Christina Cook is the Director of the Maine Crisis Line/988 (MCL/988) at The Opportunity Alliance in Portland, ME. She earned her undergraduate degree in Business Psychology from the University of Maine at Farmington and her graduate degree in Social Work from the University of Southern Maine. Throughout her career, Christina has worked with individuals in both community and residential settings, supporting programs that serve people experiencing homelessness, high-risk substance use, and suicidal crises. Before her current role at MCL/988, Christina served as a Clinical Manager of a PNMI program and as a supervisor for the Project for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH). She is passionate about building systems of care that are accessible to all and truly meet the needs of individuals in crisis.

Harley High is the 988 Coordinator, Maine Crisis Line/988 (MCL/988) at The Opportunity Alliance in Portland, ME. Harley works to strengthen partnerships with national and state organizations to enhance outreach, engagement, and operations for the MCl/988. Drawing on frontline experience, Harley contributes to quality assurance processes and supports training for new staff to ensure best practices in crisis intervention. Harley also assists with key projects such as reaccreditation preparation and organizes awareness initiatives, including 988 Day activities. Passionate about mental health advocacy, Harley is dedicated to improving access to compassionate, effective care for individuals in crisis.

Abby Bridgers is a data analyst and program evaluator at the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Behavioral Health. She holds a bachelor’s degree in politics from Mount Holyoke College and a master’s degree in analytics from Northeastern University’s Roux Institute. Abby has health data experience spanning health policy, industry consulting, and clinical settings. In her current role, she analyzes and presents data for state and federal audiences to support crisis system monitoring and reform efforts.

Brooke Pochee-Smith is an experienced public health and systems change professional with deep experience spanning healthcare, government policy and planning, community organizing, and organizational leadership. She currently serves as Project Director for Maine’s 988 and Crisis System Reform at the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, where she leads the statewide implementation of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, manages multi-sector collaborations, and supports broad access to behavioral health crisis services across Maine. Holding a Master of Public Health and a Master of International and Intercultural Management, Ms. Pochee-Smith brings a multidisciplinary approach to public health policy, evaluation, and community engagement, with experience in program evaluation, international public health research, and systems change initiatives in both higher education and government.

Catherine serves as the Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives for Spurwink Services in Maine. Her professional work has been focused on developing models that provide excellence in clinical care and yield exceptional outcomes. She is passionate about ensuring access for those in need, bending the cost curve to achieve fiscal sustainability, and reducing the stigma associated with behavioral health. Catherine is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a MS in Counselor Education, and a Nationally Certified Counselor. She has completed the certificate program in Primary Care Behavioral Health from University of MA and is a graduate of the Hanley Leadership Development program for healthcare leaders in Maine. Catherine currently serves as a board member for the Maine Council on Aging (MCOA), the Portland Recovery Community Center (PRCC), is chair for the Hanley Center for Health Leadership, and is a corporator for Bangor Savings Bank.

Senior Director of Outpatient and Community Services (Portland) Megan DuEst is an experienced clinician and leader with over 12 years in the behavioral health field. Currently serving as the Senior Director of OCS Portland, Megan oversees a variety of critical programs and services, including the first crisis receiving center in the State of Maine, Spurwink’s Assertive Community Treatment Program, and Ashlea's Place. She also manages contracted programs through Mercy Hospital and MaineHealth. Throughout her career, Megan has demonstrated a deep commitment to improving access to mental health services, particularly in high-need communities. Her prior experience includes providing intensive in-home support to children and families, outpatient counseling, school-based services, supporting resource/foster parents and children in DHHS custody, and crisis intervention.

Ben is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who currently serves as Spurwink’s Vice President of Outpatient and Community Services. Ben has worked across Spurwink serving children, youth, families, and adults. He received his undergraduate degree from Bates College, and his MSW from the University of New England. He also serves as the complaint officer for the State Board of Social Work Licensure and is a member of the Deadly Force Review Panel. Ben helped design and implement the State’s first 24/7 crisis receiving center and has worked closely with the Commissioner of Public Safety to offer statewide 24/7 telehealth weapons restriction assessments.

Amanda is a Certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist working at Spurwink's Living Room Crisis Center for the past three years. In addition to her work at Spurwink, Amanda is a program manager and resource coordinator at Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center. Amanda is committed to harm reduction, mutuality, and person-centered care. Her work is grounded in the belief that people are the experts in their own lives and deserve support that honors autonomy, dignity, and lived experience. She strives to create nonjudgmental, collaborative spaces where individuals feel heard, respected, and empowered to define their own goals.

Katherine graduated with an undergraduate degree in public health from the College of Charleston in 2017. After graduation, she completed an AmeriCorps Year as a Family Enrichment and Volunteer Manager with a federally qualified health center in New Hampshire. Katherine then went on to study social work with Simmons University in 2018. While completing her graduate degree, she worked as a community health educator. She graduated in 2020 with her master's degree in social work and began working as a school-based adolescent therapist. After moving to Maine in 2021, Katherine continued as a community mental health youth and family therapist before joining the Spur wink Living Room Crisis Center team as a Clinician in 2023. The following year, Katherine transitioned to the role of Director at the Living Room Crisis Center. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Katherine enjoys supervising and mentoring the Living Room's multidisciplinary team, connecting with clients, and working closely with community partners.