Achievers & Accolades

Behavioral health professionals recognized at gala

By Staff Report, posted 2 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

Building on the basics: Advanced Contractors Academy equips local firms to compete for government projects

The Advanced Contractors Academy, a free six-week program, is designed for established contractors ready to pursue larger-scale public contracts with agencies such as Fayetteville State University (FSU), Cumberland County and Cape Fear Valley Health.


Hungry for success: Local entrepreneur Kelton Battle is changing the vending machine game in North Carolina

Today, Hungry Snacks Vending operates 140 machines across North Carolina, with locations ranging from schools to public transit stations.


Too bright to dim: My Future So Bright program sees exponential growth during third year

 A total of 84 interns participated in this year’s My Future So Bright program. At the graduation ceremony held on Aug. 1, each student was able to receive their graduation certificates from Mid-Carolina Regional Council Executive Director Saman