April 2026

Grow Your Career with the

Rooted & Rising Virtual Summit!

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Join BeHERE NV on Friday, April 10th, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM PST for our free Rooted & Rising Virtual Summit! Hosted via Zoom, this half-day event is designed to give you the tools, guidance, and confidence you need to succeed, whether you are preparing to graduate or looking to transition into a brand-new field.

Attendees can customize their experience by choosing from three tailored learning tracks. Current college students can explore diverse careers and hear from recent grads, post-graduates and professionals will learn how to navigate licensing and job offers, and career explorers will discover how to leverage their existing life experiences into a behavioral health profession. Don't wait—save your spot today by registering HERE or by tapping the flyer!

01

BeHERE Scholars of the Month!

BeHERE NV was fortunate in 2024 to receive funding for scholarships from the Nevada Department of Health and Humans Services through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Nevada Health Workforce Pipeline Grant (SG-2024-00437). Over the past year, we have featured a BeHERE Scholar of the month. We are please to announce that we are funding 12 additional graduate students this academic year! This month we introduce you to a student at UNR.

Justine Pereyra’s journey into behavioral health is rooted in real-world impact and a passion for helping others through life’s most challenging moments. Currently pursuing a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at UNR, she discovered her calling while working as a Project Coordinator. During that time, she collaborated with the Johns Hopkins Maryland team to develop and implement RISE (Resilience In Stressful Events) at Renown Health. This peer-to-peer support initiative opened her eyes to the powerful role compassion and connection play in times of crisis, ultimately inspiring her to become a mental health professional.

Receiving the BeHERE Advanced Scholarship has been a transformative step in Justine’s path. By easing financial pressures, it has allowed her to shift from full-time work to part-time employment and dedicate more time to volunteering with nonprofit organizations. These experiences are helping her build a deeper understanding of community resources across Nevada—knowledge she plans to carry into her future counseling practice to better support her clients.



Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Justine embraces creativity and community through dance and esports. She performs with Luminescent Inspire, a local dance team that champions inclusivity and self-expression, appearing at events like PRIDE and the Reno Asian Moon Festival. Additionally, she channels her lifelong love of gaming into her work in esports, where she contributes to social media management and content direction. Whether she’s behind the scenes at world championships or on stage performing, Justine brings energy, passion, and a commitment to uplifting others—values that clearly define both her personal and professional life.

02

From Policy to Practice: What's Next for Senate Bill 165?

“This workforce is about noticing when the plant is just starting to wilt, and giving it what it needs before it gets worse.” ~ Dr. Michelle Paul

Nevada is moving forward with the implementation of a new behavioral health provider type. BeHERE NV’s Ashley Noel Pruitt, D.P.P, recently met with Dr. Michelle Paul (UNLV Assistant Vice President of Mental & Behavioral Health) to discuss movement since the passage of Senate Bill 165 from the 2025 Nevada Legislature, and what is next. 

SB 165, a landmark policy designed to significantly impact the behavioral health workforce, creates a new Bachelor's-level profession: Behavioral Health and Wellness Practitioner (BHWP). This role is key to addressing the statewide shortage of behavioral health providers by focusing on prevention-oriented interventions and support, distinct from traditional clinical treatment. BHWPs will work under the supervision of licensed clinicians, broadening access to care across Nevada and supporting individuals before they reach a crisis point. The ultimate goal is to demonstrate exponential improvements in state behavioral health rankings over the next decade.

Regulatory authority rests with the Nevada Board of Psychological Examiners, which is now actively developing the regulations that will guide this new workforce. Dr. Paul shared that the Board has convened an advisory group to support rulemaking, and recognize the importance of thoughtful design and feedback for this new license. The group has begun drafting regulations, held work sessions, and hosted a public workshop to gather stakeholder feedback. “Our goal is to have the regulations finalized and the “car on the road” by early 2027,” Dr. Paul shared, highlighting the importance of demonstrating progress.  

Educational pathways are also taking shape across Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) institutions. A Bachelor’s program is on the horizon at UNLV, while an additional social work track and micro-credentials are rapidly developing at UNR and Great Basin College respectively. Program evaluation is embedded in the development of the curriculum at UNLV, UNR, and GBC, with support from the Ballmer Institute for Children’s Behavioral Health. Dr. Tara Raines of the Ballmer Institute emphasized that, "It’s not enough to just initiate. Nevada has to implement successful improvements."

With the state’s investment in strengthening the behavioral health education and workforce pipeline, Nevada is positioned to see meaningful, long term improvements. As Dr. Paul described, this model is about earlier intervention: “Right now, we often wait until the plant needs to be repotted before we intervene. This workforce is about noticing when the plant is just starting to wilt, and giving it what it needs before it gets worse.” Sustaining this cultural shift requires ongoing effort and collaboration.

Call to Action 

• Stakeholders can participate in public meetings & workshops found on the Board of Psychological Examiners website.
• Speak with legislators to ensure continued support for the work of SB 165 in future legislative sessions. 

03

It is Interim Session in Nevada!

The Nevada Legislature’s interim session is officially underway, with committees meeting regularly to shape policy and priorities across the state. Interested in staying informed or getting involved? You can follow meetings virtually or attend in person by exploring the upcoming schedule HERE.

Want a better understanding of how the legislative process works? Check out the “Connecting People to Policy” video from the Legislative Counsel Bureau’s Research Division. Stay engaged and informed as Nevada’s policy landscape continues to evolve!

04

BeWELL 2026 Camp @ UNR: Registration Now Open!

BeWELL Summer Camp: Explore Careers. Build Skills. Experience College.

The Behavioral Health Workforce Expansion Learning Lab (BeWELL) is an overnight summer camp for high school students interested in behavioral health careers. Through hands-on activities, workshops, and campus experiences, students explore fields like counseling, social work, psychology, and psychiatry while building college and career readiness. A highlight of the camp is the camper-led Career Showcase, where participants present what they’ve learned to family and supporters. Evening activities and campus life experiences help students build confidence and connection.

Register HERE

Dates: June 14–17 (overnight)

Location: University of Nevada, Reno

Who can apply: Students entering grades 10–12 (2026–2027) and 2026 graduates

Cost: $50 (meals included; transportation to camp not included)

Space is limited. Application submission does not guarantee acceptance.

05

UNLV 2026 Community Engagement Honorable Mention: Jill Manit

BeHERE NV is proud to recognize Dr. Jill Manit, Associate Director of Education and Training, for being named an Honorable Mention recipient for the 2026 UNLV Community Engagement Awards. This recognition highlights her outstanding commitment to building meaningful connections between the university and communities across Nevada.

Dr. Manit was acknowledged for her impactful work engaging with K–12 students, particularly through partnerships with Human and Social Services Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs statewide. Through this outreach, she helps introduce students to behavioral health career pathways, expanding awareness and inspiring the next generation of providers.



This honor reflects Dr. Manit’s dedication to creating opportunities, strengthening community ties, and advancing BeHERE NV’s mission to grow Nevada’s behavioral health workforce. Congratulations, Dr. Manit, on this well-deserved recognition!

06

BeHERE NV's Sarah Hartzell Featured on

Public Health Epidemiology Conversations Podcast!

We are excited to highlight Dr. Sarah Hartzell, who was recently featured as a guest on the Public Health Epidemiology Conversations Podcast (Episode #449). In this engaging conversation, Dr. Hartzell shares her expertise on the ongoing behavioral health workforce shortage and speaks to the critical need for innovative, community-centered solutions. She emphasizes the importance of early engagement—especially with youth—to inspire and support the next generation in pursuing meaningful careers in behavioral health.

Dr. Hartzell’s leadership, passion, and commitment to expanding access to care continue to make a meaningful impact. Her work not only raises awareness of workforce challenges but also helps pave the way for a stronger, more diverse, and more resilient behavioral health field. We are grateful for her continued dedication and proud to see her contributions recognized on this national platform. Listen to the Full Episode HERE

07

FREE In-Person Training in Reno from the

Nevada Coalition for Systemic Counseling

This is an opportunity for students, interns, and licensed professionals to connect with experienced colleagues through learning, sharing ideas, and exploring real-world challenges. Topics include building a successful internship with supportive supervision and navigating ethical dilemmas.

Free to attend - CEUs available for a fee. RSVP HERE!

08

BeHERE in Action!

Sarah and Jill visited Yerington's elementary and intermediate career fair. They were able to engage close to 400 kids!

BeHERE's Graduate Assistant, Yuhan Bi, visited Coronado High School in Las Vegas. She shared a presentation on the various career pathways in the behavioral health workforce.

Jill Manit visited the Hawks Nest at Silver Springs High School. BeHERE and many other community organizations gathered on the court to share opportunities in the workforce.

Jill and Sarah had the chance to speak with nearly 400 students during the Fernley High School Career Fair. This took place prior to a week of visits to schools in Dayton and other communities. They debuted new Winnie coloring pages for the younger future helpers.

On March 18th, The Lincy Institute, the Vegas Chamber, the Vegas Chamber Leadership Foundation, and the Nevada Health and Bioscience Corporation hosted "Focus Las Vegas: What the Community Needs to do to Improve Access to Healthcare in Southern Nevada," a symposium on the future of Southern Nevada’s healthcare economy.

BeHERE NV Executive Director, Dr. Sara Hunt, represented BeHERE on a panel discussing mental health workforce initiatives. She was honored to join fellow panelists Assemblymember Tracy Brown-May, Ellen Richardson-Adams (Agency Manager, Outpatient Administration SNAMHS & Rural Clinics Mental Health), and Dr. Mallory Constantine (Program Coordinator, UNLV Children's Mental Health Psychology). Dr. Kelliann Beavers (Community Outreach Coordinator, The Lincy Institute) facilitated a lively discussion on the impacts of policy, training, and provider wellbeing on mental health workforce recruitment and retention in Nevada.

"Great to join @ LVGEA at the State of Economic Development this week, along with @BeHereNV's Ashley Noel Pruitt, DPP, who is working to strengthen the mental and behavioral health workforce in Southern Nevada! Collaborations like this bring the business community and UNLV together to strengthen our region, power our workforce, and drive a more resilient future for Nevada." - UNLV President Chris Heavey.

BeHERE's Ashley Noel Pruitt attended Mingo Health Solution's Being the Change Awards ceremony. From L to R: Charlotte Watkins of MHS and Director of the first annual Being the Change Awards; Ashley Noel Pruitt; Alberta Obodai, District Representative - Office of Congresswoman Susie Lee; and Community Partners in Mental Health Honoree - Natasha Mosby, Director of NV PALS.

BeHERE's Ashley Noel Prutt, with Being The Change Honorees - Natasha Mosby and Dr. Sheldon Jacobs (BeHERE Scholar Mentor).

09

STAY UP TO DATE WITH US!

Stay up-to-date on our latest news by subscribing to our newsletter! Please share it with your network. We'll be posting monthly progress updates and more about BeHERE NV. You can also find past editions in the BeHERE NV newsletter section of our website.

Funding for BeHERE NV was made possible by Assembly Bill 37 (2023, 82nd Nevada Legislative Session) and the Nevada System of Higher Education