Philip Kreider

RN/BSN

Phil grew up on a dairy farm in Lancaster, PA. He earned an RN/BSN at Eastern Mennonite University in VA. Then he worked as a nurse for five years in Washington, DC, before moving back to Lancaster. When he was in Washington he worked with the homeless population and for a year-and-a-half in pediatrics. His travels raised his awareness of and sensitivity to others. Phil worked for 10 years in the inpatient mental health field and for five years in mobile mental health. Phil has been at Behavioral Healthcare Corporation for five years. He is passionate about being an advocate for his clients. He entered nursing so that he could be a presence in his clients’ lives, and make a difference.

One thing he might tell a friend who was considering seeing a therapist or seeking other mental health services?

“Be open.”

Nora Jens

RN

Nora was born in New York City and spent her early childhood in Texas and school years in suburban Philadelphia. She moved to Lancaster in 1982. Nora graduated from Thomas Jefferson Hospital School of Nursing and completed evening classes at Franklin & Marshall College. Nora has been with BHC for four years. She has also worked in inpatient and outpatient mental health units and in private practice. She has enjoyed excursions into teaching, neurological intensive care, orthopedic care and PACU.  Nora recognizes that professional development is a lifelong process of learning from her clients and co-workers.  She had the privilege of knowing and working with two very talented psychiatrists – Kurtis Jens, MD, and David Nutter, MD, for over 30 years. This was significant in her personal development. She was inspired to go into nursing after volunteering at the Red Cross in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Nora is passionate about working with people with chronic mental illness.

What might Nora tell a friend who was considering seeing a therapist or seeking other mental health services? 

“You generally don’t marry your first date; if you don’t click with your first therapist keep trying until you do!”

Margaret Recine

RN

Margaret (“Maggie”) grew up in New Brunswick, New Jersey and has lived in Lancaster for 25 years. She earned an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science/Nursing Education from Middlesex County College. After working in inpatient mental health units (with adults and adolescents), home nursing service for physically disabled children and adults and geriatric long-term care Maggie joined Behavioral Healthcare Corporation 10 years ago. Margaret’s passion is advocating for her clients, working with children and teens with learning difficulties, and working with young expectant mothers. She enjoys working with people in their homes for the opportunity to learn and understand more about them in their own environment. Being surrounded by the staff at BHC and their wealth of knowledge has helped her professional development.

One thing she might tell a friend who was considering seeing a therapist or seeking other mental health services?

“Seeking professional help can help keep you mentally healthy.”

Kim Holland

RN/BS

Kim has lived in South Central PA all of her life, and in the Harrisburg area for the last 13 years. Kim earned a Bachelor of Science from Juniata College, and completed an Associate Degree and RN in Nursing at Harrisburg Area Community College. She has been at Behavioral Healthcare Corporation for five years, coming from medical / surgical units and inpatient mental health. Kim chose nursing because she enjoys one-on-one interaction with her clients, and being able to assess the physical, social and emotional issues they’re dealing with to help them achieve their goals. Kim believes physical activity has a positive effect on overall health and well-being and she often encourages her clients to be more active. It is important to her to live simply and humbly, to be kind to others and focus on what is important in life.

What would she tell a friend who was considering seeing a therapist or seeking other mental health services?

need comment here!

Jurema Silva-Morales

CAN

Jurema was born in San German, Puerto Rico. She came to Lancaster, PA, in 1984. Jurema is a graduate of JP McCaskey High School and earned a certification in CAN from Harrisburg Community College. She has been at Behavioral Healthcare Corporation for two years. Before joining BHC she worked in a CRR (Community Residential Rehabilitation) as  a program supervisor. She enjoys helping individuals with short and long term goals, assisting with shopping, budgeting, appointments and integrating into their community. Jurema wanted to make a difference in people’s lives, and decided to enter the field after working in an Alzheimer’s unit and caring for a family member with mental illness. She has been inspired by seeing one of her clients move out of the CRR to live independently and by helping another with completing a GED and driver’s permit.

What is one thing she might tell a friend who was considering seeing a therapist or seeking other mental health services?

“Open up about problems you have and work on being open to suggestion. Therapy takes time so stick with it.”

Joanne Eaby

RN/BSN

Joanne has lived in Lancaster County almost her entire life and has been at Behavioral Healthcare Corporation for 13 years. Joanne received an RN degree from St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Eastern Mennonite University. A “very positive experience” in nursing school led to her ultimate career path. Prior to working at BHC she worked in an inpatient mental health unit, medical and psychiatric home health, hospital-based medical / surgical units and mobile psychiatric nursing service. Joanne is most passionate about the impact of an individual’s physical health on their mental health. One thing that has been significant to her is being part of a client’s recovery; she appreciates the opportunity to celebrate them and their accomplishments; such a difference from seeing them struggle as an inpatient.

What would she tell a friend who was considering seeing a therapist or seeking other mental health services?

“Everyone experiences struggles and challenges during their lifetime. The opportunity to receive support from a professional who can maintain objectivity can be invaluable.”

Eunice Lapp-Hill

RN/BSN

Eunice grew up in Washington, D.C. and spent 16 years working as a nurse in Tuscon, Arizona. She came to Lancaster County seven  years ago. Eunice earned an RN/BSN from Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. She has been at Behavioral Healthcare Corporation for seven years. Before joining BHC Eunice worked in pediatric mental health, detox/rehab substance abuse treatment, inpatient mental health and OPC nurse. She was led to enter the mental health field because she enjoyed her clinical rotation in nursing school. Experiencing mental illness and addiction in her own family had a profound influence on her and gave her extra compassion and insight for the people she serves. She is most passionate about supporting individuals with mental illness in the community, and takes pride in being a support to them.

What is one thing she might tell a friend who was considering seeing a therapist or seeking other mental health services?

There is a “multitude of insightful, compassionate, well-educated and experienced doctors, nurses, therapists and other people who have received services that are living a fulfilling life.”

Donna Farmer

LPN

Donna has lived in Lancaster her entire life and has been with BHC for 13 years. Donna earned a nursing degree and  LPN from the Lancaster County Career and Technology Center at Willow Street and completed course work at Millersville University. Before she came to work at BHC Donna worked in the in-patient unit at St. Joseph Hospital and Lancaster Regional Medical Center. She is passionate about mental health and is interest in the arts, nature, animals and her family. Her interest in mental health, and a desire to be helpful to those in need of nursing care and support led her to her current career. Donna credits significant learning experiences and working with her peers and professional contacts for guiding an ongoing learning process that continues to grow and develop.

What would she tell a friend who was considering seeing a therapist or seeking other mental health services? 

“A process to achieve wellness is worth the time and effort.”