When Bill Manning recently retired as Director of Community Support Services (CSS), Julie Kramp faced a bittersweet situation.

As executive director of the Counseling and Counseling Center, Kramp was sorry to see Manning go. But, at the same time, she knew Shionta Gray was well equipped for the job.

“We are happy for Bill as he is looking forward to his retirement,” Kramp said. “But we will always miss him. Bill has helped us through so much change, especially during the peak of the pandemic.

“However, we are fortunate that Shionta brings her extensive skills, knowledge and experience to the job. It allows for a smooth transition, as well as opportunities for new ideas. We are grateful to have such a highly qualified internal candidate for this important position.

The CSS department offers community psychiatric support and treatment; attendant care; psychosocial rehabilitation; targeted case management; and certified peer support.

The CSS Director oversees all functions of the 12-member department.

Shionta Gray

Gray has served the Center’s clients for nearly 11 years and has served in several capacities, including Youth Community Services Support Assistant; CSS Case Manager; home care coordinator; and CSS Targeted Case Manager.

“I’ve always enjoyed the work I do and the difference we make in people’s lives,” Gray commented. “Staff members support each other, which creates a great working environment to care for and treat those who need a helping hand.

“Our mission is to promote mental health by cultivating hope and healing. We provide quality care and education with integrity, dedication and compassion with the highest possible quality of service.

Gray graduated in 2002 from Great Bend High School and graduated in 2009 from Barton Community College with an associate’s degree in accounting. She received her Bachelor of Business Administration in 2011 from Fort Hays State University, with a certificate in Human Resource Management.

Gray was an assistant professor at the $428 alternative learning center in Great Bend from 2005 to 2012 and a chemical dependency technician at the Women’s Recovery Center in Hoisington from 2007 to 2009.

“I want to use this training and knowledge to support consumers at the Center,” she said. “I learned a lot from Bill, who was an excellent supervisor and mentor. Everyone here misses him; it won’t be the same without him.

Bill Manning

Manning, who had worked at the Center for 16 years, began his journey there in psychosocial rehabilitation and attendant care. He was later promoted to Adult Case Manager before being promoted to CSS Director.

“I wanted to help people with mental illness,” Manning said. “The Center is the only place in the region that offers so many essential services, such as case management for people with serious and persistent mental illnesses. The team supports these clients, regardless of their insurance or ability to pay.

“The Center is the best place I have ever worked,” he added. “I have never encountered such a caring and compassionate team. They benefit customers and their colleagues by providing necessary and excellent support. »

Manning also pointed out that the CSS department is in good hands with Gray serving as director.

“Shionta is very compassionate and a great team player,” he said. “She has always been willing to take on additional responsibilities and is ready to support clients and team members when needed. Shionta has the skills, talents and understanding to be the new CSS Director.

The Counseling and Counseling Center is a community mental health center serving Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties. Supply of professionally trained personnel: individual and group therapy; marriage and family counselling; community support services; community services; psychosocial rehabilitation; peer support; and medication management. The confidential 24/7 hotline number is 800-875-2544.