This book is to help those in the behavioral health field. For many years, I have worked with community mental health agencies. I have learned that it can be one of the more toxic environments you can work in. It does not sound logical that it should harm those wanting to help others. The field is here to help people, and it does. It has been the most rewarding time in my life. But it has also been some of the most troubling times.

The expectations for programs and the lack of resources sometimes make it difficult. There is also the way leaders are promoted and grow. A clear education bias believes that degrees and licenses make leaders. Education matters, but we could look at the experience as well. I have a graduate degree in Organizational Leadership and an undergrad in Psychology. I understand the need for education.

This book has information that will promote the idea that lived experience could play a more significant role in the career ladder used in behavioral health care.

I have spent years building teams that promote comfort and efficiency. Comfort means to feel good about going to work and the team you work with. Efficiency means work gets done with a "work smarter, not harder" viewpoint. Our field has significantly emphasized outcomes more than caring for each other. The teams I support and mentor move forward as leaders themselves. A good leader helps the team members grow, so they can move up, even if that means they need to move on. The team is the commodity that makes a successful program. Pour into them, and they will pour into those they serve. We can do better in every part of our field. I have spent my tenure mentoring and helping others in this profession. The teams they are on are unhealthy and harm their members.

I want my experience to help others. Leadership is a privilege. I have learned to take it very seriously. Our teams can do more if our leadership is better at serving than dictating. My past has been colorful. I am in long-term recovery from substance use disorder, depression, and PTSD. My lived, and living experience helps me pay attention to how I feel. My recovery has allowed me to look at life in ways others often don’t. My ability to self-assess allows me to be aware of how others may feel.

Some great leaders truly help others grow. Unfortunately, more leaders do damage. I want to make a difference and help our field protect itself so it is better at helping our communities effectively.