Sarah

Director, Community Operations
Chattanooga & Upper East TN

In her personal and professional life, Sarah has always felt a strong connection with those who are facing challenges and who are marginalized. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Sarah knows that a lot of humans do not feel seen, safe, supported or included, and she feels a kinship with those experiences. 

Sarah has known, loved and worked with many people living with serious mental illness and substance use disorders. Through supporting people both personally and professionally, Sarah has gained a deep understanding of the behavioral health system and the incredible persistence it takes to get the help and care that an individual needs. She has learned the importance of advocating for one's care and being a voice for those who feel unheard.

Before joining the team at firsthand, Sarah worked with a Medicaid program that provided home and community services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The individuals she served faced both mental and physical health challenges, with many mental health care providers unwilling to treat them. These individuals would often end up stuck in the emergency room for days, weeks, and even months without an appropriate care setting to go to. Sarah found this lack of flexibility frustrating, and she saw the toll it took on both the individuals and their families. It was experiences like these that drew her to firsthand, where she knew she could make a difference by providing the flexibility and individualized care that so many people desperately need.

For Sarah, healthcare is a basic human right, and she feels privileged to be part of a team that is dedicated to making it more accessible for everyone. She acknowledges that navigating the current healthcare system can be incredibly challenging, and she recognizes the value of having someone there to offer support and guidance.

Sarah's advice to others who are struggling is to look for the things in life that are "life-giving" and to lean into those as much as possible. By doing so, it becomes easier to let go of the things that aren't serving us well. Sarah finds this easier to remember some days than others. If you will remind her, she will help remind you too.