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. | |  | |
BeHERE Advanced Scholarship Recipients 01
BeWELL Camp Featured in Reno Gazzette 02
Molina Funding Celebration and Future! 03
Featured Guest Speaker 04
BeHERE Attends BHAN Regional Meetings 05
BeHERE Hits the Nevada Open Road! 06
Career Compass: A Virtual Summit Success 07
2025 Technical Assistance Needs Survey 08
BeHERE in Action 09
We have so much to share! Be sure to click on "View Entire Message" to see all of this month's content.
| | Featured BeHERE Advanced Scholarship Recipients! | | 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 two new students at UNLV. | | | | |
Andrea Canales
Meet Andrea Canales, a first-year Master of Social Work student at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. With a background in Criminal Justice, Andrea discovered her passion for helping others through her internship with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s Victim Services Unit, where she supported domestic violence victims in English and Spanish. She also worked with children with disabilities and behavioral challenges, experiences that inspired her to pursue clinical social work and make a meaningful impact in people’s lives.
Andrea shares that receiving a scholarship has been a tremendous help in allowing her to stay focused on her studies and graduate on time, without the financial burden of pausing her education or taking on additional debt. This support enables her to fully commit to developing the knowledge and clinical skills needed to become a licensed clinical social worker, providing culturally competent mental health services to underserved and bilingual communities.
Outside of school, Andrea stays active and grounded through fitness and family time. She enjoys reading while walking on the treadmill, taking CrossFit classes, and spending time with her large family and their many pets. Whether it’s family walks or watching a show together, Andrea values these small, meaningful moments that help her recharge and stay connected — qualities that reflect the heart and compassion she brings to her future career in social work.

| | | | |
Janelle Ferraris
Janelle Ferraris, a dedicated graduate student in the UNLV Master’s in Couple and Family Therapy program, has a journey rooted in passion, purpose, and community. As an Asian American, Janelle has personally witnessed the stigma surrounding mental health within her culture. This experience inspired her to pursue a career in therapy—one that promotes accessible, culturally sensitive mental health care for Asian and Asian American populations in Nevada.
Janelle’s commitment to her field has been strengthened through the BeHERE Nevada Scholarship, which she says has been instrumental in easing financial pressures and allowing her to focus fully on her education and community engagement. “Receiving this scholarship has enabled me to immerse myself in my coursework and pursue my dream of becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist,” she shares. Looking ahead, Janelle also plans to pursue certification as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, helping address Nevada’s growing need for substance use professionals.
Beyond her studies, Janelle finds balance and joy through her love of music. She plays violin with several local orchestras, including the Nevada Chamber Orchestra, Las Vegas Summerlin Symphony, and the UNLV Honors College Chamber Ensemble. “When I play violin, I get lost in the music and the people around me—it’s a welcome escape from the stresses of grad school,” she says. For Janelle, performing is not only a creative outlet but also another way to connect with her community.
With her compassion, cultural awareness, and dedication, Janelle Ferraris is helping to build a Nevada where mental health care is inclusive, understanding, and accessible for all.
| | | BeWELL Summer Camp 2026 Featured in Reno Gazette! | | As we shared in the July newsletter, the 2025 BeHERE, BeWELL Summer Camp was a resounding success! The program brought together high school students to explore behavioral health careers, strengthen college readiness, and build meaningful connections. Our work was recently featured in the Reno Gazette Journal, highlighting how we are training Nevada’s future behavioral-health workforce. Stay tuned for updates on the 2026 camp. We can’t wait to do it all again! Check out the Article HERE (subscription may be required) and for More Camp updates Click HERE. | | BeHERE NV–Molina Clinical Supervision Grant Funding Results | | BeHERE NV’s Molina Clinical Supervision Grant has awarded over $25,000 in payments to Nevada behavioral health professionals pursuing supervision toward licensure! We are proud to partner with Molina Healthcare to support our state’s workforce and excited to announce another funding cycle coming next month — stay tuned for details! | | 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. Dont Miss this in person speaking event! | | Behavioral Health Association of Nevada (BHAN) Regional Meetings | | |
Pictured above: Dr. Ashley Pruitt- BeHERE NV; Chuck Ingoglia- CEO, National Council for Mental Wellbeing; Steve Shell- Executive Director, BHAN; Dr. Roberta Miranda Alfonzo- BeHERE NV; Dr. Sara Hunt- BeHERE NV.
BeHERE NV staff were happy to attend regional meetings for the Behavioral Health Association of Nevada (BHAN) in Las Vegas and Reno. BHAN is emerging as an inclusive statewide coalition of behavioral health professionals and allies to help advance behavioral health in all areas of Nevada. In addition to connecting with professionals and allies in the behavioral health field and learning about key state and federal legislative topics, we got to hear from Chuck Ingoglia who is the CEO of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing in Washington D.C.
| | This month, BeHERE NV is traveling across Nevada to connect with students, schools, and communities statewide! Our November “Tour” includes visits from White Pine to Washoe County, with stops at high schools, colleges, and workforce events that inspire the next generation of behavioral health professionals. Each stop provides a chance to share resources, spark career interest, and strengthen the pipeline that keeps Nevada’s behavioral health workforce growing strong. Follow our journey as we Grow Our Own across the Silver State! 🌟 | | Career Compass: A Virtual Summit for New Behavioral Health Professionals | | On October 17, BeHERE NV's Dr. Roberta Miranda-Alfonzo hosted our Fall Virtual Summit: “Career Compass – A Virtual Summit for New Behavioral Health Professionals” bringing together over 100 students, emerging clinicians, and seasoned experts from across Nevada. The half-day event featured keynote speaker Natalie Sanchez, LMFT, along with dynamic breakout sessions led by professionals across behavioral health, supervision, and policy. With engaging discussions and fantastic feedback from attendees, the summit proved to be a powerful space for learning, connection, and inspiration. | | |
BeHERE NV wants to hear from you! 🌟 We are conducting a short survey to better understand the technical assistance needs of Nevada’s behavioral health workforce. Your feedback will help guide resources, training, and support to strengthen the pipeline and ensure professionals across the state have what they need to succeed. Survey open until 11/15/2025!
Take the 2025 Technical Assistance Needs Survey Here!
08
| | BeHERE NV's own Dr. Jill Manit, Dr Roberta Miranda-Alfonzo, and Chris Rocket (not in photo) attended a Career Fair with great engagement from The Black Student Union @ Durango High School. | | While attending the UNLV Annual Faculty Lecture Showcase, Dr. Roberta Miranda-Alfonzo meets with UNLV President Dr. Chris Heavey along side Dr. Anne Weisman, Associate Professor and Director of Well-Being & Integrative Medicine. | | BeHERE NV Administrative Assistant Chris Rocket and team member Dr. Roberta Miranda-Alfonzo had the opportunity to visit Canyon Springs High School to engage students in an interactive discussion about behavioral health careers and wellness. Following the presentation, participants tested their knowledge in a lively and competitive round of Mental Health Jeopardy, making for an informative and memorable experience for everyone involved. | | BeHERE NV team member, Dr. Roberta Miranda-Alfonzo attended the first annual Southern Nevada Latinx in Higher Ed Mixer. This meeting had faculty from UNLV, NSU, and CSN, all in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. | | 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 | | | | |
