Over forty NAMI members gathered on November 5th to honor volunteers, elect new board members, and engage in some vigorous talks about mental health in Vermont. The NAMI Board said farewell to departing members Michelle Bos-Lun, Katy Crane, Betty Keller and Sandy Steingard. By an overwhelming majority, members welcomed Patti Bauerle, Phil Blackburn, Jude Demers, Ann Moore, Sara Moran, Ward Nial, Chip Siler, and Savi VanSluytman to the NAMI Board of Directors. Members had a vigorous question and answer session with Mental Health Commissioner Frank Reed and a moving talk with Ed Paquin of Disability Rights Vermont.
NAMI Vermont honored several volunteers this year: Volunteer of the Year Award – Mitzi Bockman; Rising Star Award – Ward Nial; Consumer Council Leadership Award – Bernie Profili; Outreach Superstar Award – Judy Siler; Community Advocate Award – Cathy Rickerby; Darlene Manning Inspiration Award – Sara Neller.
Photos from the event can be seen HERE. Slides from Commissioner Frank Reed’s presentation are HERE.
