Rural counties face their own unique challenges; the remoteness of a location can pose logistical issues on many fronts for county government. Such was the challenge facing Calaveras County’s Behavioral Health Department when it came to hiring qualified mental health staff.  The innovative solution: create an educational career leader, sponsor previously non-existent certificate and degree programs, and provide tuition assistance to support staff growth. Calaveras County officials call it “growing their own.” Behavioral Health staff calls it a fantastic opportunity, as they can now pursue new educational – and career — opportunities while not having to face logistical and transportation obstacles.