Meet Liz! Liz began her Horizon journey in 2014 as a Counselor at our Hertel-Elmwood location. She eventually transitioned into a Clinical Supervisor role, then became a Program Director, and has most recently taken on the role of Corporate Director of Outpatient Operations. Continue reading to learn about Liz’s professional growth through the years.
What kinds of trainings/ad hoc committees/workgroups have you been a part of that have supported your growth?
I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of many trainings and workgroups that have benefitted my growth. I was a founding member of the Horizon Diversity Committee in 2014. Since then, I’ve been a participant in the Clinical Subcommittee of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Council, focusing to ensure that clinical services are delivered in an equitable, trauma-informed way. My passion in DEIB earned me a Buffalo Business First IDEA (Inclusion Equity Diversity Awareness) Award in 2020. I’m also a member of the NAMI Board of Directors and I’m very passionate about combating stigmas for both mental health and substance use disorders.
Can you speak to the mentorship relationships you’ve developed over the years and how these have helped you grow as a leader?
Formal and informal mentorship have been essential to my growth. I stay focused on the reason I do this work–to help the community get the treatment services they need. To accomplish this, I believe it’s important to say yes to opportunities as they arise. This may include volunteer opportunities, speaking engagements, and board participation.
There’s a wealth of knowledge and resources in Western New York and there are always opportunities to educate and be educated. Last year, I became involved in the Buffalo State University student mentorship program. My mentee taught me as much as I taught her!
Do you have any goals for further growth within your role at Horizon?
Behavioral health is an industry that’s always evolving. It’s my personal mission to stay up-to-date with clinical best practices as well as macro and mezzo level advocacy for the important work we do.
What would you say to someone who may be interested in growing in their career with Horizon?
Jobs are everywhere, but careers are made when you find an industry that makes a difference in the lives of others. Horizon does that.
Interested in building a career with a company that prioritizes growth? Check out our career opportunities here!