Talking BHECN Sites with Alyssa Spartz

With the opening of its Southeast site in 2025, BHECN now has a presence in each of Nebraska’s six behavioral health regions.

As all six sites became fully operational, BHECN promoted Alyssa Spartz to Workforce Expansion Manager. In this role, she provides overall coordination, support, and management for the sites.

She also helps lead BHECN’s efforts to expand each site’s profile and reach within its respective region.

Below, we talk with Alyssa about BHECN’s sites, the role she sees them playing, and what the sites aim to accomplish in the coming months.

How do our sites help advance BHECN’s mission of developing Nebraska’s behavioral health workforce?  

The six sites advance BHECN’s mission by offering localized education, training, networking, and other supportive events and activities tailored to the unique needs of each community. Student-focused activities aim to recruit individuals into behavioral health careers and support their career preparation, while provider-focused events aim to enhance education and strengthen provider retention throughout the regions. 

Why is it important to have a site in each of Nebraska’s behavioral health regions?  

As a statewide organization, it's essential for BHECN to recognize how behavioral health workforce needs vary across Nebraska’s regions. By expanding beyond a central location, BHECN can tailor its workforce development strategies to reflect regional perspectives, ensuring that recruitment, training, and retention efforts are both effective and community-focused. 

What is your favorite part about managing the BHECN sites?  

My favorite part about managing the BHECN sites is being able to work with such a passionate and talented team of site directors. They are constantly working hard on exploring ways to expand their reach to make new connections and are always eager to develop new opportunities to enhance their regional impact. Events and activities hosted by the BHECN sites would not be possible without their dedication and valuable local insights.  

What are some initiatives our sites are working on that people should be on the lookout for in the next couple of months? 

Over the next couple of months, the six sites will be hosting or participating in over 30 different student and provider initiatives, ranging from provider networking socials (see below) to tabling at multiple career fairs. The sites are also collaborating with each other to offer provider retention workshops in the Panhandle and central parts of the state. There will be plenty of opportunities coming up for folks to connect with each other and with BHECN! 

If people want to learn more about these initiatives, how would you recommend they do that?  

Individuals can sign up here to join the mailing list for the sites, where they will receive event invitations, program fliers, and other information about BHECN. Students, providers, and other interested community partners are welcome to sign up.