PA Treatment and Healing
Project Director’s Annual Report
Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Submitted by: Kristi Harris, MS, Project Director
Date: June 30, 2026
Executive Summary
Fiscal Year 2025-2026
During Fiscal Year 2025, I, Kristi Harris, MS, continued to serve as Project Director for Drug
and Alcohol Services at PA Treatment & Healing (PATH). Throughout the year, PATH
experienced continued organizational growth while remaining responsive to the evolving
needs of individuals, families, and communities affected by substance use disorders. Our
commitment to delivering high-quality, client-centered care remained at the forefront of all
service delivery initiatives, alongside our dedication to maintaining a highly trained and
professionally developed workforce.
Program Operations and Facility Overview
PATH currently operates four licensed outpatient treatment facilities throughout
Pennsylvania, located in Milton, Altoona, Honesdale, and East Stroudsburg. Each facility
provides both in-person and telehealth services at the Outpatient (OP) and Intensive
Outpatient (IOP) levels of care. In addition, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) services are available at all locations, ensuring comprehensive access to evidence-based treatment
options.
Facility Leadership
Milton
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- Kristi Harris, MS – Facility Director
Altoona
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- Brenda Hoover – Clinical Supervisor
Honesdale
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- Angela Kinney – Clinical Supervisor
East Stroudsburg
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- Christie McElwee – Clinical Supervisor
During Fiscal Year 2025-2026, PAТH expanded its service offerings through the
implementation of a nationally recognized Retail Theft Prevention curriculum, delivered
through a hybrid model utilizing individual counseling sessions. Additionally, PATH enhanced its specialized programming through the introduction of domestic violence perpetrator counseling services. These services are provided by Brenda Hoover, who holds nationally recognized certification in this specialized treatment area.
As part of the Behavioral Health Alliance of Rural Pennsylvania (BHARP) initiative, the Altoona facility successfully achieved BHARP designation, becoming the final eligible PATH location to obtain this distinction. This accomplishment reflects the organization’s continued commitment to quality improvement, service excellence, and integrated behavioral healthcare delivery.
PATH also expanded its network of payer and referral partnerships during the fiscal year. The organization became credentialed with Aetna and established provider status with the
Pennsylvania Bureau of Community Corrections and State Probation and Parole, increasing
access to treatment services for justice-involved individuals and expanding opportunities for service delivery.
Staff Training Needs Assessment
Consistent with Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) regulations and the requirements of contracted Single County Authorities (SCAs), PATH maintains comprehensive staff training and professional development standards.
All newly hired clinical staff are required to complete the following foundational training
courses, unless previously certified:
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- ASAM Criteria
- Addictions 101
- Confidentiality (HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2)
- Professional Ethics
- Case Management Fundamentals
- Screening and Assessment
- Motivational Interviewing
- HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Sexually Transmitted Disease Education
In addition, all staff are required to complete annual mandatory trainings, including:
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- Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Prevention
- Principles of Trauma-Informed Care
- Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Additional onboarding requirements include:
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- Mandated Reporter Training (renewed every five years)
- CPR and First Aid Certification (renewed every two years)
PATH continues to prioritize professional credentialing through the Pennsylvania
Certification Board (PCB) and actively supports employees in obtaining certification within
their first year of employment when not already credentialed.
Training Plan Overview
In response to reduced availability of external training opportunities, PATH has increased its focus on providing essential trainings internally. Current in-house training offerings include:
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- Principles of Trauma-Informed Care
- Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Prevention
- Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness
- CPR and First Aid Certification
The Relias Learning Management System continues to play a significant role in staff
onboarding and professional development. Through Relias, new employees complete
structured training modules covering critical areas such as:
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- HIPAA Compliance
- Ethics and Professional Conduct
- Motivational Interviewing
- Communicable Disease Prevention
- Clinical Documentation
- Behavioral Health Best Practices
These training resources, in conjunction with Train for Change and DDAP’s Training
Management System (TMS), ensure compliance with the Pennsylvania Addictions Treatment Manual and PATH’s personnel and training policies.
Evaluation of Training Effectiveness
As PATH continues to grow, ensuring the delivery of effective services by competent and
highly trained professionals remains a primary organizational objective. Ongoing evaluation of training effectiveness is conducted through supervision, performance reviews, quality assurance activities, and direct observation of clinical practice.
As Project Director, I remain committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning and
professional development. Current training enhancement efforts include the development
and implementation of additional onboarding content focused on:
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- Trauma-Informed Clinical Practice
- DAP Documentation Standards and Best Practices
- WITS Documentation and Data Management
- Psychological Safety in the Workplace
- Clinical Engagement and Retention Strategies
These initiatives are designed to strengthen workforce competency, improve service delivery outcomes, and support employee retention and professional growth.
Goals and Strategic Priorities for Fiscal Year 2026-2027
During Fiscal Year 2026, PATH will continue to focus on organizational growth, workforce
development, and expansion of evidence-based treatment services.
Key strategic initiatives include:
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- Strengthening team cohesion and organizational culture across all locations.
- Expanding professional development and clinical training opportunities for staff.
- Establishing a mental health counseling group practice to provide integrated
behavioral health services alongside existing substance use treatment programming. - Expanding Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) services to include injectable
treatment options. - Increasing access to co-occurring disorder treatment and comprehensive behavioral healthcare services.
- Continuing to strengthen partnerships with healthcare providers, criminal justice
agencies, and community stakeholders.
PATH remains steadfast in its mission to guide individuals toward a positive path of change
through evidence-based treatment, compassionate care, comprehensive recovery support services, and high-quality behavioral health education. Through continued innovation, staff development, and community collaboration, PATH is well-positioned to meet the growing needs of the individuals and communities we serve.
Board of Directors
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- Patrick Hughes
- Vincent Ford
- Amber Garrity
- Heather Haefner
- Erica Barnes