Virginia Health Care Foundation

Among the many casualties of the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent societal streamers has been the mental health of an extraordinary number of Virginians of all ages. In response, many behavioral health professionals and others stepped up to help.

VHCF’s inaugural Mental Health Champion Awards honor some of those who have taken extraordinary actions to make mental health services available in their communities. These awards were sponsored by the Virginia Association of Health Plans. Videos were underwritten by Sentara Healthcare.

2022 Mental Health Champion Award Recipients
(click on recipients name to see award video)

Heather Harper Gunn, LPC
Director of Community-Based Services for Child, Youth & Family Services
Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare (Roanoke)

Heather began her career as an intern at Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare 18 years ago. Since then, she has worked her way up to become Director of Community-Based Services for Child, Youth and Family Services. At a time when the need for behavioral healthcare services is skyrocketing, Heather has been instrumental in launching new programs and services to benefit at-risk youth in the Roanoke Valley. She is committed to serving the community as an advocate for people of color, as well as children and families.

Tori Pierce, LBSW
Behavioral Health Care Coordinator
Central Virginia Health Services (Petersburg)

Tori graduated from VCU in 2019 and is the first Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker at Central Virginia Health Services. During that time, her responsive resourcefulness has demonstrated her value to the organization and led to the hiring of two additional LBSWs. Tori is an expert in case management; effectively handling internal and external behavioral health referrals; and a font of knowledge about the ins and outs of behavioral health insurance. In addition, she is the first and only LBSW appointed to the NASW-VA Advisory Board.

Linda Saltonstall, LPC
Director of Clinical Services
St. Joseph’s Villa (Richmond)

Linda’s 32 years at St. Joseph’s Villa have centered on supporting the well-being of youth and families, no matter the obstacles. Her ability to grasp community needs, combined with her talents as a relationship builder and advocate, have paved the way for innovative programs that are life-changing and lifesaving. For example, Linda led the establishment of a Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU), which diverts youth experiencing mental health crises from hospitalization and provides them and their families with immediate care. It is the first of its kind in Central Virginia. More than 1,700 youth have been served by the CSU, with nearly 90% diverted from hospitalization.

Shannon Raybuck, LPC Mental Health Care Coordinator
Fauquier Free Clinic

Shannon has served as the Mental Health Care Coordinator for Fauquier Free Clinic’s tele-mental health services, since they were first offered in 2016. Under her leadership, the program has grown and now provides over 1,500 sessions each year. Shannon is the “heart of this unique program.” She interacts with every patient and connects each with the clinician she believes will be a good fit. She also coordinates with dental and medical team members, and personally follows up with every patient. Shannon is both a pioneer and peerless clinical resource for local families.

Marcy Rosenbaum, LCSW, CSAC
Behavioral Health Director
Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems, Inc.

In the last 14 years, Marcy has grown SVCHS’s behavioral health department from 7 to 21 FTEs; championed behavioral health integration; and contributed to the implementation of the Patient-Centered Medical Home model across four primary care sites. Marcy also spearheaded creation of New Day Recovery, a 3-site substance abuse program offering comprehensive treatment and case management services to over 150 currently active patients.

This is the first program of this type at a community health center, and Marcy has become a leader and coach for other centers aiming to launch similar programs throughout Virginia.

Trauma-Informed Mental Health Team
Northern Virginia Family Services

Members of the 19-member Trauma-Informed Mental Health team at NVFS literally meet immigrant and refugee clients where they are. Comprised of the Multicultural Services and Youth Initiative teams, these dedicated clinicians offer culturally appropriate mental health services in six languages to over 1,200 clients each year.

They travel across the region to schools, private homes, and other sites to provide individual, family, and group therapy in any setting that is accessible, safe, and convenient for their clients. This team excels at building trust with clients, enabling them to process their traumas and develop the internal foundation needed for a resilient, healthy future.

Last Updated on February 9, 2023