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Behavioral Health Advisory Council
Founded in 1955, the mission of the WICHE Behavioral Health program is twofold: 1) to assist states in improving systems of care for behavioral health consumers and their families and 2) to advance the preparation of a qualified behavioral health workforce in the West. The program collaborates with states to meet the challenges of changing environments through regional research and evaluation, policy analysis, program development, technical assistance, and information sharing.
The Behavioral Health Advisory Council membership includes the chief state behavioral health official from each WICHE state and Pacific Island jurisdiction; either the substance use program official or the medical or clinical director from each state and Pacific Island jurisdiction as nominated by the behavioral health official; executive directors of the Western Psychiatric State Hospital Association (WPSHA) and the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD); and two representatives of the WICHE Commission.
The Advisory Council offers guidance and support to the WICHE Behavioral Health Program staff while also serving as a collaborative network of professional peers. This engagement with the WICHE Behavioral Health Program enables members to mutually explore solutions to common challenges with their peers, while also advising the WICHE Behavioral Health Program on the needs and priorities of WICHE states and territories.
2026 Council Members
Jenn Carson, Alaska
Alisa Randall, Arizona
Reyna Saures, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands
Dannette Smith, Colorado
Benido Victor, Federated States of Micronesia
Carissa Pangelinan, Guam
Rodney Jacob – Commissioner, Guam
Courtenay Matsu, Hawai’i
Ross Edmunds, Idaho
Holden Nena, Republic of the Marshall Islands
Meghan Peel, Montana
Nick Boukas, New Mexico
Andrea Rivers, Nevada
Pam Sagness, North Dakota
Ebony Clarke, Oregon
Everlyn Temengil, Palau
Ashley Wenger-Slaba – Commissioner, South Dakota
Brenna Koedam, South Dakota
Pam Bennett, Utah
Teesha Kirschbaum, Washington
Ragen Latham, Wyoming