“The Helen Ross McNabb Center was my first job in my field of study, right after college. I was hired in 1997 to work at Patton House. I am still here, 25 years later as PRN. “
Kimberly Moore, PRN Hamilton County Mental Health Tech
Employee since 1997
“The Helen Ross McNabb Center was my first job in my field of study, right after college. I was hired in 1997 to work at Patton House. I am still here, 25 years later as…
Staff share some good advice:
“Try to stay happy is all I can tell ya. It’s good advice.” One of our clients said that to me almost three years ago and I still remember it.
Jessica Collins, RN, BSN, ILS RN Team Lead
Employee since 2018
“Treat others they want to be treated. How do you know? Ask, its key to understanding and consent.”
Paula Ross, Masters Level Clinician, BHUCC
Employee since 2022
Staff share some good advice: “Try to stay happy is all I can tell ya. It’s good advice.” One of our clients said that to me almost three years ago and I still remember it. …
When I was the liaison from Accounting to the clinical staff on site at our C&Y Center, I was entering SALS, cutting checks and assisting with the front when I felt something grab my leg. I look down and a small kiddo had escaped therapy and hid under my desk. She sat on my feet not saying a word. My office was tucked back behind medical records, we were building the second floor, and my phone had been disconnected so I couldn’t call anyone. I couldn’t get up and all of the medical records team had gone to lunch. Everyone had gone to look for her outside and my attempts at yelling for someone was falling on deaf ears. I finally just got in the floor with her, she never said a word and I couldn’t convince her to come out. We just waited there together in silence until someone came by – they ended up having the rest of their session under my desk on the floor. I admired the fact that we came to her; we met her where she was comfortable. That warmed my heart.
-Kim Evans, Senior Director of Technology and Business Operations
Employee since 1992
When I was the liaison from Accounting to the clinical staff on site at our C&Y Center, I was entering SALS, cutting checks and assisting with the front when I felt something grab my leg….
I began working for the McNabb Center in February 2003, for the Prime Time Program, a geriatric partial hospitalization program. 3 months after I started, Leann Human-Hilliard came to speak with our team, and informed us that effective July 1, our program would be ending due to Medicare cuts. She encouraged us to apply for any open positions in the Center, and informed us that positions would be frozen across the Center to allow us priority in filling those positions. I remember going home that day, thinking that with my short tenure at the Center, the Center had no obligation to support my continued employment. Even with these thoughts, I had a peace about the situation, and began looking for a therapist position. This search led me to a Child Net Therapist position at the Children and Youth Center. Sharon Reid interviewed me for the position, and I became the first therapist in the Child Net Program. I soon learned that as difficult as hearing the program you are working in is being eliminated, it can often lead to a blessing. I went to a position where I had the opportunity to work with and continue my growth under amazing leaders and peers within the organization.
I quickly realized, that McNabb is where I wanted to be, and to continue to learn and grow. The philosophy and mission of the Center support creativity in program development and fosters a passion to create innovative services for our clients. I am thankful for the opportunities I have had during my 20 years at McNabb, and for those of whom I have learned so much from.
-Shellie Hall, Executive Director, Blount, Sevier and Cocke Counties
Employee since 2003
I began working for the McNabb Center in February 2003, for the Prime Time Program, a geriatric partial hospitalization program. 3 months after I started, Leann Human-Hilliard came to speak with our team, and informed…
I began my employment at the McNabb Center in 2013 as a Client Benefits Specialist at the Blount County office. When I started, I learned of a terrifying incident that just occurred prior to my employment. The traumatic incident involved an intoxicated client threatening and scaring other clients as well as staff. I was impressed and relieved as I sat and learned of the immediate right actions performed by staff. Staff did not hesitate to protect clients and staff and thankfully no one was physically hurt that day. The intoxicated Client was escorted away by law enforcement.
After learning of the recent trauma the clients and staff had to endure, I felt humility knowing I would be a part of a team taking the “immediate right action.” I stayed with McNabb until I returned to school in 2015. I enjoyed being on the training side for a few weeks, and felt privileged to train a new employee and most importantly empowering him as staff empowered me when I first started.
After graduating and becoming a new mother I found myself needing consistent employment and immediately thought of the McNabb Center. I knew I had to be a part of a team that would confidently be doing the “immediate right action.” After joining one of the McNabb Center’s residential facility’s third shift teams, I struggled, because while I loved the job itself, I had difficulty adjusting to the schedule with a young child. Fortunately, the McNabb Center had just implemented Compassion training, and I was able to internalize compassion for myself. I realized it was okay that third shift wasn’t working out for me since my three-year-old son was dealing with sickness a lot after being around kids for the first time post-covid. Of course, we are humans first and no one is perfect, but client care and compassion has to come first. Realizing my body’s limitations and voicing those to staff was the “immediate right action,” for myself at that time.
Soon after, I was able to join one of the McNabb Center’s financial services teams and was trained by an amazing woman who was retiring after 30 years of service. I love that compassion is a focus at the McNabb Center and the compassion is designed to extend from ourselves to everyone around us. The McNabb Center team I have been a part of for the last year has been one of my favorite teams yet. Coincidentally, I now sit across from the former Client Benefits Specialist I trained, back in 2015.
I love how far the McNabb Center attitude of “Well Mind, Well Being,” reaches as it’s always extended not just to Clients but ourselves as staff. Furthermore, like clients, if we have the courage as staff, to voice our needs compassionately, the McNabb Center will only continue to grow in strength and reach within our communities for another 75 years.
-Lupe Galbraith, Grant Reimbursement Specialist
Lupe GalbraithI began my employment at the McNabb Center in 2013 as a Client Benefits Specialist at the Blount County office. When I started, I learned of a terrifying incident that just occurred prior to my…
I had my first interview with McNabb in December of 1991, three weeks before I graduated from UT. The interviewing process was much different than it is today. Back then, you had an interview with who was hiring for the position. You were then called back for an “all day” interview. The interviews were with all the Program Directors and an hour lunch with the lead therapist. I also interviewed with the Vice President. The afternoon was filled with interviews from different staff throughout the Center.
When I came to McNabb there was the Adult Center at Cherokee Trail and one story of the Children’s Center. It was also pre-TennCare at the time. We did not have computers, voicemail or cell phones. We got our telephone messages in our boxes. If we wanted to send out an “all staff” we made copies and put them in everyone’s mailboxes. We had beepers and carried around a bag of quarters for the payphones to return the pages. How times have changed! It is so amazing of how we have grown in my 31 years at the Center.
Jana Campbell, Supportive Housing Administrator
Employee Since 1992
I had my first interview with McNabb in December of 1991, three weeks before I graduated from UT. The interviewing process was much different than it is today. Back then, you had an interview with…
Moving from Kentucky to Tennessee in 2017 was a very hard decision for my husband and me. Not only was leaving the place we were born and raised, we were moving away from our children and grandchildren. It was a big change for us. I was so fearful of not finding a job, making friends, and not fitting in.
I had my first interview at Sevier County, and let me tell you I was so nervous; however, Knox Adult Center got my application and resume, and shortly after I was called for another interview. I will never forget the call from Jennifer Philips asking me if I was still interested in the position. When I hung up the phone that day, I cried so many tears of joy. I started on May 8, 2017 and I will never forget how welcomed I felt that day. I thank Sherri Light and Staci for everything they did for me that day and all the days after. I immediately knew this was the place I was meant to be.
Over the past five and a half years, I have met so many amazing people and lifelong friends. We have laughed, cried and everything in between, but we made it through them all. I am forever grateful for that phone call I got some five years ago. McNabb has taught me so much over the years, and for that I am a better person, but most importantly I am a better clinician.
In 2019 I was transferred to our little office in Cocke County, but don’t let office size fool you. The impact we’ve made in this area and all the clients we see is beyond words. Seeing a smile and hearing a thank you daily really proves what a difference we make. I am so blessed to work under such a great supervisor Kate, director Shellie, my best friend and co-worker Leslie, as well as Dynah, Anna, and everyone here in Newport Office. I couldn’t have hand picked a better group of people to work side by side with. Not only are they co-workers, I consider each one as family.
McNabb, and all the McNabbers has become such a huge part of the healing for all the communities we serve. We do make a difference!
Jerri Little, Master Level Adult IST Clinician at Cocke County Office
Employee since 2017
Moving from Kentucky to Tennessee in 2017 was a very hard decision for my husband and me. Not only was leaving the place we were born and raised, we were moving away from our children…
I have been with the McNabb Center for three years. I first began in Anderson County as an IST clinician. After roughly two years, I was asked to become a school based liaison. I was amazed with how McNabb was able to integrate mental health services into various schools. Within a short time of being there, I realized that there was such a high need for more school based liaisons. I wanted to be a part of the growth within the school system. This is what led to me applying for the Team Leader position in Blount County. I always knew that I wanted to advance within McNabb, but I didn’t know where to begin. I decided to take a leap and apply for the Team Leader position. After interviewing, I received a call offering me the position. I could not contain my excitement to begin a new journey and work with other school based liaisons. From day one, I have never felt more welcomed by a group of people.
In the little time that I have been Team Leader, I have learned so much about myself and what kind of supervisor I want to be. The Senior Director and Services Coordinator have been great role models, and have helped me so much with gaining my confidence and helping me see my true strengths. I could not have asked for a better leadership team and supervisors to mentor me. The Blount County clinic is like nothing that I have seen before. The employees here are so passionate and proud of the work and contributions that they bring to the community. They are always striving to come up with better ways to support the needs of our clients and the community. I have never been more proud to be a part of such a supportive and cohesive team. They are the true definition of our mission.
Cortnay Scott-Denham, School Based Master’s Level Team Leader
Employee since 2020
I have been with the McNabb Center for three years. I first began in Anderson County as an IST clinician. After roughly two years, I was asked to become a school based liaison. I was…
When I initially applied at McNabb I applied for a Cocke County Safety Net position. A few days after applying online, I get a phone call from Aaron Davies saying, “Hey how are you? Want to interview?” Here is the interesting part. When Aaron finished college he was trying to find somewhere to start his journey. I was Family Services Director at another non-profit and a mutual cohort of ours reached out and said, “Hey I know this guy. If he applies will you interview him and give him a hand up?” I said to send him over. I had to jump through a few hoops, but Aaron joined our team. Fast forward a few years and Aaron is now team lead in Cocke Co. Karma had cycled and I joined McNabb as a Safety Net Case manager with Aaron now being my supervisor. Funny how life works. I have also been blessed to have made some lifelong friends while at the Cocke Co. office.
Fast-forward a few years later and a few positions later. I often am asked how I went from clinical to IT. I was a team leader for the FACT program. I placed a help desk ticket to request a computer to be set up for a new case manager. One Friday afternoon Matt came over to BHUCC to install the requested computer. I shared with Matt that the one thing I miss about working in IT is connecting things and making them work. Matt shared there was a position open in IT and I could make stuff work all day. I briefly thought about it and let the thought go. I love helping and I had and still have a strong passion for the population being served. The pandemic changed a lot of dynamics for a lot of people, including myself. After some internal conflict and soul searching I spoke with my supervisor at the time to share that I would like to apply for the Application Support position that was open. Kayla and Candace were supportive when I shared I would like to transition to IT. I reached out to Matt via email and the rest is history. A perk is Matt has always told me there is nothing I can break that can’t be fixed. I am not sure he really wants me practicing that, however, the support is comforting to have. I absolutely love working in IT and with the team here, the best part is I am still helping others.
Kim Holman, Application Support, IT
Employee since 2017
When I initially applied at McNabb I applied for a Cocke County Safety Net position. A few days after applying online, I get a phone call from Aaron Davies saying, “Hey how are you? Want…
As an employee in supportive housing, my ability to adapt to changes has progressed more than ever before. The amount of patience and empathy I have for our clients and people in general has only grown larger. The personal connections and relationships with fellow staff members is unmatched compared to any other past employment.
-Deanna Keeton, Mental Health Technician, Supportive Living, Hamilton County
Employee since 2018
As an employee in supportive housing, my ability to adapt to changes has progressed more than ever before. The amount of patience and empathy I have for our clients and people in general has only…
