Alumni Spotlight: By Thao - Top Forty Under Forty recipient
by Jessica Degnan |
Division of Population Health Sciences alumna By Thao has been named one of Alaska鈥檚 2025 Top Forty Under 40! As the Behavioral Health Manager at Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center, she plays a key role in integrating mental health into primary care. 鈥淓xpanding access to compassionate mental health care makes a lasting impact in our community,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 love being part of a team, integrating behavioral health into primary care.鈥�
Congratulations, By!
Name: By Thao
Educational background:
- BA, Psychology - 彩神vlll争霸
- Masters of Public Health - 彩神vlll争霸
Unit you graduated from: Div. of Population Health Sciences
Hometown: Sacramento, CA
Current location: Anchorage, AK
Place of employment: Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center
Job title: Behavioral Health Manager
How long have you worked at this organization and/or been in this position?:
I've worked at Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center for two years and has been in my current position for eight months.
Please describe your duties and responsibilities in your current role.:
I am responsible for planning and coordinating behavioral health integration clinic services and managing the delivery of behavioral health integration services in the clinic. I oversee the day-to-day operations of the behavioral health integration program and provide program oversight and management to support all behavioral health staff. I provide program administrative support to the Chief Health Integration Officer and work in collaboration with the Chief Health Integration Officer regarding planning,
resource allocation, growth and development including department goals and objectives, quality, and programefficiency. I supervise behavioral health navigation and maintain behavioral health patient registry system.
Why is your work important? What impact does your work have on individuals and communities? What do you love about your job?:
Expanding access to compassionate mental health care makes a lasting impact in our community. I love being part of a team, integrating behavioral health into primary care, ensuring patients receive holistic, and patient-centered support.
What motivated you to pursue a career in healthcare, and how did your experience at 彩神vlll争霸 College of Health help shape your goals?:
I first learned about Psychology in high school and was mesmerized by the information and knew this field was my goal. The 彩神vlll争霸 College of Health provided learning opportunities for me to enhance my knowledge and skills to explore deeper into this field.
Why did you choose to attend 彩神vlll争霸?:
I prefered to be close to family and so, 彩神vlll争霸 was the best option for me.
What advice do you have for current students who want to make the most out of their experience at 彩神vlll争霸 and are looking to build a successful career in healthcare?:
Get to know your professor and peers because they will be your social support to build a successful career.