Myia Papper

I would say perseverance. When I first started, I didn’t have everything figured out, but I had a strong belief that the work I wanted to do mattered and that it was needed. There was a passion inside me that I wasn’t willing to let anyone take away. I couldn’t allow other people’s doubts to determine what was possible. Even when others questioned whether it would work, I stayed focused on the vision I had.

I often say that your vision can feel like 20/20 to you, but it won’t always look that clear to others. Not everyone will immediately understand what you're trying to build, and that’s okay. As long as you stay committed to your vision and the impact you want to make, you can accomplish it.

The best career advice I’ve ever received was to trust your instincts and stay focused on the work you believe in. Just because the journey is difficult doesn’t mean it isn’t worth pursuing. Sometimes the most important thing you can do is remain committed to what you know is important and necessary, even when the path forward isn’t clear.

Own your expertise and don’t shrink it to make others comfortable. If there is something you are passionate about, pursue it fully and trust that your voice and perspective matter.

The journey won’t always be easy. Like any worthwhile path, there will be challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt. But those experiences are often where the most growth happens.

Most importantly, don’t allow other people’s expectations or limitations define what you believe you are capable of achieving. Stay committed to the work you care about and the impact you want to make.

One of the biggest challenges in behavioral health right now is the disconnect between the clinical care being provided and how that care is documented. Many treatment programs are doing life-changing work, but when clinical documentation does not clearly communicate medical necessity, interruptions in care can occur.

At the same time, this challenge also presents a significant opportunity. There is growing recognition across the field that stronger clinical documentation and clearer communication with insurers are essential to protecting access to treatment.

When clinicians are supported with the right training and strategies, documentation becomes more than just a requirement, it becomes a tool that helps ensure patients receive the level of care they truly need. Strengthening the connection between clinical care and clinical documentation is an area where the field has tremendous potential to improve.

Integrity, compassion, and perseverance are values that guide both my work and my life as a parent. In the behavioral health field, integrity is essential because the way we document and communicate patient care can directly affect whether someone is able to receive the treatment they need.

Compassion is equally important. Behind every chart and clinical note is a real person navigating difficult circumstances, and that perspective is something I always try to keep at the center of the work I do.

As a mother, I also think a lot about perseverance and the example I’m setting for my girls. I want them to see that purposeful work requires dedication, resilience, and a commitment to doing things the right way, even when it isn’t easy.