ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR: Kathy Fields, Secretary for NAMI Hope Alliance, gave many years of quiet service to family members of people with mental illness. For Kathy, there was no such thing as stigma: everyone deserved to be treated with dignity and respect.
Never afraid of what others might think, she was tireless in her advocacy – much of which was never seen by anyone except the families that she nurtured through the process of understanding their loved ones’ mental illness. She always said and did what she believed was the right thing for consumers and families.
Because of Kathy’s tireless hours of volunteer service, NAMI Hope Alliance has gained an outstanding reputation for being the place where hurting families go to begin the healing process.
PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR: Melissa Meyer, PCC-S, is the Director of the Auglaize County We Care Center. She has been employed by Family Resource Centers since 1999. In that time, she has worked as a case manager, clinical counselor, supervisor, and site director. As the Director of the Auglaize County We Care Center, Melissa brought together three agencies into a functioning team.
“Melissa always goes above and beyond what’s expected,” stated Jodi Knouff, a clinician and prevention specialist at the Auglaize County We Care Center.
“You can always go to her and she will support you by finding out what you need and closing the loop. She represents us so well in the community. We are where we are mainly because of the work she does.”
Melissa is currently on leave to celebrate the birth of her third child.
COMMUNITY PARTNER OF THE YEAR: Rick Skilliter has been Chief of Police for Bluffton since January 2005. In that time, he has literally seen fire, floods, and incredible community tragedy.
Chief Skilliter is an active member of our Law Enforcement Task Force and is a good friend of the We Care People and a shining example of what it means to be a public servant. He has made sure that every officer on the Bluffton Police Department is trained in Crisis Intervention Training so that they are skilled and knowledgeable in dealing with persons with mental illness.
Rick has taken charge of the Critical Incident Stress Management team that responds to firefighters, police officers and other emergency services personnel who suffer from the aftermath of dealing with a tragedy or disaster. He also manages the Critical Incident Stress Management team. Chief Skilliter has helped hundreds in his efforts.
BUSINESS ASSOCIATE OF THE YEAR: The Bistro and chef/owner Alisa McPheron have contributed greatly to the success of Changing Seasons’ first year. Located in the building next door, The Bistro has been very gracious to our consumers and staff.
Jennifer Metzger, Manager of Changing Seasons, sums up why McPheron and The Bistro deserve to be recognized:
“The Bistro has been a warm, welcoming neighbor to Changing Seasons from the very beginning. Upon introduction, Alisa offered to help us move our belongings in! From that point on, she has done everything from donating her time and energy to answering questions about the building, to serving as the Food Service Consultant for Changing Seasons.
Alisa and her family have also donated many items to Changing Seasons and are even allowing us to borrow their dishwasher!
In addition to all the help that she’s given Changing Seasons, Alisa is a genuinely friendly and kind person which is always an important quality in a neighbor.
As the new kids on the block, Alisa and the staff at the Main Street Bistro definitely made us feel welcome.”
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