STAR Awards
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STAR Awards Honorees

SAMHSA is excited to announce the honorees of The SAMHSA Trailblazers in Advancing Recovery (STAR) Awards, who are leaders in recovery with lived experience of mental health and/or substance use conditions including youth and family members whose lives have also been affected.

The Honorees

Equity Champion of the Year

image of Helen 'Skip' Skipper

Helen "Skip" Skipper is the deserving recipient of the STAR Equity Champion of the Year Award from SAMHSA for her groundbreaking work in advancing justice-involved peer support and creating pathways for equity in the criminal justice system. As the Executive Director of the NYC Justice Peer Initiative, Skip is a tireless advocate for individuals with lived experience, using her own journey to inspire change. Her leadership in developing peer employment programs, consulting nationwide on inclusive practices, and serving as a Peer C.I.T. trainer for the NYPD demonstrates her commitment to equity and inclusion. Skip’s dedication extends to her roles on the NYC Board of Correction and Urban Institute’s research initiatives, ensuring community voices are heard at every level. Through her advocacy, innovative programming, and lived experience, Skip has been a transformative force in dismantling systemic barriers, making her an exemplary champion for equity and social justice.

Helen "Skip" Skipper, CPS, B.S., M.A., is the Executive Director of the New York City (NYC) Justice Peer Initiative and a nationally recognized expert in justice-involved peer support. Following her release from incarceration in 2007, Skip has dedicated her career to creating pathways for individuals with lived experience. She previously served as Senior Manager of Peer Services at the NYC Criminal Justice Agency and now leads initiatives focused on employment and inclusion of justice-involved peers. Skip is a Peer Crisis Intervention Team trainer for the New York Police Department (NYPD), consultant at Urban Institute, and a Bard Public Health Fellow. A Columbia University Beyond-the-Bars Fellow and a graduate of St. Francis College, she is currently pursuing a Master’s in Criminology at John Jay College. Skip is also Vice Chair of the NYC Board of Correction and the recipient of numerous awards for her advocacy and innovation in criminal justice reform.

Young Adult Leader of the Year

image of Charlotte Rosario

Charlotte Rosario was chosen to receive the STAR Awards Young Adult Leader of the Year for her exceptional leadership in youth mental health advocacy and innovation. Following the tragic loss of her father to suicide at age 12, Charlotte has become a driving force for change, creating impactful solutions to the mental health crisis. Her documentary *It’s Time We Talk About It* reached over 1.3 million people, sparking vital conversations on suicide prevention across the nation. Additionally, her development of SearchMentalHealth.com, an AI-powered tool that connects youth to local mental health services, demonstrates her commitment to using technology for good. Charlotte's leadership extends to her role as co-chair of the San Mateo County Behavioral Health Commission Youth Action Board and Youth Representative for UNICEF USA, where she advocates for the well-being of young people. Her passion, resilience, and innovation make her an inspiring youth leader.

Charlotte Rosario, founder of SearchMentalHealth, is a passionate advocate for youth mental health. After losing her father to suicide at age 12, Charlotte dedicated herself to finding solutions to the youth mental health crisis. In 2022, she produced the documentary *It’s Time We Talk About It*, following the suicide of Stanford athlete Katie Meyer. The film, featured on national media like CBS and *The Drew Barrymore Show*, reached over 1.3 million viewers, sparking conversations on suicide prevention. Charlotte also developed SearchMentalHealth.com, an AI-powered tool to help youth access local mental health services. She co-chairs the San Mateo County Behavioral Health Commission Youth Action Board and serves as a Youth Representative for UNICEF USA.

Peer Support Worker of the Year

image of Parker LaCombe

Parker LaCombe was chosen as the STAR Awards Peer Support Worker of the Year for her outstanding dedication to mental health advocacy and the Peer Support workforce. After transitioning from a successful career in finance to follow her passion, Parker has spent the last six years growing and advancing the Peer Support profession, with a focus on suicide prevention. Her leadership in key initiatives, including serving as Co-Chair of the Peer and Family workgroup for the Austin State Hospital redesign, has ensured that the voices of people with lived experience are heard at every level. Parker’s work with the City and County of Denver, where she builds infrastructure to support Peer work while maintaining ethical standards, reflects her commitment to the Peer community. Her advocacy and dedication make her a deserving recipient of this award.

Parker LaCombe is a Peer Support Workforce Development Specialist for the City and County of Denver. After losing a loved one to suicide, she left her career in finance in 2015 to become a mental health advocate and Peer Support Specialist. With six years of experience in Austin, Texas, Parker has been instrumental in growing the Peer Support workforce and increasing visibility for people with lived experience. She has presented at national platforms, including the American Psychiatric Association and the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health conferences. Currently, Parker is building infrastructure to support Peer work in Denver, while advocating for suicide prevention as a field advocate for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Advocate of the Year

image of Johanna Kandel

Johanna Kandel was selected as the STAR Awards Advocate of the Year for her exceptional leadership and dedication in the fight against eating disorders. As the founder and CEO of the National Alliance for Eating Disorders, Johanna has transformed the landscape of awareness and support for eating disorders on both national and international levels. Her personal journey from overcoming a decade-long battle with eating disorders to establishing a leading advocacy organization highlights her profound impact. Johanna's active role in consulting for organizations, facilitating support groups, and assisting individuals through recovery showcases her commitment to meaningful change. Her advocacy work, including collaboration with Congress and participation in the first Eating Disorder Roundtable at the White House, underscores her influence in shaping policy and legislation. Johanna’s recognition through numerous awards and media appearances reflects her outstanding contributions and unwavering dedication to advancing eating disorder awareness and support.

Johanna Kandel is the founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Alliance for Eating Disorders and author of *Life Beyond Your Eating Disorder*. After overcoming her own decade-long battle with eating disorders, Johanna established The Alliance in 2000, raising awareness and providing support to millions globally. She consults for organizations, facilitates weekly support groups, and helps individuals and families navigate treatment and recovery. A passionate advocate for mental health and eating disorder policy, she has worked with Congress and government agencies and participated in the first-ever Eating Disorder Roundtable at the White House. Johanna serves on SAMHSA’s Interdepartmental Serious Mental Illness Coordinating Committee and the Board of Directors for the Eating Disorders Coalition. She has received numerous awards for her advocacy, including the Jefferson Award for Public Service and the Meehan/Hartley Leadership Award.

Family Leader of the Year

image of Justin Phillips

Justin Phillips was selected as the STAR Awards Family Leader of the Year for her transformative impact in the fight against opioid overdose and substance use disorder. Following the tragic loss of her son Aaron to a preventable overdose in 2013, Justin founded Overdose Lifeline, Inc. (ODL) to address the opioid crisis through education, advocacy, and support. Her dedication led to the passage of Aaron’s Law in 2015, which increased access to naloxone, a life-saving overdose reversal drug. With a robust background in public health and prevention, Justin has been a tireless advocate, speaking nationally and internationally on the crisis and its solutions. Her leadership is recognized through numerous awards, including the Fairbanks Circle of Hope Award and the Indiana Jefferson Award. Justin’s unwavering commitment to preventing overdose deaths and supporting affected families makes her a deserving recipient of this award.

Justin Phillips, M.A., is the Founder and Executive Director of Overdose Lifeline, Inc. (ODL), a non-profit in Indiana focused on reducing the stigma of substance use disorder and preventing opioid overdose deaths. After losing her son Aaron to a preventable overdose in 2013, Justin has dedicated her life to raising awareness and advancing overdose prevention. Her efforts led to the passage of Aaron’s Law in 2015, which facilitates over-the-counter access to naloxone (Narcan). With a background in public health and prevention, Justin holds a Master’s in Clinical Addiction Counseling and a Master’s in Philanthropic Studies. She has received numerous accolades, including the Fairbanks Circle of Hope Award and Indiana Jefferson Award, and has spoken nationally and internationally, including at the United Nations and before the former President Trump Administration’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction. In 2024, she was named USA Today’s Indiana Woman of the Year.

Wellness Champion of the Year

image of Serena Gunn

Serena Gunn was chosen as the STAR Awards Wellness Champion of the Year for her innovative approach to recovery and wellness. As the founder of HEAL Holistic Journey, Inc., Serena has pioneered the "Fun-covery" movement, advocating for the integration of fun and social activities into the recovery process. Her dedication to holistic healing, including her work as a Recovery Reiki Teacher and Peer Support Specialist, has helped countless individuals find relief from addiction and mental health challenges. Serena’s commitment to expanding peer support and promoting holistic modalities, prevention, and harm reduction reflects her passion for supporting others on their wellness journeys. Her belief in the power of communities to heal together and her advocacy for a life free from intergenerational trauma make her a deserving recipient of this award.

Serena Gunn is the founder and executive director of HEAL Holistic Journey, Inc., a recovery organization that promotes holistic approaches to overcoming substance use and mental health challenges. As a person in long-term recovery, Serena advocates for “Fun-covery,” an initiative focused on integrating fun and social events into the wellness journey. She believes that communities play a vital role in healing and is dedicated to expanding peer support with holistic modalities, prevention, education, and harm reduction. Serena is a Recovery Reiki Teacher, Peer Support Specialist, and a social work student at the University of Michigan - Flint.

Innovator of the Year

image of Philip Cooper

Philip Cooper was selected as the STAR Awards Innovator of the Year for his pioneering work in reentry support and criminal justice reform. As the Founder and Executive Director of Operation Gateway Inc., Philip has made significant strides in reducing recidivism by addressing the social determinants of health for returning citizens. His innovative approach extends to his role as Director of Recovery at the Asheville Dream Center and founder of Voices of Affrilachia, which tackles behavioral health stigma in marginalized communities. Philip's commitment to leveraging lived experience for systemic change is exemplified by his numerous accolades, including the MLK Service Award and the 2024 Recovery Role Model Award. His leadership as an Appalachian Leadership Institute Fellow and a Leading with Conviction Fellow with Just Leadership USA further underscores his role as a transformative force in his field. Philip’s dedication to innovative solutions in criminal justice reform and reentry support makes him a standout recipient of this award.

Philip Cooper, Executive Director of Operation Gateway Inc., is a leading advocate for criminal justice reform and reentry support in Western North Carolina. He founded Operation Gateway to reduce recidivism by addressing the social determinants of health for returning citizens. Philip also serves as Director of Recovery at the Asheville Dream Center and founded Voices of Affrilachia to combat behavioral health stigma in marginalized communities. He has received several honors, including the MLK Service Award, the Attorney General’s Dogwood Award, and the 2024 Recovery Role Model Award. An Appalachian Leadership Institute Fellow and Leading with Conviction Fellow with Just Leadership USA, Philip is also an ambassador for Just Economics of WNC and a Celebrate Recovery Ministry Leader at Revol Church. He is committed to leveraging lived experience to drive systemic change and believes those closest to the problem are closest to the solution.

Ally of the Year

image of Rosalynn Carter

SAMHSA chose to posthumously honor Rosalynn Carter with the inaugural Ally of the Year Award for her unparalleled dedication to advancing mental health and caregiving. Through her work with The Carter Center, Rosalynn was a pioneering force in mental health advocacy, leading initiatives such as the Mental Health Task Force and significantly influencing policy through the President’s Commission on Mental Health. Her commitment extended to the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers, where she championed support for family caregivers. Rosalynn’s impactful efforts also included her work with Habitat for Humanity and 3Keys, addressing housing needs for individuals with mental health conditions. Her extensive contributions, which include numerous books on mental health and caregiving, alongside her numerous awards and honors, reflect a lifetime of advocacy and support. Rosalynn Carter’s legacy of compassion, leadership, and tireless advocacy makes her a deserving recipient of this award.

Rosalynn Carter (1927-2023), former First Lady of the United States and co-founder of The Carter Center, dedicated over five decades to improving global quality of life. She was a tireless advocate for mental health, caregiving, early childhood immunization, human rights, and conflict resolution. At The Carter Center, which she co-founded with President Jimmy Carter in 1982, she played a crucial role in mental health advocacy, chairing the Mental Health Task Force and influencing policy through the President’s Commission on Mental Health. Rosalynn also led the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers, promoting caregiver support through research and advocacy. Her work with Habitat for Humanity and 3Keys demonstrated her commitment to housing and mental health. Honors she received include the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the National Women’s Hall of Fame induction. She authored several influential books on caregiving and mental health.

Last Updated: 09/23/2024