Statewide Summit on Behavioral Health: An Opportunity for Collaborative Change: Full Schedule

STATEWIDE SUMMIT ON BEHAVIORAL HEALTH:
AN OPPORTUNITY FOR COLLABORATIVE CHANGE

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8:00am EDT

Registration and Breakfast

Wednesday May 21, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am EDT

Turf Valley-Grand Ballroom

Light continental breakfast served in the Grand Ballroom.

Wednesday May 21, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Turf Valley-Grand Ballroom

Continental Breakfast

9:00am EDT

Welcome Address to the Summit

Wednesday May 21, 2025 9:00am - 9:30am EDT

Turf Valley-Grand Ballroom

The Summit aims to foster collaboration and help create actionable strategies for addressing key challenges for those with behavioral health issues involved in the criminal justice system.

Chief Justice Fader, Lt. Governor Aruna Miller, Attorney General Anthony Brown, MDH Secretary, Dr. Meena Seshamani and GOCPP Executive Director, Dorothy Lennig will kick off the Summit to emphasize the importance of working together to coordinate implementation plans effectively. While the discussions and planning at the Summit are vital, the most significant work lies in the post-Summit phase, where continued commitment and collaboration will be crucial to turning plans into tangible outcomes. The focus is on ensuring that the momentum gained here translates into long-term, impactful change.

Speakers

Matthew Fader

Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Maryland

Matthew Fader is Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Maryland. He joined the Court, then named the Court of Appeals of Maryland, and was named chief judge in April 2022. He was previously a member of Maryland’s intermediate appellate court, now named the Appellate Court of Maryland... Read More →

Aruna Miller

Lieutenant Governor, Office Of Governor Wes Moore

Aruna Miller is the 10th Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, the second woman to serve in this role, and the first woman of color and immigrant elected to statewide office in Maryland.Born in India, Lieutenant Governor Miller and her family immigrated to the United States when she was... Read More →

Anthony Brown, Esq.

Maryland Attorney General, Office of the Attorney General

Anthony G. Brown assumed office as Maryland's 47th Attorney General on January 3, 2023, thefirst African American to hold this position in Maryland history. Previously, Attorney GeneralBrown represented the 4th Congressional District from 2017 to 2023, served as LieutenantGovernor... Read More →

Meena Seshamani, M.D., Ph.D

Secretary, Maryland Department of Health

Dorothy Lennig, Esq.

Executive Director, Governor's Office of Crime Prevention & Policy

Dorothy J. Lennig, Esq. is the Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP), the agency tasked with coordinating and funding Maryland’s public safety strategy. In addition to advocating for public safety within the government and state legislature... Read More →

Wednesday May 21, 2025 9:00am - 9:30am EDT
Turf Valley-Grand Ballroom

Welcome

9:30am EDT

Plenary: Global Perspectives in Criminal Justice: The Miami Model, Competency, and Lessons from Italy

Wednesday May 21, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am EDT

Turf Valley-Grand Ballroom

This plenary session will delve into global perspectives in criminal justice, focusing on the Miami Model, competency issues, and key insights from a recent trip to Italy. This session will provide a comparative lens on how competency and criminal justice systems can evolve, drawing on local, national and international experiences to inform future practices.

Speakers

Steve Leifman

Associate Administrative Judge of the Miami-Dade County Court Criminal Division (Ret.), The Leifman Group

Judge Steve Leifman served as the Associate Administrative Judge of the Miami-Dade County Court – Criminal Division from 2000 until his retirement on December 31, 2024. From 2007 – 2010, Judge Leifman served as Special Advisor on Criminal Justice and Mental Health for the Supreme... Read More →

Wednesday May 21, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am EDT
Turf Valley-Grand Ballroom

Plenary

11:00am EDT

Transforming Early Responses: A Panel Discussion on Intercepts 0-1 in Behavioral Health Crisis Responses

Wednesday May 21, 2025 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT

Turf Valley-Grand Ballroom

This panel discussion will explore innovative crisis response and stabilization strategies, focusing on frequent utilizers of services. In addition to insights from our moderator Dr. Margie Balfour, panelists from Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City (including insights related to the consent decree), Prince George’s County, Mid Shore (to include the following counties Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot) and Washington County will share their experiences and best practices in handling crisis situations. The conversation will also address how local jurisdictions collaborate to divert individuals from unnecessary emergency room visits. GOCPP will highlight the Crisis Intervention Team Center of Excellence (CITCE) showcasing successful models and resources. Participants will gain valuable insights into effective systems for managing and stabilizing crises, particularly for those who frequently engage with these services.

Moderators

Margie Balfour, MD, PhD

Chief of Quality & Clinical Innovation, Connections Health Solutions

Dr. Margie Balfour is a psychiatrist and national leader in quality improvement and behavioral health crisis services. She is the Chief of Quality and Clinical Innovation at Connections Health Solutions, which provides 24/7 access to mental health and substance use care throughout... Read More →

Speakers

Imani N. Booker-Lewis, MSW

LBHA Manager, Prince George’s County Health Department, Local Behavioral Health Authority

Jennifer Corbin, LCSW-C

Crisis Response System Director, Anne Arundel County Police

Jennifer Corbin, LCSW-C is Director of the Anne Arundel County Crisis Response System which is under the direction of the A.A. County Mental Health Agency. Much of her work is in collaborating with outside agencies to work with the crisis system such as A. A. County Police and Fire... Read More →

Lieutenant Steve Thomas

Crisis Intervention Team, Anne Arundel County Police

Steven Thomas, CCISM a Lieutenant with the Anne Arundel County Police has a BA from UMBC (Political Science and Sociology) and a MA from the University of Baltimore (Legal and Ethical Studies). He started as a patrolman with the Anne Arundel County Police in 1996 where he remained... Read More →

Timothy Jansen, LMSW

Chief Executive Officer, Community Crisis Services, Inc.

LMSW, is the Chief Executive Officer of Community Crisis Services, Inc (CCSI) “Home of the Prince George’s County Hotline” where he began his social work career as a hotline volunteer in 1996. Tim received his Master’s in Social Work from the University of Maryland School... Read More →

James H. Rhoden

Assistant Director, Centers of Excellence Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy

James Rhoden is a seasoned executive with over 33 years of experience in law enforcement, behavioral health, and program management. As Assistant Director of the Center of Excellence within the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP), he leads initiatives to reduce... Read More →

Rachel Ames

Mental Health Coordinator, Centers of Excellence Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy

Rachel Ames initiated her work in the behavioral health continuum of care in 2005, providing trauma-informed and culturally responsive counseling services to individuals, couples, and families in several school and clinic settings in San Antonio, TX. Her prior experience as a research... Read More →

Randolph (Randy) Dupont, PhD

Behavioral Health Lead Member, Baltimore and Cleveland Federal Courts Police Consent Decree Monitoring Teams

Dr. Dupont works with behavioral health systems and crisis intervention strategies. He is the Behavioral Health Lead Member for the Baltimore and Cleveland Federal Courts Police Consent Decree Monitoring Teams. He is a professor and clinical psychologist at the University of Memphis... Read More →

Kathyrn (Katie) Dilley, LCSW-C

Chief Executive Officer, Mid Shore Behavioral Health

Kathryn Dilley, LCSW-C, serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc., Core Service Agency serving as a local authority of the Behavioral Health Administration, Maryland Department of Health, representing Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and... Read More →

Casey Crowley, LCSW-C

Program Director, Mobile Crisis Services, Sheppard Pratt

Casey Crowley LCSW-C is the Program Director for Washington County Mobile Crisis Services through Sheppard Pratt. She also serves as the local CIT Coordinator for Washington County. In this capacity, Casey has been able to collaborate and build on partnerships within the county in... Read More →

Wednesday May 21, 2025 11:00am - 12:30pm EDT
Turf Valley-Grand Ballroom

Panel Discussion

12:30pm EDT

Lunch

Wednesday May 21, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT

Turf Valley-Grand Ballroom

A variety menu served in the Grand Ballroom.

Wednesday May 21, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
Turf Valley-Grand Ballroom

Lunch

1:30pm EDT

Breakout Discussion: Plenary and Strengthening Responses at Intercepts 0-1 in the Justice System

Wednesday May 21, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

Turf Valley-Grand Ballroom

In this breakout session, participants will engage in a hands-on discussion focused on key components of Judge Leifman’s plenary, completing forms, receiving feedback, and sharing insights within each jurisdiction. Each group will choose a facilitator and note taker to document key points. Participants will also have access to valuable resources from jurisdictions that have completed the SIM process and participated in the Miami Workshop, including Baltimore, Cecil, Calvert, Charles, Carroll, and Montgomery counties. Additionally, updates on current SIMs in progress such as those in Allegany, Frederick, Washington, and St. Mary’s will be shared, with insights on GOCPP involvement.

Wednesday May 21, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Turf Valley-Grand Ballroom

Breakout Sessions

2:45pm EDT

Panel Discussion: Innovative Approaches in Maryland and Beyond at Intercepts 2-3

Wednesday May 21, 2025 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT

Turf Valley-Grand Ballroom

This session will showcase innovative practices and collaborations in behavioral health and criminal justice, with a focus on Anne Arundel, Caroline, Carroll, Montgomery, and St. Mary’s counties. These jurisdictions will highlight their work in criminogenic screening and risk assessments, sharing insights into how these tools are used to improve outcomes and inform interventions. Additionally, the session will spotlight evidence-based practices at both the local and national level, drawing attention to successful diversion models and approaches being implemented across the country. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of emerging strategies and best practices that can be applied in their own communities.

Moderators

Richard Schwermer

Utah State Court Administrator (Ret.), The Leifman Group

Richard Schwermer has been involved in all aspects of court administration for over 35 years. First as a state level trial court administrator, then as a legislative liaison and Assistant State Court Administrator, he retired as the Utah State Court Administrator in 2019.Since that... Read More →

Speakers

Jennifer Alexander

Judge, District Court of Maryland for Anne Arundel

Judge Jennifer Alexander is an Associate Judge for the District Court of Maryland in Anne Arundel County since 2023. Judge Alexander is the Presiding Judge of the Anne Arundel County Mental Health Court. She is also a Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Public Education and Community... Read More →

Cara Lewis

Associate Judge, District Court of Maryland for Carroll County

Cara Y. Lewis, Associate Judge, District Court of Maryland, District 10, Carroll County, since November 4, 2021.Attended North Carroll High School, Hampstead, Maryland; University of Maryland, College Park, B.A. (English), 2007; Francis King Carey School of Law, University of Maryland... Read More →

Veronica Dietz, LCSW-C

Director of Crisis Services, Carroll County Health Department Bureau of Prevention, Wellness & Recovery

Veronica Dietz, LCSW-C is the director of crisis services at the Carroll County Health Department's Local Behavioral Health Authority. Ms. Dietz has been a licensed certified social worker - clinical for more than 20 years and has worked with individuals, groups and families across... Read More →

Ben Stevenson, M.Ed, MDE

Director, Montgomery County Government | Department of Correction and Rehabilitation

Ben Stevenson serves as the Director for the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation (DOCR). He has over 29 years of experience working with the corrections profession. He currently oversees the operation of four divisions: Detention Services, Community Corrections, Medical and... Read More →

Heather L. Price

Administrative Judge, Circuit Court for Caroline County

Governor Larry Hogan appointed Heather Lynne Price as Caroline County District Court judge on January 13, 2021, and she was elevated to the County Administrative Judge, Caroline County Circuit Court, 2nd Judicial Circuit on January 21, 2022. Member, Drug and Alcohol Abuse Council... Read More →

Kristie Ardire

Pre-Trial Service Case Manager, St. Mary's County Detention Center

Wednesday May 21, 2025 2:45pm - 4:00pm EDT
Turf Valley-Grand Ballroom

Panel Discussion

4:00pm EDT

Presentation: Competency Challenges

Wednesday May 21, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Turf Valley-Grand Ballroom

This presentation will explore the challenges related to competency restoration in the criminal justice system at all intercepts. Each intercept will be examined through the lens of competency—whether in terms of evaluation, treatment, or court procedures—highlighting how these challenges impact individuals with behavioral health issues and the system as a whole. The session will provide a comprehensive view of the interconnected issues across intercepts, discussing strategies to address competency at every stage and improve outcomes for individuals involved in the justice system.

Speakers

Steve Leifman

Associate Administrative Judge of the Miami-Dade County Court Criminal Division (Ret.), The Leifman Group

Richard Schwermer

Utah State Court Administrator (Ret.), The Leifman Group

Patti Tobias

Administrative Director of the Idaho Courts (Ret.), The Leifman Group

Patti Tobias is a passionate and experienced Behavioral Health and Justice Consultant. Since January 1, 2025, Ms. Tobias has been a consultant with The Leifman Group working with states and communities to develop behavioral health and justice solutions. Ms. Tobias retired in 2024... Read More →

Wednesday May 21, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Turf Valley-Grand Ballroom

Presentation

5:00pm EDT

Closing Remarks for Day 1 and Preview of Day 2

Wednesday May 21, 2025 5:00pm - 5:15pm EDT

Turf Valley-Grand Ballroom

Open floor for questions and summary of key points.

Speakers

Marina Sabett

Associate Judge/Behavioral Health Coordinating Judge, Maryland Judiciary

MARINA L. SABETT has been an Associate Judge for the District Court of Maryland, District6, Montgomery County, since January 20, 2017; Presiding and Coordinating Judge, MentalHealth Court, 2017-2023. As of October 2023, she was designated as the CoordinatingJudge for Behavioral Health... Read More →

Wednesday May 21, 2025 5:00pm - 5:15pm EDT
Turf Valley-Grand Ballroom

Closing Remarks

5:30pm EDT

Evening Reception: PBS Trailer of documentary viewing of "Definition of Insanity"

Wednesday May 21, 2025 5:30pm - 7:00pm EDT

Turf Valley-Grand Ballroom

"The Definition of Insanity" is a PBS documentary that delves into the Miami-Dade Criminal Mental Health Project (CMHP), a pioneering initiative addressing the intersection of behavioral health and the criminal justice system. The film follows a dedicated team working through the courts to guide individuals with mental illnesses from potential incarceration toward wellness. It highlights efforts to reform the treatment of mentally ill individuals within the justice system, emphasizing diversion programs and community-based support to promote wellness over incarceration.

Panel discussion with Judge Leifman, Norm Ornstein and Judy Harris to discuss the importance and meaning, and deeply personal story behind, this PBS documentary, "The Definition of Insanity".

Refreshments will be available.

Speakers

Judy L. Harris

President & Matthew's Mom, Matthew Ornstein Memorial Foundation

After more than 45 years of practicing law in both the public and private sectors, Judy recently retired to serve full time as President of The Matthew Harris Ornstein Memorial Foundation (MHOMF), in order to further the Foundation’s mission to eliminate stigma, minimize suffering... Read More →

Norm Ornstein

Vice President & Matthew's Dad, Matthew Harris Ornstein Memorial Foundation

Norman Ornstein is Vice President of the Matthew Harris Ornstein Memorial Foundation. Created in memory of his late son Matthew, the foundation works to improve the broken mental health system, and, through a summer debate camp for public school kids in the Washington, DC area, promotes... Read More →

Steve Leifman

Associate Administrative Judge of the Miami-Dade County Court Criminal Division (Ret.), The Leifman Group

Wednesday May 21, 2025 5:30pm - 7:00pm EDT
Turf Valley-Grand Ballroom

Evening Reception

Statewide Summit on Behavioral Health: An Opportunity for Collaborative Change