Saya Krebs-Brandfa
District Staffing Lead - Manager
Pittsburgh
Summary
Highly accomplished and dedicated leader in mental health advocacy and recovery with over two decades of experience in advancing peer support initiatives, comprehensive program development, and effective staff supervision. Adept at integrating recovery-focused approaches, managing complex projects, and providing impactful training and consultation to diverse stakeholders. Committed to promoting community integration, driving organizational transformation, and implementing evidence-based best practices in behavioral health. Proven expertise in mental health policy, supported employment, and fostering recovery-oriented systems of care.
Qualified Training Coordinator with years of training experience. Enthusiastic about contributing to successful training programs. Knowledgeable about coordinating schedules and program implementation.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
10
10
Certifications
Work History
Director of Peer Programs
Milestone Centers Inc
08.2018 - 07.2024
- Orchestrated the development, implementation, and oversight of Certified Peer Support Services, directly supervising Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) positions.
- Managed a small caseload while concurrently fulfilling comprehensive supervisory responsibilities.
- Led recruitment efforts for CPS candidates, establishing and delivering robust training and mentorship programs for new staff.
- Provided continuous, critical support to Certified Peer Specialists, acting as a key liaison with Community Partners to facilitate speaking engagements, panel discussions, and committee representation.
- Collaborated strategically with program leadership to seamlessly integrate Certified Peer Specialist staff into departmental activities, enhancing team cohesion and effectiveness.
- Championed and educated agency teams and staff on CPS principles and recovery-oriented practices, fostering a culture of wellness.
- Ensured accuracy and compliance by meticulously reviewing Certified Peer Assessments and Individualized Service Plans (ISPs) prior to submission for signature.
- Maintained high standards of compliance through weekly service documentation review and comprehensive quality audits.
- Guaranteed adherence to all agency, county, state, and federal regulations governing Behavioral Health programs.
- Achieved assigned service provision rates for supervised staff, maximizing program efficiency and impact.
- Ensured implementation of the recovery model and concepts in practice.
Store and Area/District Manager
Hickory Farms
08.2017 - 01.2023
- Directed and oversaw the complete lifecycle of multiple retail kiosks and store sales centers across Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, and West Virginia.
- Managed all aspects of seasonal retail locations, from initial setup to daily operations and end-of-season wrap-up.
- Recruited and onboarded high-performing sales teams each season, ensuring optimal staffing and performance.
- Drove significant sales performance by setting and consistently achieving ambitious sales goals.
- Managed all financial aspects across multiple locations, including budgeting, comprehensive reporting, and rigorous inventory control.
Integrated Care Therapist/Behavioral Health Specialist
Milestone Centers Inc
10.2017 - 08.2018
- Collaborated within primary care settings as an integral part of the treatment team to identify, triage, and manage patients with both medical and behavioral health problems.
- Developed and delivered tailored skill-training through diverse patient education strategies, crafting specific behavioral health plans for individual patients.
- Provided crisis outreach services and served as the lead Recovery, Transformation, and Resiliency Trainer and Specialist across the program.
- Delivered expert assistance, training, and group facilitation in WRAP, Personal Medicine, Whole Health Recovery, Sanctuary Trauma-Informed Care, and Wellness Coaching.
- Provided behavioral health consultations with primary care physicians.
Senior Recovery and Resiliency Specialist Adult Peer Focused
Community Care Behavioral Health Organization (UPMC Insurance Services Division)
12.2006 - 04.2016
- Spearheaded the development and implementation of recovery and resiliency-focused programs for Community Care Behavioral Health Organization.
- Collaborated extensively with multidisciplinary teams to design and launch new programs, and enhanced existing initiatives to more effectively integrate recovery and resiliency principles.
- Representing Community Care as a key ambassador for recovery at various high-level stakeholder meetings.
- Successfully managed multiple, simultaneous projects, designing and executing strategies for introducing recovery tools and programs to members, providers, and stakeholders.
- Provided critical project management support for both physical and behavioral health initiatives, ensuring successful integration and delivery.
Training Coordinator / Recovery Training Specialist
Community Care Behavioral Health Organization (UPMC Insurance Services Division)
12.2006 - 02.2008
- Designed and implemented educational and training curricula and activities for internal staff, providers, and stakeholders, with a strong emphasis on recovery-based activities that meet best practice standards for learning.
- Coordinated and executed regional annual conferences in collaboration with the Training team, senior management, county representatives, consumers, families, and stakeholders.
- Ensured systematic revisions were developed and implemented to improve services across multi-regional offices.
- Maintained comprehensive databases for contacts, facilities, resources, and training activities and needs.
- Coordinated continuing education credits for both internal and external trainings.
- Led the implementation of Pat Deegan initiatives throughout the organization and state.
- Recognized with the UPMC Superstar Award Winner in 2010 for outstanding contributions.
Advocate/Recovery Specialist
Allegheny County Dept. of Human Services: Office of Behavioral Health
01.2006 - 12.2006
- Engaged and empowered adults with mental illness in their recovery journeys.
- Facilitated impactful recovery discussion groups.
- Actively promoted and participated in mental health community advocacy efforts.
- Contributed to the successful implementation of recovery-oriented Best Practices.
- Assisted in the recruitment of consumers, family members and providers for the coalition.
- Supported and helped train consumers about recovery as well as to facilitate their involvement in the coalition.
Psychiatric and Social Rehabilitation Counselor / Recovery Coordinator
Mercy Behavioral Health
03.1996 - 01.2006
- Supported adults with mental illness through engagement and facilitation of their recovery process.
- Organized and led social activities.
- Proficiently managed agency documentation.
- Engaged in mental health advocacy.
- Contributed to the successful implementation of recovery-oriented Best Practices.
- Supported the recruitment of consumers, family members and staff for recovery projects.
Sheltered Workshop Instructor and Job Coach
Family Services of Western Pennsylvania – NorthCo
08.1989 - 07.1992
- Instructed mentally challenged and mentally ill adults in essential work skills.
- Provided comprehensive work-related support, including job interview skills, on-the-job training and throughout employment.
- Served as a vital liaison with client employers, coworkers, teachers, and treatment team.
Education
PhD-C - Psychology
Carlow
Concentration - Psychology
Carlow College
Pittsburgh, PAMS - Psychology
Ashwood University
Sarasota, FLBS - Psychology
Ashwood University
Sarasota, FLundefined
Community College of Allegheny County
Pittsburgh, PAundefined
Point Park University
Pittsburgh, PASkills
- Experienced in patient-centered recovery systems
- Peer support management
- Promotion of mental health awareness
- Substance use education
- Trauma-informed care
- Integrated wellness strategies
- Risk mitigation strategies
- Execution of recovery strategies
- Patient-centered care
- Integrated health restoration
- Expertise in Sanctuary Model practices
- Program development
- Project oversight
- Quality control expertise
- Regulatory compliance oversight
- Operational documentation management
- Financial planning
- Inventory management
- Team leadership and development
- Performance assessment
- Effective team leadership
- Collaborative project engagement
- Skill enhancement programs
- Talent acquisition
- Stakeholder collaboration
- Strategic planning expertise
- Community advocacy
- Engaging presentation skills
- Facilitating panel discussions
- Community engagement
- Effective policy execution
- Master-level life coaching expertise
- Experienced in WRAP facilitation
- Advanced training in personalized healthcare
- Peer support expertise
- Curriculum development for adult education
- Course content creation
- Change management expertise
- Process optimization
- Implementing best practices
- Workforce development
Effective verbal communication
Efficient materials management
Effective verbal communication
Effective training delivery
Efficient materials management
Schedule management
Certification
Master Life and Wellness Coach – Institute for Life Coach Training
Organizations And Boards
- PA Peer Support Coalition Member
- OMHSAS – Adult/Older Adult Subcommittee work and consultation
- National Association of Peer Specialist – iNAPS
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – PH/BH Peer Employment Sub Committee
- Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Administration (OMHSAS) – Adult Advisory Board, Sub./Ad hoc committees, Employment – ROSC – Peer Specialist
- Pennsylvania Community Providers Association, Member
- Pennsylvania Suicide Prevention Task Force Board of Directors, Executive Committee: Treasurer
- Recovery Management Plan (RMP) facilitator and coordinator meeting Chair
- Peer Support and Advocacy Network, Member Board of Directors
- Mercy Behavioral Health, Pittsburgh PA, Advisory Board Member
- Allegheny Health Choices Initiative, Centers for Excellence, Representative
Bio
Saya Krebs,PhD.-C, MCC, CPS, CPS-S is a dedicated leader in mental health advocacy and recovery. As Senior Recovery and Resiliency Specialist at the nation’s largest Managed Care Company, Saya played a pivotal role in advancing peer support initiatives, including the successful launch of the Certified Peer Support Internship program at various Community Mental Health Centers. Prior to this, Saya served as Director of Peer Programs for a community mental health center, where she oversaw the development and implementation of innovative peer support services and championed recovery-focused approaches. In addition to these roles, Saya serves as a Consultant, Advisor/Advocate, and Speaker, contributing her expertise to the ongoing transformation of mental health services. She is a certified Wellness Coach, WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) facilitator, Personal Medicine and Trauma-Informed Sanctuary trainer, and is actively engaged in supporting trainers and stakeholders on recovery and wellness initiatives across Pennsylvania. With extensive experience as a mental health and substance use educator and recovery expert—both professionally and through lived experience—Saya has provided consultation and training to state and local mental health departments, as well as community-based organizations. Her work has supported the implementation of recommendations from the President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health at national, state, and local levels. Saya’s areas of expertise include mental health policy, recovery and resiliency, trauma informed care, organizational development, supported employment, and job creation for consumer/survivors. She is committed to promoting community integration for individuals living with mental illness by offering resources, technical assistance, and best practices to the mental health community.
Skills
Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC), Peer Support Services, Mental Health Policy, Substance Use Education, Trauma-Informed Care, Integrated Care, Crisis Intervention, Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), Personal Medicine, Whole Health Recovery, Sanctuary Model, Program Development & Implementation, Project Management, Quality Assurance, Compliance Management (Agency, County, State, Federal Regulations), Service Documentation, Budgeting, Inventory Control, Staff Supervision & Mentoring, Performance Evaluation, Team Leadership, Cross-functional Collaboration, Training & Development, Recruitment, Liaison & Stakeholder Engagement, Strategic Consulting, Advocacy, Public Speaking, Panel Discussions, Community Outreach, Policy Implementation (President’s New Freedom Commission), Certified Master Life & Wellness Coaching, WRAP Facilitation, Personal Medicine Training, Peer Support Training, Adult Education, Curriculum Development, Organizational Transformation, Systems Improvement, Best Practices Implementation, Job Creation (Consumer/Survivors)
Timeline
Director of Peer Programs
Milestone Centers Inc
08.2018 - 07.2024
Integrated Care Therapist/Behavioral Health Specialist
Milestone Centers Inc
10.2017 - 08.2018
Store and Area/District Manager
Hickory Farms
08.2017 - 01.2023
Training Coordinator / Recovery Training Specialist
Community Care Behavioral Health Organization (UPMC Insurance Services Division)
12.2006 - 02.2008
Senior Recovery and Resiliency Specialist Adult Peer Focused
Community Care Behavioral Health Organization (UPMC Insurance Services Division)
12.2006 - 04.2016
Advocate/Recovery Specialist
Allegheny County Dept. of Human Services: Office of Behavioral Health
01.2006 - 12.2006
Psychiatric and Social Rehabilitation Counselor / Recovery Coordinator
Mercy Behavioral Health
03.1996 - 01.2006
Sheltered Workshop Instructor and Job Coach
Family Services of Western Pennsylvania – NorthCo
08.1989 - 07.1992
MS - Psychology
Ashwood University
BS - Psychology
Ashwood University
undefined
Community College of Allegheny County
undefined
Point Park University
PhD-C - Psychology
Carlow
Concentration - Psychology
Carlow College