Family Preservation Services is pleased to announce the hiring of a new regional director for its Polk office. Cindy Davis-Bryant is a licensed professional counselor who has worked in the mental health field for the past 20 years.

Davis-Bryant has worked with individuals with developmental disabilities, severe and persistent mental illness and severe emotional disturbance throughout her career, and has done so in a variety of community settings. She also has a strong background in building and growing programs that produce positive results.&bsp; &bsp;

In addition, Josh Schactman, licensed clinical social worker, has been hired as clinical supervisor. Schactman began his training in Atlanta, working with people with developmental disabilities and also with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. The mountains of WNC called, and Josh moved with his family to the area three years ago. He has a strong belief in the power of an individual to create change in his or her own lives and he brings this belief forward in his work.

John J. Carter, M.D., remains with the Family Preservation Services Polk office. He is a board-certified child psychiatrist who has been with the office since its beginning. &bsp;

Family Preservations Services has been a consistent presence in the Polk County community since the sudden closure of New Vistas Mental Health in 2006 – providing mental health care to the adults and children of Polk County through community support services, outpatient therapy and medication management.

Along with these programs, the agency is looking forward to expanding its services in Polk County. Rob Bolin will lead a team that provides intensive in-home services. This is a time limited program in which a team of professionals works in the home and community setting to support and strengthen the family as a whole in order to help prevent hospitalization or residential placement. The agency is also scheduled to start a community support team. This program is for adults with severe and persistent mental illness who need more intensive services so that they can increase their stability in the community and become more independent.

To make a referral or to inquire about services or eligibility, please call Family Preservation Services at 859-6661.

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