Journeys Magazine 2012

SPRING 2012

INSIDE: VOCATIONAL SERVICES PROGRAM 16 Offering Guidance and Support

IT TAKES COURAGE TO COMPLETELY SURRENDER 21 A Story of Recovery

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of Recovery Pastoral Counseling at Skyland Trail

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KYLAND TRAIL HAS A LONG HISTORY OF BEING A FORWARD THINKING organization and a leader in the field of treatment for adults with mental illness, offering them encouragement and hope in their courageous recovery.

It is time for us to move forward once again, following the steps outlined in our latest strategic plan which takes us on an exciting path that will position us well for the future. We are strengthening the organization from the inside as well—working on organizational excellence as we implement high quality services to our clients. We are focusing on leadership, increasing the efficiency of our operations, and being good stewards of the resources afforded us.

As we embark upon this journey, we are energized by our successes and continue to focus on enhancing measurable outcomes using metrics-based management to track our progress. On the clinical side, we will continue to strengthen our role in mental health research and reporting outcomes of our therapeutic approaches. In this issue, our medical director provides insight into these important contributions that spread insight and explore new avenues in treating mental illness.

Through it all, Skyland Trail will continue to be a leader in providing a complete continuum of holistic care—treating the mind, body and spirit. This issue of Journeys takes a look at our Pastoral Counseling Program, which offers nondenominational support to help clients with the larger existential questions that arise during treatment.

Another interesting article you will find features our Vocational Services Program, aimed at helping our clients return to work or school and to their community. We are thrilled with the successful endeavors of our clients as they take this important next step in their recovery and as we watch them follow their dreams.

Thank you for your encouragement of Skyland Trail as we move forward. We greatly appreciate your friendship to Skyland Trail and your interest in our work.

Sincerely yours,

ELIZABETH E. FINNERTY, MBA, MHA PRESIDENT/CEO

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NEWS

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THE SPIRIT OF RECOVERY: 9 Pastoral Counseling at Skyland Trail ANOTHER TOOL FOR CLIENTS

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How Pastoral Counseling Helped a Client with Grief

MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER: 14 The Importance of Research and Outcomes

V O C AT I O N A L S E R V I C E S P R O G R A M : 16 Offering Guidance and Support ABOUT THE PROGRAM

16 Mark C. West Chairman of the Board Elizabeth E. Finnerty, MBA, MHA President/CEO Skyland Trail, developed and supported by the George West Mental Health Foundation, offers hope to adults with mental illness by teaching them the skills they need to truly change their lives. Programs are offered on three campus-like settings led by a team of professionals who are specialists in their fields.

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IT TAKES COURAGE TO COMPLETELY SURRENDER: 21 Lynn F. Shares Her Story of Recovery EVENTS

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Benefits of Laughter, Patron Party, Dorothy C. Fuqua Center Lecture Series and Associates Luncheon GIVING TO SKYLAND TRAIL

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Annual Giving Campaign Kick-off

Susan Lindsey Writer/Executive Editor Kerstin Weis Art Director Skyland Trail JOURNEYS is a publication of Skyland Trail, a project of the George West Mental Health Foundation. Single copies can be requested at (678) 686-5912.

Postmaster: Send address changes to SKYLAND TRAIL, 1961 North Druid Hills Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329.

On the Cover: Roberta W., Skyland Trail alumnus. Photography by Billy Howard.

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harlotte Pierce-Baker, PhD, parent of a Skyland Trail graduate and member of the Board of Directors, will soon be releasing a book chronicling her family’s journey through an unpredictable mental illness. Dr. Pierce-Baker’s book, “This Fragile Life: A Mother’s Story of a Bipolar Son,” began as a way of helping herself through her son Mark’s mental illness.

Why did you decide to write “This Fragile Life”?

I was pretty much blindsided by the illness. We all were. I began writing to help myself along in the beginning, just taking notes. Then, I realized I didn’t want others, mothers in particular, to face this illness alone. I wanted parents and other caregivers to have a chronicle of what happened to us so they could see how we did it, the mistakes we made, and what we should have seen and didn’t.

How did your son feel about you publishing your family’s story?

I promised Mark he could read my manuscript at any time, and he read it full before I turned it in. I asked for his permission to use his story and his name, and also to use his prose and poetry in the book. Mark hoped others would be helped by our family story.

What was the hardest part about writing something so personal?

The hardest part was the aloneness of it, feeling alone. In the beginning, there wasn’t anybody I could turn to for questions or answers. No one was saying, “I’m bipolar; come talk to me.” The other hard part of writing was staying honest—honest about what had happened and how I reacted at the time.

What’s the “takeaway” you’d like readers to leave with?

That a life is possible with bipolar disorder—but that bipolar disorder is forever. And that love, caring, and professional guidance and treatment are essential to maintaining that life.

Purple Heart The ghost pain of amputated fear is all that’s left.

I am startled, now and then, by nothing.

—MARK FREDERICK BAKER, 2007

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HOUSTON BAKER

Board Member Writes Memoir

Charlotte Pierce-Baker, PhD

Mark struggles, but today he is married and has three beautiful sons. He and his wife work hard to keep their life balanced.

Why did you decide to come back and serve on the Board of Directors?

I am so honored to be a member of the Skyland Board. I think Skyland Trail is life-affirming—an incredible space for people to receive treatment and support for mental illness.

Skyland Trail’s vision for the future is amazing and powerful. I want to support that vision.

Charlotte Pierce-Baker, PhD is a professor of Women’s and Gender Studies and English at Vanderbilt University and the author of Surviving the Silence: Black Women’s Stories of Rape (Norton, 1998). Dr. Pierce-Baker has been on Skyland Trail’s Board of Directors since 2011. Her book, This Fragile Life can be purchased at: http://www.ipgbook.com SKYLAND TRAIL

New Board of Directors and Advisory Board Members for 2012

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kyland Trail is pleased to announce new members of the George West Mental Health Foundation Board of Directors and Advisory Board. Melissa Lowe, president of Lowe and Associates, has joined the Board of Directors as of January 2012.

New Advisory Board members for terms that began Melissa Lowe in January of 2012 include: Mike Dobbs, Chief Marketing Officer for Wells Real Estate Funds; Charles Doty, President/COO of Asset Preservation Advisors, Inc.; Missy Madden, owner and landscape architect for Bellwether Landscape Architects, LLC; Kim Marks active

Mark Tipton, Kim Marks, Missy Madden, Mike Dobbs (not pictured: Charles Doty)

community volunteer; and Mark Tipton, Chairman/CEO of Georgia Commerce Bank.

Leigh Pollard will serve as an ex-officio Advisory Board member in her role as President of the Skyland Trail Associates.

Skyland Trail Celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month with Arts in the Garden Arts in the Garden continues its longstanding tradition as an opportunity to celebrate the many talents and abilities of adults with mental illness.

Held the first Friday in May during Mental Health Awareness Month, the annual event includes presentations of visual and performing arts saluting the successful recovery of individuals with mental illness.

Each year, approximately 500 people from across the community

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attend this free event that takes place on the Skyland Trail campus, enjoying hands-on workshops, demonstrations, art exhibits, music and dance performances, a plant and art sale, treasure sale, and mental health education.

The community event also gives consumers of mental health services the opportunity to display their art in order to educate the general public about mental illness and reduce stigma.

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Skyland Trail to be featured in Fairy Garden Book

PHOTO BY AMY M.

orticulture Therapist Libba Shortridge, HTR, MLA and Process Art Therapist Susie Sherrill and Creative Art Therapist Helen Goldberg, along with volunteer Amy Blumenfeld are collaborating to contribute to a book being written about fairy homes.

As part of the art and horticultural therapy programs, clients use their imagination to create “fairy homes,” which are miniature homes and gardens created from natural materials. Fairy home building and gardening taps into the imagination and ingenuity of adults struggling

PHOTO BY AMY M.

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with mental illness. It allows individuals to celebrate the intricacies of nature while embracing their own talents and passions.

Skyland Trail was one of a handful of sites across the country selected to provide information, photos and inspiration on fairy homes for the upcoming book, which will be published by Schiffer Publishing next year.

Horticulture Therapist Libba Shortridge

Engagement Incentive Program at Skyland Trail

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he clinical team at Skyland Trail works hard to keep clients engaged in their recovery work and measure their progress. One of the tools the team uses is a seven-point scale developed in 2010 that tracks a client’s participation in treatment, separate from their mental health symptoms. The scale rates a client’s engagement in groups, individual

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sessions and the program in general.

“This is great feedback for us to be able to give clients and their families,” says Vice President of Clinical Services Chris Cline, LCSW. “When someone is engaged, this is a good way for them to see that they’re working hard, even if they still have symptoms. If someone is not as engaged, this scale is helpful in talking to them and their families in concrete terms in what we need from them in their treatment.”

In 2011, Skyland Trail connected the engagement scale with a reduction of fees to create the Engagement Incentive Program.

Clients who are successfully engaged in treatment after their first month of treatment earn small discounts in their treatment costs or an increase in

their financial aid award.

“This is very exciting because at the same time a client is improving their potential treatment outcome through engagement in treatment, they are also helping reduce the cost of their treatment,” says Cline. “Sometimes a client feels guilt or pressure about the cost of the treatment. By showing up and being involved, they have a way to also participate financially.”

An analysis of 2011 data showed that a client’s length of stay in treatment increased 17 percent, which shows that a client who is engaged is more likely to stay in treatment.

“Engagement can really help a client succeed in the hard parts of recovery,” says Cline. “Instead of quitting when things get challenging, they stick with the recovery process and are able to stay here for a longer period of time and ultimately experience better treatment outcomes.”

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Art Captures Metaphors of Recovery

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reative Art Therapist Helen Goldberg is working with clients to create a large “Balancing Stones” sculpture to help capture the metaphors of recovery.

“Each stone represents an aspect of recovery—the tools clients develop, the counselors, the different types of therapy,” Helen says, “It takes all of these things for recovery and then we balance them all together.”

Helen says the idea of the stones came from a former client who would stack Creative Art Therapist Helen Goldberg small stones atop of one another as a form of therapy. She’s expanded that idea to create a 7-foottall sculpture tower of large stones that will be displayed on campus.

The stones are created using plywood, chicken wire, paper mache and plaster. They will be covered in mosaics, then grouted and sealed. Clients, their families and staff have all contributed to the mosaics, creating the designs both randomly and with intention.

“When the sculpture is complete, my hope is that it becomes a place of contemplation,” Helen says. “This will help remind clients that they aren’t alone, that we’re all in this together.”

Skyland Trail 2012 Educational Events: Community Education Series Thursday, October 11, 2012; 6:30pm

Bullying & Cyber-Bullying Among Tweens & Teens: What Every Therapist, Counselor, and Parent Needs to Know Presented by: Iréné Celcer, M.A., LCSW, Private Practice, Atlanta, GA

Lunch & Learn Series Friday, May 18, 2012; 11:30 am

“An Integrative Approach to Understanding and Treating Trauma: A Theoretical Framework” Presented by: Kathryn Hawkins Truax, MS, NCC, LPC and Dr. Robert P. Truax, DC; TRU Integrative Health and Wellness, Atlanta, GA Friday, June 29, 2012; 11:30 am

Psychopharmacology 101: An Overview of the Uses, Abuses, and Ruses of Psychiatric Medications Presented by: Ray Kotwicki, MD, MPH, Chief Medical Officer of Skyland Trail, Atlanta, GA Friday, July 20, 2012; 11:30 am

OCD: The Latest Treatment and Research Co-Sponsored with OCD Georgia Presented by: Rebecca Beaton, Ph.D., LPC, Licensed Psychologist, Founder and Director of The Anxiety & Stress Management Institute, Atlanta, GA and Co-Founder of OCD Georgia

Please note that registration information and detailed program information can be found at www.skylandtrail.org.

A client adds to the mosaic on a balancing stone. w w w. s ky l a n d t ra i l . o r g

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Skyland Trail to Add Medical/Psychiatric Resident kyland Trail will soon have on staff a medical/psychiatric resident from the Emory University School of Medicine, who is being trained and certified in both psychiatry and internal medicine.

This expert physician will lead program development and delivery of comprehensive mental and physical health care for patients in our on-site primary care clinic, which provides respectful, individualized medical services to Skyland Trail patients.

“Too often, psychiatric patients who receive primary care services in the community are either told to stop taking psychiatric medications to avoid development of medical problems, or are not afforded the same quality of preventive services patients without psychiatric illnesses enjoy,” says Chief Medical Officer Ray Kotwicki, MD, MPH. “Our physician will be able to simultaneously manage the complexities of this mind-body interface, in a comfortable and professional environment.”

The primary care facilities help Skyland Trail accomplish the goal of providing a “medical home” for our clients, where both psychiatric and internal medicine services can be expertly delivered, uniquely combining both services to treat the needs of adults with mental illness. Patients who are able to secure medical care from head-to-toe in one location during one

PHOTO COURTESY OF KIERAN REYNOLDS

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The Primary Care Clinic at Skyland Trail

appointment are also much more likely to maintain appropriate follow-up and adherence than when care is segmented in multiple venues.

The addition of a thirdyear resident who is dually trained in psychiatry as well as internal medicine, with a comprehensive view of the patient, supports the integrated medical care component of our mission and overall treatment continuum.

The medical/psychiatric resident will pay close attention to preventive care, including healthy eating, active living, stress management, exercise, and medication management, in addition to

providing primary health care for chronic and acute illness and physical medical conditions.

Adults with mental illness are at risk for cardiometabolic syndrome, and the resident will coordinate a prevention program designed to educate patients about their illness and how they can take proactive steps to improve it.

This type of residency position is a new, cutting-edge medical school training model. Emory University is one of eight medical schools in the U.S. with a dual medicine / psychiatry residency program.

Join Team Skyland for the Peachtree Road Race Wednesday July, 4th 2012 Step 1 Sign up through www.crowdrise.com/teamskylandpeachtree Step 2 Raise money to benefit Skyland Trail Step 3 Run with your friends on July 4th

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SKYLAND TRAIL

WINGS Uplifting for Clients and Staff

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hanks to an anonymous gift from a passionate bird watcher, Skyland Trail has created a new birding program, “Wonders in Natures’ Gifts and Song” (WINGS), which enhances both the horticulture and recreational therapy programs at each Skyland Trail campus.

Facilitated by long-time volunteer and bird enthusiast Carole Weil, WINGS is devoted to the observation and appreciation of birds, butterflies and dragonflies.

“It’s nice to have the opportunity to sit outside and appreciate the birds.

This has enhanced my life,” says one client. “I enjoy having the quiet time to be introspective and reflective. I truly value this time of day.”

The WINGS program funds bird feeders, bird baths and birdhouses to enrich birding for each of Skyland Trail’s campuses. In addition, outdoor furniture, resource books and binoculars are available for clients and staff alike. At the residences, clients meet in the gardens to talk and observe the birds that stop by.

“We learn about birds and their habitats and how to identify them,” Carole says. “I see a lot of metaphors in birding for clients in their recovery process –about adaption, learning to

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Client Tom P. fills a birdfeeder at the Health and Education Center

survive different seasons. Plus, the addition of birds makes our gardens even more beautiful.”

Clients say that so many birds stop by, they are constantly refilling the birdfeeders, which gives them a sense of purposefulness. Clients tell Carole that the quiet reflection gives them peace and tranquility, especially after a long day of therapy.

“You really do have to be mindful in the moment and you have to observe and hone your hearing,” Carole says. “Clients learn to pay attention to the natural world and that’s the hope of horticultural therapy, so this is an extension of that.”

The therapeutic qualities of WINGS are growing as the clients find restorative peace and an opportunity for mindfulness and connection through tending to and enjoying the birds.

“The surprising benefit of the program is that it is enjoyed by everyone—not just clients,” says

Horticultural Therapist Libba Shortridge, HTR, MLA. “Staff and visitors to our campuses also have the same uplifting experience when they are in the gardens and take a few minutes to sit and witness the excitement among the birds.”

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By Susan Lindsey • Photography by Billy Howard understand why her depression wasn't getting better. rom the outside, Roberta W. appeared to have We just kept hoping she would improve when certain it all—a solid career, a strong marriage, a famexternal pressures were lifted.” ily that loved her, and a poodle that was conBut things did not improve. In July of 2011, stantly by her side. Living in Florida, Roberta Roberta woke up in the hospital after a suicide attempt. was surrounded by sun and warm weather.

“I really should not have survived that,” she says. “I But on the inside, Roberta was waging a dark battle began to believe that a higher power was out there, and against depression that had lasted more than a decade. that this higher power wanted me to stay alive.”

On the worst days, the disease immobilized her.

Helped by her siblings in Atlanta, Roberta left the “I couldn’t leave the bedroom. I couldn’t face the hospital and came world. I was so to Skyland Trail as depressed,” Roberta a resident at the recalls. “I was rockPastoral Counseling is part of the South campus. bottom depressed and holistic approach to recovery at “I remember I couldn’t function as right away a coma human being.”

Skyland Trail, playing an imporfortable feeling, a Roberta’s family tant part in addressing a client’s feeling that this was concerned, but spiritual needs alongside a range place was differher sister says they ent. And it was,” didn’t know what she of other therapeutic approaches. she says. needed to get better.

While at “We were there for Skyland Trail South, Roberta says she began participather physically, but we didn't understand what was ing in the weekly worship services led by Pastoral wrong, and we didn’t know how to help her,” her sister, Counselor Reverend Adam Garner, MDiv, LAPC as a Diana, says. “Over the years, as external pressures way to reconnect with her faith. mounted, the depression worsened. She did her best to Pastoral Counseling is part of the holistic approach keep a smile on her face and she wanted to be well—we to recovery at Skyland Trail, playing an important part knew that. The irony was, she had been regularly takin addressing a client’s spiritual needs alongside a range ing anti-depressants for a long time, so we didn’t Left: Roberta with Pastoral Counselor Adam Garner at the labyrinth at the Skyland Trail North Residence.

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of other therapeutic approaches. The program helps intebecause of the pastoral counseling that I received at Skyland grate the two areas of therapy and spirituality in people’s Trail,” she says. lives in healing and helpful ways. Although the interfaith Adam agrees that having a ministerial trained staff program is voluntary, the majority of Skyland Trail clients member at Skyland Trail is important to recovery for many participate in some way through worship services, weekly clients. groups, morning meditation or individual counseling.

“Often times the sources of greatest healing are accessed “The program is a spiritually supportive program and through paths similar to those that caused the pain—I work accepts people from any background of belief or nonwith many clients who feel they have been lied to, injured, belief,” Adam says. “Pastoral let down or otherwise manipulated Counseling provides an opportunity by spirituality and/or spiritual repto concurrently address the spiritual resentatives,” Adam says. “It’s The program is a spiritually experiences, wounds, beliefs and important to the recovery process supportive program and questions a client may have, while that we have a place for those meanthey also receive other therapeutic ingful questions and concerns about accepts people from any backexperiences to address their recovery.”

God, religion and past spiritual ground of belief or non-belief.

Roberta says she noticed a differexperiences to be heard by someone Pastoral Counseling proence in the strength of her beliefs who serves as an informed guide right away. and who can help hold that spiritual vides an opportunity to con“Adam went out of his way to space with the client.” currently address the spiritual connect to me, to let me know he Roberta was also an active experiences, wounds, beliefs was available if I needed someone to member of Adam’s pastoral counseltalk to. That was very different from ing group, “Seeking Healthy and questions a client may my past experiences with treatment Relationships,” which focuses on have, while also receiving centers, where there was no one to setting and respecting boundaries in other therapeutic experiences turn to for help or guidance,” she relationships. says. “Every Sunday Adam came to “Through this group, I gained to address their recovery.

South to lead a short worship service. the tools I needed to become a bet—ADAM GARNER, MDIV, LAPC I attended every one. I felt very safe ter wife, daughter, sister and friend,” and at peace in Adam’s presence.”

Roberta says. “I left Skyland Trail Adam says the Pastoral with the ability to establish healthy Counseling program allows the client boundaries with those around me. I to find what spiritual practices work no longer felt I had to just ‘go with best for them during their recovery, the flow’ to maintain a peaceful either through more familiar relienvironment. I could speak up for gious approaches like prayer and the myself, knowing that I deserved to study of the written text, or individube heard.” alized practices unique to the client, Roberta says she was much such as creative writing and meditative exercises. more prepared to re-enter the world with this new knowl“There is a lot of power in the program being voluntary edge. because the client can choose to approach it on their own “Adam’s group offered a different type of self-awareness terms,” Adam says. “The space is always open for a client to than I was getting in more traditional counseling groups, attend the groups or approach me if and when they’re maybe because it’s on more of a spiritual level,” she says. ready.”

After five months at Skyland Trail, Roberta returned to Roberta says she and other clients appreciate having a her husband, Bob, and life in Florida, where she works as an spiritual representative on staff who was an integrated optician for a private practice. Not only has she learned to member of the treatment team. manage her depression, but Roberta has learned to cope “It was important to know that there was something without alcohol. bigger than myself, something greater that I had forgotten “After being at Skyland Trail, the habit of alcohol abuse about. I was able to reconnect with my spiritual side was broken,” she said. “My husband stopped drinking as 10

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Roberta catches up with her sister, Diana, and brother, Bob, on a visit to Atlanta.

well. Now, we are happier than we have ever been in 15 years of marriage. It truly seems like a miracle.”

Roberta now uses healthy coping mechanisms she learned at Skyland Trail, like exercise and yoga.

“Prior to Skyland Trail I had all but given up on life. I left Skyland Trail with a restored faith and belief that my life is worth living,” she says. “I am enjoying life, embracing myself and my marriage is stronger.

I go for walks on the beach with my dog, Niki, every day.”

Roberta’s time at Skyland Trail has also helped renew her relationships with family members.

“I am so grateful to my family for believing in me, believing that I could be well. The support from them was overwhelming. Physically, financially and emotionally they were there for me each and every step of the way,” she says. w w w. s ky l a n d t ra i l . o r g

I am so grateful to my family for believing in me, believing that I could be well.

The support from them was overwhelming. Physically, financially and emotionally they were there for me each and every step of the way, —ROBERTA W.

“My recovery could never have been as great as it was without their love and support.”

Her family is also grateful for the difference they see in Roberta.

“Roberta has been given a new lease on life as a result of her treatment at Skyland Trail, and we, her family, have received peace of mind in knowing that she has been made SPRING 2012

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Roberta and her family credit Skyland Trail with helping her re-establish a healthy mindset.

whole again,” Diana says. “As her sister, I will never stop worrying about her, but since her early adulthood, I cannot remember her having the healthy frame of mind she seems to be experiencing today.

“She is still very much Roberta, only so much improved, that when we compare her attitude today with the attitude of so many years past, it is hard to reconcile the two. We are all so grateful to see her enjoying life again.”

Adam agrees that Roberta has undergone a dramatic transformation from her time of admission to when she became a Skyland Trail graduate.

“She was able to stay engaged in the process of treatment, even on days when she didn’t feel like it, and her commitment to recovery and trust of the process paid off in a renewed zeal for life and skills that help her hold onto her hope for that life everyday,” he says.

Adam says Roberta is a success story not only because she overcame extreme challenges and broke unhealthy patterns, but because she embraced her challenges and continues to choose the life she wants for herself everyday.

“It was a joy and honor to be able to be a fellow traveler with Roberta on her journey of recovery,” Adam says.

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“Being able to witness her courage to trust the process, find her voice and gain strength was inspiring for me as a Pastoral Counselor. Being a part of powerful work like that is why I come to Skyland Trail everyday.”

SKYLAND TRAIL

Pastoral Counseling: Another Resource for Clients ipolar disorder brought Rachel O. to Skyland Trail from Minnesota. Rachel says she decided to approach Pastor Counselor Rev. Adam Garner for individual counseling after her grandfather passed away while she was in treatment and she had no way to be by his side.

“I couldn’t see my grandfather with the rest of my family and I had a lot of guilt that I didn’t get to say goodbye in person,” she says. “Adam helped me work through that. He had a lot of ideas of ways to help me let go and say goodbye in a different way. That was extremely helpful and I feel really lucky that I had a pastor to turn to during this time.”

Rachel says the most helpful was writing a letter to her grandfather, which gave her an opportunity to express her emotions.

Adam says he sees his role as “adding” to that of a client’s primary counselor in situations like these, using individual work to attend to particular needs that come up.

“The pastoral counseling work allowed Rachel an opportunity to help focus on her grief around the death of her grandfather,” he said. “This way, Rachel was able to continue the momentum she had with her primary counselor developing her skills for daily living and meeting with her psychiatrist for medication management and psychotherapy. Instead of running the risk of derailing her momentum in treatment, she was able to use pastoral counseling as a way to integrate more skills and build mastery in her recovery.”

Rachel says the grief work with Adam helped her stay on course with her treatment at Skyland Trail, allowing her to work Rachel, age 3, with her grandfather through the uncomfortable w w w. s ky l a n d t ra i l . o r g

emotions of her grandfather’s death while maintaining her goals in her other areas of treatment.

“I believe that Skyland Trail saved my life and there are so many people that had a part in it,” she says.

“The beauty of the program is that it is your responsibility to get better. Skyland gives you Rachel O., Skyland Trail graduate every tool necessary but they can’t do the work for you. And when you come out on the other side… you may have many people to thank but only one person to be proud of and that is yourself.”

The beauty of the program is that it is your responsibility to get better. Skyland gives you every tool necessary but they can’t do the work for you.

—RACHEL O.

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M E S S AG E F RO M T H E C H I E F M E D I C A L O F F I C E R

Take a Long Breath and Call Me in the Morning: The Importance of Skyland Trail’s Research and Outcomes Program

By Raymond J. Kotwicki, MD, MPH Chief Medical Officer

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deas we believe to be true are sometimes not. While imagining that a deep breath in and out is calming when one is anxious makes intuitive, experiential sense, research into anxiety relief shows the opposite is true: a normal-volume breath followed by prolonged exhalation is the best way to behaviorally manage anxiety. Open-minded clinicians need to know and use that evidence.

Exploring novel concepts and treatment strategies has long been a tenant of contemporary medicine.

Unfortunately, psychiatry seems to have lagged other specialties in truly analyzing the virtues and benefits of accepted treatments. For this reason—and to share the experiences of Skyland Trail with a national audience—it has become an essential mission of our organization to formulate and implement a variety of novel research and

THE ROBUST RESEARCH AND OUTCOMES PROGRAM SKYLAND TRAIL HAS DEVELOPED IS TRULY UNIQUE FOR A COMMUNITYBASED MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY.

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outcomes studies to better understand if, how, and why our clinical services help patients with mental illness recover.

The robust research and outcomes program Skyland Trail has developed is truly unique for a community-based mental health facility. With the hiring of our Director of Research and Outcomes, Kimberly Farris, PhD, we have positioned our organization to become a leader in assessing mental health practices and outcomes.

Ongoing investigations span a wide range of inquiry, from psychological themes such as assessing dynamics of family members of our patients to cataloging and analyzing genetic and inflammatory characteristics of our patients with schizophrenia and bipolar illness. Brief synopses of our current research projects include: 1. Comparing the diagnostic utility and efficiency of two different tools at the time of admission; 2. Assessing whether or not employing Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) can halt and/or reverse the cognitive decline associated with untreated mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar illness; 3. How the judgmentalness of families of patients with bipolar illness affects clinical recovery from the disorder; 4. Mechanisms and the degrees to which the therapeutic modalities offered at Skyland Trail work in assisting our patients’ recoveries; 5. Whether genetic and inflammatory response indicators measured in blood samples predict or are associated with the recoveries of patients with schizophrenia or bipolar illness.

In addition to these new investigations, Dr. Farris and SKYLAND TRAIL

her team continue to monitor and assess clinical outcomes of our patients to ensure that we are providing the best evidence-based, effective treatments for the complicated patients we are charged with and privileged to treat. Such assessments suggest that the quality and efficacy of the services Skyland Trail staff offer are exceptional and inspiring.

Researchers believe that rather than taking a deep breath when one is anxious, maintaining a normal breath volume but prolonging time of exhalation may be the best way to behaviorally combat nerves. So we at Skyland Trail confidently breathe out, and embark on the scientific journey of sophisticated inquiry. Filled with resultant anxiety and anticipation, we expect that our genuine interest in knowing if the treatment services we offer help our patients think, function and feel better will not only posiw w w. s ky l a n d t ra i l . o r g

tion Skyland Trail to be the pre-eminent mental health treatment facility in the country, but also inform others in the fight against mental illness.

Kimberly Farris, PhD, Director of Research and Outcomes, continues to monitor and assess clinical outcomes.

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RESOURCES FOR CLIENTS

I’m finally able to support myself. I’ve always depended on my family to help me out. Now, my job is allowing me to live fully supporting myself.

It’s been a dream of mine.

—ELAINE

VOCATIONAL SERVICES PROGRAM offers GUIDANCE and SUPPORT

By Susan Lindsey

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n a time of bad economic news and job scarcity, Elaine** holds tight to her hardearned paycheck.

“I’m finally able to support myself,” Elaine says. “I’ve always depended on my family to help me out. Now, my job is allowing me

to live fully supporting myself. It’s been a dream of mine.”

That dream seemed unattainable when Elaine entered Skyland Trail’s residential program after experiencing her first major episode of psychosis.

Elaine was hospitalized and diagnosed with bipolar

**“Elaine” has chosen to have her identity kept confidential. One of the biggest questions clients have when preparing to return to work is whether or not to disclose their mental illness to their employer. This is a very individualized decision. Some people feel empowered to disclose and other people feel secure in keeping the information private – both can work. We work with and support both approaches.

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SKYLAND TRAIL

disorder—and finally had a name to go along with symptoms she’d been experiencing for years.

Following high school, she attended Louisiana State University. She treated a diagnosis of depression with both prescribed antidepressants and unprescribed drugs.

“It was by the grace of God that I graduated,” she says.

“Looking back, there was a lot of self-medication. I was deeply depressed and I was fearful.”

After graduation, Elaine got help for her addiction, spending a year in a substance abuse rehab program. Eventually, her hard work paid off and she was back on her feet. Elaine found a job she loved at a natural foods co-op, learning the industry and partnering with a mentor.

“My mentor died of cancer and I was with her in the hospital. She had welcomed me into her home and gave me so much love. Her death had a profound affect on me and sent me into a state of mania,” Elaine says. “At this point, I had taken care of my addiction, but hadn’t taken care of my mental health issues.”

It was then Elaine started experiencing delusions, and found her way to Skyland Trail, learning that others had gone through the same things she had.

“Hearing everyone’s stories lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. I didn’t feel so alone. I didn’t feel weird,” Elaine says. “While I was here, I met some of the most brilliant, genuine and hilarious people I have ever met. We were all together in our struggles and hardships and drew strength

—ELAINE from each other. I still value my friendships with these people.”

For the majority of Skyland Trail clients, finding meaningful employment or going back to school after their recovery is high on their list of priorities. Elaine was no exception.

PHOTO BILLY HOWARD

PHOTO BILLY HOWARD

I kept asking myself if I was going to be able to maintain a job and establish a routine. The idea of future interviews was stressing me out and job related fears were consuming me.

Vocational Services Coordinator Rhonda Traylor, LPC, CRC

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Supported Employment Specialist Rebecca Buck

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VOCATIONAL SERVICES PROGRAM, continued from page 17 “We offer hope,” says Supported Employment Specialist “My biggest fear was getting a job and whether or not I’d be able to work again,” she says. “I kept asking myself if I was Rebecca Buck. “Vocational Services is about supporting a client and uncovering their abilities, whether it’s customer going to be able to maintain a job and establish a routine. service, organization, creative writing or being good with numbers—we help them discover their talents.”

Clients entering the program receive an initial assessment to determine their skill level and career or educational interests.

EBECCA UCK Then, through classes, computer training and one-on-one sessions, clients get help learning job skills and building their portfoThe idea of future interviews was stressing me out and job lio to begin moving forward. related fears were consuming me.”

“A lot of our clients haven’t had any job experience at Elaine entered the Vocational Services Program to begin all, so we can offer them opportunities to begin practicing looking for future employment.

We offer hope. Vocational Services is about supporting a client and uncovering their abilities...we help them discover their talents.

—R

B

ABOUT THE PROGRAM: All clients enrolled in Skyland Trail day or residential programs have access to the Vocational Services Program.

These services are also offered as a stand-alone program for adults who want support and guidance as they return to school or look for a job. We use an innovative and research-supported approach to vocational rehabilitation that is designed to empower and assist each client in reaching their individual goals. Trained staff members provide comprehensive assessments of the clients’ education, work history and vocational and educational inter-

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ests. This may include testing for employment interests and aptitude assessments for job requirements. The program is built with the objective of helping a client successfully accomplish his or her goals. A key component is Supported Employment. The program provides assistance such as job coaching, job development, job retention, transportation, assistive technology, specialized job training, and individually tailored supervision. This is an extensively studied program model that achieves greater success for clients obtaining competitive employment. By addressing the barriers to employment and education, the program provides effective support for adults with mental illness. Individual attention and support throughout the process helps our clients achieve the goals they set for themselves.

SKYLAND TRAIL

I know the joy of getting a job—it’s a huge boost to your self confidence, your recovery and also to your wallet. You become a part of your community.

—REBECCA BUCK

job skills in our work adjustment program- like showing up to work on time, or knowing how to inform their employer they are having difficulties, or problem solving. This is a safe practice ground for them to springboard off into the real work world,” says Vocational Services Coordinator Rhonda Traylor, LPC, CRC. Rhonda helped Elaine focus on where she’d apply for jobs.

“Elaine knew what area she wanted to work in and knew the satisfaction of working with a company that had a similar belief system to hers,” says Rhonda, who instructed Elaine to make a list of health food stores where she could work.

“I kept putting off calling them,” Elaine remembers. “One day Rhonda brought me into her office and encouraged me to call them while I was in her office. She helped me get the ball rolling because I was in a state of fear and not able to call on my own.”

After clients get started, their enthusiasm to keep going and find a job can be tangible.

“They go from inch-by-inch to 90 miles an hour—they want their clothes, their alarm clock and they’re ready to go,” says Rhonda. “The excitement is something we try to keep w w w. s ky l a n d t ra i l . o r g

up with because you don’t want to loose the momentum.”

With the help of the Vocational Services staff, Elaine prepared herself for the next phase of her job hunt.

“We worked on interviewing skills and building selfconfidence,” Rebecca says. “Elaine took her recovery seriously and was willing to ask for and accept our help.”

Upon completion of Elaine’s residential treatment at Skyland Trail, she accepted a job at a natural foods grocery store. During this time, Elaine focused on her re-entry into employment and all of the associated responsibilities.

After several months in this job, Elaine found herself desiring a more challenging career opportunity, one which would utilize her college education. After several months, Elaine found work as account analyst for a regional health foods supply chain.

“This is my first salaried job, my first job with benefits,” she says. “The job challenges me everyday to think outside the box— which I love—and it forces me to have interaction with coworkers, which I crave. It also allows me to gain insight and perspective into how a distribution company works and I’m learning so much. I’m finally using my IT degree and really enjoying the whole experience.”

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VOCATIONAL SERVICES PROGRAM, continued from page 19 For Rhonda and Rebecca, it’s these client successes which make their jobs so meaningful.

“I know the joy of getting a job- it’s a huge boost to your self confidence, your recovery and also to your wallet. You become a part of your community,” says Rebecca.

“When a client gets a job or an internship or goes back to school, it makes me feel great to know that I was a part of

that process.”

“There’s no way to describe the satisfaction of helping a client get a job,” Rhonda adds. “That’s why I do this—to see that light in their eyes that says ‘I’ve got a job and I can do this, I’m so happy’. It is such a gift for clients to get their life back and own themselves—they’re not a product of the system, they are independent.”

VOCATIONAL SUCCESS STORIES Michael W. “I had previously been working as a chief assistant public defender, says Michael W., JD. When I came to Skyland Trail, I knew I wanted something Michael W. different so I went to the Vocational Services Program as a way to get back into the workforce.

At first, I was collecting the mail and recycling at Skyland Trail. I worked with Rhonda on my resume and started applying for outside jobs.

Rhonda really had my number—she refused to let me off the hook by saying I couldn’t do things because of my mental illness. She helped me see that I had marketable skills and was capable of utilizing them again.

A job came up to be an adjunct professor teaching communication law and I knew it would be a perfect fit. I applied and got the position. I’m excited because I know teaching will be rewarding.”

Marie P. “I used the Vocational Services Program because I was looking to update my resume and search for a job in Atlanta, since I had moved here for treatment at Skyland Trail.

Rebecca helped me by checking over my resume and guiding me through the application processes for job hunting. She also encouraged me to 20

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find employment in Atlanta, because it was a way to get back into the community and interact with other people.

Today, I am a pharmacy technician for a local drugstore. I decided to pursue this job again because I was nationally certified and registered through Georgia.

Skyland Trail and the Vocational Services Program have definitely allowed me to get back in the community and work in a field where I can give back to Marie P. the community.

This has allowed me to return back to where I was before my mental illness was out of control. I am very thankful for Skyland Trail and for all the therapy classes and skills I have been taught.”

Coleman H. “I chose to use the Vocational Services Program because I figured the counselors might have connections and knowledge with and about, respectively, the Atlanta design industry in which I wanted to find a job,” says Coleman H. “I initially worked with Rhonda in the Work Adjustment Program as the mail carrier, recycler, and at the front desk. I then worked with Rebecca to find a job in the community.”

“I pursued a job at an Atlanta design store, Hill Street Warehouse, because I thought it would be a good position

Carol, Coleman, Rebecca

from which to network with design professionals and a good job to have while growing stronger in my mental health management,” he recalls.

Coleman’s employer, Hill Street Warehouse owner Carol Deady, knew of Skyland Trail through friends, but found out about Coleman through Rebecca, who happened to be shopping at the warehouse. Rebecca thought Coleman would be a good employee for the organization, and approached Carol about talking to him—even though there wasn’t a job opening at the time.

“I agreed to talk to Coleman and he presented himself very well and I realized he was very talented,” Carol says.

“Although we didn’t have a spot at the time, I kept thinking about him and decided to bring him on.

“I thought this would be a good place for Coleman because we’re a funky store, but we’re still a business.

And I thought we had as much to offer him as he could offer us.”

Coleman works for Hill Street doing sales, displays, newsletters, and working on the website for the design warehouse.

“This allows me a way to make money and be creative,” he says.

SKYLAND TRAIL

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R E C OV E RY AT S K Y L A N D T R A I L

It Takes Courage to Completely Surrender

BY SKY LAND T R AI L GR AD UAT E LY N N F.

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n June 2010, I reached a point in my life where I could no longer find a connection and life had become meaningless. My behavior became erratic and I began attempts at hurting myself. I had tried therapy before, but I always uprooted myself when things got tough. I was 48 years old and a well-respected teacher in the community.

How could I even begin to think about getting treatment at this time in my life? Everyone saw the urgency, but me.

I knew I had major issues with anxiety and being away from where I felt safe, so I searched out Skyland Trail. Although it is only 15 miles from my home, it felt like it was hours away. I remember the day I toured the facility with two friends—I learned the “grounds” very well because I didn’t lift my head up to look around. I was so ashamed.

I convinced everyone that I could maintain treatment through outpatient care. Because I was terrified, I was being controlling and critiqued every aspect of Skyland Trail. When August approached, I made it clear that I had to leave to get back to school and left against the advice of my treatment team.

That fall, my life continued to spiral out of control. My principal approached me about taking time off to get help. I made another feeble attempt to hurt myself, and my therapists recommended Skyland Trail. The treatment team would only allow me back if I followed the “wellness plan” they created, with an expectation that I complete at least 30days of residential care. I did not realize that my school system had submitted a fit-for-duty report that said I would not be allowed to return to work until my doctor felt that I was “ready.” I was humiliated and ashamed to have to return to Skyland Trail. I re-entered with my arms bloodied, yet I was begging someone to sign my fit-for-duty report. I could not stand the thought of someone having control over me.

Once I truly surrendered and began to trust that the people at Skyland Trail had my best interest in mind, was the day I began my recovery. The staff genuinely respected me and acknowledged the intensity of my emotions. I had

w w w. s ky l a n d t ra i l . o r g

never lived in a community of people where I felt so safe. I grew up in a family where “rage” was the primary emotion, so that was what I knew. The staff helped me begin to break down the walls that I had built to protect myself. Skyland Trail offered everything I needed to rebuild my whole person.

The individual therapy, groups, and adjunctive therapy classes were all a part of the curriculum that changed my life. I had never learned how to effectively do group therapy, until Skyland Trail. Before, I would use humor or rage to get through, but the staff gave me the courage to begin to have “real relationships.”

The six months I spent at Skyland Trail saved my life. There are still many hurdles I face in recovery each day. I remember to take it one day at a time and take the next “right step.” I know that staying involved with my vocation, keeping my therapy appointments and taking my medications are my primary responsibilities in taking care of me. I also find that if I take time to listen to other people in their times of trials, I find that I am not that “terminally unique” person I thought I was.

I will never be able to repay Skyland Trail for the tools and the relationships they gave me.

In the beginning, I was terrified to be there, but then it became a place that I was very sad to leave.

I had never felt so cared about in my entire life. The staff and therapists give so much of themselves to each client. My primary goal now is to find ways to give back to Skyland Trail—I want everyone that has a mental illness to be able to get as much from Skyland as I did. Skyland Trail truly does offer hope and changes lives.

Lynn F. earned her Master’s and Specialist degrees in Middle Grades Math Education, from Emory University. She is a 20 year veteran teacher with Dekalb County Schools, twice Teacher of the Year and once Dekalb County Middle School Teacher of the Year. Lynn was awarded an 11-Alive Class Act Award for teaching, Human Spirit Award and Outstanding Professional Alumnae Award for Brenau Women’s College.

Lynn did professional theater for eight years prior to teaching, earning her equity card with the Alliance Theater.

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G R AT I T U D E A N D G I V I N G

BENEFITS OF LAUGHTER RAISES MONEY FOR FINANCIAL AID PROGRAM

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kyland Trail’s 14th annual Benefits of Laughter raised approximately $550,000 for the organization’s Financial Aid Program, which provides need-based aid to our clients and families.This year’s sold-out event was held November 10th at the St. Regis Atlanta Buckhead and featured entertainment from Barbara and Vince Dooley, Georgia football legends who delighted the crowd with tales of family and football. The Honorary Chairs were community leaders and long-time friends of Skyland Trail, Helen and John

Barbara and Vince Dooley, Denise Mitchell

Jenny Allen, Kim Marks, Jeanmarie Quarterman, Mary Johnson

Gordon. Skyland Trail Board Member Jay Mitchell and his wife Denise served as chairs for the event. Mr. Mitchell also served as Corporate Chair, securing more than 20 business sponsors for the event. Nancy Bryant served as Patron Committee Chair.

Nancy Bryant, John Gordon, Helen Gordon, Denise Mitchell, Jay Mitchell, Skyland Trail President Beth Finnerty

Rose Mutombo, Dikembe Mutombo, Laura Seydel, Rutherford Seydel

BENEFITS OF LAUGHTER PATRON PARTY

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kyland Trail thanks Shearon and Taylor Glover for opening their lovely home to donors, friends and sponsors at the Patron Party for Benefits of Laughter 2011. The evening was a chance to celebrate this year’s successful event.

Patron Party Hosts Shearon and Taylor Glover, 2011 Benefits of Laughter Honorary Chairs John and Helen Gordon

Mark West, Skyland Trail President Beth Finnerty, Sarah Kennedy, Ray Kotwicki 22

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Richard and Claudia de Mayo

Jeff Sprecher and Kelly Loeffler

Ann and John Lally SKYLAND TRAIL

SKYLAND TRAIL HOLDS INAUGURAL DOROTHY C. FUQUA LECTURE

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ighlighting the commitment and passion of a longtime Skyland Trail friend and supporter, the inaugural “Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Lecture Series,” was held October 26th, opening Skyland Trail’s doors to further the engagement and education of the Atlanta community on issues of mental health. The inaugural lecture featured Mark Hyman Rapaport, MD, who gave the presentation “Off the Couch: Why Atlanta can Transform Psychiatry in the 21st Century,” which focused on innovations in the treatment of mental illness and research being done at

Betsy West, Jackie Montag, Brooke Weinmann

Emory University to further the field.

The Dorothy C. Fuqua Lecture Series will be an annual event, created as a gift to honor Mrs. Fuqua’s 90th

birthday from her son and daughter-inlaw, Rex and Duvall Fuqua, and Skyland Trail friends and supporters Edwina and Tom Johnson. The lecture series celebrates Mrs. Fuqua’s support and dedication to Skyland Trail, as well as her commitment to recovery for those with mental illness.

Skyland Trail Senior Development Officer John Turman, Peggy Martin, Mary Ann Quin, Janet Turman

Samuel DuBose, Vivian DuBose, Margie Wynne

Dr. Mark Rapaport, Skyland Trail President Beth Finnerty, Tom Johnson, Mrs. Dorothy C. Fuqua, Rex Fuqua

FIFTH ANNUAL ASSOCIATES LUNCHEON AND FASHION SHOW

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kyland Trail’s Fifth Annual Associates Luncheon and Fashion Show raised more than $40,000 for Skyland Trail’s direct client services. The afternoon featured guest speaker and Skyland Trail board member Charlotte Pierce-Baker, PhD and fashions by Saks Fifth Avenue. Co-chairs for the

event were Associates President Leigh Pollard and Vice President Page Morocco. Major Sponsors for the 2012 Luncheon included Anna Paré Dermatology, Oxford Industries, UBS, and VeinInnovations.

Nancy Brown, Asha Jennings and Cynthia Moreland

Karen Parker and Sarah Goodman Author and guest speaker Charlotte PierceBaker, PhD and Houston Baker, PhD w w w. s ky l a n d t ra i l . o r g

Event Sponsor Laura Pearce, Event Co-Chairs Leigh Pollard and Page Morocco SPRING 2012

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A N N U A L G I V I N G C A M PA I G N

ANNUAL GIVING KICKED OFF BY STAFF CAMPAIGN

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The Campaign also supports vocational servickyland Trail launched the 2012 Annual Giving Campaign with a special staff kick- es, our on-site primary care clinic, adjunctive off campaign, garnering 95 percent giving par- therapies and other programs that make ticipation among employees. The Development Skyland Trail distinctively effective.

The campaign was Committee took encouraged by staff this strong message leaders: Supported of support to the Employment Specialist February meeting Rebecca Buck, Primary of the Board of 2012 Skyland Trail Staff Campaign Counselor Marzena Directors.

Holly, MS, LAPC, “The Board Communications Coordinator Susan Lindsey, was truly moved upon hearing about the staff Residential Coordinator Natoya McMurray, campaign and was so impressed by this visible LCSW, Admissions Counselor Nicole Orlando commitment and dedication to the mission of Murphy, LMSW, Business Services Associate Skyland Trail,” says President Beth Finnerty. “I Steven Scott, and Horticultural Therapist Libba am sure this will motivate the Board as well as Shortridge HTR, MLA. Many thanks to this others in the giving community.” enthusiastic group and to the entire Skyland The Annual Giving Campaign helps fund Trail team that contributed to the success of a strong Financial Aid Program, which allows this campaign! clients to access and complete their treatment.

ENCOURAGE

SUPPORTING SKYLAND TRAIL Gifts of Stock:

Matching Gifts:

Skyland Trail welcomes gifts of stock and appreciated securities. These contributions provide tax advantages related to capital gains as well as charitable deductions for the donor.

A matching gift is a way of leveraging your contribution to Skyland Trail. Many large employers will match a charitable gift made by an employee dollar for dollar, up to a certain amount. Be sure to check with your employer to see if they will participate in a matching gift program.

To make a gift of stock, please use the following information: Deliver to DTCC Clearing #0226 National Financial Services LLC 200 Liberty Street, Fifth Floor New York, NY 10281

USE YOUR SMART PHONE TO GET

For the benefit of George West Mental Health Foundation: NFS number G1F158186.

DIRECTLY TO OUR DEVELOPMENT WEBSITE.

If you would like to donate to Skyland Trail, or for more information, please contact: Senior Development Officer John Turman: 678-686-5948 jturman@skylandtrail.org Annual Giving Coordinator Charles Potts at 678-686-5913 cpotts@skylandtrail.org 24

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LEADERSHIP Board Members Mark C. West, Chairman Richard C. Parker, Chairman Executive Committee Michael Tompkins, Treasurer Marjorie Wynne, Secretary Dick Bryant Cecil Conlee David Flint William H. Fox, PhD J. Rex Fuqua John C. Gordon Dana Halberg Thomas D. Hills Jim Howard Billy Huger Clay Jackson Amy Rollins Kreisler Melissa Lowe Jay Mitchell Jackie Montag Charlotte Pierce-Baker, PhD Michelle Sullivan Bob Walker Brooke Weinmann Emeritus Directors 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 Members Betts Love, Chair Betsy Akers Ron Bachman Dale Belles, PhD Susan Boyd Nancy Bryant Claudia de Mayo Gwynie Dennard Mike Dobbs Sally Dorsey Charles Doty Ceree Eberly Rick Elliott Cindy Ferguson Carol Gellerstedt Betsy Glenn Christopher Glover Danica Griffith Richard Harris Hilton Howell, Jr. Jocelyn Hunter Don Inman Judith James, MD Stan Jones Ann Lally Kelly Loeffler Kim Marks Missy Madden Cynthia J. Moreland Jeff Muir Colleen Nunn Patricia Reid Marcia Robinson Mark Tipton Jeremy Wing Robby Wynne John B. Zellars, Jr. Leigh Pollard (Associates President) Sarah Goodman (Ex-officio / Associates President)

HONORARY CHAIRS

Carol and Bill Fox EVENT CO-CHAIRS

Robin Howell and Mary Johnson COMEDY BY

The Capitol Steps CORPORATE CHAIR

Mark Tipton Event Co-Chairs Mary Johnson and Robin Howell

PATRON CO-CHAIRS

Betsy West and Amy Kenny

2012 Benefits of Laughter Wednesday, October 17, 2012 St. Regis Atlanta Buckhead RECEPTION: 6:30 p.m.

DINNER AND PROGRAM: 7:30 p.m.

ENTERTAINMENT: The Capitol Steps HONORARY CHAIRS: Carol and Bill Fox LOCATION:

Honorary Chairs Carol and Bill Fox

For more information about sponsorship, or to reserve a table, please contact Ashley Vance at 678.686.5905 or at avance@skylandtrail.org.

PUBLICATION OF THE GEORGE WEST MENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

1961 North Druid Hills Road Atlanta, Georgia 30329 tel 404-315-8333 fax: 404-315-9839 www.skylandtrail.org A D D R E S S S E RV I C E R E Q U E S T E D

Skyland Trail North Gets Renovation

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any thanks to the Skyland Trail Associates for their recent generous donation to renovate the kitchen and dining room at the Skyland Trail North residence. The renovations include new cabinets and appliances, granite countertops, upgraded lighting, a stained concrete floor, and energy efficient ductless heating and air system. Through their fundraising efforts, the Associates were able to contribute $40,000 for this specific piece of a larger renovation to renovate the entire North Campus. In addition to the kitchen/dining area, the renovation included all client apartments, common areas and landscaping.

The Associates are the auxiliary arm that assists Skyland Trail in terms of volunteerism, ambassadorship and fundraising. For more information about joining the Skyland Trail Associates, please contact Ashley Vance at 678-686-5905 or avance@skylandtrail.org.

Residential Services Manager Brenda Roberson, Associates President Leigh Pollard, Residential Coordinator Natoya McMurray, LCSW

US POSTAGE PAID ATLANTA, GA PERMIT NO. 3536