Journeys
From first break to second chance:
Strategic Path Forward 2
Treating Mind and Body as One 8
m e s s a g e from the President
each of our clients has a unique
journey to recovery. Through our nationally recognized treatment programs, our clinical team provides guidance and support as our clients take steps toward independent living and more hopeful and happy futures. Through Journeys, our annual magazine, we tell our clients’ stories and describe the opportunities we have, as a treatment organization and as a community, to make their path to recovery a little smoother. In this issue, we hope you learn more about how we address the needs of our clients’ minds, bodies and spirits. Our holistic treatment model integrates strategies to help clients improve mental health, physical wellness, spiritual strength and relationships with family and friends. We are also excited to share our plans for the future, including a commitment to expand our facilities and programming
for young adults ages 18 to 25 and our plans to open our successful primary care clinic to adults with mental illness living in the community. You’ll also read about our community outreach and education programs that provide a forum for mental health professionals and the broader community to explore promising ideas in the prevention and treatment of mental illness. Every journey begins with a single step. We hope our clients’ stories inspire you to take steps to improve your own health and well-being, and to consider opportunities to support others – a friend, co-worker or community member – in his or her journey toward a better, more fulfilling future.
Our holistic treatment model integrates strategies to help clients improve mental health, physical wellness, spiritual strength and relationships.
Sincerely yours,
Elizabeth E. Finnerty, MBA, MHA President & CEO When Finnerty joined Skyland Trail in 1989, four staff in a single facility served four clients. Today, Skyland Trail has three campuses and has served thousands of clients and families.
Every journey begins with a single step. We hope our clients’ stories inspire you.
CONTENTS
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The Strategic Path Forward 2 Q&A with CEO and CMO
Each of our clients has a unique journey. This publication tells their stories and ours in aiding them along their way.
From first break to second chance: Facing the Challenge of Bipolar 4 Integrated Primary Care & Wellness Treating Mind and Body as One 8 News & Results 11 Outcomes research and Skyland Trail online Learning How to Survive Through DBT 12 Editorial: Shelley W.S. shares her story
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Volunteer Leadership 13 Leadership transition and new board members
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Community Support 14 Bridging gaps to make recovery possible Events Review 16 Benefits of Laughter Southern Shindig Associates Spring Luncheon & Fashion Show Arts in the Garden
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Skyland Trail is a nonprofit adult mental health treatment organization in Atlanta. For more than 20 years, we have been inspiring people with mental illness to thrive through a holistic program of evidence-based psychiatric treatment, integrated medical care, research and education.
skylandtrail.org
Save the Date Sept. 17, 2013
Logic
Wise Mind
Emotion
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The Strategic Path
Forward
An Interview with President and CEO Beth Finnerty and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ray Kotwicki
Could you give us an overview of the plan for strategic growth over the next three to five years? BETH: The most recent strategic plan is
actually the fourth in our 23-year history, and like the other plans before it, our board has worked very hard to meet the needs of our constituents. The plan addresses key areas of growth at Skyland Trail, including developing a fourth campus to serve the escalating need for treatment services for young adults ages 18 to 25, expanding access to primary care services to individuals living with a mental illness in the Atlanta area, and leveraging the opportunity to serve as a learning community through educational experiences and partnerships with academic centers across the country. There are a lot of very exciting initiatives set forth in this plan. This strategic plan is the result of a robust planning effort. What was that process and who was involved? BETH: We started the process in 2010. It
has involved not only our board members, staff, families and clients but also community members across Atlanta who have an interest in mental health services and Skyland Trail. Several teams of volunteer leaders analyzed the best approaches to
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ensure that Skyland Trail is positioned and prepared to meet the current and future needs of our clients in terms of programming, services, leadership, governance and resources. After our Board of Directors approved the plan, we began developing budgets and looking at land opportunities. In 2013 we will launch a capital campaign to begin to put these initiatives in place. How do you see this plan for a specialized facility for young adults improving treatment? ray: Over the last five years almost 75 percent of our patients have been in the 18- to 25-year-old age group. While the country is seeing this change in general, at Skyland Trail we’re seeing a significant spike in young adult enrollment, and we’re very thankful for that because early intervention can lead to better treatment outcomes. The activity level and the way that young adults bond together and support one another in the recovery process is really quite different from people who are 40 and older. A sequestered young adult campus will give us more opportunities to meet young adults’ needs culturally and therapeutically, helping them fully engage in their treatment program. For example, the campus will help our treatment team use technology more extensively, integrate more physical activity into treatment, and facilitate family involvement in therapy in a more streamlined way.
Another key component of the plan is expanding the primary care clinic. Can you talk about that vision? BETH: Our National Advisory Board
encouraged us early on to find ways to integrate primary medical care into our treatment model. We opened a part-time primary care clinic in 2004 for our clients. It quickly grew to a full-time clinic with a nurse practitioner and nursing assistant and 24-hour nursing staff at each residential facility. The benefit to our clients has just been phenomenal. The next step is to move our clinic to a bigger site, expand the services offered and extend access to the clinic to our alumni and to the broader community of individuals living with mental illness in Atlanta. We are thrilled with the early outcomes of our clinic, and believe expanding our services is an opportunity to help save lives. Why is the integration of primary care into mental health treatment services important? ray: The evidence is becoming clear that mental illnesses and physical illnesses are inextricably linked. We know that people with mental illnesses have twice the rates of heart disease and diabetes and maybe even higher rates of pulmonary disease compared to the general population. If we don’t provide effective care to prevent the development of those medical problems, we are not really doing all we can to help our clients live quality lives. And we’re not solely focused on treating illnesses. We want to inspire lifestyle changes. This can be particularly
Journeys Magazine 2013
Key Strategic Priorities Development of specialized facility for young adults ages 18 to 25 Relocation and expansion of primary care and wellness clinic
important for young adults. If you’re not used to living on your own in the first place, plus we superimpose a mental illness on being 18, that’s a volatile combination for making good decisions about healthy eating and active living. Through our holistic treatment model, we want to communicate to our clients that you can expect to live a long time, you can expect to be happy, you can expect to have good relationships and part of that is taking care of your physical health.
Our commitment to the future:
Young adults facility and programming
Expanded primary care and wellness clinic
What is your vision for Skyland Trail 10 to 20 years from now? BETH: Of course our most immediate
needs are what we identified in the strategic plan, but there are opportunities to expand our continuum of care, particularly with alumni. We’re already working to develop an alumni program. We have heard from graduates of our program that the connections and relationships they made at Skyland Trail continue to be important and valuable after they leave. And there are opportunities to continue to be a resource to our alumni through our primary care clinic, vocational services and other programs. I look at the future of Skyland Trail as very bright and exciting. We have great leadership in place and a tremendous staff who will continue to identify what is needed in the community and find innovative ways to meet those needs.
skylandtrail.org
Learning community and partnerships
ray: I think that if we demonstrate the potential of our treatment model and approach to respectful, holistic care through data, scholarship and educational opportunities, we can help change the face of mental health treatment in this country. Ultimately, I think we can express to people that having a mental illness is not a death sentence, that psychiatric illness should be treated equal to any other medical problem, and that, if evidence-based practices are applied in a respectful community of care, it is imminently possible to recover from any mental illness.
“If we demonstrate the potential of our treatment model and approach to respectful, holistic care through data, scholarship and educational opportunities, we can help change the face of mental health treatment in this country.” – Ray Kotwicki, MD, MPH
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From first break to second chance:
FACING THE CHALLENGE
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Journeys Magazine 2013
“Snowboarding and golf, that’s me,” says 21-year-old Wyatt M. His dad took him to snowboard in the Blue Ridge mountains north of their home in Richmond, VA, when he was 12. Now a student at Virginia Commonwealth University, Wyatt spends many winter weekends snowboarding with his friends. Just two years ago, Wyatt was not focused on snowboarding or golf. He was focused on recovery.
After spending his summer preparing to transfer to Virginia Military Institute (VMI), Wyatt planned a trip to visit his older brother, Hunter, in North Georgia. Wyatt’s parents were shocked when Hunter called them describing Wyatt’s erratic behavior. “It was beyond terrifying,” Wyatt’s mom, Beth, says. “Hunter called us and said ‘what should I do, Wyatt is jumping on his car.’” Their first thoughts were for the boys’ safety; their second concern was protecting Wyatt’s future. “In that split second all I could think of was, if we call the police, he won’t be going to VMI. Every dream, hope and aspiration that you have had and your child has had – in that split second it is gone.” Wyatt broke the phone and took off in his car—crashing into a nearby house. Wyatt ended up first in jail, then in a hospital where drug use was ruled out. He was taken to a mental health hospital in Atlanta. He was experiencing his first psychotic break – an episode of mania in what doctors diagnosed as bipolar disorder II. The family was overwhelmed and knew Wyatt desperately needed help. “I knew what was going on, and I knew I was going to get through it,” Wyatt says. “At that time, I wasn’t worried about
school or anything, just trying to focus on getting better. But to have something that I worked so hard for ripped away from me [VMI], it took a toll on me.” Wyatt’s parents were thankful when they were referred to Skyland Trail. “We could have lost him so many times along the way,” says Wyatt’s father, Harry. “But what we felt when we got to Skyland Trail was hope. They offered Wyatt a comprehensive treatment plan. He had to go to recovery groups and he had to participate in therapy sessions. The medical treatment and psychiatric treatment was there, too.” Wyatt joined the Young Adult Recovery Community, connecting with others his age in similar situations. Skyland Trail psychiatrist Mary Burns, MD, who worked with Wyatt, says this track is an important piece of a unique treatment program designed for 18 to 25 year olds.
“This is such an important time of life, and the faster young adults can return to a more normal setting, the better it is for their development,” Dr. Burns says. “Our treatment is tailored for the specific needs of a young adult, and the program is intense so we can treat them quickly and get them back to their lives.” Beth and Harry liked that Wyatt would be with others his age. “As a mom, I wanted to see him with his peers,” Beth says. “I think the staff was able to meet Wyatt where he was. They allowed him to be a 19-year-old.” While at Skyland Trail, Wyatt says he discovered the benefits of talk therapy, both with his primary counselor and with Dr. Burns.
The Young Adult Recovery Community “This is such an important time of life, and the faster young adults can return to a more normal setting, the better it is for their development. Our treatment is tailored for the specific needs of a young adult, and the program is intense so we can treat them quickly and get them back to their lives.”
skylandtrail.org
“What we felt when we got to Skyland Trail was hope.” – Harry M.
– Mary Burns, MD, Skyland Trail psychiatrist
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Donor Supported Financial Assistance Program Beth says the assistance Wyatt received from the Skyland Trail Financial Aid Fund was a blessing. “This was indicative of the compassion and desire of Skyland Trail to make care as accessible as possible. It meant a great deal to us, even beyond the financial impact, because it was another way they were caring for our whole family,” Beth says.
An avid snowboarder and current political science student at Virginia Commonwealth University, Wyatt continues to see a counselor and a psychiatrist and uses the skills he learned at Skyland Trail to stay on track.
“The one-on-one sessions with my counselor made a big difference. I had never talked about my feelings in therapy – it felt awesome,” he said. “I took this very seriously. I knew if I messed up, I could end up in jail.” Dr. Burns says many young adults come to Skyland Trail after a “first break” or first episode of mental illness. It’s not unusual that Wyatt had no idea he had bipolar disorder. “It’s fairly common because the illness doesn’t always present itself until young adulthood, between the ages of 18 and 24,” Dr. Burns says. “You can have latent tendencies and never manifest symptoms until you are confronted with major stressors, such as school or work or relationships.” A key component of the young adult program is teaching clients to deal with those stressors.
Benefits of Intensive Treatment “We made pretty dramatic changes in Wyatt’s medication that would’ve taken longer to change in a different type of program,” Dr. Burns says. “Interventions would take two to three times longer in a traditional outpatient setting.”
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“We talk about relapse prevention and recognizing warning signs,” Dr. Burns says. “Another focus is self care. For someone with bipolar, that includes getting good sleep, minimizing stressors, and staying away from drugs and alcohol. These things are really tricky for young adults and require a lot of education and support – we provide that.” Wyatt says he worked hard to learn about his illness and is careful to watch for signs of another episode coming on. “One thing I see with young adults is that, when they start out with their illness, it’s disruptive and unsettling, and they regress,” says Dr. Burns. “After successful treatment, they come out worlds ahead of their peers. I think they are more mature because they’ve had to deal with illness.” Wyatt returned home after two months at Skyland Trail. His work with the Vocational Services Program at Skyland Trail helped get him started in classes at a community college, and he is now studying political science at Virginia Commonwealth University.
He continues to see a counselor and a psychiatrist and uses the skills he learned at Skyland Trail to stay on track. “I’ve got big dreams to work in Washington, D.C.,” he says. “I’m just kind of playing it out right now to see what I’m good at.” Snowboarding and golf help him manage his stress and burn off steam. “Whenever I get frustrated, I head to the golf course,” he says. For Beth and Harry, the turnaround is encouraging. “When he first came home we were protective and guarded,” says Harry. “We weren’t sure how to handle a reoccurrence, but Wyatt said he did. Beth and I were skeptical, but it is true – he knows what to expect and what signs to look for.” “I am beyond proud of his bravery, of his capacity to continue to hope for the positive things that he wants in his life,” Beth adds. “After what he’s been through, a lot of people would’ve quit. It must take an incredible amount of determination, to be so hopeful and not to be afraid.” Dr. Burns also is proud of Wyatt’s success. “That is a beautiful thing to see, to see his symptoms under control and to see him on the track to a normal life. That is highly rewarding to see.”
Journeys Magazine 2013
“One thing I see with young adults is that, when they start out with their illness, it’s disruptive and unsettling, and they regress. After successful treatment, they come out worlds ahead of their peers.” – Mary Burns, MD, Skyland Trail psychiatrist Wyatt and parents
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& mental Understanding the overlap of
MEDICAL health “Mind and body are inextricably linked. Skyland Trail has the unique opportunity to demonstrate that addressing physical health – diet, exercise, sleep, stress reduction, prevention services, dental care, etc. – is essential for successful recovery from mental illnesses.” – Ray Kotwicki, MD, MPH, Skyland Trail chief medical officer
Skyland Trail is one of the first and few organizations to integrate medical care into mental health treatment. Our onsite primary care clinic is staffed by medical professionals with expertise in addressing the physical health needs of patients with mental illness. Outside of the clinic, healthy living education and counseling are essential components of each patient’s treatment plan.
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Journeys Magazine 2013
“One of our main goals is to keep clients medically stable and to monitor them if they have a medical condition that requires continuing treatment. By being able to do medical procedures on site, we increase the amount of time a client is able to spend in treatment.” – Maureen Newton, APRN, BC; Nurse Practitioner, Skyland Trail Primary Care Clinic
All clients receive a comprehensive medical history and physical examination from Newton in the primary care clinic, including blood work, urine screening, and an EKG. The physical exam provides a baseline so Newton can monitor important changes during treatment, including potential side effects of medications. Newton also helps clients identify risk factors for developing health conditions and appropriately manages existing conditions like diabetes, hypertension or asthma, connecting them with specialized care if needed.
“When you’re focused on mental health, you might not realize that you’re not getting the nutrition you need or that you’re an emotional eater. When patients sit with me, I share information they need to make better lifestyle and dietary choices.” – Dhana Blissett, Skyland Trail Nutritionist
Services provided in our onsite primary care clinic: • Initial medical history and physical exam • Measurement of body mass index • Comprehensive laboratory screenings, including complete metabolic panels, complete blood counts, thyroid function tests, nutritional state checks, screenings for infectious and autoimmune diseases, pregnancy test, blood tests for illicit substances, and monitoring of adherence with certain medications • Urinalysis, including tests for illicit substances and possible infections • Preventive services including pelvic examinations and PAP smears, safer sex counseling, genetic counseling, management of chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension
Blissett teaches healthy living skills through group cooking classes and other hands-on group activities. Blissett also meets individually with clients. She uses the results of blood work from the clinic along with nutritional assessments and vital signs to coach clients on positive lifestyle changes like drinking more water and fewer empty liquid calories, eating breakfast regularly, or eating a healthy balance of foods. Blissett also works with dining services to present healthy meal choices for all our clients.
“Maureen did an EKG, and, because of my family history she encouraged me to see a cardiologist. She set that up–I wouldn’t have gone. At Skyland Trail, things get taken care of because you can just walk into the clinic between classes.” – Joyce M., Skyland Trail Graduate Skyland Trail graduate Joyce M. developed a relationship with Newton when she needed help monitoring her diabetes. After mentioning she felt she had an irregular heartbeat, Newton helped identify a previously untreated heart condition and connected her with appropriate care.
In addition to a mental health recovery community, we also assign each client to one of three wellness tracks: Cardiometabolic For clients with a family history of cardiac problems or diabetes, who have a high body mass index, or who are on an atypical antipsychotic medication associated with development of cardiometabolic syndrome Follow-Up For clients with known medical problems, such as asthma or chronic infections, requiring ongoing treatment or follow up Wellness Track For currently healthy clients that focuses on health promotion and disease prevention.
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e duc a t i on
Learn: Professional and Community Education Education is an important part of our mission. Throughout the year, we organize many opportunities for families, mental health professionals and the broader community to learn about advances in the prevention and treatment of mental illness. As a teaching institution, we also provide outstanding learning experiences for students pursuing careers in social work, psychology, nursing, adjunctive therapies, and related programs.
Professional Workshops
2012 Dorothy C. Fuqua Lecture Series
We kicked off our 2013 series of professional workshops in March with a presentation on bipolar illness by Dr. Ray Kotwicki, Skyland Trail chief medical officer. Dr. Tara Arnold followed in April with a full-day session on dialectical behavioral therapy in the clinical setting, and Rush S. Smith Jr., JD, presented on the ethics of therapy and litigation in June. A final workshop in November led by Dr. Brooke Judkins will focus on applying attachment styles in work and life. CEU credits are available. Learn more at skylandtrail.org/workshops.
Held annually, the Dorothy C. Fuqua Lecture Series at Skyland Trail is made possible by a generous gift from Rex and Duvall Fuqua and Edwina and Tom Johnson in honor of Mrs. Fuqua. The free lecture is open to professionals and community members. In 2012, we hosted 11 of the nation’s leading mental health researchers and clinicians for Trailblazing in Psychiatry: Charting future paths of mental health treatments. Lecturers included Charles B. Nemeroff, MD ; Mark L. Rosenberg, MD, MPP; and Douglas M. Ziedonis, MD, MPH. The three lectures were followed by a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Ray Kotwicki with panelists W. Edward Craighead, PhD; Philip Harvey, PhD; Ned Kalin, MD ; Clinton Kilts, PhD; John Newcomer, MD ; Alan Schatzberg, MD. Videos of the three lectures are available online: skylandtrail. org/workshops.
Family Education and Support Recognizing the vital role families play in the recovery of a loved one, we offer the weekly family Support, Training and Education Program (STEP), on Tuesday evenings. The meeting offers mental health education as well as a support group. You do not have to be affiliated with a Skyland Trail client to participate in STEP, and there are opportunities to join by phone or video conference. Learn more at skylandtrail.org/STEP.
“Excellent presentation! I learned a lot and have been in practice 25 years.” – Ellyn Goldstein, LCSW, workshop participant
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In 2012, nearly 500 people attended a professional education event. For a complete list of upcoming events and to view videos of select past lectures, visit skylandtrail.org/workshops.
Save the Date
Dorothy C. Fuqua Lecture Series September 17, 2013 7:00–9:00 p.m. Mental Illness in America A panel moderated by Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN chief medical correspondent
Journeys Magazine 2013
N E W S & RES U L T S
Measuring successful recovery Our Outcomes Research program ensures that we set the curve for
mental health treatment. We monitor key client demographic and clinical indicators to assess the impact of treatment and program effectiveness. Outcomes data from 2007 through 2012 confirm that our unique approach to recovery works. People who come to Skyland Trail return to their communities with improved skills to pursue more independent and productive lives.
“I refer clients to Skyland Trail because they will receive exceptional, coordinated mental health services that are unparalleled (and often unavailable) elsewhere in the country.” – Matthew W. Norman, MD Psychiatric Associates of Atlanta
2012 Key Treatment Outcomes
92% improvement in attitudes
toward medication adherence***
70% improvement in symptoms
of psychosis*
64% improvement in impulsive
Check Out Our New Website Have you seen our new website? Check it out at www.skylandtrail.org. Watch videos, read stories of recovery and learn more about our treatment programs.
and addictive behaviors*
61% improvement in feelings
of hopelessness**
59% improvement in attitude
toward activities of daily living and overall functioning*
54% improvement in feelings of
depression and/or anxiety*
53% improvement in relationship
with self and others*
Let’s Meet Up Give us a call at 404-315-8333 to find out when a Skyland Trail representative will be in your area. Chart citations *Results are statistically significant at the p<.05 significance level. The 32-Item Behavior and Symptom Identification Scale (BASIS-32): ©McLean University, Affiliate of Harvard Medical School. **Results are statistically significant at the p<.05 significance level. Beck Hopelessness Scale: Beck AT, Weissman A, Lester D, Trexler L. (1974). The measurement of pessimism: The Hopelessness Scale. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 42(6), 861-865 ***Results are statistically significant at the p<.05 significance level. Medication Attitude Inventory: Hogan TP, Awad AG, & Eastwood R. (1983). A self-report scale predictive of drug compliance in schizophrenics: reliability and discriminative validity. Psychological Medicine, 13, 177–183.
skylandtrail.org
Stay Connected Keep up to date with the latest news from Skyland Trail. Follow us on:
June:
Boston, Chicago, New Haven, Charlotte, West Palm Beach
July:
Amelia Island, Raleigh
September:
Asheville
October:
Kennebunkport
November:
San Diego
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e d i to r i a l
Logic
Wise Mind
Emotion
Learning How to Survive Through Dialectical Behavioral Therapy at Skyland Trail by Shelley W.S., Skyland Trail graduate
DBT combines cognitive behavioral therapy techniques with concepts derived from Eastern meditative practices, including distress tolerance, acceptance, and mindful awareness.
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As the result of a major manic episode and subsequent hospitalization, I entered Skyland Trail in May 2011. I had been grappling for some months with medication changes and stressful life circumstances (specifically, the consequences of poor financial decisions and my work as a college English teacher). I would end up on the bathroom floor, sobbing inconsolably, or staying up until 3:00 a.m. cleaning the house. Mentally and emotionally, I was in shambles. I entered Skyland Trail on the Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) track. For the first time in my 25+ years of living with bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder traits, I began to learn practical coping skills for handling extreme sensitivity, mood swings, and how to survive – a word used often in DBT – emotionally difficult or painful circumstances and events without hurting myself or those around me. Additionally, my medication finally got stabilized. My time at Skyland Trail literally saved my life; getting up in the morning – simply existing day-to-day – no longer felt like an insurmountable struggle. It’s been almost two years since I started at Skyland Trail. I shortly realized post-graduation that recovery begins after completion of treatment. I began to deal with the everyday realities of my marriage
and my job – feeling like a newborn colt on shaky legs – and very uncertain I could actually manage life’s quotidian details. Fortunately, my DBT skills held true, and I was even able to manage the details of a long-distance move from Chicago to Atlanta without falling apart. I’ve learned it’s good to reinforce my DBT skills whenever I can. Currently, I’m enrolled in group DBT classes and see a therapist at the Atlanta DBT Center. Thursdays have become my DBT days, and while I’m a limp noodle by Thursday afternoon – the work is often arduous – I’m thrilled to be continuing the recovery process I started at Skyland Trail, to be even more adept at using my DBT survival skills, and to see the life I have wanted for myself for many years to finally be taking shape around me.
Journeys Magazine 2013
ou r b o a r d
Leadership Transitions After 25 years of remarkable service, Mark West stepped down as chair of the Board of Directors in December 2012. Long-time board member and supporter John C. Gordon was elected chair and now leads Skyland Trail forward in a new phase of development and expansion. Gordon is president of Gordon Document Products, Inc. and managing partner of its sister company, Perfect Circle Renewable Energy. He also serves as president of the Mt. Paran-Northside Neighborhood Association, is the founder and chairman of Friends of English Avenue and recently completed his second term as a member of the Ohio Wesleyan University board of trustees. “I’ve been a member of the Skyland Trail family for more than 20 years,” says Gordon. “In that time, I’ve been amazed by the talented staff and heartened by the success stories of the thousands of individuals who have found recovery. It’s an honor and a challenge to lead this board as we strive to give hope and independence to people with mental illness.”
Outgoing chair Mark West with new chair John Gordon.
Photo: Mark West (left) with new Board Chair John C. Gordon (right)
Board of Directors John C. Gordon, Chair of the Board Richard C. Parker, Chair, Executive Committee Michael Tompkins, Treasurer Marjorie Wynne, Secretary T. Richard Bryant David Flint J. Rex Fuqua Dana Halberg Thomas D. Hills James Howard William E. Huger, III Don Inman* Clay Jackson Amy Rollins Kreisler Kelly Loeffler* Betts Love* Melissa Lowe Jay D. Mitchell Jackie Montag Charlotte Pierce-Baker, PhD Mark Rosenberg, MD, MPP* Michelle Sullivan Bob Walker Brooke Weinmann
skylandtrail.org
Board Emeritus Vivian DuBose, Chair Dorothy C. Fuqua Betty Ann Inman Beth Jones David C. Lowance, MD Edward E. Noble Charles B. West Allison F. Williams Blanton C. Winship Advisory Board Robby Wynne, Chair Betsy Akers Kit Bowlin* Susan Boyd Nancy Bryant Gwynie Dennard Mike Dobbs Sally Dorsey Charles Doty Samuel Dunlap, III* Ceree Eberly Cindy Ferguson Carol Gellerstedt Betsy Glenn Christopher Glover Sarah Goodman
Danica Griffith Richard Harris Hilton H. Howell, Jr. Jocelyn Hunter Stan Jones Ann Lally Valerie Love* Missy Madden Kim Marks Cynthia J. Moreland Jeff Muir Colleen Nunn Beth Park* Leigh Pollard Patricia Reid Marcia Robinson Mark Tipton Charles Wellborn* Jeremy Wing John B. Zellars, Jr.
We were also pleased to welcome the following new members to our Board of Directors and our Advisory Board in 2013
New Advisory Board members (L to R): Valerie Love; Samuel R. Dunlap, III; Kit Bowlin; Robby Wynne (chair); Beth Park; and Charles G. Wellborn. New Board members:
Page Morocco, Associates President *new members Don Inman
Kelly Loeffler
Betts Love
Mark Rosenberg, MD, MPP
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C o m m un i t y Suppo r t
Your Gifts Can Help Start a Journey Clients come to Skyland Trail to begin their journey to recovery. We support and inspire their progress, providing leading-edge psychiatric and therapeutic treatment in a respectful, caring and engaging environment. Skyland Trail is grateful to every individual and organization who makes a gift, attends an event, volunteers their time, or reaches out with compassion to someone who is struggling with mental illness.
Charitable giving supports unique opportunities that help our clients overcome treatment obstacles through three important programs:
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Financial Aid Scholarships
Our need-based financial aid scholarship program enables many clients and their families to access and complete treatment. While clients and families are responsible for a portion of their treatment costs, our Financial Aid Program help fills the gap. Engagement Incentives
When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re dealing with a mental illness, just getting out of bed can be a challenge. Showing up and actively participating in a full-day of therapy sessions can seem impossible. We also award financial aid through our engagement incentive program to encourage clients to give therapy their best efforts. Clients who meet participation criteria throughout their treatment receive a reduction in their program fees or an increase in their financial aid award. And it works. Individuals who benefit from the incentive program are more likely to fully participate in their treatment and less likely to end their treatment before their counselors and doctors believe they are ready. Unique Therapies
Working with our expert music, horticulture, art or recreation therapists can help open doors to the process of sharing and communication. Clients also receive support from our pastoral counselor as well as training and guidance from our vocational services program. These unique programs significantly impact engagement and progress toward recovery
Unique opportunities to explore recovery through art, music, nature, or spiritual resources rekindle hope and spark communication.
Interested in helping start a journey? Visit www.skylandtrail.org/donate
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One-third of clients receive financial aid scholarships. An average scholarship award is $10,000 to $20,000
Clients who benefit from the incentive program are 80% more likely to fully engage in treatment.
Journeys Magazine 2013
Associates Volunteer Group Helps Expand Excellence The Skyland Trail Associates is an auxiliary group of women who support Skyland Trail through fundraising efforts, special events, and volunteer activities. Over the past decade, the Associates have raised funds to support critical client services, including the purchase of a client van for transportation, an EKG machine for our primary care clinic, a renovated kitchen in one of our client residences, and, most recently, a campus-wide wireless internet network. “The Associates are so important to us through their volunteerism with our clients, their ambassadorship in the community, and their fundraising efforts that support critical client services and community education,” says Skyland Trail president and CEO Beth Finnerty. “The new wireless network made possible
by their efforts is improving collaborative treatment planning between our clinical team and clients and is providing a better customer service experience for all.” Associates meet throughout the year to engage in informational sessions about mental health, learn about Skyland Trail, and socialize with fellow Associates members. “There are so many wonderful causes “Skyland Trail is in the business of in the Atlanta community, but Skyland transforming lives. I cannot imagine Trail is in the business of transforming lives. I cannot imagine anything more anything more worthwhile than that.” worthwhile than that,” says Page Morocco, – Page Morocco, Skyland Trail Associates president. Skyland Trail Associates president New members are welcome at any time. For more information, please contact Ashley Vance, 678-686-5905 or avance@skylandtrail.org.
Patty Reid
Three Questions with Patty Reid
Advisory Board member Financial Aid Committee member
How did you get involved with Skyland Trail?
Can you describe serving on the Financial Aid Committee?
What opportunities do you see for Skyland Trail in the future?
Some years ago, a friend invited me to Benefits of Laughter. I knew Mark West, who was board chair, and his wife, Betsy, but I didn’t have a particular knowledge of the process and work that goes on day-to-day at Skyland Trail. But at Benefits of Laughter, a wonderfully organized event that entertains and educates, I heard a client talk about what Skyland Trail did for him. It was so moving. As I met the Skyland Trail staff and heard more stories about how people were being helped, I became more and more interested and wanted to be involved.
My experience on the committee has been wonderful. We hear from people who have been beneficiaries of the financial assistance program and what a difference it has made to them. The financial aid made it possible for those individuals to come to Skyland Trail and get on a path to recovery. Many of the clients’ outcomes are amazing. While always inspired by the clients, I also continue to be impressed by the caring and dedicated Skyland Trail staff. Their hard work and attention to detail ensures that help is given to as many people as possible with the funds available.
Well first, Atlanta is so lucky to have Skyland Trail. It is a place that is doing so much good and getting so much right, and I think it is becoming a recognized leader in the mental health field throughout the country. As Skyland Trail increasingly becomes a resource and a model in the mental health field, I am excited about its potential to enable more people to live happier lives.
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How you can help: Events Each year, Skyland Trail hosts several key fundraising events. Each event offers a fun and distinct experience and an opportunity to support recovery for individuals with mental illness. We are honored by your participation and especially grateful to our event sponsors.
Benefits of Laughter 2012 Benefits of Laughter, our signature fundraising event, was held October 17, 2012, at the St. Regis in Buckhead. The event experienced record-breaking attendance and raised more than $615,000 to support financial assistance and therapeutic programs at Skyland Trail. Coinciding with the 2012 election season, the evening featured music and political satire by the Capitol Steps.
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Event Chairs: Robin Howell & Mary Johnson Honorary Chairs: William â&#x20AC;&#x153;Billâ&#x20AC;? H. & Carol Fox Corporate Committee Chair: Mark Tipton Patron Committee Chairs: Amy Kenny & Betsy West
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IMAGES: 1 Laura Hardman, Gary and Doni Rhineheart, Tom Johnson 2 Mary Johnson, Mark Tipton, Robin Howell 3 Mark West, Carol and Bill Fox
4 Kelly Loeffler and Jeffrey Sprecher 5 Michael and June Tompkins 6 Mark and Betsy West, Ray and Helen Weeks 7 Anne Sterchi 8 Brooke and Winston Weinmann, Caroline and Jeff Tucker 9 Amy and Lawrence Kenny 10 Benefits of Laughter guests at the St. Regis 11 Zachery Hunter
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Journeys Magazine 2013
Event Chairs: Kelly Loeffler & Betsy Akers Patron Chairs: Lorri McClain & Kim Noonan Featuring comedian Jake Johannsen
Corporate Chairs: Jeffrey Sprecher & Steve Sullivan save the date: October 23, 2013 Please mark your calendars for Wednesday, October 23, 2013, for the 16th annual Benefits of Laughter at St. Regis Atlanta. Our signature fundraising event offers a fun and distinct experience and an opportunity to support recovery for individuals with mental illness.
We are pleased to announce that entertainment will be provided by comedian Jake Johannsen. Johannsen has had numerous late night TV appearances as well as his own Comedy Central special. His latest special, “i Love You,” currently is airing on Showtime.
Steve Sullivan, Betsy Akers, Kelly Loeffler, Jeffrey Sprecher
See photos from last year’s event and learn more about patron and corporate sponsorship opportunities at www.skylandtrail.org/BOL. For more information, contact Ashley Vance, avance@skylantrail.org, 678-686-5905.
Lorri McClain, Kim Noonan
Thank you to the early sponsors of Benefits of Laughter 2013 Organizations represented to right committed to sponsor Benefits of Laughter before May 1, 2013.
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Associates Spring Luncheon & Fashion Show 2013 More than 250 guests filled the ballroom at Cherokee Town Club on March 15, 2013, for the sixth annual Skyland Trail Associates Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show. The unique annual event is organized by the Skyland Trail Associates, a volunteer group of Atlanta women leaders. Speaker Billy Howard, a 2011-2012 Rosalynn Carter Fellow for Mental Health Journalism, talked about his important work to remove the stigma surrounding mental illness. The event raised more than $45,000. At the Fall 2013 meeting, Associates will vote on how these funds will be designated to improve services at Skyland Trail.
Event Chair: Page Morocco
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Event Co-Chair: Kim Nalley
IMAGES: 1 Kim Nalley, Page Morocco, Billy Howard, Beth Finnerty 2 Kim Marks, Beth Park, Mary Delmer 3 Tyler Wynne, Leigh Pollard 4 Robyn Barkin, Kelly Loeffler, Betsy West 5 Holly Dwight, Nola Stull and Felicia Huger model three Tory Burch looks.
Southern Shindig Southern Shindig is an annual event organized by young Atlanta professionals as a way to introduce the important work of Skyland Trail to Atlantaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s up-and-coming community leaders. Last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shindig raised more than $20,000 in proceeds to support Skyland Trail programs and clients. Please join us this year on Friday, August 16, 2013, for our third annual Southern Shindig at SweetWater Brewing Company. Event Committee: (shown to right) Hunter Amos Catherine Kraft Robby Wynne Street Nalley Wes Bradshaw
join us august 16, 2013 Ticket information: www.skylandtrail.org/shindig
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Journeys Magazine 2013
Arts in the Garden 2013 More than 500 individuals attended the 16th Annual Arts in the Garden event at Skyland Trail on May 3. Kicking off Mental Health Month, Arts in the Garden is an amazing celebration of the talents, courage and spirit of individuals recovering from mental illness. The day featured an artist market and art exhibit, art demonstrations and interactive art experiences, a plant sale and treasure sale, and musical performances and storytelling. Visit www.skylandtrail.org/AITG to see more photos and videos.
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Planned Giving: The
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Cypress Society
The need for quality mental health treatment services in Atlanta, Georgia, and the nation is growing. Skyland Trail is committed to meeting those needs now and in the future. But we need your help to do so. Including Skyland Trail in your estate planning ensures that Skyland Trail continues to meet the needs of future generations through state-of-the-art facilities and innovative, leading-edge treatment programs. Individuals and families who support Skyland Trail through a planned giving commitment join The Cypress Society. The impact of your investment in Skyland Trail will be significant and far-reaching.
“Skyland Trail is the one place where I feel I can truly make a difference. I see how my
contributions through annual giving positively affect the lives of so many individuals. As part of the Cypress Society, I have taken the next step and included Skyland Trail in my planned giving. My family and I value this opportunity to build on the legacy of all those who have contributed to the growth of Skyland Trail. It’s paramount to me to ensure that Skyland Trail will always be able to aid individuals and families in their pursuit of recovery.”
– Mark West, Cypress Society Donor
Learn more: www.skylandtrail.org/giving
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Benefits of Laughter 2012 Diamond Sponsor J.B. Fuqua Foundation Platinum Sponsors Anonymous The St. Regis Atlanta Gold Sponsors BNY Mellon Wealth Management The Coca-Cola Company First Beacon Investments, Inc. Georgia Commerce Bank Harbert Management Corporation Intercontinental Exchange Piedmont Healthcare Sartain Lanier Family Foundation Silver Sponsors Banker’s Fidelity Life Insurance Company Emory Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Goldman Sachs & Co. Holder Construction Company Hugh M. Inman Family Foundation Masters Capital Management Printpack, Inc. and Gay & Erskine Love Family Foundation Russell Reynolds Associates Schreeder, Wheeler & Flint, LLP Sherlock’s Wine Merchant TriBridge Residential, LLC VEININNOVATIONS
Southern Shindig 2012 Sponsors Printpack, Inc. The Ansley Group Brand Properties Currie & Co. Travels Unlimited Payscape Advisors Shiver Hamilton, LLC Sons Automotive Group State Bank & Trust Company Sunbelt Technology, LLC Tony Brewer & Company
Associates Spring Luncheon & Fashion Show 2013* Gold Sponsor Georgia Commerce Bank Silver Sponsors Sons Automotive Group Anna Paré, MD, Dermatology VEININNOVATIONS *sponsor ads shown to right 20
Special thanks to our generous event sponsors. Businesses and foundations that support Skyland Trail through event sponsorship help our clients access and fully engage in our nationally recognized treatment program. We are pleased to recognize the organizations that sponsor our events on these pages, beginning with the 2013 Associates Luncheon.
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Our practice is dedicated to the treatment of
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Atlanta Johns Creek 678-731-9815
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Journeys Magazine 2013
“Our Bank Helps Us Dream Big” “We believe in the Atlanta Dream, our players, our fans and what this team brings to our city. We want to set the standard in women’s professional sports and to inspire young people to go for their dreams. To help us fulfill these goals, we needed a banking relationship that would provide both the personal and financial services we need to run a successful organization. We found that banking partnership with Georgia Commerce Bank.” — Mary Brock & Kelly Loeffler Atlanta Dream Co-Owners
Learn more at gacommercebank.com or call 678-631-1240
Mary BrocK
Kelly loeffler
owned and operated by the nalley family
Sons Acura Sons Honda BMW/MINI of South Atlanta Nalley Buick/GMC
skylandtrail.org
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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage
PAID
1961 North Druid Hills Road NE Atlanta, GA 30329
Atlanta, GA Permit No. 3536
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Inspiring Adults with Mental Illness to Thrive Located in Atlanta, Skyland Trail is a nonprofit mental health treatment organization serving adults ages 18 and older. Our goal is to help individuals recover from mental illness and live as independently and successfully as possible in the community. Skyland Trail Journeys is available online at www.skylandtrail.org/news. To request copies, please call 678-686-5951 or email info@skylandtrail.org. Shannon Easley Executive Editor/Writer Eileen Corey, Coreyography Graphic Designer Susan Kirkwood Lindsey Writer Kathryn Rogers, David Stover, Sarah Tabor, Tim Wilkerson Photography Front cover: Wyatt M., Skyland Trail graduate. Photography by David Stover. Right: Clients have opportunities to work with our horticultural therapist in our greenhouse and in our many healing gardens. In addition to caring for plants, clients use natural materials to build zen gardens, fairy homes, balancing stones, and other projects that provide opportunities to practice mindfulness while expressing their creativity.
For more information or to find out how you can help, call today: 866-528-9593