Achievers & Accolades

Behavioral health professionals recognized at gala

By Staff Report, posted 3 years ago

Twelve behavioral health professionals were recently honored at the inaugural Behavioral Health Awards Gala hosted on March 25. 

April Simpkins (center) Photo Credit:  Ciera T Productions 

The award recipients are the following: 

2022 Mental Health Advocate of the Year: April Simpkins 

2022 Behavioral Health Assistant of the Year: Quincy Ridley 

2022 ICAN Humanitarian Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Debbie Jenkins

2022 Adult Service Provider of the Year: Dr. Myleme Harrison

2022 Care Coordinator of the Year: Yolanda Patterson

2022 DSS Social Worker of the Year: Staci Sansone

2022 Foster Parent of the Year: Marcus & Chenoa Leavell

2022 Non-Profit Behavioral Health Services of the Year: Youth Villages 

2022 Senior Care Provider of the Year: Carolyn Parker 

2022 Psychiatrist of the Year: Dr. Lesie Morris 

2022 Psychologist of the Year: Dr. Christopher Ketchman 

2022 Therapist of the Year: Bersuada Saunders-Clarke

Behavioral Health Assistant of the Year awardee Quincy Ridley shared in a press release: “First and foremost I’d like to thank the man above, God, the man of my life. I'm grateful for being nominated for this award and for all of the people being honored tonight. I’m thankful for my support system, my mom and dad Mr. Carl & Mrs. Tonya Ridley, my girlfriend Anna, and my son Jodi James Ridley.  With practice, patience, and dedication I'm able to do what I love and impact those that surround me. Lastly, I'm grateful to be here and to accept this award with all of you great people tonight. Thank you!”

Mental Health Advocate of the Year awardee April Simpkins said on her social media: “I'm ready. Ready to continue speaking out about mental health, ready to take my career to the next level, and ready to double down on my commitment to be the best wife, mom, daughter, grandmother, friend, and mentor I can be.” 

  ICAN Humanitarian Award Recipients Photo Credit:  Ciera T Productions 
Shannon Battle, Giving Thanks to Attendees and Sponsors
Photo Credit:  Ciera T Productions 
Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT

In The Current Issue

A new chapter: Book Black Women Inc. deepens impact with new partnerships and new programming

In just four short years, Book Black Women Inc. has flourished exponentially. New partnerships, serious sponsorships, a new location and putting on an all-original play are just some of the accomplishments on the horizon for Ayana Washington’s creati


Elevating the golf experience: The entrepreneurs behind Chip Shot Golf's ambitious drone delivery vision

Bobby Kulp and Forth Heffner, the entrepreneurs behind Chip Shot Golf, are hoping their drone delivery service can become a household name for golfers who want to experience maximum comfort on demand. Photo provided by Kulp.An entrepreneur and tech w


Editor's note: Celebrating Spring in Fayetteville

Photo by Stephanie MeadorAs the trees and bushes bloom and the weather heats up, I’m enjoying spending more and more time outdoors, walking on trails, dining on patios and even driving with the windows down to soak in the fresh air. I’ve always