NH Employee Assistance Program
The State of New Hampshire Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is designed to offer assistance to all State employees and their family members.
EAP services are confidential and voluntary to assist NH government employees and their families in addressing issues that may affect their overall well-being. The EAP works closely with individuals and families to help:
- Identify issues before they disrupt your personal or professional life
- Resolve the issues
- Improve an employee's ability to carry out his/her job
EAP Specialists provide professional assessment and referral services to assist employees in developing problem resolution strategies and in linking to community resources. The EAP provides a number of unique services. In addition to specific services directed to individuals, EAP provides consultation services to managers and supervisors effectively addressing group problems or group-focused improvements. These services are intended to enhance communication, cooperation, productivity, and teamwork in the workplace.
Confidentiality
Employees and departments participating in the Employee Assistance Program may be concerned about the matter of confidentiality. We at the Employee Assistance Program are committed to confidentiality, however it is important that you realize that even professional confidentiality has its limits.
Most communications are protected by federal and state laws which assure that whatever information is given, orally or in writing, to any member of the EAP staff will not be revealed. However, in some cases, the State requires of all individuals the obligation to report certain facts which come to their attention. By law, the EAP staff must notify appropriate agencies of:
- Any form of neglect or abuse to children or the elderly
- Posing a threat of harm to self or others
We are committed to the principle that any information or material we receive, other than that required by law to be reported to authorities will not be communicated to anyone without your permission.
EAP Services & Resources
Eligibility
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a program that can help with everyday issues to traumatic events. It is both a confidential and voluntary program, assisting employees and their family members in resolving personal concerns that may interfere with work or home life.
Requirements
Services are available to all NH state government employees and their family members. The EAP liberally defines family member to include significant people in the lives of employees. A family member is extended the same rights of confidentiality as the employee, and of course, the program is voluntary for family members as well.
Michael Lawless, MSW, LICSW, MLADC, SAP - Director
Michael Lawless began his career with the Department of Health and Human Services in 2004. Michael directs and oversees operations, planning, implementation and mobilization of specialized EAP solutions, including critical incident and disruptive event management responses, change management, policy development, organizational assessments, and interventions to meet the needs of all three branches of state government. Michael leads the EAP team in providing consultation, training, and assistance to leadership and staff throughout the state to enhance work environments and increase overall workplace performance, productivity and retention with awareness of the complexities that face individuals and work groups. Michael has a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Boston University, and is dually licensed as an Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and Masters Alcohol and Drug Counselor (MLADC). Michael is a Diploma Candidate at the C. G. Jung institute of New England. In addition to his state service, he enjoys spending time with family, playing basketball and enjoying the outdoors.
Contact Mike at michael.f.lawless@dhhs.nh.gov or call 603-271-4282
Linda M. Brewer, MSW, LICSW, MLADC - Assistant Director
Linda earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work and is dually licensed in the State of New Hampshire as an Independent Clinical Social Worker and Master’s Level Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Linda is certified as a Substance Abuse Professional by the U.S. Department of Transportation, and serves on the Executive Board of Directors of the New Hampshire Association of Alcohol and other Drug Counselors.
In her role with the Employee Assistance Program, Linda consults with leadership throughout all three branches of state government. She provides executive coaching, and consultation around strategic organizational change and policy development. Linda has extensive experience and training in critical incident and disruptive event management services. She supports the EAP team in the development and implementation of a broad range of workplace interventions and services aimed at enhancing occupational health, wellbeing and life/work balance.
Linda values self-determination and supports a holistic approach to assisting individuals in defining and achieving their physical, emotional, spiritual, financial occupational, and relationship goals. She enjoys spending time with her family in nature, hiking, skiing, horseback riding, gardening, knitting, reading and traveling.
Contact Linda at linda.m.brewer@dhhs.nh.gov or call 603-271-8947
Paul Kiernan, LADC - EAP Field Representative
Paul Kiernan began his work with the Employee Assistance Program in 2024. Prior to joining the EAP team, Paul worked as the State Opioid Response Program Coordinator for the Division for Behavioral Health. Prior to his time at the state, Paul worked as a direct care clinician, trainer, and consultant.
Paul is an EAP Field Service Representative providing consultation, brief intervention, education, coaching, assessment and referral. Paul relies on a conversational style to elicit individuals strengths, values, and beliefs in order to help them overcome challenges. From workplace challenges to individual challenges, Paul approaches each intervention with the goal of utilizing each individuals innate strengths and believes to help resolve and problems to help maximize their success at work.
Paul has been licensed as a drug and alcohol counselor (LADC) since 2012 and has completed extensive training in motivation interviewing, assessment and care planning. Paul enjoys spending time with family, coaching, playing lacrosse, reading, and running with his dog.
Mike Loomis, MPH, CEAP - EAP Field Representative
Mike joined the Employee Assistance Program in 2023 and has been with the State of New Hampshire since 2010. Prior to joining the EAP team, Mike worked in the Division of Risk and Benefits at the Department of Administrative Services and community health organizations throughout New Hampshire.
As an EAP Field Representative, Mike performs assessment, short-term consultation, referral services, provides educational trainings, and facilitates group work. Mike enjoys assisting clients in opportunities for personal growth and improvement, working to develop solutions to workplace challenges, and connecting people with resources in order to maximize their success and enjoyment at work and at home. Mike is a certified facilitator of the Total Worker Health Workplace Safety and Wellbeing Program, a program of the Center for the Promotion of Health in the New England Workplace as well as certified in Assisting Individuals in Crisis & Group Crisis Intervention from the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation.
Mike has a Master's Degree in Public Health from A.T. Still University of Health Sciences, Bachelor of Science from the University of New England and is a Certified Employee Assistance Professional through the International Employee Assistance Professions Association. In his spare time, Mike enjoys spending time outdoors with his family, hiking, skiing, swimming, and maple sugaring in the Lake Sunapee region.
Contact Mike at michael.j.loomis@dhhs.nh.gov or call 603-271-4285
Linda J. Parker, BS, CPM - EAP Field Representative
Linda Parker, Field Representative at the Employee Assistance Program, has been with the EAP since 2021. She is passionate about serving State employees and their families and supports individuals by tapping into her diverse knowledge of resources and services.
Linda has been with Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) since 1982 and has held various positions during her tenure with the State, in such areas as developmental services, adult psychiatric services, and corrections. Linda’s knowledge in the field of substance use/misuse has led her to serve on numerous committees in the field of Substance Use Disorder treatment and recovery support services.
Linda earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services from New Hampshire College, and is a Certified Public Manager. As a state employee for over 40 years, Linda has acquired vast knowledge of the organizational structures of state agencies and operational systems of state government. Linda enjoys all of her pets, spending time with her family, crafts/sewing, reading, and all four seasons - especially summertime.
Contact Linda at linda.j.parker@dhhs.nh.gov or call 603-271-6103
Albert Willis, MS - EAP Field Representative
Al has been with the Employee Assistance Program since 2021, and with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in various roles since 2006. Prior to his time with EAP, Al worked in the Nashua and Manchester areas with homeless veterans with Substance Use Disorder, as well as their families, and this work continues today. Al’s years of service with DHHS include support in such areas as employment supports, child support, domestic violence, and drug and alcohol services. Al has a Master’s Degree in Human Services, with a concentration in Management and Organizational Leadership, from Springfield College in Springfield, MA.
Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Al is the third of four children and extremely close to his family. Al married his college sweetheart and has a lovely daughter, and loves spending time traveling with his family. He enjoys sports, movies, cooking, and believes there’s something much bigger then ourselves. Although Al can be a quiet and private person, he also has a good sense of humor. As an athlete growing up he played basketball, football, volleyball, and ran track. Fun fact about Al is that he plays the drums but also plans on learning a new instrument in the future.
Contact Al at albert.c.willis@dhhs.nh.gov or call 603-271-4336
Leslie Bartlett - Support
Leslie Bartlett is a Program Specialist with the Employee Assistance Program and her work primarily focuses on supporting the EAP by providing wellness resources and promoting EAP services to state employees and their families.
In addition to her work at EAP, Leslie is working toward earning her Associates Degree in Human Services and has completed training certificates in yoga and meditation.
An active volunteer in her community, Leslie is passionate about fundraising to support various local organizations and is a yoga volunteer at the New Hampshire Veteran’s Home. Leslie has many interests outside of work, and you can find her spending time with family and friends, relaxing at Lake Winnipesaukee, skiing, or hiking with her rescue dog, Caney.
Contact Leslie at leslie.a.bartlett@dhhs.nh.gov or call 603-271-4336