Published on: September 8, 2025
A NABITA Testimonial by Maisue Thao, Program Coordinator-Grants, Basic Needs Coordinator, Butte College
When I discovered NABITA’s Case Management Summit, I was searching for tools to enhance my work with students. Little did I know just how transformative the experience would be.
As the Basic Needs Coordinator at my college, I support students navigating challenges such as housing insecurity and mental health struggles. I also serve on our Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) and CARES Team. Like many in student affairs, I was doing case management without formal training, navigating high-stakes situations without the structured tools or frameworks I needed.
Before attending the Summit, I regularly met with students in crisis, sometimes as the first point of contact before they reached mental health professionals or other support systems. While I worked hard to support them, I realized my approach needed to be more structured and goal-oriented. It wasn’t just about being empathetic; it was about helping students take meaningful steps forward. I also wanted my team to operate with a shared understanding and consistent strategies for tackling these complex issues, but I needed the tools to make that happen. That’s what led me to NABITA.
What the Summit Delivered
The Case Management Summit exceeded my expectations. I arrived eager yet unsure of what to expect—and left empowered with a comprehensive toolkit of strategies and frameworks that I’ve already put into practice.
One of the most impactful lessons was the importance of structuring my meetings with students. I learned how to approach each case with a clear sense of purpose: defining goals, measuring progress, and ensuring that my interactions weren’t just compassionate, but actionable. This newfound clarity has fundamentally reshaped my approach to work.
The experience was also incredibly validating. There were moments throughout the Summit where I found myself thinking, Yes! This is exactly the thing I’ve been struggling with. Hearing other professionals articulate these challenges and watching everyone role-play practical, real-world solutions made me feel understood and supported. The training didn’t just provide knowledge; it gave me confidence.
Certifications That Deepened My Practice
NABITA provided both pre- and post-Summit certification courses, and I had the opportunity to complete two intensive two-day trainings. These included Case Management Standards and Best Practices, as well as Case Management Support and Interventions, expertly led by Aaron L. Austin, Ed.D., M.Ed., and Makenzie Schiemann, Ph.D., M.S. The second training was particularly impactful, emphasizing a crucial concept: the exploration phase in case management.
The presenters used an analogy that stuck with me: when we see a solution clearly, we often rush toward it, like chasing a neon light, hoping the student will follow. But if they’re not ready, that urgency can cause them to disengage. Instead, we learned to focus on smaller, achievable goals that build trust, foster readiness, and create steady momentum. That image continues to shape how I approach every case.
Real-World Impact Back on Campus
The impact of the Summit didn’t end when the training concluded. I returned to campus with a renewed sense of purpose and enthusiasm. I immediately began sharing the tools and strategies with my team, and we started implementing them in our CARE Team meetings. Now, we have a shared language for discussing student needs, setting boundaries, and managing follow-ups. This alignment has been a game-changer for both our effectiveness and team morale.
What truly set this training apart was how deeply the facilitators understood the world we’re working in. They weren’t speaking from a distance; they’ve been on campuses, in meetings, on call, navigating these same challenges. Their scenario-based training felt practical, relatable, and grounded in reality. That authenticity made all the difference.
Why This Work and These Trainings Matter
If you work in a role that supports students, whether in housing, counseling, basic needs, or case management, and feel like you’re navigating the work without a clear structure, I can’t recommend NABITA enough. The Case Management Summit and the Pre- and Post-Summit Certification Trainings gave me exactly what I needed: practical tools, professional validation, and a community of peers who truly understand this work.
Most importantly, it reignited my passion. I didn’t expect training to do that, but this one did.
Ready to Strengthen Your Practice?
Explore NABITA’s virtual and in-person trainings. You’ll gain practical tools, renewed purpose, and a community that truly understands your work.
Learn more at nabita.org.