Welcome Dr. Lakeia Murray: Enhancing Mental Health at Roads to Success

At Roads to Success (RTS), we recognize the crucial role mental health plays in the lives of our staff and the youth we serve. Ensuring a supportive and healthy environment is paramount to our mission. To take a significant step forward in this direction, we are thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Lakeia Murray, Ph.D., LMSW, as our Youth Mental Health Manager.

Dr. Murray brings over a decade of experience in social work, with extensive expertise in case management,behavioral health, psychiatric services, and youth counseling. Her academic journey, culminating in a Ph.D. from Yeshiva University, focused on the aftermath of human trafficking and the role of social workers. Her commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and her passion for mental health make her an invaluable addition to RTS.

With Dr. Murray at the helm, we are confident in our ability to enhance our mental health support systems for both staff and youth. Her leadership will be instrumental in driving our mental health initiatives forward.

Under Dr. Murray’s guidance, RTS is focusing on several key areas to promote mental health and wellness:

• Referral Process: We are establishing a streamlined referral process to ensure timely and effective support for youth and their families. This system will connect them with appropriate mental health resources through a network of local professionals.
• Wellness Team: Our dedicated wellness team, led by Dr. Murray, will provide ongoing support to both staff and youth. This team will offer counseling services, wellness workshops, and create a supportive environment for open discussions about mental health.
• Crisis Intervention Process: We are developing comprehensive protocols for crisis intervention, including training staff to recognize and respond to mental health crises. These clear definitions and procedures will help manage crisis effectively, minimizing their impact on our community.
• Intake/Assessment Tools: Implementing robust intake and assessment tools will help us identify the specific needs of each youth we serve. These tools will enable us to tailor our support to ensure the most effective interventions.
• SEL/MH Trainings: We are committed to ongoing professional development for our staff in Social and Emotional Learning(SEL) and Mental Health(MH). Through workshops and training sessions, our staff will be equipped with the skills to integrate SEL principles and support the mental health of our youth.
• Case Management Software: To enhance our ability to track and manage the mental health needs of our youth, we are implementing advanced case management software. This technology will help us maintain detailed records and ensure coordinated and effective support.
• Monthly Staff Check-Ins: Regular monthly check-ins will provide a platform for staff to discuss concerns, share experiences, and receive guidance from the wellness team. These check-ins will foster a culture of openness and support within our organization.

At RTS, we are committed to creating a supportive and nurturing environment for our staff and the youth we serve. With these new initiatives and the expertise of Dr. Lakeia Murray, we are poised to make a significant impact on the mental health and well-being of our community. We look forward to the positive changes ahead as we work together towards a brighter future.