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Leadership
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Dr. Kivette Bowman
is the Universal MH/DD/SAS Medical Director. Dr. Bowman directs all the medical services and aspects of Universal's psychiatric and clinical operations statewide. Having served in various positions throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Bowman is a graduate of Wake Forest and UNC School of Medicine. Dr. Bowman completed his psychiatric residency at Dorthea Dix Hospital and Duke University Medical School. A resident of Troutman, Dr. Bowman loves to travel and spend quality time with his two children and five grandchildren.
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Leslie W. Cothren
is the Information Technology Director for Universal. He completed his B.A. in Computer Information Systems at Lenoir-Rhyne College and completed his M.B.A. with a marketing emphasis in June of 2006 from Strayer University.
Leslie has sixteen years of diverse experience in the Information Technology field. At UMHS, he is responsible for all facets of the IT arena, from computers and servers to cell phones and fax machines. He works tirelessly to ensure that all users in all UMHS offices have access to all needed equipment and information systems.
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Becky Franklin
is Universal’s Western-Central Regional Director. She graduated from Gardner-Webb University with a B.S. in Human Services. Having worked in the mental health and developmental disabilities fields nearly 18 years, Becky has expertise with diverse populations in direct care, therapeutic foster care, group homes, and case management as well as in the private provider arena. She enjoys the daily opportunities to help and support people, to advocate for people’s needs, to enable people to strive for their greater potential, achieve more, and be successful. Becky takes pride in effectively managing the delivery of all services to all clientele within the Western-Central Region.
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Ingrid Freeman
is the State Office Director for Universal. She has eight years experience working with office support, accounting, and clinical supervisors. Her position is vital to bridge the gap between service delivery and administrative functions. Ingrid is dedicated to ensuring that all offices are operating efficiently and in accordance to company and CARF Standards.
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Tracy Frye
is Universal’s Quality Improvement Specialist. With over 28 years of experience in the state, county and private sectors of the mental health field, Tracy is highly regarded for her knowledge of the quality improvement arena. Tracy is responsible for accreditation, endorsements, audits and other quality improvement strategies. She is actively involved in the Quality Council for local LMEs as well as being a faithful volunteer with North Carolina Special Olympics. With Tracy at the helm of the quality improvement department, Universal is sure to provide quality services.
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Dave Gittler
is Universal’s Regional Director for Central-Eastern North Carolina. He has a B.A. in Sociology from Quincy College and has worked in the mental health and developmental disabilities fields in Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa. Throughout his 30 plus years in residential treatment and community-based services, Dave has served individuals of all ages and disabilities. His breadth of experience in the mental health and developmental disabilities fields makes Dave an integral part of Universal leadership.
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Drema Greer
is the Staff Training Director for Universal Mental Health Services. She obtained her B.A. in Therapeutic Recreation from Clemson University and her M.A. in Health and Physical Education from Tennessee Technological University, and has over 12 years of experience in the staff development field. She is responsible for all facets of the staff development department - creating curricula for state-mandated and internal trainings, facilitating state-wide training schedules and data entry. Drema also volunteers as an Instructor Trainer for the Catawba Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Prior to her success in staff development, Drema coached collegiate women’s basketball for 15 years. Being an educator at heart, Drema says, “Training here at Universal is all about strategically guiding employees into improving their performance.”
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Patra Lowe
is Universal’s Clinical Director. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Social Work from Western Carolina University and the University of South Carolina. Patra is a licensed clinical social worker. She has work experience with Hospice, juvenile justice, and therapeutic foster care. For the past ten years, she has worked with individuals with developmental disabilities and/or mental illnesses. Patra’s goal is to continue relationships in the western region of NC to foster growth while providing excellent professional client services.
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