Gold Key Recipients
2025 Recipients of Gold Key Awards
Lauri Cole
Lauri Cole is relentless advocate for access to care and equity and behavioral health, and she knows first-hand what it’s like to work in our sector. She is an LMSW and spent 15 years in direct care, administrative, and leadership positions and mental health and SUD agencies in the capital District. Her first job out of college was at the Rape Crisis Center for Rensselaer County during the height of the child sexual abuse awakening in this country. She also ran a homeless shelter in Troy, New York for 2 1/2 years. Her career eventually led her to the Association for Community Living, where she worked for 11 years, and she has served as the Executive Director of the NYS Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare since 2003. Lauri is also a twice impacted family member having lost her mother and partner to accidental overdose within the last eight years.
The NYS Council is a statewide membership association representing 175 organizations that provide mental health and SUD services. Thanks to Lauri's guidance and expertise, the NYS council has played a essential role in shaping Medicaid managed care policies, pushing for rate increases, and challenging, ensure practices that create barriers to care.
Lauri has testified before the NYS Legislature multiple times, advocating for workforce investments, rate parity, and regulatory flexibility in order to fight for the people we support in our system of care. Lauri has pushed for the expansion of the CCBHC model, which integrates mental health and SUD services and improves access and outcomes. She has also consistently highlighted the staffing crisis in behavioral health, calling for competitive wages and strategic investments to retain qualified professionals. She is a determined, dedicated, and extremely effective advocate for the sector.
She received the National Council‘s 2020 Individual Achievement and Advocacy Award for her efforts. And 2025, Lauri received the Behavioral Health Advocacy Award from Mental Health News Education (MHNE), recognizing her decades of leadership and impact. The New York State Council was also recently named one of New York’s top 25 trade associations by City & State Magazine.
We are honored to add her well deserved accolades and accomplishments by presenting her with a Gold Key Award from the Western New York Chemical Dependency Consortium.
The NYS Council is a statewide membership association representing 175 organizations that provide mental health and SUD services. Thanks to Lauri's guidance and expertise, the NYS council has played a essential role in shaping Medicaid managed care policies, pushing for rate increases, and challenging, ensure practices that create barriers to care.
Lauri has testified before the NYS Legislature multiple times, advocating for workforce investments, rate parity, and regulatory flexibility in order to fight for the people we support in our system of care. Lauri has pushed for the expansion of the CCBHC model, which integrates mental health and SUD services and improves access and outcomes. She has also consistently highlighted the staffing crisis in behavioral health, calling for competitive wages and strategic investments to retain qualified professionals. She is a determined, dedicated, and extremely effective advocate for the sector.
She received the National Council‘s 2020 Individual Achievement and Advocacy Award for her efforts. And 2025, Lauri received the Behavioral Health Advocacy Award from Mental Health News Education (MHNE), recognizing her decades of leadership and impact. The New York State Council was also recently named one of New York’s top 25 trade associations by City & State Magazine.
We are honored to add her well deserved accolades and accomplishments by presenting her with a Gold Key Award from the Western New York Chemical Dependency Consortium.
Shanice Anderson
Shanice Anderson is the Director of Youth Services at Restoration Society, Inc. (RSI). In the past three years, she has dedicated her time and energy to fighting stigma and promoting harm reduction, specifically in the Youth Clubhouse at RSI. Youth Clubhouse is an after-school program specifically geared towards supporting youth who are facing challenges with substance use. The attendees are primarily from the City of Buffalo and students of Buffalo Public Schools. Shanice provides a judgment-free and trauma-informed program that welcomes everyone who wants to be there and also encourages them to explore their talents and find their passions. Since taking over as Director, Shanice has grown the program exponentially, increasing from single digit attendance to serving hundreds of youth.
In the Youth Clubhouse, the arts are celebrated and explored as both an outlet for creativity and a possible career path. The youth work on their skills, showcase their art, and learn about entrepreneurship and building networks in the arts community. They are also encouraged to step outside of their comfort zones through camping trips and exploring different career opportunities. Dinner is offered daily to all attendees and the students are involved in making menus, budgeting, shopping, and preparing the food. Shanice makes sure everyone in attendance gets to eat and sends extra food home with those who need it most. Shanice perfectly embodies the desire to teach the youth to be independent and empowered, while also making them feel cared for and valued.
Shanice's greatest contribution is her respect and appreciation for the youth, their ideas, and their perspectives. She encourages friendly discourse and discussion, tapping into the youth to help make decisions about what goes on in the program, talk about issues they face, and think about their futures. She doesn't just tell the youth what to do, rather she encourages them to think critically about what they want to do and what they think is right, and offers them support and guidance, free of judgment. She encourages them to be open to possibilities they haven't thought of or experienced. She encourages them to put themselves in others' shoes. She tells them about the "real world" in a way that also reminds them that they are a factor in that real world and that they can be integral to positive change and progress.
In the Youth Clubhouse, the arts are celebrated and explored as both an outlet for creativity and a possible career path. The youth work on their skills, showcase their art, and learn about entrepreneurship and building networks in the arts community. They are also encouraged to step outside of their comfort zones through camping trips and exploring different career opportunities. Dinner is offered daily to all attendees and the students are involved in making menus, budgeting, shopping, and preparing the food. Shanice makes sure everyone in attendance gets to eat and sends extra food home with those who need it most. Shanice perfectly embodies the desire to teach the youth to be independent and empowered, while also making them feel cared for and valued.
Shanice's greatest contribution is her respect and appreciation for the youth, their ideas, and their perspectives. She encourages friendly discourse and discussion, tapping into the youth to help make decisions about what goes on in the program, talk about issues they face, and think about their futures. She doesn't just tell the youth what to do, rather she encourages them to think critically about what they want to do and what they think is right, and offers them support and guidance, free of judgment. She encourages them to be open to possibilities they haven't thought of or experienced. She encourages them to put themselves in others' shoes. She tells them about the "real world" in a way that also reminds them that they are a factor in that real world and that they can be integral to positive change and progress.
Erin Parr
Erin Parr began her journey at Horizon Health Services, Inc. in 2019 after relocating from Toronto, Canada. Erin holds a master's degree in counseling psychology from Yorkville University, a bachelor's degree in psychology, and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Addiction Treatment & Prevention. She has over 20 years of clinical experience in the treatment and prevention of substance use disorders.
During her time with Horizon, Erin has spearheaded the development of education and programming around the rising rates of Cannabis use in qur community. She has contributed knowledge on the impact of cannabis legalization, cannabis education, and effective harm reduction strategies to the development of group curriculum and
trainings offered to Horizon staff and the community. Erin's passion for community education has naturally led her to join Horizon's Speaker's Bureau, through which Erin has delivered numerous presentations on the effects of Cannabis Use and Vaping to students, parents, staff, and educators in schools, colleges, and other community settings.
In 2024, Horizon Health Services was awarded a grant by SAHMSA to provide SBIRT (Screening Brief Intervention & Referral to Treatment) services. At that time, Erin was promoted to the position of Project Director and began the creation of Horizon's S.A.F.E.R. (Substance Abuse Free Education/Intervention & Referral) Program to deliver a public health model of prevention, early intervention, and treatment services for persons with and at risk of substance use disorders. Erin has developed a skilled team who delivers SBIRT program services to children, adolescents, and young adults, ages 10-25, at schools, colleges, and other community locations. She has worked hard to develop strong relationships with schools and community partners to promote awareness of youth substance use trends and strategies. She has contributed creativity and out-of-box thinking to her development of "mobile" S.A.F.E.R. pro-gram services to further increase access and "Love Your Lungs" quit kits for youth engaging in vaping behavior. She has also partnered closely with the WNY Youth Anti-Vaping Coalition, Px21, and Kids Escaping Drugs to broaden the scope of referrals, access to resources, and the sharing of knowledge across programs. Erin can often be found out in the community sharing information and resources to encourage community education. Erin's hard work and dedication have reduced barriers to accessing services while promoting lung and brain health for youth and young adults across WNY.
During her time with Horizon, Erin has spearheaded the development of education and programming around the rising rates of Cannabis use in qur community. She has contributed knowledge on the impact of cannabis legalization, cannabis education, and effective harm reduction strategies to the development of group curriculum and
trainings offered to Horizon staff and the community. Erin's passion for community education has naturally led her to join Horizon's Speaker's Bureau, through which Erin has delivered numerous presentations on the effects of Cannabis Use and Vaping to students, parents, staff, and educators in schools, colleges, and other community settings.
In 2024, Horizon Health Services was awarded a grant by SAHMSA to provide SBIRT (Screening Brief Intervention & Referral to Treatment) services. At that time, Erin was promoted to the position of Project Director and began the creation of Horizon's S.A.F.E.R. (Substance Abuse Free Education/Intervention & Referral) Program to deliver a public health model of prevention, early intervention, and treatment services for persons with and at risk of substance use disorders. Erin has developed a skilled team who delivers SBIRT program services to children, adolescents, and young adults, ages 10-25, at schools, colleges, and other community locations. She has worked hard to develop strong relationships with schools and community partners to promote awareness of youth substance use trends and strategies. She has contributed creativity and out-of-box thinking to her development of "mobile" S.A.F.E.R. pro-gram services to further increase access and "Love Your Lungs" quit kits for youth engaging in vaping behavior. She has also partnered closely with the WNY Youth Anti-Vaping Coalition, Px21, and Kids Escaping Drugs to broaden the scope of referrals, access to resources, and the sharing of knowledge across programs. Erin can often be found out in the community sharing information and resources to encourage community education. Erin's hard work and dedication have reduced barriers to accessing services while promoting lung and brain health for youth and young adults across WNY.
Ian Eastman
Evergreen Health provides medical, supportive, and behavioral services to individuals and families including many who are living with chronic illness or who are underserved by the healthcare system. Evergreen champions the harm reduction model of care, welcoming everyone, regardless of their health and wellness goals, in a safe and affirming environment.
Ian Eastman, harm reduction center manager for Evergreen Health, has been an unwavering pillar of compassion, expertise and leadership at Evergreen, for the past ten years. Joining the organization shortly after the launch of Chautauqua County's
first-ever Syringe Exchange Program, Ian has dedicated his career to improving the health and dignity of people who use drugs and other stigmatized communities. From the beginning, Ian has embodied Evergreen's core value to meet'" people where they are. He connects with patients, community members, leaders and colleagues alike with empathy, patience and integrity. His leadership has been instrumental in expanding and strengthening Evergreen's Syringe Service Program in Jamestown, ensuring that services have grown not only in reach, but have focused on quality and sustainability as well.
Over the years, Ian has become a recognized leader in HIV and Hepatitis C testing, low-threshold buprenorphine provision and supportive counseling. His drive to continually improve his skills is evident. Earlier this year, he began pursuing his Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor certification to further enhance his ability to serve individuals with substance use disorders in Chautauqua County. He also spearheads untraditional outreach activities like providing Naloxone training annually at music festivals in the region. Beyond his programmatic expertise, Ian is also a collaborative force within Evergreen. Recently, he played a key role as a stakeholder in the rollout of a new mental health outpatient program located just floors below his Syringe Service Program site. His ability to build bridges with almost anyone who can help with patients reflects his deep commitment to person-centered care.
It is no exaggeration to say that lives have been saved, and countless others transformed, because of Ian's dedication. His steady leadership, humility and tireless compassion make him not only a standout staff member but also an invaluable asset to the entire community.
Ian Eastman, harm reduction center manager for Evergreen Health, has been an unwavering pillar of compassion, expertise and leadership at Evergreen, for the past ten years. Joining the organization shortly after the launch of Chautauqua County's
first-ever Syringe Exchange Program, Ian has dedicated his career to improving the health and dignity of people who use drugs and other stigmatized communities. From the beginning, Ian has embodied Evergreen's core value to meet'" people where they are. He connects with patients, community members, leaders and colleagues alike with empathy, patience and integrity. His leadership has been instrumental in expanding and strengthening Evergreen's Syringe Service Program in Jamestown, ensuring that services have grown not only in reach, but have focused on quality and sustainability as well.
Over the years, Ian has become a recognized leader in HIV and Hepatitis C testing, low-threshold buprenorphine provision and supportive counseling. His drive to continually improve his skills is evident. Earlier this year, he began pursuing his Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor certification to further enhance his ability to serve individuals with substance use disorders in Chautauqua County. He also spearheads untraditional outreach activities like providing Naloxone training annually at music festivals in the region. Beyond his programmatic expertise, Ian is also a collaborative force within Evergreen. Recently, he played a key role as a stakeholder in the rollout of a new mental health outpatient program located just floors below his Syringe Service Program site. His ability to build bridges with almost anyone who can help with patients reflects his deep commitment to person-centered care.
It is no exaggeration to say that lives have been saved, and countless others transformed, because of Ian's dedication. His steady leadership, humility and tireless compassion make him not only a standout staff member but also an invaluable asset to the entire community.
Helena Sikieva
Helena Sikieva of the Northpointe COP Program has shown outstanding leadership and commitment to excellence for many years. Helena consistently demonstrates deep program knowledge, high work quality, and a proactive approach to problem-solving and process improvement that truly set her apart. Her thorough understanding of program operations and up-j to-date knowledge of OASAS regulations along with her ability to translate this knowledge into actionable guidance for staff, greatly enhances the overall effectiveness of the COP Program.
She has proactively developed and implemented protocols to address key operational areas and has shown great initiative as she has taken on operational challenges making sure all objectives are met.
Helena communicates effectively and efficiently, both upward and downward ensuring that clear directives are understood by all. Her approach fosters a cohesive and responsive team environment.
In short, Helena is a model of reliability and professionalism. Her dependability ensures that the program runs smoothly and makes her an indispensable member of the Northpointe Council team.
She has proactively developed and implemented protocols to address key operational areas and has shown great initiative as she has taken on operational challenges making sure all objectives are met.
Helena communicates effectively and efficiently, both upward and downward ensuring that clear directives are understood by all. Her approach fosters a cohesive and responsive team environment.
In short, Helena is a model of reliability and professionalism. Her dependability ensures that the program runs smoothly and makes her an indispensable member of the Northpointe Council team.
Nathan Calhoun
Nathan Calhoun began his career at BestSelf Behavioral Health as a Customer Service Representative in their Club West Program. Club West offered after hours in-person supports to individuals who were struggling with mental health and/or substance use concerns in a safe and non-judgmental environment. While working in this program, Nathan worked alongside peers who were providing support, resources, and perspectives only possible through real lived experiences to program participants.
Being in recovery himself and seeing peers who were such assets to the program, Nathan decided to pursue Peer Certification. He really wanted to "giveback" to the community that helped support him in his own recovery journey. After the Club West Program unfortunately closed, Nathan took on a new position at the BestSelf Recovery Community Outreach Center as a Peer Specialist. Due to his outstanding work with participants, he was promoted to Senior Peer Specialist.
Over the course of time; Nathan has become a true leader. He has demonstrated outstanding compassion and commitment to BestSelf s mission and participants. He actively seeks out resources that will help improve services. Most recently, he was instrumental in working with another community stakeholder to provide smoking cessation materials and supports. He has also been involved in securing gambling specific training for staff as well as providing gambling screening events. Nathan inspires others and he consistently goes above and beyond to ensure program participants are receiving quality peer services.
Nathan is the true definition of a Peer, constantly advocating and supporting others as they begin and continue in their recovery journeys.
Being in recovery himself and seeing peers who were such assets to the program, Nathan decided to pursue Peer Certification. He really wanted to "giveback" to the community that helped support him in his own recovery journey. After the Club West Program unfortunately closed, Nathan took on a new position at the BestSelf Recovery Community Outreach Center as a Peer Specialist. Due to his outstanding work with participants, he was promoted to Senior Peer Specialist.
Over the course of time; Nathan has become a true leader. He has demonstrated outstanding compassion and commitment to BestSelf s mission and participants. He actively seeks out resources that will help improve services. Most recently, he was instrumental in working with another community stakeholder to provide smoking cessation materials and supports. He has also been involved in securing gambling specific training for staff as well as providing gambling screening events. Nathan inspires others and he consistently goes above and beyond to ensure program participants are receiving quality peer services.
Nathan is the true definition of a Peer, constantly advocating and supporting others as they begin and continue in their recovery journeys.
Michelle Curto
Michelle has grown with the Horizon team over the past 30+ years and currently serves as their Vice President of Operations. She has demonstrated her leadership and collaborative skills through several projects.
Through the DSRIP initiative between 2015-2020, project Michelle that lead the Horizon team through a difficult project that aimed to reduce unnecessary emergency room and hospital visits. She changed workflows, spearheaded trainings, and implemented changes from the ground up. In the spirit of collaboration, she then shared her best practices with other agencies involved in the waiver project. Her commitment to collaboration and improving the services provided by our field continues to this day, even as she is set to retire in January of 2026.
Michelle has been a valuable asset to the Value Network Advisory Board and has that contributed to clinical, quality, and operational best practices and standards of care that have spread out to other Value Network membership agencies. Michelle’s legacy is one of partnership, generosity, strong advocacy, and leadership. She had made a significant mark, not only on the work of Horizon, but on all of the work of our field.
Through the DSRIP initiative between 2015-2020, project Michelle that lead the Horizon team through a difficult project that aimed to reduce unnecessary emergency room and hospital visits. She changed workflows, spearheaded trainings, and implemented changes from the ground up. In the spirit of collaboration, she then shared her best practices with other agencies involved in the waiver project. Her commitment to collaboration and improving the services provided by our field continues to this day, even as she is set to retire in January of 2026.
Michelle has been a valuable asset to the Value Network Advisory Board and has that contributed to clinical, quality, and operational best practices and standards of care that have spread out to other Value Network membership agencies. Michelle’s legacy is one of partnership, generosity, strong advocacy, and leadership. She had made a significant mark, not only on the work of Horizon, but on all of the work of our field.
