The end of the Fall 2022 semester marked the completion of the first basic behavioral health sciences certificate cohort from Cochise College. The group was recognized and honored in a ceremony at the college’s Downtown Center. Thirteen students received their certificates, signifying their successful completion of the program as professionals in the healthcare field. All are prepared to enter the workforce to meet the growing mental health needs across the county.
Beth Hill, dean of the Cochise College Nursing and Allied Health program, thanked everyone for attending and the Legacy Foundation of Southeast Arizona for the grant that made this possible. “The students worked really hard,” she said.
Hill initiated the concept of a basic behavioral health science program when community and clinical partners had expressed a need for skilled workers in the mental health field. Healthcare workers in behavioral and mental health are in high demand in Cochise County.
Instructor Jan Jones spoke at the ceremony with tear-filled eyes. “This is a very special class,” Jones said. “They are the program’s first cohort, and I know they will do great things. They have worked hard, and I see such great possibilities for each of them in their future career.” The ceremony was filled with families, friends, and fellow students sharing an emotional moment of achievement.
Hill said the program plans to expand and add pediatrics, trauma response and crisis intervention and de-escalating to meet the ever-growing demand.
Congratulations to the first students in the Basic Behavioral Health Science Certificate program:
Magen Abernathy
Elizabeth Carvalho
Daniel Chavez
Josh Fox
Kristi Hom
Brianna Kornegay
Angel Ortiz
Larette Roman
Laura Rulison
Monica Tovar
Miguel Trujillo
Sophia Valencia
Sandra Yanez