The Behavioral Health Leadership team began meeting informally in 2019 but was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. Monthly meetings resumed in March 2021, and in September 2023, a coordinator was hired to assist the Community Services Department in this effort.

On February 13, 2024, the Board adopted Resolution No. 2024-032, which formally established the Behavioral Health Leadership Council as an advisory body to provide recommendations concerning a comprehensive system of behavioral health services to better meet the needs of Santa Fe County residents.

Per the resolution, the BHLC is comprised of 15 voting members appointed by the Board and should reflect diverse backgrounds and varied health care services and experiences, including providers, government agencies, advocates, and persons with lived experience. All members must reside within Santa Fe County or represent an organization that performs services in Santa Fe County.

Santa Fe County's Community Services Department strives to make BHLC meetings accessible to the public through alternatives to in-person attendance, such as virtual meeting platforms. However, the availability of those alternatives is not guaranteed due to internet and other service disruptions and equipment failures, and duly noticed meetings may be held even if those alternatives are unexpectedly unavailable.

2026 Meeting Schedule From January through June 2026, BHLC will join the monthly Region 1 Behavioral Health Planning Meetings. From July through the end of the year, BHLC meetings will shift to hybrid meeting options at 240 Grant Ave. and via Teams.

Board Leadership

Chair Sylvia Barela
Vice Chair Sue O'Brien

Current Members

  • Sylvia Barela
  • Sue O'Brien
  • Kate Field
  • Dr. Michael DeBernardi
  • Nicole Ault
  • Stacy Martin
  • Terry Sine
  • Dr. Jonathan Gordon
  • Kathleen Tunney
  • Fred Sandoval
  • Henri Hammond-Paul
  • Brian Serna
  • Leah Potter-Weight
  • Craig O’Hare
  • Mark Hayden

January–June 2026 Meetings

  • January 6, 2026 @ 12:00 p.m.
  • February 3, 2026 @ 12:00 p.m.
  • March 3, 2026 @ 12:00 p.m.
  • April 7, 2026 @ 12:00 p.m.
  • May 5, 2026 @ 12:00 p.m.
  • June 2, 2026 @ 12:00 p.m.

July–December 2026 Meetings

  • July 24, 2026 — 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. — Johnsons St. Conference Room
  • September 25, 2026 — 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. — Plaza Conference Room
  • November 27, 2026 — Holiday / No meeting

Meeting Info

From January through June 2026, the BHLC will join the six monthly Region 1 Behavioral Health Planning Meetings.
From July through the end of 2026, meetings will offer hybrid attendance options, with in-person meetings at 240 Grant Ave. and virtual participation via Teams.
For a complete list of meeting documents, including agendas, packet materials, and minutes, visit the County calendar.

Event Calendar

Virtual Participation

*Virtual Participation will be offered July - November
Join the Meeting
Behavioral Health Reform and Investment Act Page
Meeting ID: 258 087 309 048 7
Passcode: ca2Ls6tx
Dial-in: 1-773-352-2011
Phone Conf. ID: 651 166 404#

2026 Meeting Dates PDF

Governing Document

Review the resolution establishing the Behavioral Health Leadership Council.

Resolution No. 2024-032

Staff Liaison

Coy Maienza
Health Services Division Manager
Community Services Department
(505) 992-9842

2026 Behavioral Health Leadership Council Meeting Documents

View Document Archives by Year

These are currently no meeting documents for 2026