Ann has been with CMHA for 17 years. She is a graduate of UConn School of Social Work and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Ann spent the early part of her career in CMHA's Residential Services, where she helped to transform the agency's system of care. Ann's expertise spans across multiple clinical programs. Part of agency leadership for 14 years, Ann currently oversees Residential Services, Adult & Child Outpatient Services, Forensic Services, the Behavioral Health Home, and other Community Programs. Ann is known for her weekly visits to Marshall's.

Chris has been with CMHA since 2015. He started in the organization's Integrated Health Care program (Behavioral Health Home), where he helped transform and enhance CMHA's healthcare integration model. Chris has served in a variety of positions across multiple community and residential programs. In his current role as VP of Strategy & Innovation, Chris oversees the Performance Improvement and External Relations Departments. Chris is an integral part of CMHA's Legislative Advocacy initiatives, Chair of the agency's Valuing Diversity Committee, and represents CMHA in the statewide CLAS standards initiative. A graduate of the University of Saint Joseph and Central Connecticut State University, Chris holds a Master's in Clinical Social Work and a Master's in Business Management with a Certification in Project Management and Six Sigma. Chris stands at 6 feet and 6 inches tall ... and no, he does not play basketball.

John is CMHA’s Medical Director. He first served in the role from 2002-2005, then John worked at various hospitals throughout Connecticut for the following 8 years. He returned to CMHA in 2013 and worked in a number of programs, including the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team, Ability Beyond, and the Torrington Adult Outpatient Program. He became Medical Director in 2020 and continues to have clinical responsibilities. John graduated from the University of Virginia then attended the University of Maryland's School of Medicine. He completed his psychiatry residency and fellowship at Cornell and Yale. John would consider leaving CMHA only to be a roadie for the Cowboy Junkies. He’s especially proud of himself for finally learning how to cook during the COVID lockdown.

Laura is Vice President of Intensive Operations and has been with the agency for the last 14 years. A graduate of Southern Connecticut State University, she practices as an LPC. Over the years, Laura has served in a variety of clinical and administrative positions, most recently overseeing the Intensive, Home Based and Community Support departments. She has been an active member of the senior management group for the last seven years. Laura is an avid runner of almost 30 years and her motto is: “Say yes as much as possible -- and drink plenty of coffee!”

As Vice President of Finance, Karen has oversight of the finance department and property management at CMHA. Karen is a graduate of Post University and has been working in the non-profit arena for over 30 years. She first worked for the Village for Families & Children in Hartford before joining CMHA 13 years ago. Karen also has over 30 years’ experience in federal and state grants management. Karen’s taste in music is rather eclectic, but her favorite is rockin’ out to the Foo Fighters at Fenway Park.

Tanya Banas has held many leadership roles within the organization over the past 8 years.With her innate leadership skills and her ability to take initiative on agency level tasks, moving from interim to a permanent role was an easy decision. Tanya is a strategic thinker, always having the staff and clients at the forefront of her mind, making her an asset to our senior leadership team.