Awards

2024 Conference Award Winners

Lifetime Achievement Award

Presented to a person in the behavioral health field who has dedicated a significant portion of their personal and/or professional life to the transformation of behavioral health services.

Sue Diehl

Sue Diehl, a native Baltimorean, graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Work (1961) has a long history of social work practice in Baltimore primarily in the fields of administration, behavioral health and criminal justice. She worked with social work students in all of her places of employment and twice served as President of NASW-MD.

Sue’s practice began in 1959 at the Family & Children’s Society prior to the passage of a child abuse law in Maryland as a child protective service investigator. She moved to the Medical Services of the Circuit Court Baltimore City in 1963. She served multiple terms on the mental health advisory councils for Baltimore City and County and was appointed to the MHA Advisory Council by each Governor from 1966 through 2010.

In 1971 she joined the Department of Psychiatry at Sinai Hospital where she planned their community programs for mental health and addictions, opening their first inpatient unit, put social workers in ERs, integrated therapy services for substance use and mental health disorders. She was an early supporter of peer run programming working with Peg Sullivan (On Our Own) and AMI (now NAMI). She was a Board member and 3rd president of Tuerk House.

During her nearly 20 years at Baltimore Mental Health Services she participated in the development of ACT Teams, crisis intervention services, the first mental health court, included peers in COMAR regulations for mental health case management and supported expansion of peers in program management.

She retired from BMHS in 2007, became a contractor for BHA. First coordinating person services between Baltimore City criminal courts and State hospital services. Then until 2022 adjudicating payment disputes between BHA and MCOs. From 2009 to 2015 Sue developed and managed the Specialized Pre-trial Diversion program for persons charged with prostitution for the Baltimore’s Office of the State’s Attorney. She now serves as the Board President of Helping Other People through Empowerment (HOPE), a peer run program, which Sue supported in the creation and funding of.

Visionary Award

Presented to a person who has contributed in a significant way to reducing the stigma associated with behavioral health conditions, to making the system more competent and respectful, and to helping us understand our own stigmatizing attitudes and behaviors.

Cynthia Petion

Cynthia's legacy is one of compassion, innovation, and a relentless commitment to improving the lives of others. After earning her degree in Psychology from Morgan State University in the 1980s, she embarked on a journey to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals facing various mental health challenges, starting with direct service work in a psychiatric rehabilitation program.

Over the course of her career, Cynthia's passion for mental health advocacy and service evolved as she took on a role with the state of Maryland, becoming a dedicated change-agent and tireless advocate who directly contributed to creating a more respectful, responsive, and effective behavioral health system.

Having seen firsthand the impact of stigma and discrimination related to behavioral health, she became a valued member of the Anti-Stigma Project workgroup, and her awareness, persistence, and expertise created positive and lasting change by addressing the attitudes and perceptions that can lead to harm. Her innovative ideas and tireless efforts were instrumental in shaping the field, and after 26 years of serving the people of Maryland, she retired as the Deputy Director of Systems Management at the Behavioral Health Administration.

Her contributions have left a lasting and positive impact on the behavioral health community, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps and to continue the important work she started, to ensure that people receive the care and assistance they deserve.

Award of Special Recognition

Presented to someone in the behavioral health field who has realized significant innovation, leadership, contribution, or achievement.

Main Street Housing

Established in 1999, Main Street Housing (MSH) emerged from a profound need within the intersecting realms of mental health and housing. Recognizing a critical gap in the behavioral health system, MSH was founded to provide inclusive, permanent and independent supportive housing for individuals with psychiatric disabilities. At the core of MSH's mission is the unwavering commitment to dignity and recovery. Through a peer-operated model, they have redefined what it means to find solace and stability in permanent supportive independent housing. Each property becomes not just a place to live, but a sanctuary where tenants can thrive independently, free from the constraints of clinical labels. Initially housing a couple individuals in a single property in Washington County, MSH has since expanded and is now managing 36 properties in 11 counties and Baltimore City with space for over 100 tenants. Even as they mark 25 years of community service, Main Street Housing continues to embody resilience, innovation, and compassion in all their endeavors.

Michele Dear Advocacy Award

This award is presented to a person with lived experience in recognition of their advocacy for accessible, equitable, trauma-informed, and peer-driven behavioral health services. Michele Dear was one of the original Steering Committee Members of On Our Own of Maryland and a champion for the rights of people with psychiatric disabilities. Her advocacy included a successful suit against the Baltimore County Board of Education for job discrimination in 1981, and a settlement against a psychiatrist for illegally secluding her.

Donna Bruce, CPRS-F,RPS,RCPF, Sr Stylist

Donna Bruce's life is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the power of transformation. From survivor to mother, wife, author, beautician, CEO, and orator, her journey embodies the triumph of the human spirit over adversity.

Despite facing unimaginable challenges such as drug addiction, human trafficking, rape, and physical abuse, Donna emerged as a beacon of hope and empowerment. Her remarkable determination led her to achieve certification as a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist with a focus on Family, and later, she became a Registered Peer Supervisor under the Maryland Addiction and Behavioral-health Professionals Certification Board. Continuing her mission of impact and service, Donna became an authorized CCAR facilitator for Recovery Coach Professional-Family (RCP-F), while later becoming a provider through MABPCB to train future peers seeking certification.

Donna’s expertise played a pivotal role in spearheading the piloting of The Enoch Pratt Peer Navigator Program in collaboration with the Maryland Peer Advisory Council, Healing City Baltimore, and Councilman Zeke Cohn. The Program is currently operating at seven different locations within Baltimore City, and through Donna’s supervision and leadership, the program is now serving its second cohort of fifteen peers seeking certification.

Influenced by her son Devon's passing, Donna founded DBU Inc, a 501(c)(3) Non-profit, centered on Trauma-Informed Cosmetology, and Training Peers seeking certification. Beyond personal interventions, Donna advocated for systemic change, championing crucial advocacy efforts. She testified on vital bills like the True Freedom Act of 2020, enabling survivors to vacate criminal records. Donna also played a pivotal role in Governor Hogan's signing of House Bill 827, providing crucial services to sex trafficking victims. Her unwavering commitment to improving lives, especially for peers, remains a driving force for positive change in her community and beyond.

Lou Ann Townsend Courage Award

This award is presented to a person who inspires others with their bravery, their efforts to reduce stigma, and their dedication to helping others. Lou Ann Townsend was one of the early members of the Anti-Stigma Project and a determined and passionate advocate.

Diana Flores

Diana Flores is the founder and executive director of ConectandoUs, a nonprofit serving the Hispanic community in Carroll County, Maryland. Her voice and passion have led to many exciting opportunities, such as being featured on the NBC Today Show and serving on the Maryland Youth Advisory Council. Diana started ConectandoUs at just 18 years old, driven by her experiences growing up in Carroll County. Now, at 20 years old, Diana continues her work to break systemic barriers and create a trauma-informed world.

Gus Retalis Exemplary Service Award

This award is presented each year to a staff person, board member, or volunteer in the OOOMD affiliate network in recognition of their service, dedication and commitment to the mission, goals and principles of their organization and to the peer movement. Augustus “Gus” Retalis was OOOMD’s Fiscal Manager for many years, and he exemplified service as a dedicated and thoughtful employee and advocate.

Najma Durrani

Born in the bustling city of Queens, New York, in 1989 to Afghan parents, Najma was destined to defy the odds from the start. The third of four daughters, her upbringing was steeped in familial love and cultural richness. Her affinity for dance had painted a picture of a spirited individual.

But life took a sharp turn when, at the tender age of 19 in 2008, she was diagnosed with Wilson's disease, leading to a life-altering liver transplant and subsequent disability due to Dystonia. Yet, Najma refused to succumb to despair. With unwavering determination, she rebuilt her life, learning to talk, walk, and perform daily tasks anew.

Her journey led her to the doors of DORS, Division of Rehabilitation Services, where she found solace and support, eventually graduating from The Workforce Technology Center in 2013. Najma's resilience and dedication caught the attention of On Our Own of Howard County, Inc. (OOOHCI), where she became a beacon of hope and empowerment for others facing similar challenges. Volunteering her time to create videos, she finally landed a job at OOOHCI as a Digital and Social Media Specialist.

From peer support to organizing diverse activities, Najma's impact reverberated throughout the community. Being a founder, director, and editor of their podcast, Alter the Minds of Stigma, and couldn’t have done it without her cohost, Anthony Rivera. Her infectious spirit and unwavering commitment endeared her to members and colleagues alike. Despite facing skepticism and disbelief, Najma persevered, carving out her place in the world.

Marriage came and went, but the birth of her daughter Salena in 2017 filled Najma's life with boundless love and purpose. After years of persistence, she finally obtained a driver's license in 2020, a testament to her resilience in the face of adversity.

In the supernatural realm where heroes Sam and Dean Winchester battle the forces of darkness, Najma Durrani's story stands as a testament to the indomitable human spirit. And amidst the chaos, her famous line echoes through the shadows, "I'm Batman," a reminder of her unwavering strength and courage.

President’s Award

At the discretion of the OOOMD Board President, recognizes a person in the peer community who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, advocacy efforts, peer support, creative organizational skills, and community outreach efforts.

Carolyn Cullison

Carolyn M. Cullison a person with lived experience has been the Executive Director of On Our Own of St. Mary’s Wellness & Recovery Center in Leonardtown, Maryland since 2007. She is a Wellness & Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Facilitator, as well as an Advanced Level Wrap Facilitator (ALWF), Peer Employment & Resource Specialist (PERS), Laugh-a-Yoga and Mental Health First Aid Instructor and Heath Care Reform Educator and an active member of the Anti-Stigma Project. She is a two time President of On Our Own of Maryland and is currently Vice President of the Board. Ms. Cullison is active in her community in efforts to prevent homelessness and is a member of the Homeless Prevention Board in St. Mary’s County and was appointed to the St. Mary’s County Harm Reduction Peer Advisory Committee when St. Marys was preparing to support Harm Reduction in the county. Through her efforts, On Our Own of St. Mary’s was accepted into the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare’s first Trauma-Informed Leaning Community in 2011. The On Our Own of St. Mary’s team was the only consumer operated agency accepted out of over 170 applicants nationwide to join 20 other agencies to address trauma.

Ms. Cullison is an entrepreneur and also has extensive property management experience specializing in subsidized housing. She holds various national certifications in property management as well as the Housing and Urban Development Occupancy Specialist Certification.

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