Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association Announces Organization’s New Leadership
McLean, VA (PRWEB) July 16, 2014 -- The Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (PRA) and Psychiatric Rehabilitation Foundation (PRF) are proud to announce their 2014-2015 Board of Directors. Dori Hutchinson, ScD, CPRP, Director of Services, BU Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, will chair the PRA board for a two-year term. Lisa Razzano, PhD, CPRP, Immediate-Past PRA Chair, and Associate Professor of Psychiatry, UIC Center on Mental Health Services Research & Policy, will chair the PRF board for a two-year term. The full boards for PRA and PRF convened last month at the Recovery Workforce Summit: PRA 2014 Annual Conference in Baltimore, Maryland.
“The Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association had an ambitious agenda for the 2013-2014 year. From the introduction of our new educational Academy of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Recovery to a comprehensive rebrand in conjunction with redefined strategic initiatives, PRA actively grew and trained the recovery workforce,” said Hutchinson. “This year we have a similarly ambitious agenda wherein we will enhance collaboration with our chapters, improve global engagement with allied organizations, continue to work toward outcome-based public policy efforts, and work to increase member value. I am confident that the team assembled will continue to bring the best resources and information to the recovery workforce so that PRA can make a difference for all affected by mental illness.”
For PRA, serving as chair-elect is Roy Starks, MA, Director, Rehabilitation and Recovery, Mental Health Center of Denver. The treasurer is Liz Smithhart, MC, CPRP, LPC, Regional Director, Recovery Innovations; the secretary is David Pilon, PhD, CPRP, President and CEO, Mental Health America of Los Angeles; the immediate-past president is Lisa Razzano, PhD, CPRP; members continuing as directors are, Andy Bernstein, PhD, CPRP, Clinical Director, UA RISE Health and Wellness Center, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Arizona; Beth Boersma, MSW, CPRP, PSR Program Director, Community Friendship, Inc.; Mary Gregorio, LRC, CRC, CPRP, Center Club Program Director, BayCove Human Services, Inc.; Nancy Little, MS, LCPC, Project Director, North Side Collaborative, Thresholds; and Steve Miccio, Executive Director, PEOPLE, Inc.
PRA welcomes new directors, Susan Crimmins, LICSW, CPRP, Clinical Director, Worcester CBFS, Community Healthlink; Caroline L. Kaufmann, PhD, Courtesy Professor & Visiting Fellow, Center for Social and Political Thought, University of South Florida; and Lew Manges, CRC, CPRP, Executive Director, Elwyn Behavioral Health Services.
The PRA ex-officio directors include, Diane Brewer, MS, LPCC, CRC, CPRP, President, CPRP Commission, and Seven Counties Services Housing First; and Tom Gibson, Interim Chief Executive Officer, PRA.
PRA formally thanks outgoing board members, Lori Ashcraft, PhD, CPRP, Executive Director, Recovery Opportunity Center, Recovery Innovations, Inc.; Sandra G. Resnick, PhD, Associate Director, VA Northeast Program Evaluation Center; and David Sanders, DHHR Behavioral Health & Health Facilities.
“Created this year, the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Foundation was formed to expand training and education activities delivered through the Academy of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Recovery as well as current and evolving programs and activities including research, grants, and public outreach,” said Razzano. “After years of dedicated leadership on the PRA board, I am excited to begin this new endeavor alongside this group of talented psychiatric rehabilitation thought leaders.”
For the newly formed PRF board, the chair-elect is Roy Starks, MA, Director, Rehabilitation and Recovery, Mental Health Center of Denver; the secretary is David Pilon, PhD, CPRP, President and CEO, Mental Health America of Los Angeles; and the directors are Lori Ashcraft; Jennifer McLaughlin, CPRP, Senior Program Director, Community Services Group; Linda M. Olson, PhD, OTR/L, Acting Chairperson/Program Director/Assistant Professor, Rush University, Rush University Medical Center, Department of Occupational Present Therapy – Chicago; and Anthony Russo, CPS, Certified Peer Specialist, Bedford VAMC.
The PRF ex-officio director is Tom Gibson.
About the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (PRA): As the nonprofit organization focused on growing and training the recovery workforce, the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association, is the preeminent association for the development, support, and dissemination of information about the practice of psychiatric rehabilitation and recovery. PRA believes that the practice of psychiatric rehabilitation leads to recovery, and thus is committed to the growth of psychiatric rehabilitation in both quantity and quality, and to the universal availability of state-of-the-art psychiatric rehabilitation services for all individuals with mental illness who seek such services. For more information, visit http://www.psychrehabassociation.org.
About the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Foundation (PRF): The Psychiatric Rehabilitation Foundation accelerates the growth and training of the recovery workforce while expanding wellness and recovery. The Foundation supports and promotes training and education by hosting the Recovery Workforce Summit and delivering courses through the Academy of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Recovery. The Foundation supports current and evolving programs and activities including research, grants, and public outreach.
Diana Cummins, Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association, http://www.psychrehabassociation.org/, +1 (703) 442-2078, [email protected]
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