Excellence, as someone once said, is the unlimited ability to improve what you have to offer. When The Bridge launched the excellence initiative, Project 2020, in 2010 the goal was to apply the constant search for growth and improvement to every aspect of the organization. One of the early goals was to study clinical operations within the company.
The Excellence in Clinical Operations (ECO) team has spent much of the past year evaluating different methods of evidence-based curriculums. Members of the ECO team traveled to Illinois and Maryland to evaluate options. Each curriculum had merit but the team decided to focus, instead, on itself. Tim Naugher, executive director of The Bridge, explained: “According to the members, no evidence-based curriculum would significantly improve the quality of treatment in our programs unless we had the right people in place to offer training, oversight and adherence to the chosen model.”
This introspection prompted significant change within the organization. “They were right,” said Naugher. So, instead of announcing a curriculum change, the company announced an internal improvement. Ashleigh Simon, who was promoted to Director of Operations – South in 2011, was promoted again to Clinical Director. Her role will be to oversee the implementation of evidence-based practices company-wide by hiring and leading a team of clinical coordinators assigned to establish programs and train staff in Gadsden, Mobile and in outpatient programs operated around Alabama.
Simon had the following to say about the new clinical team of coordinators:
"As Gestalt taught us, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. That is why I’m elated and inspired with the team we’ve put together to be trailblazers of clinical development. They are inspirational, visionary and serve as positive role models within the organization already. Those attributes translated well into their new roles as Clinical Coordinators and will ensure our excellence in clinical operations.
Kim Harden will serve as the Clinical Coordinator for the Gadsden campus where she has already been instrumental in the quality clinical services that are being offered. Her clinical insight and genuine approach to treatment has garnered her this valuable position of Clinical Coordinator.
Jaime Matthews will serve as the Clinical Coordinator for the Mobile residential and outpatient programs. Jaime has keen insights in the treatment of adolescents and has become a leader on campus for those seeking clinical insight. Her diverse background has positioned her perfectly for this role and her passion will help us to realize our goals.
Penelope Burton will be the Clinical Coordinator for the northern outpatient programs. Penelope personifies the mission of The Bridge and is the perfect addition to the clinical team. She is able to develop quality relationships with her staff through respect and trust. Her unwavering dedication to the company and the clients will help us achieve success in our aspirations.
The “whole” that we have created with these Clinical Coordinators will undoubtedly lead to positive change, progressive improvements and remarkable clinical practices. After all, when everything lines up, things happen!”
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Kim Harden has earned her LPC and EdS. She is currently providing clinical supervision for those pursuing licensure.
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Jaime Matthews has a PhD and LPC. She is pursuing an LPC-S which will allow her to provide clinical supervision for others licensure.
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Penelope Burton holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling and EdS. She also received her Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) certification in 2011.
The Bridge operates 23 programs in the state of Alabama providing residential, outpatient and community-based programs for the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction.
Photo: (L-R) Ashleigh Simon, Kim Harden, Jaime Matthews, Penelope Burton
