Leadership and structure

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Biography

Commissioner Smith has spent 30 years serving families, children, the aging population, and people experiencing homelessness. She’s led human services departments across the country, most recently serving nearly five years as the Chief Executive Officer at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services where she led five divisions: Behavioral Health, Children and Family Services, Developmental Disabilities, Medicaid & Long-Term Care, and Public Health.

During her tenure in Nebraska, Smith convened a statewide behavioral health task force; focused on opportunities to improve behavioral health services for adults and children, as well as initiated the exploration of Medicaid utilization as a payer for behavioral health services; and redesigned the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center system to include intensive clinical and therapeutic services in the juvenile justice system. While in Virginia Beach, she collaborated with the Sheriff’s Office to provide enhanced behavioral health services in the jail system and provided strategic oversight in the development of the “First Responders” initiative to provide behavioral health services in the community with the Virginia Beach Police Department as part of their service calls.

The 2023 recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA), Commissioner Smith holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Eastern Michigan University and a Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois Chicago. She’s also completed the Kennedy School of Government, Child Welfare Executive Leadership Program at Harvard.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Biography

Kelly Causey joined BHA after seven years as president and CEO of the Colorado Children's Campaign, where she advocated for Colorado’s children, and was responsible for the strategic leadership and advancement of the organization’s mission. Prior to that, she served for 18 years as CEO of Mile High Youth Corps, which employed, educated and trained young adults who served on community-based projects and delivered services in 15 counties.

Kelly holds a Ph.D. in health and behavioral sciences from the University of Colorado Denver and a B.A. in psychology from Scripps College. She has been in Colorado for almost 30 years, and in her free time she can be found at a CU game or the theater.

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Biography

After graduating with degrees in psychology and sociology from Concordia College, in Moorhead, MN, Ryan began his behavioral health career as a clinical case manager at the Mental Health Center of Denver. Ryan worked directly with individuals experiencing co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders as a Certified Addiction Specialist. The eight years of direct clinical services led Ryan to pursue opportunities to drive statewide behavioral health system changes. Since starting at the Colorado Department of Human Services in 2015, Ryan has authored over 25 regulatory changes, led the merger of involuntary substance use and alcohol use disorder laws and proposed, drafted, and advocated for numerous bills to support a behavioral health system in Colorado that is truly accessible for all.

Ryan is dedicated to ensuring that all people in Colorado have access and opportunity to participate and lead in the creation of a behavioral health system in Colorado that will be a national leader in innovative, accessible, and accountable behavioral health services.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Biography

Meghan has spent over 20 years working in a variety of behavioral health settings and leadership roles serving children, youth, and families in Colorado. Meghan recognized the need for systems change early in her career and pursued opportunities throughout her career to change the system and make a difference. After 16 years of providing direct services and support, Meghan joined the Colorado Department of Human Services in 2017 where she was granted the opportunity to serve on multiple Advisory Boards and Steering Committees focused on improving the current system and structure of behavioral healthcare for children, youth, and families. Meghan is passionate about ensuring that all voices are heard and all people have access to the services they need when they need them.

Meghan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, and a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado, Denver. Meghan is a Colorado Native and enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Biography

Marc serves as the Behavioral Health Administration’s Division Director of the Statewide Programs Division. The Statewide Programs Division is responsible for managing contracts for behavioral health treatment and recovery support services for Coloradans. Marc graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a second major in English Teaching. He also became a volunteer advocate for survivors of sexual abuse during this time and found his calling to join the helping professions. He then worked in a homeless shelter, community mental health center and adolescent residential treatment program in New Hampshire while attaining his MSW from the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine.

Marc moved to Colorado in 1997 and began working at Arapahoe House, managing their co-occurring, adolescent residential treatment program before serving on their training and staff development team. He is a licensed clinical social worker and a senior certified addictions specialist in Colorado.  He has worked for the State of Colorado since 2002, supporting the evolution of the State’s behavioral health system.

While Marc has maintained his fandom for New England sports teams, he has embraced Colorado as his forever home, enjoying hiking, skiing, and mountain bike riding with his family. Marc also served his community as a volunteer firefighter with the Evergreen Fire Rescue from 2000-2020.
 

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Biography

Thom has served in Colorado state government since 2011, helping to ensure quality services are guaranteed to Colorado citizens, across a variety of settings. Prior to this work, Thom led legal advocacy efforts for students in special education and coordinated services on behalf of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in community settings.

Thom brings to the Behavioral Health Administration his passion for social justice and equity blended with the ability to create systems of regulatory oversight that provide safe delivery of services.

Thom earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law, Masters Degree in Sociology from the University of Colorado and Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Bethany College. Thom enjoys free time with his family and actively embraces all types of cycling in the summer and snowboarding in the winter.