LCSW, is the Chief Executive Officer of Behavioral Health Services, Inc. Ms. Summers has been with BHS for 35 years and has served as counselor, clinical supervisor, program director, Director of Quality Assurance, and Director of Clinical Services prior to accepting her current role. While serving with BHS, Ms. Summers has also co-authored a substance abuse chapter of a nursing pharmacology textbook, served as adjunct faculty at California State University Los Angeles, trained medical students at Loma Linda University, served as an Accreditation Surveyor for a post secondary educational institution, and presented on substance abuse and addiction at multiple local and national conferences. Ms. Summers currently serves as a consultant under contract with the California Institute of Behavioral Health Services assisting individuals and agencies throughout the state in licensing and certification attainment and compliance.
Denise is the Chief Operating Officer, she holds a master’s degree in Social Work and a bachelor’s degree in Human Services. She is also a Certified SUD Counselor, specializing in co-occurring disorders. Denise has worked in the human service field for over 29 years. In her current position she implements company strategies into daily operations to meet objectives, sets comprehensive goals for performance and growth and works collaboratively with Divisional Directors, CFO and CEO to develop treatment strategies, annual budgets and monthly productivity goals. She was instrumental in the implementation of several BHS projects including the United States Probation Offender UA testing program and the Vocational Training Program - a program that provides on-the- job training to participants and which provides individuals with the skills necessary to achieve permanent employment. Denise is a Board Member of a non-profit organization and volunteers in many community-based activities.
CADC II, BSBA, is the Director of Family Health Services for BHS. Mr. Ballue had been the Executive Director of The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of the South Bay (NCADD/South Bay) from May 2008 to July 2011 when NCADD/South Bay merged with Behavioral Health Services. BHS maintained the affiliation with NCADD Inc. where Mr. Ballue serves on the Board of Directors and represents that entity to the American Society of Addiction Medicine Board.
Mr. Ballue served from 2011 to 2015 as the Chief Strategy Officer for the combined agencies. In 2015 Mr. Ballue transitioned to Director of Family Health Services to administer BHS’ Primary Care Clinic, whose development he had been project lead on and which attained Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) status that year. Leading up to his career with BHS, Mr. Ballue worked as a community group facilitator, Lead Counselor, Case Manager, Intake Counselor, Community Outreach Coordinator, and Program Director in a variety of settings ranging from hospital-based to residential, outpatient, and both adolescent and adult. He has worked as a consultant to middle schools and high schools in the South Bay Community, where he has provided alcohol and drug counseling services, prevention services, peer counseling training, and referral services. In addition to maintaining his alcohol and drug counselor certification, Mr. Ballue obtained a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix in 1999.
is the Divisional Director for the Inland/Metro/East service area of Behavioral Health Services, Inc. She has been a progressive service provider for Alcohol and Drug Treatment and Prevention services since 1990. In the course of her career she has moved from administrative support to direct services and is currently in executive management. Celia has proven to be a skilled executive, visionary, strategic thinker and planner. She is a native of Los Angeles and is an advocate for culturally sensitive, competent and relevant treatment and prevention services for substance abusers. She is also vested in education and support services for individuals and communities directly and indirectly impacted by substance abuse and misuse as well as for persons with co-morbid diseases. Celia has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and has been a certified addiction specialist since 2005.
is the Divisional Director for the Harbor Area Division of BHS, and Administrator of Redgate Memorial Recovery Center in Long Beach. Ms. Cargill-Fuller holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration/Computer Information Systems, a master’s degree in Public Administration, and is a certified CADC II though CAADAC. She has worked in the substance abuse treatment field for 27 years in both private and non-profit settings, and has been with BHS for 20 years, holding numerous positions such as Director of Community Relations and Marketing, Program Director, and Director of Housing. She has implemented numerous managed care contracts for BHS and obtained community development funding for housing for women and women with children. Ms. Cargill-Fuller is active in the community, serves on SAMHSA/CSAT’s National Recovery Month Planning Partners committee in Washington, D.C., and annually organizes numerous events in Los Angeles County for Recovery Month, including “The Los Angeles Dodgers Celebrate Recovery,” the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Proclamation for Recovery Month, and “Rally for Recovery.”
is the Heath Center Operations Director, serving in this position at BHS since 2017. Prior to this, Mrs. Venable served as a health care operations professional for over 16 years focusing on program development and implantation including revenue cycle and contract management. Michelle Venable holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Accounting from the University of Phoenix. As the Health Center Operations Director, Mrs. Venable is responsible for directing and overseeing the management of multiple health center sites in accordance with the mission of the BHS organization. Michelle ensures health center operations meet business objectives and financial goals, in addition to being the liaison with site directors; managers, accounting, billing, and compliance teams which ensures optimal preformation with HRSA, State, County and Manage Care requirements. Michelle Venable is passionate about health care and the community; her adaptability to this fast-paced and ever-changing industry has been imperative to her success.
Efrain Marquez, LCSW, is the Quality Assurance Coordinator for the behavioral health programs. He holds a master’s degree in Social Work and a bachelor’s degree in Human Services. Efrain has worked in the human service field for over 22 years. He began his career providing services to unhoused families with children and managing a food pantry for the community. In his current position he reviews compliance with treatment standards and policies. He coordinates the Quarterly Peer Review and Utilization Review process along with the client Perception of Care surveys. Efrain participates in the Quality Improvement committee where he presents data findings and recommendations.
