Congratulations to NAMI Dane County’s 2020 Award Winners!
The design of this year’s awards was inspired by bent steel because, like bending steel, changing attitudes and perceptions can be challenging and take great effort.
The bent steel awards (Donated by the widget source) are given to these exceptional people in our community as a reminder of their great efforts to make a positive impact on individuals impacted by mental illness and to combat the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Congratulations to our 2020 award winners!
Mental Health Trailblazer of the Year - Myra McNair
Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Officer of the Year: Carlin Becker
Mental Health Provider of the Year - Dr. Joshua Babu
Youth Voice of the Year - Ellen Dux-Dahms
Volunteer of the Year - Amy Wolff
Mental Health Trailblazer of the Year - Myra McNair
For a community member whose vision, passion and leadership skills have helped blaze a new trail to benefit individuals impacted by mental illness.
“Myra has extraordinary vision. After earning her master’s degree, she embarked upon diversifying options for mental health. She has a passion for families and is driven to provide mental health relief and expertise in order to support family stability. She provides rich professional development for her staff while offering freebies on social media dubbed mental health Mondays. Anesis Therapy Center is a refreshing presence in the community and has grown to be in high demand with three sites to prove it. Her staff is very diverse as well as her clientele. She is a true trailblazer in every sense of the word!”
Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Officer of the Year
For a law enforcement or corrections officer who has safely and effectively responded to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis using the communication and de-escalation techniques they learned during CIT training.
“Officer Carlin Becker of the Madison Police Department has worked, for the past 5 years, as the North District Mental Health Officer. Through her advocacy and commitment to the community, Officer Becker has responded to numerous mental health calls and coordinated culturally-sensitive, developmentally-appropriate and trauma-informed responses/interventions, which always put the individual first. She is a tireless advocate for anyone needing mental health treatment. She will coordinate with community providers and stakeholders to ensure access to resources for those most vulnerable and at risk in our community. It is truly incredible the impact she has made in her 5 years, both for individuals needing treatment and resources and her advocacy for systemic change.”
Mental Health Provider of the Year - Dr. Joshua Babu
For someone who provides exceptional mental health support to individuals experiencing mental illness.
“Dr. Babu works tirelessly to provide the highest quality of care to his patients and ensure that his team is operating at that same high level. Dr. Babu is an incredible advocate, creative problem-solver, and a compassionate provider. Dr. Babu is consistently willing to engage with families, meeting patients where they are at, and elicit teamwork from interdisciplinary staff members. He is an incredible leader and I am proud every day to work alongside him. I would trust him with my health or the health of any of my family members.”
Youth Voice of the Year - Ellen Dux-Dahms
For a youth or young adult age 15-25 who uses their lived experience to bring greater public awareness to youth mental health and has played a significant role in linking their peers to community mental health resources
“Ellen Dux-Dahms’ mission is to break the stigma of mental illness. She took a giant leap of leadership and vulnerability this year by sharing her mental health journey on James Madison Memorial’s Spartan News. On a video segment viewed by the entire school, Ellen told the story of her sister’s passing by suicide and her personal mental health challenges that followed. She shared the value of resources within the school, encouraged students to reach out for help, and reminded everyone that they are not alone. Ellen’s message was met with great positivity and appreciation by staff and students. We are truly grateful for Ellen's bravery and thoughtfulness; our school community is better by having her in it.”
Amy Wolff - Volunteer of the Year
For a NAMI Dane County volunteer who is dedicated to improving the lives of people with mental illness and has made significant contributions to furthering the mission of our organization.
“Amy has not only volunteered on the Walk Committee and volunteered on Walk Day for many years, she is one of our more outstanding team captains. She leads a team called "Neighbors for Neighbors," which consists of residents from three separate apartment complexes. These apartment complexes are home to people with disabilities, many of whom live with serious and persistent mental illness. Amy works year round to recruit team members and supporters throughout these apartment communities. She arranges for the apartment management company to provide a bus to transport the residents to and from the Walk. Her efforts not only help to raise critical funds for NAMI Dane County, but also serve to spread awareness, and build a positive sense of community among the residents.”
