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Mental Health Partnerships’ Bell of Hope 2024
2024 AWARDEES
Dawn Chavous
Dawn Chavous is a mompreneur with a BS in psychology and sociology from Ursinus College, and an MS in organizational development from the University of Pennsylvania. She is the founder and CEO of a WMBE and DBE-certified management consulting firm that specializes in event planning, fundraising, public relations, community engagement, and strategic planning, which has been in business for over fourteen years. She is also a community advocate and women’s rights activist.
One day while watching the movie Moana, her eldest son told her he wasn't special because he couldn’t fly like Maui. Dawn’s heart sank because as much as she and her husband had told him how much they loved him and how amazing he was, he still felt he wasn't special. That heart breaking situation inspired Dawn to write this book so he and every other child will know that they are, indeed special.
Dawn is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she also currently resides. She is happily married and the proud mom of two beautiful boys and a dog named Sasha Blu.
Dr. Noel Ramirez
Dr. Noel B. Ramirez is the founder of Mango Tree Counseling & Consulting, an Asian-American mental health group practice aimed to positively impact the mental wellness of Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs), and the communities they live in through culturally responsive mental health care and community connections. He is a senior lecturer in the Graduate School of Social Work at Columbia University and has been a practicing social worker in Philadelphia for the past 15 years. Dr. Ramirez's work focuses on the intersection of public health, social work, identity, and community empowerment, and he has worked in programs that are centered on communities that he walks in and is actively a part of: LGBTQIA, HIV/AIDS, Addiction/Recovery, and AANHPI communities. Dr. Ramriez holds graduate degrees in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania, Public Health from Drexel Dornsife School of Public Health, and a Doctorate in Behavioral Health from Arizona State University.
Makaila Davis
Makaila Davis has a passion for advancing health equity by tackling systemic health disparities and collaborating with diverse, vulnerable, and underrepresented populations. Her background includes a strong focus on government contracting and acquisition management, ensuring efficient and effective allocation of resources to support community health initiatives. She also is proficient in earned value management, allowing her to oversee project performance and maintain cost control while delivering high impact health programs. Her commitment is to create equitable healthcare solutions and improve the quality of life for vulnerable communities through strategic planning and resource management.
In 2020, she founded the nonprofit organization Angels Protection Inc., since then Makaila has created a safe haven and support system for young mothers and women from underserved communities between the ages of 13 and 20 through public health community centered programs. Her unwavering dedication lies in advocating for individuals who may lack the ability to advocate for themselves.
As a member of numerous government and nonprofit local, state, and national organizations, Makaila actively serves on boards, committees, councils, and participates in fellowships to influence policies that positively impact underserved communities by improving access to care. Her diverse experiences have enabled her to advocate effectively for policies supporting health equity and social justice.
In addition, she is a Peirce College alumni with her bachelor's degree and holds five credentials through the Pennsylvania Certification Board: Certified Peer Specialist (CPS), Certified Community Health Worker (CCHW), Certified Family Recovery Specialist (CFRS), Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS), and Certified Disaster Crisis Outreach & Referral Professional (CDCORP).
Furthermore, Makaila is currently pursuing her purpose by working towards becoming a pastor, allowing her to extend her impact and serve her community in a spiritual capacity.
Schimen Scott
Schimen Scott is the Education and Training Manager at NAMI Philadelphia, serving as a State Family-to-Family Trainer, Peer-to-Peer Trainer, and support group facilitator. She supports facilitators, coordinates events, and collaborates with local organizations, including the Philadelphia Fire Department. A survivor of CPTSD and narcissistic abuse, Schimen has 25 years of experience in corporate human resources, public relations, and as the founder of an award-winning design studio. She advocates for mental health awareness, conducting presentations and working with vulnerable populations and city officials. "I have learned that you've got a bright future. You're likely on the right track in life, and you should continue pursuing your goals." - Schimen
Erin Bernard
Erin Bernard (B.A. Journalism, M.A. History, M.A.T. English Grades 7-12) joined The Bridge Way School as the Executive Director in February 2023. As the leader of Pennsylvania’s first and only recovery high school serving youth on a journey of recovery from substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders, Erin launched a series of new projects at Bridge Way including a recovery artist-in-residence program and summer garden leadership initiative. In June 2024, Erin completed Certified Peer Specialist training through the Department of Behavioral Health, bringing a peer mindset to the center of her education philosophy. Prior to Bridge Way, Erin worked as a high school English teacher, public historian, writer, and curator.
Victoria Casale
After a career in the non-profit world, Lt. Casale began her professional career as a Philadelphia Police Officer in 2015 and was assigned to the 25th District. She was promoted to Sergeant and assigned to the 1st District, then to the 24th District. As part of her experience in the 24th District, she supervised the East Service Detail (ESD), which focused specifically on quality of life issues in the Kensington community, including homelessness and substance use. During her time supervising the East Service Detail, she launched the Crisis Intervention Response Team’s (CIRT) East Division Pilot Program. Her time supervising ESD and CIRT allowed her to educate herself on and effectively utilize the social services available in the city to support policing. Lt. Casale is now the Commanding Officer of the Behavioral Health Unit (BHU), which houses both the CIRT and Police Assisted Diversion. She views the BHU and its resources as effective and innovative tools to support the police department and the citizens of Philadelphia.
Since 2019, Lt. Casale has also been an active member of the Philadelphia Police Department’s Major Incident Response Team, the first line of defense in major disasters, protests, and terrorism-related events. Lt. Casale received a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree in from Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. She has also completed a Graduate Certificate in Emergency and Disaster Management from Millersville University of Pennsylvania and is an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).