To honor the achievements of mental health clients, and in remembrance of the Dan Reese legacy of dedication, kindness and commitment to the issues facing those with mental illness.
| 1996 |
Dan Reese, one of the founders of the Mental Health Board, passed away in late 1995. An accomplished and much appreciated role model for clients struggling with mental illness, he was a dynamic advocate and is remembered in this award for his commitment and dedication to helping the mentally ill. Besides founding COFA (Clients and Others for Action) and the Meeting Place Clubhouse, he was an integral part of many boards and organizations supporting the mentally ill. He was the recipient of several leadership and achievement awards, including Mental Health Person of the Year 1993. |
| 1997 |
James D. Eret, a former mental health worker, talented writer, poet and artist, became active in the Creative Arts Consortium and served as executive director of the Meeting Place Clubhouse. His art is a graphic illustration of his own personal issues expressed through various media. He is recognized for his dedication to client issues and active approach as an advocate for mental health. |
| 1998 |
Willy Collins, consumer advocate for mental illness issues, has served the community by participating on contract-source selection committees and various advisory boards, including Community Research Foundation & Mental Health Systems, Employment Services. He was a member of the Managed Care Implementation team for County Mental Health Services. He also worked two years with the California Network of Mental Health Clients and served as vice president for two terms. Through the Department of Rehabilitation & Employment Services, he obtained the position of peer activity coordinator at the Corner Clubhouse. He is now working for PAI on the Health Advocacy Project and is an active member of the Mental Health Clients for Wellness and Recovery, a San Diego consumer advocacy organization. Recently he was invited to serve on the MH Board for Supervisor Ron Roberts. |
| 1999 |
Connye Smalley, a leading advocate for the rights of the mentally ill, developed a Client Needs Survey and administered it to more than 2,000 individuals with mental illness. County Administration incorporated the results of her survey in the Mental Health System of Care Re-Design Plans. She sits on several boards and was the first consumer employee of United Behavioral Health, where she assisted in the development of the Consumer Support Team. |
| 2000 |
Connye Smalley continues to devote her energies to the betterment of the lives of the mentally ill, serving on many boards and participating in advisory groups. Currently she is program director of Visions Clubhouse in South Bay. |
| 2001 |
Joan Cefalu, director of the Corner Clubhouse in El Cajon, gives inspiration and motivation to the mentally ill. Determined to support her family and help others, she has accomplished many goals and is a role model for consumers Since she became an active member of the clubhouse, she works full time, volunteers and is there as friend and guide for mental health consumers. |
| 2002 |
Charles Moch, a positive role model for those who are struggling to control mental illness, has persevered in obtaining a bachelor's degree in social work and plans to work as a social worker. He is admired and respected by members of the Senior Community Centers and Downtown Mental Health Center, where he helps others locate resources. |
| 2003 |
Michael Cancel, a peer support facilitator and consumer advocate, has served as activity coordinator with the Mariposa Clubhouse and is an active member in Mental Health Clients for Wellness and Recovery. A recognized asset to his peers, he is bilingual, has college level education in dual diagnosis issues and is very familiar with the California Alcohol and Drug Certification process. He has been commended for his outstanding contribution to clients while serving as a state representative for the California Network of Mental Health Clients. |
| 2004 |
Michael McPherson, a consumer advocate and trainer specializing in Dual Recovery and Rehabilitation, inspires and leads others to overcome adversity and to become productive, responsible community members. Disabled with PTSD and neurological brain trauma, he began his own recovery by educating himself and becoming a specialist in program development for Dual Recovery and Rehabilitation. He earned a bachelor of science degree and certificate of achievement in Alcohol and Other Drugs Studies, both with honors. Certified by the State of California as a certified addiction treatment specialist (CATS), he is a member of the California Association of Alcohol/Drug Educators, Dual Network, Speakers Bureau and the California Network of Mental Health Clients. He has served on Mental Health Panels programs designed specifically for individuals coping with co-existing disorders. He currently serves as the Southern California coordinator for Protection and Advocacy Inc., where he leads advocacy groups and assists persons with psychiatric disabilities to become their own advocates. |
| 2005 |
Mary Jo O'Brien, an advocate at the Community Center for Health, Education and Advocacy (CCHEA) and is a great role model. Her advocacy goes back to the days of Dan Reese and the Meeting Place which existed as a bench in the park. Mary Jo's spirit and indomitable drive were part of the San Diego grass-root movement, which led to the development and acceptance of clubhouses. Struggling with her own health issues never stopped Mary Jo from being out in the forefront of every political and social movement to better the lives of mental health consumers. Mary Jo is impassioned as she speaks. Even now, along with her formal work at CCHEA, she can be found with clients at "Meeting of the Minds," "Out of the Silence," and every meeting of the Mental Health Initiative. |
| 2007 |
Leonard Mischley: Despite his reliance on public transportation, Leonard can be found at every forum that involves consumer issues, speaking up to help create a better life for every mental health client in our county. He is unafraid to stand up to the powers that be and state what is obvious to every consumer, if not to funders. Leonard has been involved with the clients' rights movement for decades, and was an original founder of The Meeting Place, working alongside Dan Reese. He was instrumental in bringing together clients and members of the San Diego Police Department, resulting in ongoing communication and collaboration. Leonard reflects the qualities we cherish in presenting the Dan Reese Award: unflagging advocacy, knowledgeable input, understanding of clients' needs, and limitless dedication to erasing the stigma of mental illness. He also does a great Santa Claus every year! |
2008 |
Lisa Jungnitsch: Lisa is a one woman fireball who never stops working for the mental health community. After over two years of persistent advocacy with the Mental Health Board and administrators at County Mental Health, an after-hours crisis clinic area, affording protection for clients waiting for access to the emergency Walk-in Unit at the County Psychiatric Hospital, was created. In every discussion regarding her concerns, Lisa would say "I don't want anyone else to have to go through what I went through". She never lost sight of the impact this experience could have on another person.
Lisa is a member, volunteer and advocate for The Meeting Place, Partners in Care, California Network of Mental Health Clients, DBSA and NAMI. Her art was chosen for exhibit by the Creative Arts Consortium and she assists in their weekly art workshop. Lisa is considered a role model to both staff and participants in the Leisure Seekers of the City's Therapeutic Recreation Services. There she takes an active role in planning the programs and recruiting new participants.
Lisa aspires to learn more by frequently attending mental health seminars, trainings and forums. She serves as mentor to older women challlenged by mental illness. She also assists them in filling out and filing legal forms and related paperwork. With her positive energy and a smile, she faces her fears with strength and fortitude. Lisa is widely admired and appreciated; she is truly a worthy recipient of the Dan Reese award. |
