Connie Holliday began her career at The Center for Counseling & Consultation as a transitional case manager in Community Support Services (CSS).

Today, she is the new director of CSS, bringing almost 13 years of experience at The Center to the position.

“This job allows me to work with my CSS colleagues and many other departments as we collaborate to provide the best person-centered and holistic care for each client,” Holliday said. “Our holistic approach is made possible because The Center is a fully licensed Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC).”

Shionta Gray, Holliday’s predecessor, “was instrumental in The Center becoming a CCBHC,” the new director noted. “She was an amazing CSS leader and now is serving as our exceptional chief operating officer.

“I am grateful that I can continue to learn from Shionta as I pursue my passion for supporting people with behavioral-health issues.”

CSS supports clients who struggle with socialization, coping skills, independent living and finding resources that allow them to function better in daily life.

“We also offer housing and employment services as part of our mission to help people lead fulfilling lives,” Holliday commented. “Clients team up with a case manager, psycho-social rehab provider and peer-support worker. We coordinate efforts to find solutions to any problems that may arise.”

While the CSS director’s job description is lengthy, some responsibilities include supervising: case managers; individual and group facilitators; attendant care workers; Individual Placement Services and Vocational-Rehab providers; and peer-support workers.

Holliday also handles administrative tasks and ensures compliance with all state and federal regulations.

“My goals are to guide my teammates and clients in the best possible way,” she commented. “I want to continue to support those who struggle with behavioral-health issues throughout my career at The Center.”

Holliday’s previous positions at The Center include adult case manager, senior team leader and targeted case manager.

Previous employment includes: certified nurse’s aide at a long-term-care facility; in-home healthcare; chemical dependency technician at the Women’s Recovery Center in Hoisington; and medical assistant at Western Kansas Surgical in Great Bend.

Originally from Norton, Holliday earned an associate’s degree in applied science at Barton Community College.

She has three children and 11 grandchildren.

Wendy Lockwood, The Center’s executive director, said “I have the utmost confidence in Connie’s ability to provide leadership at CSS. Her extensive experience, as well as her leadership skills and passion for service, make her an excellent choice to guide this team forward.”

The Center for Counseling & Consultation, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, 5815 Broadway in Great Bend, serves Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties. Professionally trained personnel offer: individual and group therapy; marriage and family counseling; community-support services; community-based services; psychosocial rehabilitation; peer support; and medication management. The confidential 24/7 crisis hotline number is 800-875-2544