The Leadership Equation

Dr. Blau is a clinical psychologist and chief of the Child, Adolescent and Family Branch of the Center for Mental Health Services. In this role, he provides national leadership for children's mental health and for creating systems of care across the country. Prior to this, Dr. Blau was Bureau Chief of Quality Management and Director of Mental Health at the Connecticut Department of Children and Families and Director of Clinical Services at the Child and Family Agency of Southeastern Connecticut. He also holds a clinical faculty appointment at the Yale Child Study Center.Dr. Blau was formerly a member of the National Association of State Mental Health Program Director's Division of Children, Youth and Families, and from July 1, 1998, through June 30, 2000, he was the division's Chairperson. Dr. Blau has received several awards, including the prestigious Pro Humanitate Literary Award for literary works that best exemplify the intellectual integrity and moral courage required to transcend political and social barriers to promote best practice in the field of child welfare, the Connecticut Governor's Service Award, the Phoebe Bennet Award for outstanding contribution to children's mental health in Connecticut, and the Making a Difference Award presented by Connecticut's Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health. Most recently, he was the recipient of the 2009 Health and Human Services Secretary's Award for Meritorious Service for his national leadership in children's mental health. Dr. Blau has numerous journal publications and has been the editor of several books, including the recently published Handbook of Childhood Behavioral Issues: Evidence-Based Approaches to Prevention and Treatment (Routledge/Taylor and Francis, 2008), Family Influences on Childhood Behavior and Development (Routledge/Taylor and Francis, 2008), and The System of Care Handbook: Transforming Mental Health Services for Children, Youth, and Families (Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., 2008). He received his Ph.D. from Auburn University (Auburn, Alabama) in 1988. Ms. Ciano is Executive Director of the Parent Support Network of Rhode Island, a statewide family organization that advocates for the needs of families who have children, youth, and/or young adults at risk for, or experiencing, mental health and related challenges. As a family leader, Ms. Ciano has been an active partner in changing state policy as it relates to children's mental health, provides ongoing training in developing family driven practices, and continues to develop and empower a strong cadre of family leaders to be actively engaged in reducing stigma associated with mental health issues. She is also a member of the Georgetown University Leadership Academy faculty. Cathy is a strong advocate for the Public Health Approach to Children's Mental Health, which emphasizes promotion and prevention. Ms. Ciano has over 20 years of experience raising five children, two with very significant mental health needs. Ms. CrossBear is an Ojibwe/Irish mother and grandmother, storyteller, and leader in traditional healing methodologies. She has demonstrated her lifelong commitment through 30 years of leadership in human services fields. Dr. Davis has held the Robert Lee Sutherland Chair in Mental Health and Social Policy since 2000. He served as director of the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health from 2003 to 2008 and was Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse Services during the Governor Wilder administration, 1990-1995. Dr. Gregory is a clinical psychologist whose expertise as a clinician, administrator, trainer, and consultant has included work in substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, juvenile justice, child welfare, school-based mental health, and behavioral h