Behavioral health professionals recognized at gala

By Staff Report, posted Mar 29, 2023 on BizFayetteville.com

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**

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