Learning Objectives:
- Analyze the impact of integrated, holistic care approaches in uncovering and addressing underlying medical conditions that contribute to mental health crisis.
- Identify the role of biological and medical conditions in the presentation of mental health symptoms through examples shared by START team members.
- Demonstrate the role of timely and accurate assessments in identifying hidden conditions that impact mental health, and evaluate how these assessments contribute to improved mental health outcomes.
Session Description:
In this presentation, we will share compelling, real-life stories of people who struggled with escalating mental health symptoms--until an underlying biological or medical condition was discovered and addressed. Through these stories, which are both heartfelt and sometimes humorous, you'll hear how START's involvement uncovered conditions that were initially overlooked by the person and their care team. As these hidden conditions were identified and treated, the participants' mental health dramatically improved, offering a powerful testament to the importance of a comprehensive, holistic approach to care. The presentation will highlight the resilience and transformation of people enrolled in the NH START program, showcasing the impact of timely and accurate medical assessments in mental health care.
References:
Frazier, L. D. (2020). The past, present, and future of the biopsychosocial model: A review of The Biopsychosocial Model of Health and Disease: New philosophical and scientific developments by Derek Bolton and Grant Gillett. New Ideas in Psychology, 57, 100755. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.newi...
Kripke, C. (2018). Adults with developmental disabilities: A comprehensive approach to medical care. American Family Physician, 97(10), 649-656.
Whitehead, R., Hopkins, L., Hughes, E., Kehoe, M., & Pedwell, G. (2021). "Everyone on the Same Team, All Working Together": Implementing a co-ordinated multi-disciplinary approach to supporting young people with co-occurring intellectual disability and mental health issues. Journal of Mental Health Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 14(1), 1-22. https://doi.org/10.1080/193158...
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Barb Drotos, MSW, LICSW
NH START Clinical Director
NH START/Community Bridges
Barb Drotos, MSW, LICSW
NH START Clinical Director
Barb is the Clinical Director for NH START, which provides support to individuals with intellectual/developmental disability and mental health concerns (IDD/MH). Barb earned a master’s degree in social work from Salem State University (1992) and a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of New Hampshire. She has over 30 years of experience working with complex individuals, children and families, including work in foster care and adoption systems, community mental health centers, and developmental services. Barb is a Nationally Certified START Coordinator and also specializes in trauma, attachment, grief and loss. She serves on the NH Attorney General’s Task force on Child Abuse and Neglect. As a social worker, educator and administrator, it is Barb’s life work to provide support to those who experience intellectual/developmental disability or acquired brain injury along with mental health concerns. Her lived experience includes being an aunt, guardian and sister of loved ones with IDD/MH. She is a parent by birth as well as foster care and adoption. Barb and her wife live in the small New England town of Hopkinton, NH. They love to travel and spend time together outdoors.
Val Tetreault, MAPP, CSC, RM, NBC-HWC
NH START Director
Community Bridges
Valarie is the Program Director for the NH START program and also is a training facilitator for the National Center for START Services, training new START coordinators across the country. Valarie has worked in the NH I/DD system for more than 20 years in varying roles. As a case manager she specialized in serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and co-occurring behavioral health needs which led to her pursuing a career with NH START. Valarie has a Master’s degree in Public Policy from New England College in Henniker NH and has been a part of the NH START team since 2012. Valarie has been an integral part of several community inclusion projects, such as the Littleton Model Community project and Grafton County regional disaster planning committee for special populations.
Valarie holds national START coordinator certification and her program achieved national START program certification. Valarie is the owner/practitioner at Wylde and Rooted Holistic Health and Wellness Studio. A certified Usui Reiki master practitioner and member of the International Reiki Organization. She is also a member of the International Association of Therapists holds certifications as an Ayurveda nutritionist, and Clinical herbalist and is an AHA Healthy for Life Facilitator. Valarie is a board certified Integrative Health and Wellness Coach acheiving NBHWC licensing in 2024. She is a student of meditation and yoga and is currently working toward her certification in Horticulture for Well-Being/therapeutic horticulture.
Valarie lives in Northern NH with her husband Scott and raises chickens, ducks and fruits and vegetables organically at her home, and designs front yard food forests for others using regenerative techniques.
Joanne Ukraine, AA, BS, CSC
START Coordinator
Community Bridges
My name is Joanne Ukraine and I have an AA in Paraprofessional in Community Mental Health and a BA in Behavioral Science. I started working with the START program in 2012, where I became a Certified START Coordinator. Since working in START I assisted in starting a medication clinic for Lakes Region Community Services and Lakes Region Mental Health. This medication clinic continues to operate today. In working with Lakes Region Mental Health, they implemented a Cognative Nueo Team and were invited to be on this team.
In 2018, I became the Director of the START Center, remained there until 2019, and then returned to START Coordinator.
Sam Richardson
Samuel Richardson is a 23 year old male with Autism Spectrum Disorder - Level 1. He is a high school graduate of 2020. He began working summers, part time, for his school, preparing the school for the coming school year. He currently works as a custodian, for the same school district. He has been presenting since 2017 sharing his lived experience and preparing others to support neurodivergent people. He has presented across the state of NH for direct support professionals, Police officers, juvenile justice staff, and other professionals.
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Webinar
05/13/2025 at 2:35 PM (EDT) | 60 minutes
05/13/2025 at 2:35 PM (EDT) | 60 minutes
UNH Certificate
1.00 credit | Certificate available
1.00 credit | Certificate available
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