As the Senior Program Director, Michele Phillips is employed by University Psychiatric Practice (UPP) to oversee all aspects of the Project TEACH contract and statewide services. She works closely with the Executive Director and Medical Directors and serves as the program’s liaison to the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH). Michele leads statewide advisory committees; directs marketing, outreach, and engagement initiatives; ensures contractual deliverables and reporting requirements are met; manages the program’s budget and subcontracts; and supervises liaison coordinators, administrative staff, and day-to-day operations. She also represents Project TEACH at the National Network of Child Psychiatry Access Programs and the National Network of Perinatal Psychiatry Access Programs.

A proud graduate of St. Bonaventure University, Michele earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication with a minor in psychology. Prior to joining the UPP team, she served as Director of Community Relations at Four Winds Hospital in Saratoga Springs, NY, where she led professional education, physician outreach, marketing, and grant-funded initiatives for over 20 years.

Throughout her career, Michele has launched collaborative care services, secured private and state funding for community mental health programs, coordinated more than 900 mental health education events, and helped establish one of the nation’s first child psychiatry access programs.