The Behavioral Health Education, Retention, and Expansion Network of Nevada (BeHERE NV) is a new workforce development initiative to increase the number of providers of behavioral health care in Nevada. In 2023, the Nevada Legislature unanimously passed Assembly Bill 37 to create a statewide behavioral health workforce development center within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE). In September 2023, the NSHE Board of Regents designated the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) to serve as the administrative hub for BeHERE NV and to build connections across the state. | |  | |
New Staff 01
BeHERE Scholar of the Month 02
NEW Funding Opportunity 03
Resource: CARS Learning Exchange Opportunity 04
First-Gen Grad School Workshop Announcement 05
Featured Guest Speaker 06
Become an Approved Supervisor for Nevada CPC & MFT Interns 07
Knowledge Bite! 08
BeHere In Action! 09
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Chris Rocket, B.A.
Administrative Assistant III
We are excited to welcome Chris Rocket as our new Administrative Assistant III for BeHERE NV! He brings extensive experience in social services, with a career that began in New York City supporting individuals with developmental disabilities through college work-study. Chris went on to serve as a Foster Care Case Worker and was later promoted to staff trainer, gaining valuable insight into child welfare systems and frontline social work.
After earning his Bachelor’s degree in English, Chris transitioned into administrative coordination roles, supporting human services, nonprofit organizations, and medical companies with operational excellence and a strong focus on community impact.
Outside of his professional life, Chris is a passionate creative. He has appeared on multiple major television networks as an actor, host, and entertainer, and enjoys writing, recording, and performing music. His unique blend of social service and artistic experience brings creativity, compassion, and communication to his work with BeHERE NV.
| | BeHERE SCHOLAR OF THE MONTH | | |
Carolyn Streb
UNLV Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program
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This month, we are happy to spotlight Carolyn Streb, a passionate and determined BeHERE NV Scholar whose journey into the world of Clinical Mental Health Counseling is as inspiring as it is personal.
Carolyn's path to behavioral health was motivated by both lived experience and a deep awareness of the mental health crisis facing veterans and their families. With strong roots in Las Vegas—her family has lived in the city since the early 1930s—Carolyn knew she wanted to make a difference in her hometown. The BeHERE NV scholarship is helping her do just that, providing financial support and a platform to share her story to shape the mental health system in Nevada.
The moment she learned she’d received the scholarship was unforgettable. "I was at work, worrying about affording grad school," Carolyn recalls. "During a break, I checked my email and saw the award notification. I burst into tears and immediately called my husband and mom. It could not have come at a better time!"
When she’s not immersed in her studies, Carolyn channels her energy into Horus Hobbies, a shop she owns on Nellis Air Force Base. More than just a business, it is a community hub built on the belief that “Healthy minds start with healthy hobbies.” From Dungeons & Dragons to 3D printing, Carolyn uses her love for all things nerdy to promote mental wellness and connection.
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| | NEW FUNDING! Nevada Public Health Foundation | | |
Nevada Public Health Foundation, Inc. (NPHF) is a statewide non-profit that collaborates with public health stakeholders to address the needs of communities and agencies that can benefit from additional resources, service modification, and modeling. NPHF is promoting workforce development and employee retention through the Social Work Workforce Development (SWWD) Scholarship Initiative, which is designed to assist social work students who are currently engaged with the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services as employees, contractors, interns, practicum students, or volunteers. The SWWD Scholarship dashboard profiles the characteristics of scholarship awardees within the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services. For more information about NPHF's work to support the Social Work workforce in Nevada, contact Andrea Surace, Workforce Development Coordinator, at Andrea@nphf.org
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Mental Health Technology Transfer Center Network: CARS Learning Exchange Opportunity
| | 🚨 FIRST-GENERATION Grad School Workshop !!🚨 | | Are you planning to begin your Master's Degree journey at UNLV this Fall (in a Behavioral Health-related program)? Do you also identify as "First-Gen?" If so, please come to our First Gen Bootcamp, scheduled on campus on August 23rd from 12:30-3:00 pm. We will have information sessions, professional panels, connecting activities, and refreshments! Please feel free to share with those who might be able to benefit from this inaugural event! | | The Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship program at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV is excited to feature Dr. Thomas Phelan, creator of the popular 1-2-3 Magic Method—a simple, effective way to help parents and caregivers manage children’s behavior without yelling or arguing. Used by millions worldwide, his approach breaks discipline into three easy steps that really work. | | Become an Approved Supervisor for Nevada CPC & MFT Interns | | |
🤝 When Education, Industry & Community Unite:
A NEW Model for CTE Success 🎉
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Strengthening Behavioral Health Pathways Through CTE Collaboration
At the 2025 Nevada Association of Career and Technical Educators (NACTE) Conference, Roni Green (Human & Social Services CTE Teacher, Reed High School), Kyle Cassinelli (Assistant Director of CTE Programs, Truckee Meadows Community College), and Dr. Jill Manit (BeHERE NV) led a dynamic session exploring how Human & Social Services CTE programs can be designed to meet Nevada’s growing behavioral health workforce needs.
The presentation showcased a collaborative model at Reed High School that brings together secondary education, postsecondary partners, and industry leadership to create impactful, equity-driven pathways. Attendees learned actionable strategies for curriculum development, work-based learning, and dual credit or articulation agreements that prepare diverse students for high-demand behavioral health careers.
The session sparked valuable statewide conversation. Dr. Josh Hartzog (Director of CTE, Washoe County School District) offered informal insights on district leadership and funding strategies; other district representatives participated in early-stage planning to replicate similar efforts, and Northeast Career & Technical Academy in Las Vegas shared updates on launching and expanding their own Human & Social Services CTE program.
BeHERE NV continues to support CTE programs as an engaged industry partner by connecting classrooms to guest speakers, training and certification opportunities, and facilitating hands-on student experiences like field trips to behavioral health organizations. Our hope is to help districts across the state replicate this model as a pathway to behavioral health careers.
| BeHERE NV Associate Director of Technical Assistance and Policy, Dr. Ashley Pruitt, attended the “Bridging the Gaps: Business, Justice, and Community Roundtable” with community organizations and Congresswoman Susie Lee. | | 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 | | | | |
