Name and Position at Region Ten: Connie Dillard, Regional Initiatives Accounts Payable Manager and employee at Region Ten for 25 years!

Where are you from? I currently live in Louisa, but I’m originally from Fluvanna County, Virginia.

What drew you to the mental health field? When I was growing up I had family members who had mental health concerns. When I was young I did not understand it, but now I see that there are so many things that can be done to help people who are struggling. I have also always had an interest in ways we can support women and children, especially since women fill so many roles within the family and community.

What are some of the highlights in your professional career? I really enjoy problem solving and being able to further my knowledge and education in my work. When I first came to work at Region Ten, I did not know about mental health and substance use services, so I have really enjoyed learning about these topics, as well as growing my skills in billing. I really like math and although I haven’t had direct contact with the people we serve, I’ve always enjoyed hearing how my work helps people get what they need. I’m a small part of how the process works and that feels really good.

What do you enjoy about your work at Region Ten? Whenever I ‘m out in the community I hear from people how impactful Region Ten has been. There have been numerous occasions where I will share with people that I work at Region Ten and they will respond and say, “Thank you so much for all you do for our community.”  Even though I don’t do clinical services the impact is still felt by the community and I really enjoy hearing that.

What does Black History Month mean to you? Lately, I have really been enjoying learning about black women who have made a difference and had a big impact. I recently learned about the first black novelist, Hannah Crafts, who escaped enslavement on a North Carolina plantation and wrote “The Bondswoman’s Narrative” based on her experience.