Compassion, resilience, operational expertise and a willingness to roll up her sleeves. These are just a few of the qualities that define Kristi Kline Berryhill, CEO of Fair Oaks Recovery Center.
With a career that began on the clinical side of behavioral healthcare, Kristi brings a unique perspective to her leadership at Fair Oaks. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, she understands both the clinical and operational sides of providing quality behavioral health and substance use treatment.
Kristi earned her master’s degree in counseling psychology from the University of San Francisco. Throughout her career, she has worked across therapy, outpatient and psychological services, and hospital leadership. Before joining Fair Oaks Recovery Center, she held executive operational roles at Heritage Oaks Hospital and Sacramento Behavioral Healthcare Hospital.
Her experience has given her a deep understanding of the many moving parts required to keep a behavioral health facility running effectively, from quality and regulatory requirements to staffing, service lines and day-to-day operations. That background allows her to approach leadership with an understanding of both the needs of those receiving care and the employees who support them.
But Kristi’s experience and credentials tell only part of her story. At Fair Oaks, her leadership is just as evident in the way she shows up each day. She is a hands-on leader who makes it a priority to stay involved, accessible and connected to the people around her.
“Kristi has an incredible ability to stay connected to what is happening throughout the facility,” said Melissa Flagstad. “She brings accountability and attention to detail to her leadership while also creating genuine connections with employees and the people we serve. She isn’t afraid to roll up her sleeves and be part of the work.”
That sense of connection carries into the everyday moments at Fair Oaks. Kristi laughs easily, enjoys spending time with employees and those the facility serves, and if there is a dog nearby, she is likely to be involved. It is especially fitting for a facility that welcomes appropriate service and support animals.
Leadership in behavioral healthcare requires resilience, adaptability and the ability to navigate the unexpected while remaining focused on the people at the center of the work. Kristi brings that understanding to Fair Oaks every day.
