Chief of Staff
Thrive Behavioral Health
Warwick, Rhode Island
Dawn Allen currently serves as the Chief of Staff at Thrive Behavioral Health based in Warwick, RI. She has devoted her career to helping improve the lives of individuals affected by mental illness and/or substance use disorders. Her work spans both direct care and policy development, with a focus on creating lasting, positive change in the behavioral health field.
Dawn’s career began with 15 years of hands-on experience working with people who had mental illness and/or substance use disorder and were involved with the criminal justice system or incarcerated in the RI Adult Correctional Institution. Her passion for advocating for these individuals led her to a pivotal role at the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services, where she managed a Medicaid/Medicare demonstration program.
At Thrive Behavioral Health, Dawn played a pivotal role in advancing a transformative initiative in Rhode Island. She successfully advocated for the passage of legislation and funding to implement the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model in the state. This innovative model ensures access to high-quality, life-saving treatment for individuals and families, while addressing systemic barriers and providing sustainable, cost-based reimbursement to providers.
In recognition of her dedication to improving behavioral healthcare, Dawn has received numerous honors, including the 2024 Mental Health Hero of the Year award from the Mental Health Association of Rhode Island and the 2025 Providence Business News C-Suite Award. Her work has had a profound impact on the behavioral health landscape in Rhode Island, improving access to care for those who need it most.
A7 - The Transition From CCBHC Grantee to Demonstration
Monday, May 5, 2025
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM ET