Skokie celebrates fifth anniversary; original hires look back
07/27/20 02:23:pm
Rogers Behavioral Health’s Skokie clinic celebrated its fifth anniversary this month! Brock Maxwell, executive director of operations, is particularly proud that there are 12 members of the original team still there to this day.
Brock, who is one of the 12 original team members, planned to hold an anniversary dinner event at the Chicago Botanic Garden this fall, but due to COVID-19, he has had to make some adjustments. Instead, the clinic has found other fun ways to celebrate on a smaller scale, including ice cream treats.
“It’s been a career highlight of mine to see the Skokie clinic come online from pre-opening, through construction, to launch, and through many phases of development and growth since then, from four programs to 18, from our very first patient to a census of 75,” Brock says. “While we have an incredibly talented staff now and have seen many other wonderful clinicians come and go from the team over the years, to have partnered with 11 original staffers who are still on the team today and have seen the clinic through its entire history from 2015 to today is humbling and something I am so grateful for.”
Three of the original Skokie team members also share some words of reflection on the past five years.
“I remember many years ago when the discussion of opening the Skokie clinic was just beginning. It is amazing to see what this clinic has become in the past five years. The transformation from a big empty floor with no walls to a thriving program that keeps growing has been wonderful to be a part of. I feel honored to work in a place that has changed so many lives. Our patients amaze me every day, and it is so moving to hear their stories of triumph over adversity. I am excited to see what the next five years hold for the Skokie clinic!” ~ Blair Famarin, Outreach Lead
“It’s been wonderful to be a part of Skokie’s growth as we’ve expanded our treatment programs. Staff really support each other and cheer each other on as they work to provide the excellent care for our patients or to do the work needed so patients can access that care. Having completed UR for every program at one point since we’ve opened, it’s been so rewarding personally to get to “see” through the charting the great strides patients make in treatment. I am looking forward to seeing what great things Skokie will achieve in the next five years!” ~ June Griffin, LCPC, Lead UR and intake specialist
“The Skokie clinic has evolved since it launched in 2015 and to witness it has been a privilege. From orientation days to now- to be consistently working alongside personable, responsive, and knowledgeable coworkers when a day gets challenging has been comforting. Hearing patients’ updates post-program is even more rewarding! To Rogers’ Skokie team, Happy fifth anniversary!” ~ Maria Bella Balbarino-Hill
Scott Johnson, chief operations officer, regional division, also spoke on how he was proud of what the Skokie team has accomplished. "The team’s commitment to evidenced based, high quality care has positively impacted the lives of countless patients and their families," Scott says. "It’s amazing to see what they’ve accomplished in such a limited period of time. Thank you, team Skokie, for helping to bring about positive change in the lives of so many of our patients!"
