Session Description:
This virtual working session is designed to move the COMPASS Referral Plan from template to operational document. Programs are required to maintain named MH/BH partner relationships (minimum three), follow a documented referral process, and collect de-identified referral data. The work that makes the plan function -- partner identification, internal tracking, staff communication -- has to happen before the first referral.
Through guided working time in breakout rooms, participants will start (if new) or improve their plan on the actual DYCD template, identify at least three local MH/BH partners to contact, and sketch the internal process for how a referral gets logged, who enters the de-identified data, and what the supervisor does with it.
By the end of the session, participants will draft the structure of their site-specific Referral Plan, at least one new named partner identified with an outreach plan (all three for new organizations), and an internal tracking process sketched and assigned. Staff communication is the final piece, so the plan holds regardless of which staff are on site.
Intended Audience:
Program Directors and senior staff likely to hold MH Oversight if possible (Content Specialists, clinical staff, other senior designees). EDs welcome.
Hetheru Shango, M.S., MHC-LP
Hetheru Shango is a mental health professional with extensive experience designing and delivering training on suicide prevention, mental health assessment, and crisis intervention. She holds a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University–Post Campus and dual bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Children & Youth Studies from Brooklyn College.
As a Program Manager at Vibrant Emotional Health, Hetheru leads a portfolio of training and technical assistance initiatives focused on youth mental health, trauma-informed care, and case management best practices. She has trained hundreds of human service professionals across New York City in evidence-based strategies for suicide risk assessment, intervention, and postvention. Her previous roles include Crisis Counselor and Training Specialist for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline, where she provided direct crisis support and facilitated staff training on managing suicidal ideation, self-harm, and high-risk scenarios. She also conducted suicide prevention trainings to over 20 NYPD precincts.
Hetheru’s facilitation style is engaging, practical, and grounded in the realities of frontline work. She is passionate about increasing the confidence and competence of providers in recognizing and responding to signs of suicide risk while centering compassion and cultural humility. Hetheru brings both clinical knowledge and real-world experience to every training she leads, helping organizations create safer, more responsive systems of care
Elia Madera
Elia Madera is the Coordinator for the Center for Learning and Development at Vibrant Emotional Health, where she supports training, learning initiatives, and capacity-building efforts that strengthen emotional wellbeing across communities and organizations. Over her three years with Vibrant, she has contributed to crisis response efforts, disaster services, emotional wellness programming, and workforce development. She began her work at Vibrant with the Crisis Emotional Care Team (CECT), supporting communities impacted by crisis and disaster through wellness initiatives, training, and emotional support resources.
With experience spanning nonprofit, government, and private sectors, Elia has worked across program coordination, direct services, case management, foster care and teen services, and systems collaboration. Her work is driven by a commitment to supporting the people and systems that care for people, strengthening organizational practices, and building sustainable approaches to mental health and wellbeing.
Elia is a facilitator with experience leading workshops on emotional resilience, self-care, wellness, and mental health awareness. She is a certified Adult Mental Health First Aid Instructor and has presented at conferences and virtual summits, including the NVOAD Conference and Puerto Rico VOAD Conference. Drawing from training in mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and hypnotherapy, she brings a holistic, practical, and people-centered approach to supporting wellbeing.
Elia holds a B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and an M.S. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Arizona State University. Beyond her professional work, she serves on two boards in leadership capacities, teaches restorative yoga and meditation in her local community, and champions individual and organizational wellness. Guided by the belief that we all deserve to thrive, she is passionate about building connections, mutual support, and collaborative approaches to wellbeing.
Organization: Vibrant Emotional Health
Website: https://www.vibrant.org/
Org Description: Vibrant Emotional Health is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting mental health and emotional well-being for individuals, families, and communities. Through training, consultation, crisis services, and community-based programs, Vibrant equips organizations with practical tools and strategies to support resilience, mental wellness, and trauma-informed care.