Published on: October 6, 2025
A NABITA Testimonial by Joseph Flanagan, M.Ed., Director for CARE and Case Management, Fitchburg State University
When I look back at how far our CARE and case management practices have come, I’m grateful to NABITA for playing a critical role in our progress.
Students at Fitchburg State University, like those at any college or university, face a wide range of social, emotional, financial, and psychological challenges. To better support them, our Community Assistance and Risk Evaluation (CARE) Team set out to evaluate whether our behavioral intervention and threat assessment processes are as thoughtful, well-coordinated, and sustainable as they need to be.
That’s why we partnered with NABITA for a multiyear training engagement.
A Partner to Break Down Silos
We needed a partner who could grasp our institutional identity, community needs, and team dynamics. From day one, NABITA proved to be that partner. With a deep understanding of higher education safety, both in terms of policy and people, they crafted a long-term strategy tailored to our unique culture.
Our top priority was alignment. We had multiple departments represented on our team, including student conduct, Title IX, disability services, counseling, university police, financial aid, student success, and housing. We needed a shared language, expectations, and frameworks. NABITA listened, adapted, and delivered customized recommendations.
Shifting Macro Discussions and Prioritizing Individualized Care
Our CARE Team meetings often drifted toward macro-level conversations about institutional systems. While important, these discussions took time and attention away from immediate steps to support Students of Concern. NABITA helped us implement a strategy that refocused our team on practical, individualized care.
Building a Multiyear Strategy
Makenzie Schiemann, Ph.D., M.S., Partner at TNG and President of NABITA, visited our campus to conduct a thorough review of our CARE Team operations. She interviewed stakeholders across campus and provided a clear, actionable set of recommendations.
We could have dismissed her insights as overly aspirational, but her recommendations were practical and grounded. We made a deliberate decision to fully embrace the process, and we were fortunate to have received complete buy-in from our Dean of Students and cross-campus collaborators.
NABITA’s approach wasn’t about one-off sessions. They designed a roadmap for ongoing development, where each year builds upon the last, starting with the core trainings: BIT Standards and Best Practices, Structured Interview for Violence Risk Assessment (SIVRA), and enriching our development with Collaboration and Support: Addressing the Intersection of BIT, Conduct, and Disability Support Workshop.
Year One: Training in Evidence-Based Tools
Our primary focus in year one was to strengthen the CARE Team and refine our processes. Foundational training in BIT Standards and SIVRA, along with the specialized workshop, gave us research-based tools to assess risk and suicidality.
We implemented the NABITA Risk Rubric and began using features in Maxient in new ways to streamline record-keeping and agenda-building. These tools helped us build an infrastructure where risk assessments guided our actions, rather than letting heightened emotions take control.
NABITA also introduced us to ConcernCenter. We have since launched our own branded platform using the software, called the Falcons Care Center, accessible through the university’s mobile app and website. It connects students with on- and off-campus resources tailored to their specific needs, enhancing access to support services and fostering a culture of care.
Year 2: Building the Plane as We’re Flying It
As we are more than halfway through our second year, our focus has shifted to case management and strengthening interventions. To support this, I’ve used the training inclusions within my NABITA Super Membership to complete Case Management Standards & Best Practices and Case Management Support and Interventions training and certification courses. We’re also expanding our team. We’ve hired a full-time case manager, a graduate assistant, and a part-time administrative assistant. Our newly hired case manager has completed one of the two required case management training courses, ensuring our team is well-prepared to deliver effective support.
This year also marks the successful completion of the Non-Clinical Assessment of Suicide (NAS) training by our team, further solidifying our ability to address critical needs with expertise and care.
Building on the strong foundation established in our first year, our goal for year two is to refine and expand our approach, delivering more targeted and impactful support. As NABITA aptly puts it, we’re “building the plane as we’re flying it,” reflecting the ongoing process of improving while maintaining our systems of care.
To boost efficiency, we’re developing documentation processes like tailored intake forms, action plans, and systems for data tracking and monitoring. These tools will give our team structure and consistency in every case.
Additionally, we’ve found a great partner in our institution’s counseling master’s program, which will bring on more graduate assistants. This is a mutually beneficial opportunity to further enhance our capacity while providing those students with a chance to exercise their skills in a non-clinical setting.
Year 3: Support That Adapts with Us
Looking ahead to year three, we’ll focus on applying training to complex, real-world cases with confidence. We plan to explore specialty roles for team members and the possibilities of a basic needs program, while continuing to strengthen our collaboration with partners. We’re also building a more structured, consistent case management model, including templates and workflows for student support.
NABITA’s support will continue to evolve to meet our needs. As we shift from classroom trainings to interactive consulting, we’re excited to see how our team grows with their support.
A Partnership That Endures
One of the greatest benefits of working with NABITA is the continuity they offer. In higher education, staff turnover is a reality. Having a multiyear training plan means you don’t lose institutional knowledge when a team member leaves. NABITA helped us embed foundational training into our onboarding practices, and their curriculum roadmap gives us a consistent structure for revisiting and reinforcing key concepts.
Just as importantly, NABITA consultants bring warmth, humility, and humanity to their work. They don’t parachute in and point out everything we are doing wrong. They build relationships. They affirm the work we are already doing while helping us identify areas for growth. That kind of relational trust can’t be overstated.
Ready to Build Your Roadmap?
If your institution is ready to stop reacting and start planning for long-term success, I highly recommend NABITA’s multiyear training plan. This model brings structure, consistency, and strategic depth to your work, meeting you where you are.
Start the conversation by contacting the team at TNG, NABITA’s parent consulting firm, at inquiry@tngconsulting.com.