Wyoming Behavioral Health

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Group Curriculum

Overview

Group Curriculum Overview

Our group curriculum is designed to provide a structured, supportive, and therapeutic environment where patients can gain insights into their mental health, develop coping skills, and connect with others who are facing similar challenges. Each session is carefully planned to support your recovery journey, offering a blend of education, skill-building, and emotional support.

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Key Components

Key Components of Our Group Curriculum:

Psychoeducation

Focuses on educating participants about mental health conditions, the impact of trauma, coping mechanisms, and the importance of self-care. This helps individuals better understand their challenges and equips them with the knowledge to manage symptoms more effectively.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Techniques

Groups will learn evidence-based strategies to identify and challenge negative thought patterns, build healthier ways of thinking, and develop practical problem- solving skills to improve emotional regulation and decision-making.

Mindfulness & Stress Reduction

Sessions may include mindfulness exercises, breathing techniques, and relaxation strategies to help patients manage anxiety, depression, and stress. These practices are designed to promote emotional awareness and increase present-moment focus.

Group Support & Sharing

In a safe, confidential space, participants have the opportunity to share their experiences, offer support, and gain perspective from others who understand their struggles. This fosters a sense of community and reduces feelings of isolation.

Skills Development

Topics include improving communication, setting healthy boundaries, managing emotions, and building resilience. These skills are essential for navigating challenges both during and after treatment.

Goal Setting & Progress Review

Participants will set personal recovery goals and work with group facilitators to track their progress, celebrate achievements, and adjust goals as needed to stay on track toward long-term well-being.

Benefits

The Benefits of Our Group Curriculum

Peer Support

Learn from others and build meaningful connections that reinforce your recovery.

Holistic Healing

Address the emotional, cognitive, and social aspects of mental health for a well-rounded approach.

Empowerment

Gain the tools and confidence to take an active role in your recovery.

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Reach Out to Us –We're Here to Help and Answer Your Questions

We are here for you. There is hope. Please call Wyoming Valley Behavioral Health!

Call (570) 552-3760 or complete the form to request more information.

Call Us For More

(570) 552-3760

Reach Out to Us –We're Here to Help and Answer Your Questions

We are here for you. There is hope. Please call Wyoming Valley Behavioral Health!

Call (570) 552-3760 or complete the form to request more information.

Call Us For More

(570) 552-3760

Lynn Brown, CADC, CAAP, CRSS, CEC

Chief Executive Officer

Lynn Brown is the CEO of Wyoming Valley Behavioral Health, where she is dedicated to providing exceptional mental health care while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. With over 28 years of experience across diverse sectors—including banking, finance, healthcare insurance, and behavioral health—Lynn has led programs offering inpatient, residential, and outpatient services for the treatment of mental health, substance use, and eating disorders. She has successfully managed facilities with dual licensing from both the Office of Mental Health and Substance Use Services and the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP).

Before assuming her current role, Lynn earned numerous top performance awards and held executive positions in two different fields. She has been recognized for her transformational leadership, operational improvements, and program development. Known for her ability to build high-performing teams, Lynn excels in enhancing patient outcomes and increasing employee satisfaction.

Lynn holds multiple professional certifications, including Certified Addiction Practitioner (CAAP), Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), and Certified Recovery Specialist, (CRS) and Family Recovery Specialist (CRFS). She earned her B.S. in Human Services from SUNY Empire University and is currently pursuing an MBA at Rider University and a Lean Sigma Certification in Healthcare from Johns Hopkins Medicine. In addition to her professional achievements, Lynn is deeply committed to her community, serving on the Board of Directors for the Pennsylvania Certification Board and supporting local organizations that focus on mental health, housing and substance use recovery.

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Dr. Mohammed Mushfiqur Rahman

Medical Director

Dr. Mohammed Mushfiqur Rahman joined WVBH in November 2023 as our Medical Director. Dr. Rahman is a distinguished psychiatrist with extensive experience in clinical practice, research, and leadership. He earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from Dhaka Medical College at the University of Dhaka. With certifications from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and ECFMG, Dr. Rahman also holds full registration with the United Kingdom's General Medical Council. Over the years, he has demonstrated expertise in psychiatry through his involvement with prominent institutions in the United States, United Kingdom, and Bangladesh.

Dr. Rahman has held key roles, including attending psychiatrist position at First Hospital in Kingston, Pennsylvania. His contributions extend to research, where he has investigated emotional and attentional regulation in borderline personality disorder and interventions for eating disorders. He has presented findings at esteemed platforms, such as the American Psychiatric Association annual meetings.

Beyond clinical and academic achievements, Dr. Rahman has served as Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at The Commonwealth Medical College and as President of the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Society's Northeastern Chapter. Fluent in multiple languages, including Bengali, Hindi, and Urdu, he brings a culturally nuanced approach to patient care. His dedication to advancing mental health is evident through his impactful leadership, research contributions, and commitment to teaching future medical professionals.

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Christen Marante, MSN, RN

Director of Nursing

With nearly 20 years of experience in inpatient acute care, pediatrics, Federally Qualified Health Centers, outpatient services, community outreach, value-based programs, and acute mental health care, Christen brings a comprehensive and diverse perspective to the leadership team. She is deeply committed to fostering a culture of excellence, where she not only bridges care gaps and provides critical services but also prioritizes staff development and success. Christen leverages her leadership skills to create supportive environments where staff are empowered to thrive, contributing to both professional growth and improved patient outcomes.

In her career, Christen has played a key role in the development and implementation of policies and procedures aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring regulatory compliance, and optimizing patient care. Her dedication to creating streamlined, effective systems ensures that her teams are equipped with the tools they need to succeed, while maintaining the highest standards of care.

Christen’s unwavering commitment to quality and safety drives her mission to achieve the best possible outcomes for all those she serves, while fostering a workplace where staff feel valued and supported.

Christen holds a Master's in Nurse Executive Leadership from Chamberlain University and a Bachelor’s in the Science of Nursing from The Pennsylvania State University.

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Corey Kucker

Director of Social Services

Corey Kucker joined Wyoming Valley Behavioral Health (WVBH) in September 2024 as the Director of Social Services, bringing a wealth of experience in residential drug and alcohol treatment as well as supporting the behavioral health needs of individuals within incarceration programs. Corey holds a bachelor's degree in administration of justice from Penn State University and a master's in social work from Marywood University. As a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Advanced Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CAADC), Corey specializes in utilizing evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), to support individuals struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. His approach focuses on helping clients develop healthy coping mechanisms and successfully reintegrate into society.

Corey is a supportive and compassionate leader who is committed to fostering a positive, collaborative environment for both staff and clients. He encourages open communication, professional development, and mutual respect, creating a team culture where everyone feels valued and empowered to do their best work. His leadership philosophy is centered around providing guidance and support to those around him, helping to build strong, cohesive teams that can deliver high-quality care.

Corey is also deeply passionate about assisting individuals facing mental health and substance abuse challenges. In addition to his professional role, he is actively involved in his community as a board member of a non-profit organization that provides essential services to veterans, the homeless, and underserved communities across eastern Pennsylvania. His commitment to both social services and community outreach underscores his belief in the transformative power of recovery and his drive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

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Tracy O’Malley

Director of Human Resources

Tracy O'Malley joined Wyoming Valley Behavioral Health (WVBH) in August 2024 as the Director of Human Resources. With extensive experience in human resources across various industries, including higher education, human services, and most recently as HR Manager at Core-Mark, Tracy has developed a well-rounded expertise in managing employee relations, recruitment, organizational development, and workplace culture. A graduate of Bishop O'Reilly High School, she earned her bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management from King’s College, where she developed a passion for advocating for employee needs and fostering supportive work environments.

Tracy is known for her exceptional attention to detail and her unwavering commitment to creating an open, inclusive, and supportive atmosphere for employees. She is a staunch advocate for addressing staff concerns and ensuring that all employees feel valued, respected, and heard. Her human resources expertise enables her to drive positive organizational changes that support employee growth, satisfaction, and well-being. Tracy is dedicated to creating a workplace where staff members feel empowered, confident, and motivated to perform at their best.

In addition to her professional responsibilities, Tracy is deeply committed to her community. She has volunteered her time. She has volunteered her time to the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Bowl-a-Thon that helps to support youth development and mentorship programs. Her involvement in these initiatives reflects her passion for making a positive impact, both within her professional setting and in the broader community.

Tracy draws inspiration from Helen Keller’s quote: “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” This quote resonates with Tracy and reflects her belief that a positive mindset is essential to overcoming challenges and achieving success in both her professional and personal endeavors.

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Gary Mozeko, MBA, CHC

Director of Compliance and Privacy

Gary Mozeko, MBA joined Wyoming Valley Behavioral Health in November 2024, bringing over 10 years of compliance experience in various verticals of the healthcare space.

Gary is certified in Health Care Compliance and a member of the Health Care Compliance Association®, (HCCA) is a nonprofit association dedicated to supporting healthcare compliance professionals and their commitment to organizational integrity. Gary has conducted over 200+ HIPAA privacy investigations.

As a Director of Compliance Gary ensures patients' rights are protected while mitigating risk for the organization. Gary holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Lock Haven University and a master's in business administration, (MBA). from Wilkes University.

Gary's recent philanthropy worked included working on the fundraising committee for the Alexander Bartlett “Well” Endowment Fund. This non-profit fund raised over $100,000 for the Alpha Chi Rho Educational Foundation. This fund awards educational scholarships yearly for college students and yearly for testicular cancer awareness education in Alex's name. Alex was an alum in the same fraternity at Lock Haven University as Gary.

Gary previously worked for an acute care inpatient hospital in the Wyoming Valley as the Privacy and Compliance officer and has lived in the Wyoming Valley for the last three decades.

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Frank NovitSki

Director of Facilities

Frank Novitski brings over 30 years of expertise in facility and industrial maintenance across a wide range of sectors, from educational institutions to industrial environments. With a comprehensive background in facility management, Frank is responsible for overseeing and directing the operations of facility maintenance, capital improvements, environmental services, and security.

Throughout his career, Frank has gained extensive experience in ensuring the efficient and effective operation of complex facilities, focusing on preventive maintenance, cost management, and safety protocols. His leadership has been pivotal in driving improvements in facility infrastructure and operational efficiency, ensuring that all systems and services function optimally to meet the needs of the organization.

Frank is dedicated to maintaining a safe, secure, and well-functioning environment for patients, staff, and visitors, implementing best practices in facility management and environmental services. His proactive approach to identifying and resolving potential issues before they arise has earned him a reputation for reliability and excellence in facility operations.

In addition to his technical expertise, Frank is a strong advocate for continuous improvement and has led numerous capital improvement projects that have enhanced the overall infrastructure of the facilities he manages. His commitment to quality service and operational excellence has made him a key asset in the ongoing success and growth of his organization.

Outside of his professional achievements, Frank is an active volunteer in his community, contributing his time and skills to various local initiatives. A proud veteran, Frank brings the same dedication and discipline to his community service as he does to his work in facility management, reflecting his deep commitment to service and leadership.

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Janet Stochla

Director of Operations

Janet Stochla joined Wyoming Valley Behavioral Health (WVBH) in August 2023 as the Director of Operations. In this role, she oversees the Business Office, Dietary, Purchasing, Medical Records, and Utilization Review. With over 30 years of experience in hospital operations, Janet excels in the development and implementation of policies and procedures, streamlining processes, and fostering organizational growth—all while maintaining a strong focus on patient care and safety. Her expertise in business management, operations, admissions, and billing has provided a solid foundation for her effective cross-departmental leadership.

Known for her hardworking nature, exceptional attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to operational excellence, Janet ensures that every aspect of operations runs efficiently and smoothly. Her ability to reduce operational inefficiencies and align organizational goals with employee needs has created a balanced, productive work environment. Janet’s dedication has been pivotal to WVBH’s continued success, including the successful launch of the new hospital program in 2023.

Outside of her professional achievements, Janet is deeply committed to her community. She actively serves as a board member, coach, and volunteer leader, reflecting her passion for service, leadership, and making a meaningful impact on those around her.

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Classroom Training (3 Paid Days)

New employees participate in a 3-day paid classroom training that covers a wide range of essential topics. The training serves as an introduction to our policies, procedures, and the overall philosophy of care at Wyoming Valley Behavioral Health. Key elements of the classroom training include:

  • HR Policy Review: Staff are thoroughly introduced to the organization's Human Resources policies, including attendance, workplace conduct, patient confidentiality (HIPAA), and employee benefits. This ensures that all staff members understand their rights and responsibilities.
  • Department Reviews: New hires receive an overview of the various departments within the hospital, helping them understand the roles and functions of different teams. This also promotes cross-departmental collaboration and communication.
  • De-escalation Training: Staff are trained in de-escalation techniques, critical for maintaining a safe and calm environment for both patients and staff. This training emphasizes non-violent communication, recognizing early warning signs of aggression, and strategies to de-escalate challenging situations without resorting to physical interventions.

Mental Health Training: New hires are introduced to the core principles of mental health care, including various mental health conditions, treatment approaches, and patient care strategies. Understanding the unique needs of patients in an inpatient psychiatric setting is fundamental to providing compassionate and effective care.

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On-the-Floor Orientation (20-40 Hours)

Following the classroom training, new hires engage in on-the-floor orientation. This hands-on experience provides them with the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in real-world settings under the guidance of experienced staff. During orientation, new employees:

  • Shadow Experienced Staff: New hires work closely with seasoned clinicians and care teams, observing and participating in patient care and interactions. This allows them to experience firsthand how theoretical knowledge is put into practice.
  • Practice De-escalation and Crisis Management: On-the-floor orientation emphasizes real-time application of de-escalation techniques and crisis management. Staff members are provided with opportunities to safely manage patient behaviors under supervision, ensuring that they feel confident in their ability to handle high-stress situations.
  • Feedback and Supervision: Ongoing feedback and supervision are provided throughout the orientation process. This helps staff refine their skills, address concerns, and integrate their learning into daily practices.

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Safe Crisis Management Training

At Wyoming Valley Behavioral Health, we place a strong emphasis on Safe Crisis Management Training to ensure staff are prepared for situations where physical intervention may be necessary. This training focuses on:

  • Safety Protocols: Staff are trained on the appropriate and safe use of physical intervention when necessary to protect the well-being of both patients and staff.
  • Non-violent Crisis Management: The focus of the training is on using de-escalation techniques and non-violent methods of crisis intervention first. Physical intervention is taught only as a last resort.
  • Ongoing Skills Development: Staff are required to undergo periodic recertification to ensure they remain proficient in crisis management protocols and understand the latest best practices in handling critical situations.

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Relias Online Training System

We also utilize the Relias Online Training System as a supplementary tool for staff development. This system provides staff with access to:

  • Interactive Learning Modules: Staff can complete various training modules on topics such as mental health disorders, trauma-informed care, patient safety, and communication skills at their own pace.
  • Ongoing Training: The Realis system is not only used for new hires but also for ongoing training for existing staff. This ensures that everyone stays up to date on best practices, policies, and any changes in procedures or regulations.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: The system offers a variety of courses designed to enhance staff knowledge in different areas of care, including legal issues, cultural competency, and ethical considerations in mental health care.

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Dr. Seymour Kushnir, MD, FRCPC

Medical Director

Dr. Seymour Kushnir is a highly experienced psychiatrist with decades of medical, clinical, academic, and leadership experience. He earned his medical degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland and completed advanced psychiatry training at McGill University, where he also served as Chief Resident and Teaching Fellow. He is a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

Before joining Wyoming Valley Behavioral Health, Dr. Kushnir was affiliated with Good Samaritan Hospital for 24 years and also provided psychiatric care through Community Medical & Dental Care, Inc. His background spans the full continuum of psychiatric care, including inpatient psychiatry, outpatient psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, substance use treatment, clinical education, and psychiatric leadership.

Dr. Kushnir has extensive experience treating adults with a wide range of mental health and substance use concerns, including anxiety, depression, panic disorder, PTSD, OCD, adjustment disorders, ADHD, schizoaffective disorder, alcohol use disorder, opioid use disorder, and other substance-related conditions.

Throughout his career, Dr. Kushnir has held respected academic appointments at McGill University, Mount Sinai Medical School, and New York Medical College. He is also a dedicated educator, having taught medical students, residents, nurse practitioners, and interdisciplinary clinical teams for many years. His teaching and clinical contributions have earned him multiple honors, including Professor of the Year and Teacher of the Year awards.

Dr. Kushnir recently relocated to Northeastern Pennsylvania with his family and is happy to join the Kingston community. He looks forward to bringing his experience, clinical leadership, and compassionate approach to the patients, families, and care teams he serves.

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Kate Favata

Manager of Community Partnerships

With more than a decade of experience in behavioral health and substance use treatment, Kate Favata excels at building strong community partnerships. She works closely with healthcare providers, social service agencies, law enforcement, and government entities, regularly delivering educational presentations to strengthen local systems of care.

Kate previously served as Community Engagement Manager at Crossroads Treatment Centers, overseeing outreach across Northeast, Southeast, and Central Pennsylvania. She also held the role of Senior Community Relations Liaison at CleanSlate Centers, supervising a multi-state outreach team. Her commitment to improving behavioral healthcare extends to statewide advocacy, including service on Governor Josh Shapiro’s Behavioral Health Council. She believes that proactive education, collaboration, and community engagement are essential to reducing stigma and supporting sustainable recovery.

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Marie View

Dietary Manager

Marie View brings more than 20 years of comprehensive food and beverage operations and director-level experience to her role as Dietary Manager at Wyoming Valley Behavioral Health. She provides essential leadership for the Dietary Department, overseeing staff training, menu planning, food safety, sanitation, budgeting, and daily dining operations.

Marie’s impact extends well beyond the kitchen. She plays an important role in enhancing the patient experience through thoughtful and engaging dining initiatives, including special holiday menus, ice cream parties, and other meaningful food-centered activities. She also helps uplift team morale by creating staff dining events, summer cookouts, and other opportunities for connection and appreciation. Marie is a certified ServSafe Dietary Manager and is also certified in Food Safety. She works tirelessly to ensure that patients receive a positive, safe, and high-quality dining experience. Guided by the belief that nutritious, great-tasting food served with care is a vital part of the healing process, Marie brings warmth, creativity, and operational excellence to the Wyoming Valley Behavioral Health team.

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Dr. Angelique Cortez, DSW, LCSW, BCD

Director of Social Services

Dr. Angelique Cortez is a licensed clinical social worker and behavioral health leader with a deep commitment to compassionate, person-centered care. She serves as Director of Social Services at Wyoming Valley Behavioral Health, where she provides leadership for clinical programming, interdisciplinary collaboration, patient advocacy, and continuity of care.

In this role, Dr. Cortez oversees the Social Services team, including social workers, case managers, peer support specialists, and holistic group facilitators.

Dr. Cortez earned her Doctor of Social Welfare in Clinical Social Work from New York University, her Master of Social Work from Marywood University, and her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from East Stroudsburg University.

Board-certified in clinical social work and licensed in Pennsylvania, Dr. Cortez brings extensive experience across healthcare, behavioral health, and community-based settings. Her background includes leadership and clinical roles within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, community mental health systems, hospital emergency departments, and academic institutions, including graduate-level teaching.

Her professional focus includes suicide prevention, crisis intervention, program development, and staff development. Through high-reliability, evidence-based behavioral health initiatives, Dr. Cortez works to strengthen patient safety, improve continuity of care, support workforce readiness, and promote recovery, resilience, and hope.

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Stacey Wright, BSN, RN

Interim Director of Nursing

Stacey Wright brings more than 20 years of nursing and healthcare leadership experience to her role as Interim Director of Nursing at Wyoming Valley Behavioral Health. A key member of the WVBH team since the facility opened in November of 2023, Stacey has contributed across several critical areas, including utilization review, quality assurance, infection prevention, nursing operations, and patient care oversight.

Stacy began her medical career in the United States Air Force, where she served for four years as a medic. She later earned her LPN from Wilkes-Barre Area Vocational School and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Wilkes University’s School of Nursing. Her clinical and leadership background spans hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, long-term care, behavioral health, quality assurance, infection prevention, and nursing administration. Stacey held several roles as Director of Nursing. Prior to stepping into the Interim Director of Nursing role, Stacy served as WVBH Quality Assurance Manager, Utilization Review and also as Quality, Risk & Safety while supporting infection prevention efforts.

With extensive leadership experience, a strong clinical foundation, and military-honed dedication, Stacy is an integral part of the Wyoming Valley Behavioral Health team and remains deeply committed to supporting safe, high-quality patient care.

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Shawn Carroll

Admissions Manager

Shawn Carroll brings more than a decade of progressive behavioral health experience to his role as Admissions Manager at Wyoming Valley Behavioral Health. Since entering the field in 2014, Shawn has served in several clinical, crisis, and admissions-related roles, including Mental Health Technician, Behavioral Health Specialist, Crisis Clinician, and Admissions Coordinator.

Through these roles, he has developed a strong understanding of patient flow, crisis evaluation, referral coordination, and interdisciplinary collaboration. As Admissions Manager, Shawn leads a dedicated admissions team that operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, helping ensure a smooth intake process and continuity of care from first contact through admission.

Shawn works closely with referral partners, internal clinical teams, and hospital leadership to support timely, coordinated patient transitions. His leadership helps strengthen communication, responsiveness, and access to care for individuals and families seeking behavioral health services.

Beyond admissions, Shawn contributes to hospital-wide committees and cross-departmental initiatives focused on process improvement, systems optimization, and workforce development. He has also supported efforts to enhance the therapeutic environment through patient-centered programming, including development of the patient library and contributions to drum circle programming.

Shawn’s broad behavioral health background, calm leadership style, and commitment to responsive care make him an important part of the Wyoming Valley Behavioral Health team.

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Donald Meyer, CLDP, SCM-T

Learning and Development Coordinator

Donald Meyer brings nearly a decade of experience in the substance use and mental health field to his role as Learning and Development Coordinator at Wyoming Valley Behavioral Health. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Goldey-Beacom College and has worked across multiple levels of care, including eating disorder residential treatment, outpatient mental health, and residential substance use programs.

His professional background includes roles with Recovery Centers of America and five years within the Pyramid Healthcare system, where he served as a Behavioral Health Technician Supervisor and Manager, functioned as an in-house QBS Safety Care Trainer, and also stepped into culinary leadership roles, drawing on his vocational training and diverse operational experience.

In his current role, Donald leads new hire and refresher Safe Crisis Management trainings, oversees staff training plans through Relias, reviews incidents for compliance, and responds to behavioral health codes to provide real-time support to clinical teams. Known for his energetic and interactive training style, Donald emphasizes demonstration-based learning to help staff build confidence, competency, and readiness in managing challenging situations safely and effectively.

Donald is also actively engaged in advancing the patient experience through therapeutic group development and participation in the Patient Experience Committee. His broad behavioral health background, hands-on training approach, and commitment to staff development make him an important part of the Wyoming Valley Behavioral Health team.

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