Cheryl Speier, Nurse Manager at Connections Health Solutions, has been named to the Frontline Honors Awards Class of 2025 by Behavioral Health Business.
To become a Frontline honoree, an individual is nominated by their peers. The candidate must be:
A dedicated, high-performing frontline worker who delivers exceptional experiences and outcomes
A passionate worker who knows how to put their vision into for the good of their respective industry, the patients and residents they serve, and their families
An advocate for their industry and their fellow colleagues
Behavioral Health Business recently caught up with Speier to discuss her time in the behavioral health industry.
BHB: What drew you to this industry?
Speier: During nursing school, I witnessed acutely, psychiatrically ill patients progress from being unable to function in their daily lives to regaining stability, independence, and hope. Seeing that transformation was incredibly powerful, as it showed me the profound impact compassionate, skilled care can have on someone’s recovery. I knew I wanted to be part of that journey by providing care and support when patients needed it most and help them restore their sense of independence and purpose.
BHB: What’s a misconception you had about this work before you started – and how has reality differed?
Speier: Before starting in this field, I underestimated how complex mental illness can be and didn’t fully grasp that recovery is a continuum, rather than a single event. Inpatient stabilization is only the first step. Lasting recovery requires strong outpatient care, consistent follow-up, and robust social supports. I’ve learned that achieving true stability is not about quick fixes, but about creating a coordinated, ongoing system of care that meets patients where they are and supports them over time.
BHB: Was there a moment in your career when you realized, “This work really matters”? What happened?
Speier: Early in my career, while working as a new nurse in a state psychiatric facility, I cared for many patients who had no family support and who had endured profound, often unspeakable trauma. I noticed that for many of them, staff were their only consistent source of connection and stability. They weren’t just looking for symptom management; they were looking for safety, dignity, and human connection.
In that environment, I realized this work is about far more than stabilizing symptoms with medication. It’s about showing up consistently, building trust, and helping patients rediscover their sense of worth and hope. That realization shifted my perspective and affirmed that this work truly matters at a deeply human level.
BHB: What’s the most valuable skill you’ve developed on the front lines that people often overlook?
Speier: One of the most valuable skills I’ve developed on the front lines is the ability to quickly assess a patient’s demeanor, behavior, and emotional state, and then adapt my approach to meet them where they are.
Establishing therapeutic rapport isn’t one-size-fits-all. It requires reading subtle cues, adjusting communication styles, and creating a sense of safety and trust in high-stress situations. That ability to connect intentionally and effectively is often overlooked, but it is foundational to providing meaningful, patient-centered care.
BHB: What’s one decision leaders make that has a bigger impact on frontline workers than they might realize?
Speier: One decision that has a greater impact on frontline workers than leaders often realize is staff scheduling. When leaders make an effort to create schedules that consider employees’ needs whenever possible, it sends a powerful message that they are valued as people, not just as positions to be filled. Thoughtful scheduling improves morale, strengthens engagement, and significantly reduces burnout and unscheduled absences. Something as practical as a schedule can directly influence retention, performance, and the overall culture of a team.
BHB: What’s a simple change – policy, tool, or mindset – that would make frontline work more effective?
Speier: A simple, but powerful change would be implementing scribe software or AI-driven documentation tools to streamline charting.
Frontline staff spend a significant amount of time documenting care, which can take away from meaningful patient and family interactions. By reducing the administrative burden, leaders can give clinicians more time to focus on direct care, therapeutic communication, and relationship-building.
Improving documentation efficiency is not just about convenience; it directly enhances quality of care, boosts staff satisfaction, and strengthens overall workflow effectiveness.
BHB: What gives you optimism about the future of this industry, despite its challenges?
Speier: What gives me hope is the clear, cultural, and systemic shift happening around mental health. We are seeing increased funding, policy reform, and innovation aimed at expanding access to care.
At the same time, younger generations are redefining how we talk about mental health by normalizing therapy, self-awareness, and advocacy. This shift not only reduces stigma, but encourages earlier intervention and more holistic approaches to care. Despite ongoing challenges, the momentum toward integration, accessibility, and prevention makes me optimistic about where this field is headed.