Miriam Walton Retires after 39 Years; Kaitie Hart Becomes New Executive Director
Miriam Walton
Kaitie Hart
Miriam Walton began her career as a county employee in 1985 at the Ashtabula County Children Services Board and began working for the Ashtabula County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board in 2001. Ms. Walton has served as the Executive Director of the Board since August of 2009. The MHRS Board’s mission is to help improve the quality of life for persons and their loved ones affected by mental health and/or substance use disorders by working with state certified providers to ensure services are available across the continuum of care, from prevention to recovery supports. Ms. Walton has been instrumental in expanding the continuum of care in Ashtabula County. “It has been a great privilege to work with so many committed and passionate community partners over the years. Community collaboration makes all the difference.”
Taking over for Ms. Walton as the new Executive Director is Kaitie Hart, MPA. Ms. Hart has been with the MHRS Board for over 9 years. Ms. Hart was initially hired in 2015 as the Prevention Coalition Coordinator, but continually increased her Board responsibilities and also served as the Director of Operations and most recently, the Assistant Director . Prior to coming to the MHRS Board Ms. Hart worked as a probation officer for the Ashtabula County Court System-Eastern and Western Divisions where she understood the need for more prevention and the expansion of treatment services and recovery supports. “Since then, there has been so much positive change and growth in access to behavioral health services but there is still work to be done as the environment is constantly changing. I am excited to follow in Miriam’s footsteps and help continue to build the behavioral health system in Ashtabula County” says Hart.