Leading the way: Bert Nash team leader applies lessons learned from KU program

As a member of the Emerging Leaders Academy, a professional development program offered through the University of Kansas Public Management Center, Amy Warren took a test designed to identify her strengths and show her how to use them.

The test revealed something about herself she already knew.

“The results showed I couldn’t work someplace unless I really believed in what I was doing,” Warren said. “So it made sense why I work here.”

Warren is the outpatient team leader at the Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center. She has worked at the center since 2006.

“I have to believe in what I do,” said Warren, whose husband, T.Q., is a case manager at Bert Nash. Warren graduated from the Emerging Leaders Academy in April. The class met 10 times over five months. “I thought it was fantastic,” Warren said of the program.

The class curriculum covers topics such as effective communication, mentoring, dealing with conflict and budgeting.

“I learned a lot of things I could apply in my role at Bert Nash,” Warren said. “The program helped prepare me for my current position.”

Eunice Ruttinger, Bert Nash Director of Adult Services, and Patricia Roach Smith, Chief Operating Officer, nominated Warren for the academy.

“Amy has always shown a tremendous amount of leadership potential and enthusiasm,”  Roach Smith said. “She is always willing to step up and take on new responsibilities.”

Warren began her new duties as outpatient team leader in January.

“The fact I was nominated for the leadership program by my supervisors made me feel really good,” Warren said.

"I've always wanted to work in a setting where I’m giving back,” Warren said.

For more information about the Emerging Leaders Academy, visit http://www.kupmc.org/programs/ela/.