Behavioral Health Policy Speaker Series

10/6 Session Details

Moving Beyond Implications Conference Overview

October 6, 2026

Dr. Kerri Raissian of Yale School of Public Health and CT Scholars Strategy Network provided an overview of the upcoming "Moving Beyond Implications: Research to Policy" Conference, an opportunity for policy fellows to present research on a children's behavioral health topic to state legislators. Jeff Vanderploeg, President & CEO of CHDI and director of the Policy Fellowship, also provided an overview of this year's Policy Fellowship for participants.

Read Kerri's bio

Click below to view recording - Zoom passcode: =eGF$4GX

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10/27 Session Details

Shaping Futures: Policy Pathways in Children’s Behavioral Health

October 27, 2026

Jeff Vanderploeg, PhD, President & CEO of CHDI and one of the lead authors of the state of Connecticut's Behavioral Health Plan for Children, discussed the System of Care framework in children’s behavioral health as a “north-star” for guiding related policy work. He also described the behavioral health policy and system development landscape in Connecticut and introduced the Racial Equity Impact Analysis (REIA) as one way to ensure justice and equity are included in policy development and implementation. He also offered participants tips on starting their journey in children’s behavioral health policy.

Read Jeff's bio

Click below to view recording - Zoom passcode: #RTq4fj9

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11/24 Session Details

CT Legislative Session Preview

November 24, 2026

Melissa Biggs is a partner with Connecticut government relations and lobbying firm DePino, Nuñez, and Biggs, LLC. She will provide an overview of the basics of the upcoming CT legislative session, including important dates, procedures, committees, tips on engaging legislators, the role of a lobbyist, and legislative priorities in youth behavioral health this year. 

Read Melissa's bio

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1/26 Session Details

Suzi Ruhl, JD, MPH

January 26, 2027

Suzi Ruhl, JD, MPH, a lawyer and epidemiologist, is a Senior Research Scientist at the Yale Child Study Center and co-leader of the Yale Biological Embedding, Global Research & Intervention Network (BEGIN) at the Yale Institute for Global Health (YIGH). In this session, she will provide an overview of the rule of law and the Triple Bottom Line Justice (TBLJ) framework (click here to learn more about TBLJ).

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2/23 Session Details

Speaker/Topic TBD

February 23, 2027

Speaker/Topic TBD - check back for updates!

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3/23 Session Details

Advocating for Children's Behavioral Health

March 23, 2027

Sarah Eagan, JD, is Executive Director of the Center for Children's Advocacy. She previously served as Connecticut’s Child Advocate, directing investigations, public reporting, and advocacy work on behalf of children and families throughout Connecticut. Sarah has participated in drafting and seeking passage of many new laws addressing conditions and services for children with behavioral health and other needs, including reducing use of restraint and seclusion, improving conditions for incarcerated children, and strengthening legal protections for children in foster care. 

Read Sarah's bio

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4/27 Session Details

Melissa Santos, PhD

April 27, 2027

Melissa Santos is a licensed psychologist and Division Head of Pediatric Psychology at Connecticut Children's Medical Center. She is also Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Associate Chair for Accountability, Belonging, and Culture at University of Connecticut School of Medicine. In addition, she directs the Scientific Center for Child Health Excellence in Research and Innovative Outcomes at Connecticut Children's Research Institute.

Prior to her current role, Dr. Santos led CCMC's obesity treatment programs. Dr. Santos received a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Texas Tech University and completed Postdoctoral Fellowships in Medical Psychology at the Medical College of Georgia, and in Child & Adolescent Clinical Psychology the Institute of Living/CCMC. She is a member of the CHDI Board of Directors.

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5/27 Session Details

Role of State Behavioral Health Advocates

May 27, 2027

Appointed by Governor Lamont and confirmed by the legislature in 2025, Howard Sovronsky, LCSW serves as Connecticut’s inaugural Behavioral Health Advocate. A licensed clinical social worker with over 40 years of experience, Sovronsky has held executive leadership roles across the public and private sectors, including serving as Chief Behavioral Health Officer at Connecticut Children's and Commissioner of the Nassau County Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities.

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