce the selection of Dwayne Taylor, as the February 2020 Employee of the Month. Dwayne has worked at the facility since January 2008, as a Mental Health Technician. He currently works on the Project Valor Insight unit. Dwayne serves as a role model to the residents and facility staff. He maintains a positive attitude, and remains calm during acuity situations. Dwayne continues to grow as an MHT, and is committed to giving his best each day.

Newport News Behavioral Health Center is pleased to announce the selection of Gary Sutton, LPN, as the January 2020 Employee of the Month. Gary has worked as a nurse over 21 years, while covering units and the Academy. He is a Corporate Master Handle with Care Trainer and Master Verbal De-escalation Trainer. Gary recently became a BLS, Heart Saver, CPR, First Aid, and AED Instructor. In his role, Gary has enjoyed teaching and mentoring residents and new employees, and attributes his long tenure with consistency in nursing leadership at Newport News Behavioral Health Center.

Newport News Behavioral Health Center is pleased to announce the selection of Raheen Correll as the December 2019 Employee of the Month. Raheen has worked as a Mental Health Technician since June 2018. He is a team player, and volunteers willingly to cover overtime needs. He demonstrates professionalism and leadership, and has been a positive role model for residents and staff. Raheen is self motivated and fully capable of handling job responsibilities. He is described as a patient and dedicated employee, who is firm, but respectful to all residents and their needs.

Newport News Behavioral Health Center is pleased to announce the selection of Brandi Lawson as the November 2019 Employee of the Month. Brandi has been instrumental in enhancing processes regarding data gathering and visitation within the acute inpatient center. Brandi consistently volunteers to perform duties above-and-beyond her job expectations. Her voluntary participation in the service excellence committee demonstrates her efforts and dedication to improving NNBHC standards of customer service towards staff, families and residents.

Newport News Behavioral Health Center is pleased to announce that Robert Carter has been selected as the October 2019 Employee of the Month. Robert was employed August 2019, and in his very short time, has masterfully demonstrated his floor skills to give our patient and customer care areas a vastly improved look and feel. Staff and youth alike have praised Robert for his great work, positivity and politeness…perfectly modeling his profession and UHS’ Service Excellence standards. He’s an irreplaceable asset within the Housekeeping Department and our facility.

Newport News Behavioral Health Center is pleased to announce that Vera Belote has been selected as the September 2019 Employee of the Month. Vera began her work at the facility in 2002. She has worked in many roles, including transportation driver, Mental Health Technician, receptionist, and currently as a Health Information Management clerk. Vera is described by her peers as a responsive, enthusiastic, meticulous, and extremely dedicated employee who takes pride in the quality of her work.

Newport News Behavioral Health Center is pleased to announce that Thomas Dawson was selected as the August 2019 Employee of the Month. Nicknamed ‘Dawson,’ he has worked 28 years at the facility, and continues to demonstrate his joy in serving residents and patients, while ensuring their needs are met. Dawson graduated from Hampton University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. He serves as a Manager in the Activity Department.

Newport News Behavioral Health Center is pleased to announce that April Bracey was selected as the July 2019 Employee of the Month. April joined the housekeeping department April 2018. She takes great pride in maintaining the cleanliness of the facilities, and offers an uplifting smile and positive attitude.

Newport News Behavioral Health Center is pleased to announce that Joe Evans was selected as the June 2019 Employee of the Month. Joe joined the admissions office March 2017, and serves as the Admissions Coordinator, where he works closely with referring agencies and parents/family members in need of residential and/or Acute Inpatient services for their child. Joe graduated from Virginia State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. He also holds an MBA in Healthcare Management. Joe enjoys basketball with his 15-year old son.

Newport News Behavioral Health Center is pleased to announce that Demontray Tyler was selected as the May 2019 Employee of the Month. Demontray has served as a Mental Health Technician, working on the acute inpatient units. He received multiple positive comments from patients during the month, and the most for any staff on the acute units. Demontray displays excellent therapeutic communication skills, and works well with all acute patients. He participates in creative activities scheduled with patients, while maintaining a safe environment.

Newport News Behavioral Health Center is pleased to announce that Kim Hernandez was selected as the April 2019 Employee of the Month. Kim joined the business office December 2018, and serves as the Accounts Receivable Clerk. She previously worked as a Deputy Clerk with the Newport News General District Court. She also worked at Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital. Kim earned an Associate of Applied Science degree from Thomas Nelson Community College. She majored in Information Systems Technology, where she achieved the honor of Magna Cum Laude.

Newport News Behavioral Health Center is pleased to announce that Charold Messinea was selected as the March 2019 Employee of the Month. Charold began her employment as a Substitute Teacher February 2018, and then worked in the Admissions department, providing valued support to the staff. She was promoted to Activity Coordinator March 2019, and works collaboratively with key staff to plan and provide activities to residents, thus promoting family engagement opportunities. Charold earned an MBA from St. Leo University.

Newport News Behavioral Health Center is pleased to announce that Carlos Camacho was selected as the February 2019 Employee of the Month. Carlos has served as the Acute Nurse Manager for the acute inpatient facility since January 2019. He began his career at NNBHC March 10, 2014 as a staff RN; receiving several promotions during his tenure, including Nursing Supervisor March 2015. Carlos was previously employed with Riverside Home Care and Riverside Regional Medical Center. He is a graduate of the Riverside School of Nursing, where he earned his RN in 2014 and LPN in 2005.

Newport News Behavioral Health Center is pleased to announce that Kelly Boswick was selected as Employee of the Month for January 2019. Kelly is described as reliable, timely, and a good communicator. She joined NNBHC in 2007 and currently works as a front-desk receptionist and assists in the transportation department. Kelly received her A.S. degree in Business Administration from Thomas Nelson Community College.

Newport News Behavioral Health Center is pleased to announce that Tangela Nicholson has been selected as the 2018 Employee of the year. Tangela was also selected as the December 2018 Employee of the Month. CEO Paul Kirkham and staff honored Tangela for her length of service, dedication, and meticulous work ethic in the Housekeeping Department. Director of Support Services Terry Rethamel stated, “Tangela is a very respected member of the NNBHC family. Staff and residents alike acknowledge her hard work and positivity…you never pass her without receiving a warm greeting and smile.”

Newport News Behavioral Health Center is pleased to announce that Chontonique Culp was selected as Employee of the Month for November 2018. Chontonique was recently promoted from Mental Health Technician to Lead Mental Health Technician. She has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and is fair, firm and consistent with the residents. She demonstrates dependability and flexibility with her schedule; volunteering to work additional days to ensure that all standards are met on the female units.

Newport News Behavioral Health Center is pleased to announce that Damian Tucker was selected as Employee of the Month for October 2018. Damian joined NNBHC in 2018 and works as a Therapist. He attended Clarion University and St. Leo University receiving his B.S. in Psychology in 2004. In 2013 he received his Master of Science degree from Capella University as a Counselor. Damian also served in the United States Air Force where he was a Physical Trainer Leader. In 2003 he was recognized as the U.S. Air Force Services Squadron Airman of the Year.

Newport News Behavioral Health Center is pleased to announce that Everis Williams was selected as Employee of the Month for September 2018. Everis, a Mental Health Technician, works to build positive rapport with every resident that she works with. She is always willing to problem solve and work as a team with the therapists to help the residents achieve their goals. If she feels something isn’t right with a case, Everis has no problem directing her concerns and working to identify a solution.

Newport News Behavioral Health Center is pleased to announce that Shaunte Oliver was selected as Employee of the Month for August 2018. Shaunte serves as the Payroll/Accounts Payable Coordinator. Her customer service skills are exemplary in working with co-workers, outside agencies and presenting at New Hire Orientations while outlining company policies and procedures. Shaunte is a true asset and always ready to lend a helping hand.

Newport News Behavioral Health Center is pleased to announce that Karissa Mitchell was selected as Employee of the Month for July 2018. Karissa began her employment in May 2017 and works as a health information clerk; an important role in maintaining HIPAA regulations and securely managing confidential medical records on youth admitted to the residential and acute inpatient facilities. Karissa has a degree from Centura College.

Newport News Behavioral Health Center is pleased to announce that Abigail Williams, LPC, was selected as Employee of the Month for June 2018. Abigail has worked at NNBHC since 2017. She earned her Master of Science Degree in Art Therapy and Counseling from EVMS. She has previously worked in various capacities with youth requiring mental health services, including National Counseling Group, Commonwealth Challenge and SECEP. Abby is always proactive and on time with documentation while enhancing the youth’s success rate upon discharge.

Newport News Behavioral Health Center is pleased to announce that Angeleah Swilling was selected as Employee of the Month for May 2018. When a coworker unexpectedly fell ill mid-shift, Angeleah confidently and competently ran the kitchen operations. The next day she volunteered to work an extended shift to ensure meals were prepared and served on time. Her dedication to putting youth first guaranteed nourishment for 117 residents and their supporting staff.

Newport News Behavioral Health Center is pleased to announce that Brea Brathwaite was selected as the Employee of the Month for April 2018. A graduate of Hampton University with a B .S. in Criminal Justice/Criminology and a M.S. from Argosy University in Forensic Psychology, Ms. Brathwaite has served as a Mental Health Technician since September 2015. Ms. Brathwaite was promoted to clinical intake coordinator effective May 28.

Newport News Behavioral Health Center provides quality mental health treatment services to children and adolescents in a therapeutic environment. If your child is struggling with behavioral health issues, please call us at 757-888-0400. We offer no-cost assessments 24/7.