We are joined by Benjamin Brubaker and Kate Gillespie of White Bird Clinic in Oregon. Both share their expertise in crisis intervention and discuss the CAHOOTS model (Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets).
We are joined by Benjamin Brubaker and Kate Gillespie of White Bird Clinic in Oregon. Both share their expertise in crisis intervention and discuss the CAHOOTS model (Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets).
Bios:
Benjamin Brubaker works as Administrative Coordinator of WhiteBird Clinic. He began serving White Bird in September 2006. Ben first started as a full-time Crisis Worker (Qualified Mental Health Associate) on WBC’s 24/7 Crisis Line and Walk-in Center. A few years later he joined the mobile crisis intervention team Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets ( also known as CAHOOTS) as a Crisis Worker. He has worked in the mental health field for over 18 years, having held positions such as: Crisis Worker, Hurricane Katrina Relief Operational Site Coordinator, Day Counselor for youth, AmeriCorps Team Leader, and Direct Care Provider. Ben is an active trainer at his agency and has a passion for sharing information about the CAHOOTS model with other communities interested in reimagining public safety.
Kate Gillespie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she has worked for White Bird since 2010 as a crisis worker as well as a clinical supervisor, and an administrator. She has worked in the mental health field for nearly two decades. Kate’s background includes working in a state psychiatric hospital, local emergency departments, and crisis intervention for a mobile crisis unit. In addition to working at White Bird Kate has a private practice that focuses on healing trauma.