Coming Together
Employee E-Newsletter of Encompass Community Supports Brought to you by Workforce Council
July2025
WELCOME NEW EMPLOYEES
Gabrielle Jenkins: DSP II
Derek Hofer: Transit Operator
From Front to Back:
Sandra Brown: Mobile Crisis Responder
Grace Anderson: Clinician
Consolata Bull: DSP II
Jahidi Bright: DSP II
July2025
Coming Together
Employee E-Newsletter of Encompass Community Supports Brought to you by Workforce Council
From Left to Right:
Dawn Offer: DSS II
Jerry Summers: Transit Operator
Rachael Pearson: DSS II
DSP II
Pictured: Kayla Campbell:
Employee E-Newsletter of Encompass Community Supports
Events EventsUpcoming Upcoming
EmeraldHillBacktoSchoolNight: Thursday, September 18 , 5 - 6PM at Emerald Hill Elementary in Culpeper th
LOWLINC4thAnnualWalk&Roll: Saturday, September 20 , 11AM - 1PM at Sweetbriar Community Center Pavilion in Orange th
Grillin’andChillin’attheS.E.E.: Saturday, September 20 , 2 - 6PM at The S.E.E.
Recovery Center th
Ms.Rachel StoryTime: Tuesday, September 23 , 10:30AM - 12:00PM at The Culpeper Library rd
Rappahannock Art of Aging Expo: Wednesday, September 24 , 10AM - 1PM at Reynolds Memorial Baptist Church (3748 Sperryville Pike, Sperryville) th
Praise In The Park: Saturday, September 27 , 10AM - 5PM at Eva Walker Memorial Park in Fauquier th
Warrenton Downtown Fall Festival: Saturday, October 4 , 9AM - 4PM in Fauquier on Main Street th
Fauquier Community Resource Fair: Wednesday, October 8 , 10:30AM12:30PM at Laurel Ridge Community College Campus th
Culpeper Art of Aging Expo: Tuesday, October 14 , 10AM - 1PM at the Culpeper Field House (16388 Competition Drive, Culpeper) th
Coming Together
Employee E-Newsletter of Encompass Community Supports
Fact Fact VS VS Myth Myth
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, honor lives lost, support those impacted, and take action to prevent suicide. Throughout the month, we’ll be sharing a 9-part “MythBusters” series to challenge common misconceptions about suicide. Keep an eye out for your co-workers to make the video debut.
Sheryl Reinstrom, Executive Director kicked off our serious Monday, September 1st MYTH: Suicide cannot be prevented.
FACT: Suicide is preventable. Emotional pain, mental health challenges, and life stressors can be treated, and lives can be saved.
Video by Alan Rasmussen
MYTH: Talking about suicide makes it more likely someone will do it.
FACT: Talking about suicide doesn’t cause it — it can save a life. Talking about suicide is the one action that can prevent it.
Video by Peers at the S.E.E.
MYTH: People who talk about suicide are just seeking attention.
FACT: When someone talks about suicide, it could be a cry for help.
Video by Wendy Bundy
MYTH: People who die by suicide are selfish.
FACT: Suicide is not a choice made lightly; it is often the result of overwhelming pain. Let’s respond with compassion not judgement.
Video by Tammy Barboza
MYTH: Teenagers and college students are at the highest risk of suicide.
FACT: Suicide affects ALL ages; anyone can be at risk.
Video by Children's Services
MYTH: Barriers and safe storage won’t prevent suicide.
FACT: Reducing access to lethal means saves lives. Safe storage of firearms and medications gives someone time to reconsider.
Employee E-Newsletter of Encompass Community Supports
Fact Fact VS VS Myth Myth
Video by Bridges Staff
MYTH: Suicides happen without warning.
FACT: Suicide can be prevented. Learn to recognize the warning signs, including talking about death, withdrawing socially, giving away possessions and risky behavior.
Video by Tammy Taylor
MYTH: Therapy and medications don’t prevent suicide.
FACT: Talking to a Professional can help.
Video by Andy Breivik
MYTH: Only experts can prevent suicide.
FACT: Suicide is everyone’s business. Everyone can play a role in preventing suicide a simple conversation can save a life. Want to learn more? Training is available.
Upcoming Trainings Upcoming Trainings
Fauquier Mental Health Association, Lunch and Learn Training Series Via Zoom
(Does not count towards Zero Suicide Credit)
November 13, 2025: Building Resilience 12:00pm-1:0pm
To register: contact Bridget Downey of Fauquier Mental Health Association at bdowney@mhafc1.org
Zero Suicide Gatekeeper Training Hosted in the ECS Board Room (Does count towards Zero Suicide Credit)
October 1, 2025: Zero Suicide Gatekeeper Training 11am-12:30pm
December 10, 2025: Zero Suicide Gatekeeper Training 11am-12:30pm
To register: Go to Relias- They’re titled “ZERO Suicide – Gatekeeper Training – Live Sessions Only’” This will be with Alan Rasmussen of ECS.
Celebrating Our Newly Certified Preadmission Screeners Celebrating Our Newly Certified Preadmission Screeners
At Encompass, we are committed to providing unwavering support to individuals experiencing mental health or substance use emergencies. Our Crisis Services department operates in a high-stakes, fast-paced environment where the needs of our clients are often urgent and complex. Every person who reaches out to us deserves compassionate, expert care especially during moments of profound vulnerability.
To continue delivering the highest standard of support, Encompass has implemented a rigorous pathway for our Crisis Support Coordinators to become Certified Preadmission Screeners. This certification—approved by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) authorizes Qualified Mental Health Professionals (QMHP) to conduct mental health preadmission screenings across VA.
Becoming a Certified Preadmission Screener is no small feat. It involves intensive training, direct observation, and a demonstrated mastery of clinical and procedural skills. Candidates must excel in areas such as mental status examinations, substance use and risk assessments, and effective crisis interviewing techniques. They must also work seamlessly with local partners including law enforcement, magistrates, and special justices.
We are proud to recognize four outstanding team members who have successfully completed this demanding certification while continuing to serve clients in crisis with compassion and excellence:
Ashton Miller
Kaytlin Houde
Erienne Dodson
Teresa Altman
Their dedication to professional growth and to the communities we serve is truly commendable. When families face some of their most challenging moments, our Crisis Services team stands ready with empathy, skill, and an unwavering commitment to care. Please join us in congratulating these well-deserved achievement.
Your hard work inspires us all.
Coming Together
One Step at a Time, One Day at a Time
At Encompass, our mission is to improve lives through excellent service—but that can feel overwhelming at times. The key? Take it one step, one day at a time. Progress is made through daily effort, not overnight success.
Our Transportation Department is a great example: they earned zero deficiencies in their recent Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) audit! This achievement came through steady work, attention to detail, and persistence.
Another Win: ECS took home two trophies at the Brandy Station Parade, thanks to the teamwork of CCOA, Communications, and the Culpeper Senior Center Prom King & Queen. Their planning and collaboration paid off in style. sure? Pause, breathe, and focus on toda ’s task ce happens—and the next spotligh
Coming Together
Tania Thomas 09/05
Laura Daniel 09/06
Pamela Prill 09/06
Jahidi Bright 09/08
Taisha Chavez 09/08
Ashley Koehler 09/09
Mary Douglas Lane 09/09
Courtney Robertson 09/10
Deanne Cockerill 09/11
Sandra Yanes 09/25 Daniel Ciaccio 09/26 Diana Pauley 09/27 Susan Crump 09/27
Coming Together
Employee E-Newsletter of Encompass Community Supports
October Birthdays October Birthdays
Sue Pianosi 10/01
Jonathan Guyer 10/02
Ben Thomson 10/03
Cienna Maldonado 10/03
Meryl Ottenstein 10/03
Shannon Cox 10/03
Cathy Lumba 10/04
Latisha Trottie 10/04
Dominique Ellis 10/05
Victoria Johnson 10/05
Caleigh Dinonno 10/06
Rachael Price 10/08
Dominque Washington 10/10
Kimberly Thomas 10/10
Shontara Duncan 10/11
Alexander Samuel 10/12
Garry Brown 10/12
Robert Wallace 10/12
Tammy Keaton 10/14
Terie Julaton 10/14
Cheryl Thompson 10/15
Lindsay Feggans 10/18
Veronica Blankenbaker 10/19
Rachel Nelson 10/20
Michelle Draper 10/21
Chris Eaglin 10/24
Doris Johnson 10/25
Sheri Sobkowiak 10/25
Mechelle Jorgensen 10/26
Rebecca Cromwell 10/26
Lina Dominguez 10/26
Jacqueline Sepulveda 10/27
Joseph Benish 10/27
Lynne Hukkala 10/27
Terri Horton 10/27
Andrew Archibald 10/29
Lauren Willis-Thomas 10/29
Sandra Brown 10/29
Teresa Altman 10/29
Sarah Hearsey 10/31
Valerie Sparks 10/31
Coming Together
Employee E-Newsletter of Encompass Community Supports
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November Birthdays
Celeste Shanks 11/01
Christiane Wolski 11/03
Delmar Blevins 11/03
Caitlyn Heath 11/04
Ericka Duncan 11/05
Ericka Hommel 11/06
Gisselle Calderon 11/06
Sara Jarrell 11/07
Debra Watson 11/08
Christopher Pullen 11/09
Ava Caprarese 11/10
Lisa Alvarez 11/10
Christine Wilson 11/12
Rodney Newsome 11/13
Tiffany Smith 11/13
Ashlyn Hall 11/14
Mikel Reyna 11/14
Debra Burrell-Corrom 11/16
Glenn Heath 11/18
Meghan Foubare 11/19
Kyle Madison 11/20
Megan Jenkins 11/20
Brandy Turner 11/21
Taylor Johnson 11/21
Rosalie Williams 11/22
Joseph Brown 11/23
Cynthia Phillips 11/24
Cheyenne Gray 11/26
Desirrae Sheffield 11/26
Christina Fenstermaker 11/27
Valarie Draper 11/27
Erika Vesely 11/28
Anna Haldeman 11/30
Charlsa Phillips 11/30
Coming Together
Employee E-Newsletter of Encompass Community Supports
September - November
Work Anniversaries
25+ Years
Debra Watson 09/02
Toni Browning 11/04
20+ Years
Mechelle Jorgensen 09/09
Renonia Harrington 09/24
Shelby Blankenship 11/22
15+ Years
Shirley Fleischmann 10/16
Ramon Tirado 11/12
Tammy Taylor 11/17
10+ Years
Ashton Morse 09/17
Brian Veerhoff 09/04
Bridget Ramsey 09/15
David Parks 09/04
Jacqueline Harris 09/16
Heather Jennings 10/31
Jennifer Zamora 10/06
Shelby Fisher 10/05
Daisy Mills 11/07
Coming Together
Employee E-Newsletter of Encompass Community Supports
September - November
5+ Years Work Anniversaries
Christina Fenstermaker 09/08
Garry Brown 09/17
John Gilbert 09/14
Laporsha Braxton 09/04
Latisha Trottie 09/16
Christine Inscoe 10/02
Ingrid Torres 10/07
Jacqueline Thompson 10/19
Jennifer Woodward 10/21
Laura Daniel 10/02
Taisha Chavez 10/03
Albert Koroma 11/02
Bridgette Spillman 11/18
Frances Gaskins 11/16
James Whitfield 11/19
Kathy Gochenour 11/18
Laurine Jallah 11/21
Mikel Reyna 11/18
Renata Klosterman 11/18
Shontara Duncan 11/18
Syreeta Hughes 11/05
Tiffany Smith 11/19