NIARA BOYD-WATSON
Summary
Senior Policy Analyst with experience in training and technical assistance at the Council of State Governments Justice Center, with a focus on reentry services, crisis response systems, and strategic planning. Demonstrated success in strengthening behavioral health infrastructure and facilitating cross-sector collaboration across justice, health, and community-based organizations. Key accomplishments include leading policy initiatives and workforce training programs that enhanced crisis intervention capacity and improved reentry outcomes for justice-involved individuals.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Policy Analyst
Council of State Governments, CSG
04.2023 - 05.2025
- Provided technical assistance and capacity-building support to behavioral health providers, crisis response teams, reentry services, and justice system agencies, many of whom were engaged in federally funded initiatives.
- Supported the development and facilitation of training materials for the behavioral health workforce, delivering webinars and leading online learning communities tailored to providers across various settings.
- Contributed to data collection efforts for grant-funded behavioral health projects, including tracking tools, dashboards, and evaluation reports to support program improvement and accountability.
- Participated in focus groups, stakeholder interviews, and policy discussions with high-level officials, researchers, and advocates to inform research and program design.
- Assisted in multi-state project implementation through operational planning, stakeholder engagement, and coordination of deliverables under tight timelines.
- Maintained up to date knowledge of behavioral health systems and policy trends through continuous professional development and engagement with national experts.
- Utilized collaboration tools such as Asana, Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom to manage remote communications, project timelines, and training logistics.
Lead Admissions Clinician
Wekiva Springs Center
04.2022 - 04.2023
- Coordinated crisis admissions and managed high-acuity clinical screenings for psychiatric and substance use disorder diagnosis'.
- Assisted in developing and implementing policies and procedures related to clinical operations.
- Conducted risk assessments, imminent harm evaluations, and admission planning in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.
- Enhanced virtual intake workflows, and upheld compliance with quality assurance policies and documentation standards.
Lead Crisis Assessor
Mental Health Resource Center
02.2020 - 03.2023
- Conducted crisis assessments for underserved populations using Baker Act criteria and DSM-5 standards for telehealth and in-person services.
- Collaborated with hospitals, insurance providers, and legal stakeholders to coordinate crisis care access.
- Provided documentation and scheduling support for emergency transfers and psychiatric evaluations.
- Developed training materials for staff members related to assessing clients' needs and abilities.
- Reviewed existing policies, procedures and protocols related to assessment processes and made recommendations for improvement as needed.
- Ensured compliance with applicable laws, regulations, standards, guidelines and ethical principles governing assessments.
Program Director
Sevita Health
03.2021 - 04.2022
- Oversaw operations for residential mental health programs for underserved populations, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Supervised 20+ multidisciplinary diverse staff, implemented professional development initiatives, and led weekly team supervision.
- Managed client transitions, staffing, and 24/7 service coverage while improving care coordination workflows.
Education
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Educational Psychology
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Los Angeles, CA01.2019
Certificate in Child & Adolescent Psychology -
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Los Angeles, CA01.2015
MS - Forensic Psychology
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Los Angeles, CA01.2014
MS - Criminal Justice
Savannah State University
Savannah, GA01.2011
Skills
- Behavioral Health Systems & Policy Expertise
- Training & Technical Assistance
- Public speaking
- Program Evaluation
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Site Visit Coordination
- Strategic Project Management
- Clinical assessment
- Design and Delivery of Training Sessions
- Workshop Facilitation
Leadership
- Speaker, National 2024 Second Chance Act (SCA) Conference
- Speaker, Maryland Office of the Public Defender Site Visit (2024)
- Speaker, New Age Services Site Visit (2024)
- Speaker, Palm Beach County Regional and State Transitional Offender Initiative Site Visit (2023)
- Speaker, National Incarceration Association Site Visit (2023)
- Facilitator, Family Engagement for Youth and Young Adults During Reentry (2023)
Additional Professional Experience
- Chrysalis Health- Therapist (2019 - 2021)
- Helping Hands Inspire Happy Hearts-Therapist (2017 - 2018)
- Right Path Behavioral Health-Therapist (2015 - 2017)
- River Region Human Services-Counselor (2013 - 2015)
- Duval County Courts-Trial Clerk (2012 - 2013)
- GA Dept. of Juvenile Justice-Juvenile Corrections Officer (2011 - 2012)
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Senior Policy Analyst
Council of State Governments, CSG
04.2023 - 05.2025
Lead Admissions Clinician
Wekiva Springs Center
04.2022 - 04.2023
Program Director
Sevita Health
03.2021 - 04.2022
Lead Crisis Assessor
Mental Health Resource Center
02.2020 - 03.2023
Certificate in Child & Adolescent Psychology -
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
MS - Forensic Psychology
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
MS - Criminal Justice
Savannah State University
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Educational Psychology
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
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