Audrey E. Smith shares her family background and her excitement to be able to work with her cousin to establish J&P Cousins, LLC.  The Behavorial Health Urgent Care Center will play a crucial role in addressing a mental health crises before the patient requires emergency care or hospitalization.  The center will support both patients, and their support systems, ensuring a smooth transition to follow-up care.

Recorded at the 2024 Fall CMHA Conference

Audrey E. Smith, October 21, 2024

Heidi Warrington and Sarah Carmany come together to speak about the intersection of their work and the reasons they are doing the work they are doing.  

Heidi Warrington, MSN (Masters in Nursing), RN (Registered Nurse), CNRN (Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse) serves as the Principal Consultant of Warrington Solutions, Inc.  Heidi is currently focusing on Behavioral Health and Crisis Systems of Care.  She aims to provide consulting in mental health and nursing practice at the executive (C-suite) level, bringing systems and governments together.

Sarah Carmany is a self-advocate who has Autism Spectrum disorder, serves on The Board of Directors for Integrated Services of Kalamazoo, works for her Arc Community Advocates Chapter as Legislative Liaison, serves on the local Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE) Board of Directors,  and as an alternate on the National Board,  and is a member of Self-Advocates of Michigan.

Recorded at the 2024 Fall CMHA Conference

Heidi Warrington and Sarah Carmany, October 21, 2024

Donna Cangemi is a Licensed Master Social Worker currently serving on the Macomb County Community Mental Health Board. Donna volunteers with Turning Point, a service that empowers survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, and she serves on the Advisory Board of Cossroads Clubhouse. Donna and her husband Phil, of 27 years, have two children, Melissa and Matthew and a dog named Ollie. Donna shares here with us her childhood family's difficult story, beginning at a time of grave family loss, the way the loss was responded to and the impact on
herself and her family.

Recorded at the 2024 Summer CMHA Conference

Donna Cangemi, June 11, 2024

Dr. Devika Bhushan was one of the Keynote Speakers at our 2024 CMHA Annual Fall Conference.  Devika is a pediatrician and public health leader focused on equity and resilience. She serves on Stanford’s adjunct faculty and as Chief Medical Officer at Daybreak Health.  Devika lives openly with bipolar disorder, and shares evidence-based insights for well-being in her newsletter.  Her personal story of struggle and courage serves as the foundation and a driving force of her passion to serve today.

Recorded at the 2024 Fall CMHA Conference

Dr. Devika Bhushan, October 21, 2024

Wayne Conner, Member,  Macomb County Community Mental Health (MCCMH) Board, Vietnam War Veteran, and Community Volunteer speaks about serving his country and his joy in helping others.

Recorded at the 2024 Fall CMHA Conference

Wayne Conner, October 21, 2024

Dr. Dwight Washington, MEd, PhD - Member, Clinton County Board of Commissioners District 7,  Member,  CMH Authority  Board of Directors Clinton - Eaton - Ingham Counties (CEI), and Treasurer, Board of Directors Community Mental Health Association of Michigan (CMHA), discusses his multifaceted journey through life and how the blending of his experiences are guiding him as a system’s thinker, open to exploring possibilities. 

Recorded at the 2024 Summer CMHA Conference

Dr. Dwight Washington,June 12, 2024

Lee Gardner III works as a Wraparound Facilitator at On Point in Allegan.  Lee grew up in an area of low income poverty, wanting the best results for himself.  Lee tells his story of achieving goals, actualizing dreams, and aspiring to be a better human being.  Lee creates for himself a unique life blueprint to learn and grow.  He shares his lessons learned overcoming challenging circumstances to impact and inspire others.

Recorded at the 2025 Winter CMHA Conference

Lee Gardner III, February 6, 2025

Bethany Boik, one of the keynote speakers at the 2025 CHMA Annual Winter Conference held in Kalamazoo, MI, is a mental health advocate, an artist and author of the book, Diary of a Schizophrenic.  Bethany has a diagnosis of a form of schizophrenia called schizoaffective disorder.  Bethany is the hero of her own story, which she shares with us.


Bethany Boik, February 17, 2025

Chris Nikic and his father, Nik were keynote speakers at the 2025 Annual Winter CMHA Conference held in Kalamazoo, MI.  Chris is the first person with Down syndrome to do a 140.6 Ironman and the first to receive the Abbott Six Star Medal, honoring runners who complete the original six Major Marathons.  Chris shares that his "1% better" mantra is a lifetime habit that inspires, empowers and encourages himself and all those brought to him as he continues to follow his dreams.  

Chris and Nik Nikic, February 19, 2025

Karen Dillon works as the Operations Manager for the self-directed fiscal management program, Personal Accounting Services, Inc. (PAS),  located in Taylor, Michigan.  PAS is a part of the AssuranceSD family.  Karen has over twenty five years of experience with fiscal management which continues to bring her the opportunity to witness many touching moments of joy as her work uplifts and enriches the lives of those she serves.  Karen’s enthusiasm for helping others  is captivating.

Recorded at the 2025 Summer CMHA Conference


Karen Dillon, June 10, 2025

Editor, Community Mental Health Association of Michigan (CMHA) Connections

Integrity in Action, LLC

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