Sukey Steckel
Projects I Support:
Get to know me
I joined the CARS team in 2021 as a senior technical assistance specialist with the National Training and Technical Assistance Center for Child, Youth, and Family Mental Health (NTTAC). I have over 20 years of administrative, policy, and teaching experience in state government and higher education. I am passionate about improving systems that care for children and families and creating healing-centered organizations that support staff in transformative ways. My specialty areas include the system of care approach, children’s mental health policy, community-centered governance and interagency collaboration, leadership and management, and grant writing/management. I’ve served in a variety of capacities in both the judicial and executive branches of government in Tennessee, including as the director of the Office for Children, Youth, and Families for the TN Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Prior to joining CARS, I helped educate the next generation of social workers as Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville College of Social Work. I care deeply about humanizing the work of government and supporting governmental leaders in centering the needs and voices of the communities they serve. When I’m not working, I love to kayak and explore the many greenways in Nashville.
I am
Senior Technical Assistance Specialist, Center for Applied Research Solutions (CARS)
Senior Technical Assistance Specialist, National Training and Technical Assistance Center for Child, Youth, and Family Mental Health (NTTAC)
I provide support to system of care communities across the country working to improve service delivery systems for children, youth, and families experiencing mental health challenges. In my work with individuals, I help leaders center the needs of their constituencies as they work to transform systems, organizations, and communities. In my work with groups, I address complex children’s mental health topics within a collaborative space for learning and growth.
Work Showcase
Transforming System of Care Governance: A Collaborative Learning Journey Series
I led and co-facilitated the 6-part Transforming System of Care Governance: A Collaborative Learning Journey series for system of care leaders, where we explored the challenging issues of community-based governance structures, power sharing, centering youth and family partnership, and cross-sector collaboration.
2025 System of Care Summit
I co-presented the Collaboration Lab Implementation Training for the 2025 System of Care Summit.
Amplify Youth Voice
I led the Amplify Youth Voice project where I executive produced 5 short films featuring young adult’s spoken word poetry, illustrating the important connections between artistic expression and youth mental health.
Guidance for Developing a System of Care Finance and Sustainability Plan
I co-wrote the Guidance for Developing a System of Care Finance and Sustainability Plan, which supports all states and communities engaged in planning and implementation of the system of care approach.
Testimonial
Content was excellent - provided both food for thought about the big picture that our work requires and guidance about how to get through challenging days and meetings. I thought it was optimistic and realistic, aspirational and hands on.