NNews-July-2023

15 July 2023 Outstanding Leader in Substance Use Services Award Eman Gibson, MBA, LCSW, LCADC, Chief Clinical Officer, Integrity House “Eman is quick and bright. Her exemplary clinical acumen and technical expertise are clearly evident in her contributions to the Addictions Practice Group’s discussions, for example, about regulations and how they apply and intersect with practice,” Dr. Wentz said. “Eman is excellent at identifying barriers and other challenges, and recommending strategies for overcoming them. She is an extraordinary advocate, very eloquent and passionate in her delivery of high-caliber content, developed from her excellent research and direct experience.” Mental Health Leader Award Lisa Lawson, MBA, MSW, LCSW, Chief Outreach and Engagement Officer for the Trenton Health Team and former Director, Clinical and Integrated Health, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton “I have had the pleasure of working closely with Lisa Lawson for several years. She is an extremely positive person. She is always encouraging, motivates her colleagues, expresses earnest support for others’ suggestions and brings an optimism that overflows. Lisa enthusiastically shares her knowledge and experiences, and volunteers to take on tasks and roles, most notably Co-Chair of NJAMHAA’s Education Council,” Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO of NJAMHAA, said. “Lisa has presented to this group on strategies for building and facilitating field placements, and she has contributed many valuable ideas for advocacy and other initiatives to strengthen the behavioral healthcare system.” Lifetime Achievement in Behavioral Health Award TheresaWilson, MSW, LCSW, Executive Vice President, Inperium; Former President/CEO, South Jersey Behavioral Health Resources; and Former NJAMHAA Board Treasurer “Through all of her roles, Teri has brought graciousness and strength, yet a passion and intensity for the field. Her practice and approach to behavioral health care has always focused on diversity, equity and inclusion, long before the term ‘health equity’ was coined,” Dr. Wentz said. “What particularly strikes me about Teri is that she exudes strength of character and the belief that no task is insurmountable. She has never shied away from a task that was unpleasant or difficult when it was going to advance quality services and enhance individuals’ lives.” Outstanding Leader in Behavioral Health Care Award KendriaMcWilliams, MBA, Chief Executive Officer, Maryville Addiction Treatment Center; Chair, New JerseyMental Health Institute (NJMHI) Board of Trustees; and Co-chair, NJAMHAA Addictions Practice Group According to Dr. Wentz, “Kendria is always so positive, extremely knowledgeable and one of themost tenacious people I know. She demands the best for those she serves and is passionate and detailed in articulating the changes that need to bemade. Her energy and determination are equally evident in her willingness to take on new challenges, roll up her sleeves and dowhatever is needed tomake a difference. Kendria also serves as amentor for the NJMHI Leadership Academy for Behavioral Healthcare Professionals, further illustrating her dedication to strengthening the workforce for the benefit of everyone in need.” ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING, BREAKING BARRIERS IN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH