Every day, mental health professionals at Skyland Trail and around the world work tirelessly to help individuals and families find hope in times of hopelessness. During COVID-19, these mental health heroes are continuing to provide compassionate, evidence-based care to clients and families struggling with mental illness while adhering to public health recommendations.
Messages to Mental Health Heroes
TO: N/A
FROM: Anonymous
John Hunsinger is a staff member at Skyland Trail. I have known him for 19 years. I continue to have a lot of respect for John‘s willingness to grow mentally, spiritually, and emotionally in his profession. He continues to demonstrate willingness to seek understanding and effectiveness in his profession.
TO: N/A
FROM: John McColskey
Keep up the great work! You all are superhero's! Thank you for all you do.....
God Bless!
TO: Everyone at Skyland
FROM: Emily Collins
Thank you so much for all you do!
TO: Danielle-South's House Mom
FROM: Sallie Friedman
Hi Danielle,
Saw your picture on the email and couldn't pass up the chance to say hello! Been wondering how or what the heck ya'll are doing during these challenging times. You've been on my mind because I didn't know if Skyland shut down all together and was hoping you were still getting paid. Hope you and your family are well. Sending all of my love and appreciation.
TO: Jeff Barnes
FROM: Steven Witta Sr.
He does an outstanding job of applying music therapy to a mental health facility. Outstanding musician with a friendly personality. Thanks Jeff.
TO: All those on the Skyland Trail Team
FROM: Cindy Ferguson
I want to thank ALL on the staff at Skyland Trail who are going to incredible lengths to keep each other and the clients as safe and as protected as possible from Covid-19 while continuing to maintain their excellent level of service to clients and top notch management of the business. THANK YOU to:
- Beth and her leadership team for their quick response to an unprecedented situation by strategizing and then implementing procedures and protocols to minimize risks, support the clients, and keep the business running - all of which they executed seemlessly.
- All those working onsite and with residential clients who are committed to following the new procedures and continuing to fulfill their responsibilities
- All the therapists who are supporting their clients remotely by working creatively with them on online platforms
- All those staff working remotely from home, especially those who are also caring for their children or other family members
I consider all of you to be MENTAL HEALTH HEROS!!!
TO: Liz Carter
FROM: Anonymous
You are the BOMB.com. I love you therapeutically.
TO: Leslie Brinkmeyer and Gervonna Scott- Admissions
FROM: Patrice Allison
Thank you both for your kindness and patience during the intake process for our daughter last year. Gervonna, you gave us a wonderful tour and patiently answered her many questions, validated her concerns and helped her feel in charge of her decision. Leslie, you kindly explained the admission process and what her treatment options could look like, and were a calm presence on her admission day. You both helped a young woman feel empowered to make a difficult choice, one which was "one of the best decisions I ever made" (in her words). Thank you!
TO: Skyland Trail Team
FROM: Adam Meadows
I am proud of our team and grateful to be a part of such a supportive community. Thank you for inspiring me with your acts of kindness and service each day. Though we may be physically apart, we are still in this together!
TO: Adam Meadows
FROM: Anonymous
Hands down, the best doctor ever. Don’t take my word. Ask anybody who saw him. Smart, humorous, active listener, motivator, encourager, advocate. Looked at you as a full person -not just a diagnosis. Focused on your entire treatment plan -not just meds. Constantly think of his motivational words when I need to keep pushing and remind myself of the progress I've made. My and many other's Skyland treatment would not have been the same without Dr. Meadows. He is truly a special human being and Skyland is lucky to have such a generous, compassionate, nonjudgemental person on their staff.
TO: The Skyland Trail Team
FROM: Beth Finnerty
A salute to the entire team at Skyland Trail for continuing our mission of providing effective, safe care to our patients and their families in these uncertain times! From the frontline providers to the remote clinicians to our support staff working on campus and from home, you are all my mental healthcare heroes!!!
TO: Lauren Ramos
FROM: David Newkirk
Thank you for working with me to get me into the program last year. You were always a lifeline of hope. I know that I’m not the only one you’ve done this for, but I wanted to take a moment to thank you for all that you did to help me. Skyland’s program was fantastic and I look forward to seeing you again in person someday.
TO: Essence Fiddemon
FROM: Sallie Friedman
Hi Essence,
I hope you are staying safe and healthy through these wild times!! Sending love and appreciation and hope all is well. By the way, your recommendation of Clerissa was a great one!
Take care, Sallie
TO: Transitional Housing Staff
FROM: Emily Wall
You all are a pleasure to work with! I have enjoyed watching our program expand and help others. Sam, Mason, Niki, Jaymie, Emma, Natalie, Tyliyah, Joy, and Akierrea are creative, diligent, and thoughtful staff who make an effort to ensure clients are supported during an uncertain time. Thank you all!
TO: Katie Dozier and the Development Team
FROM: Cindy Ferguson
To Katie and all the wonderful staff who work in Development at Skyland Trail -
You guys are amazing! Thank you for your continued commitment to your work to support Skyland Trail especially during these incredibly challenging times. Your efforts to cultivate donors and execute fundraisers are tough enough without the added impact of the coronavirus. Your dedication to thinking creatively and waaaaay outside the normal development box is to be commended!
I so appreciate the opportunity to work with you and I am confident that your innovative ideas in managing development under new circumstances will continue to successfully support the mission of Skyland Trail.
You are all HEROES in the mental health community!!
TO: N/A
FROM: Teresa Fischer
It takes a truly special individual to do what mental health care providers do on a daily basis. You are heroes every single day of the year, pandemic or no. Thank you for all you do to help individuals on the road to recovery from their mental health illnesses.
TO: Liz Carter and Adam Meadows
FROM: Patrice Allison
Liz and Dr. Meadows,
A year later, our family still talks about the excellent care Grace received at Skyland Trail. While so many staff did so much while she was there, I want to thank you especially for the all-around awesome treatment you provided. This program brought us back our daughter, stronger and healthier. There are still challenges, but she is so much better equipped to face them. Y'all are the best! Thank you!
TO: Christina
FROM: Sparkle Oh
Thank you Christina for all of your wonderfully prepared classes. I have enjoyed every single one of them. Although I had some hesitations in the beginning, the more I got to know your style and approach, the more I appreciated everything you brought to the table. Your wisdom and the way you convey such thought provoking questions and perceptions has challenged me to look deeper and want to grow. You’ve inspired me so much and I have always looked forward to your groups, especially Self Esteem. You’ve also given me courage to take the certification to be a Peer Support Specialist! Watch out! I may be after your job before you know it 😀
TO: Margie Hatcher
FROM: Emily Collins
I would like to think my hero, Margie Hatcher for being caring, creative, supportive, a good reporter, curious, and fun. She drives an hour to see my once and sometimes twice a week and spends four or five hours with me. It is a long way for her to drive to see me, so I appreciate her. Margie is also my mother! We always have a good time when she comes over. Also, we talk on the phone around the same time every day. We are doing a workbook on friendship together. Let's celebrate Margie Hatcher!
TO: Skyland Trail Frontline Staff
FROM: Sarah Buckley
I'm so grateful to work with such wonderful people who have really stepped up their already awesome game to rise to the challenges presented by the pandemic. Thank you to each and every one of you who is working in the office, in the clinic, in the residential halls, and everywhere in between - you're holding our organization together and I'm so grateful for each and every one of you!
TO: Chris Cline
FROM: Kay Thieleke
Shortly after Sebastian arrive at Skyland Trail he ran away. Sebastian decided to return on his own and Chris Cline’s handling of this situation was one of the most important steps in Sebastian’s healing. You never know how important single acts are and I believe this one to be one of those monumental moments.
TO: Online Program Clinical Team
FROM: Chris Cline
Thank you to all the members of the clinical team who have built a phenomenal online program for our PHP/IOP clients! You all have brought all of the skill and creativity of the program into a totally new place! It is an amazing accomplishment... thank you for all of your excellent work during such a complex time.
TO: To Everyone at Skyland
FROM: Anonymous
Thank you for all you do to return our loved ones back to us healthier and happier!
TO: DBT Counselors
FROM: Jane Nixon
Thank you for everything you taught me and helped me understand. I hope you are staying healthy and safe.
TO: Heather
FROM: Mark Iovino
I'm sorry i never got a chance to thank you before leaving in March AND thank you for using your extra three senses to help me everyday from Jan-Mar. Be safe
TO: Nurses
FROM: Ray Kotwicki
Happy Nurses’ Week!
Our wonderful, competent and compassionate nurses represent the best of medical care. During this pandemic, they are on the “front lines,” showing up in both the literal and metaphorical senses of the phrase. I couldn’t be more proud of these professionals.
Happy nurses’ week to the team.
TO: Shelley Danser
FROM: Lynn Fink
Just wanted to drop you a message of thanks for all you did for me. You are awesome at your job. I had to retire early from teaching 26 years because of medical reasons. But, I am still tutoring Math from my home.
Again, thank you for all you did for me. You deserve all that's good in life. GOD BLESS you and your family.
TO: Skyland Family
FROM: Nicole Hawkins
This work is more important than ever. Thank you for continuing to risk yourself to bring comfort and healing to those in your care. Virtual Hug* Virtual High Five*