Institute @ MHP

Patrick Montgomery

Program Manager of The Institute

Program Manager for the Institute, combining teaching and social work to deliver impactful peer support training.

Patrick Montgomery, Program Manager at The Institute, wearing glasses and a tan sweater, smiling against a green background.

Biography

Patrick Montgomery (He/Him) is the Program Manager for the Institute at Mental Health Partnerships. Patrick is a graduate of Franklin and Marshall College where he received a B.A. in Scientific and Philosophical Studies of the Mind, concentrating in Moral Psychology. He has a combined 8 years of experience working in the Social Work and Education fields in Philadelphia and Lancaster County. Patrick received his Master’s degree in Teaching from Relay Graduate School in 2021, and was previously a middle school teacher at the School District of Philadelphia before joining MHP. With a background in education and experience working with neurodivergent individuals, he aims to create and facilitate impactful learning experiences for peer specialists.

The Team Behind The Institute@MHP

Meet the Experts Shaping Peer Support and Mental Health Education

Our Board of Directors brings a wealth of expertise, compassion, and leadership to Mental Health Partnerships. United by a shared belief in the power of recovery and peer-driven support, they guide our mission, ensure strategic growth, and advocate for a future where mental health is understood, respected, and accessible to all.

Leigh Braden, Division Director of The Institute at MHP, smiling and wearing glasses, a white blazer, and gold necklace.
Institute @ MHP

Leigh Braden

Division Director, The Institute@MHP

Division Director of the Institute@MHP with expertise in training, nonprofit leadership, and mental health program expansion.

Patrick Montgomery, Program Manager at The Institute, wearing glasses and a tan sweater, smiling against a green background.
Institute @ MHP

Patrick Montgomery

Program Manager, The Institute@MHP

Program Manager for the Institute, combining teaching and social work to deliver impactful peer support training.

Daniel Miller, CPS, MPA, Business Manager at the Institute@MHP in Philadelphia, smiling in a black sweater and plaid shirt against a light gray background, representing Mental Health Partnerships’ commitment to peer-led mental health training.
Institute @ MHP

Daniel Miller, CPS, MPA

Business Manager, Institute@MHP

Business Manager at Institute@MHP with over 12 years of mental health experience, Daniel Miller champions the expansion of CPS Training across Pennsylvania while building strategic partnerships to enhance recovery support.

Andrea Boffice, Facilitator and Content Development Specialist, wearing a pink blouse and smiling with long dark hair.
Institute @ MHP

Andrea Boffice

Facilitator and Content Development Specialist, The Institute@MHP

Facilitator and content specialist focused on youth peer support and cross-generational mental health advocacy.

Lydia Cooper, Program Manager for Family Training, smiling and wearing a striped blazer and white blouse.
Institute @ MHP

Lydia Cooper

Program Manager for Family Training and Education, The Institute@MHP

Program Manager for Family Training with 38 years of social service experience and expertise in trauma-informed caregiving education.

Photo of Mon Ocampo, a Bilingual Learning & Development Specialist at Mental Health Partnerships, smiling in a vibrant top and gray cardigan, reflecting their commitment to Latine mental health advocacy.
Institute @ MHP

Mon Ocampo

Bilingual Learning and Development Specialist, The Institute@MHP

Bilingual Learning & Development Specialist dedicated to uplifting Latine communities and improving recovery systems access.

Portrait of Ed Drago, CPS, Advanced-Level WRAP Facilitator at the Institute@MHP, wearing a plaid shirt and smiling against a neutral background, highlighting his dedication to youth peer support and cross-generational mental health advocacy
Institute @ MHP

Ed Drago, CPS

Advanced-Level WRAP Facilitator

Advanced-Level WRAP Facilitator and Learning & Development Specialist, Ed Drago leverages over 25 years of expertise in human and professional services to empower diverse communities through peer support and mindfulness-based strategies.

Institute @ MHP

Jokabel Del Villar

Learning and Development Specialist, The Institute@MHP

Learning & Development Specialist with experience in juvenile justice, youth advocacy, and organizational leadership.

Hannah Spittle, Bilingual Learning and Development Specialist, smiling and wearing a light pink blazer.
Institute @ MHP

Hannah Spittle

Bilingual Learning and Development Specialist, The Institute@MHP

Bilingual Learning & Development Specialist with a passion for community education and Spanish-language CPS training.

James Klasen, Learning and Development Specialist, wearing glasses and a black sweater, smiling gently at the camera.
Institute @ MHP

James Klasen

Learning and Development Specialist, The Institute@MHP

Learning & Development Specialist and Advanced WRAP Facilitator with a background in workforce development and peer support.

Institute @ MHP

Sarah Byerley, BA

Administrative Assistant

Administrative Assistant ensuring smooth daily operations at MHP, providing essential support to advance the organization’s mission of fostering recovery and mental well-being.

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Our Impact by the Numbers

Transforming Lives, Strengthening Communities

From peer-led recovery programs to statewide advocacy and education, our work touches thousands of lives every year. These numbers reflect our deep commitment to accessible, compassionate, and person-centered mental health support across Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania.

8,480

individuals and families served

34

active programs across the region

1,106

Peer Specialists trained each year

5,801

people supported through direct services

3000+

individuals reached monthly through homeless outreach

1,573

engaged in community advocacy

Hear from Those Who’ve Walked the Path

Real Stories of Hope and Recovery

We’re here to champion every journey to wellness, offering unwavering support and transformational advocacy. Together, we foster resilience and recovery—so everyone can thrive and live their fullest life in the community, free from barriers to mental health care.

Video Transcript

"I'm so grateful for the community that's here and the people that I get to work with in a way that they inspire me every day."

"Every experience I've had with MHP thus far has been great, from the training to being able to get support, a community, sponsorships to go places I never thought I'd go."

"MHP has given me so much, I want to give back."

"Give you your own purpose, you know, just like doing something more. Just a good feeling for me. Now I can be productive."

"MHP has a long history of being a really trusted and reliable resource for peer specialists.

So these experiences already live within your walls."

"The incredible empowerment and the impact that peers have in the field of mental health."

"There's something really, really powerful that happens when you're connecting with someone who's sitting across from you and says, you know, I see you and I hear you. Because I've been there."

"...and just that little click. Wow, it's so powerful just to have somebody who understands exactly how you feel, because we can sympathize all day, but to have somebody else in the room with me, to say, I've done it too, I've experienced that too, allows for a bond that goes beyond words."

"That opened me up to talk to other people so I could coach them and have them get the aha moment again. I did it and I'm glad that I got into new ways of thinking."

"I'm able to be helpful just to know that, like, all that hard work I put through actually paid off."

"And I hope that everybody would get the opportunity to connect with that organization"

"At Mental Health Partnerships. Together..."

"Together..."

"Together..."

"Together...we build hope."

"Together...we build hope."

"We build hope."

"We build hope."

"Together...we build hope."

"Together...we build hope."

"Together...we build hope."

"Period!"

Your Path to Wellness Begins Here

Together, We Build Hope

At Mental Health Partnerships, we are dedicated to fostering hope and resilience. Our mission is to create a supportive environment where individuals can regain control of their mental health and live fulfilling lives. We offer personalized care that aligns with your unique needs and helps you connect with a community that cares.

Our Services & Programs

Comprehensive Support for Every Step of Recovery

Mental Health Partnerships (MHP) offers a broad range of peer-driven services—from Recovery Learning Centers and Mobile Peer Support to Case Management, Homeless Outreach, Advocacy, and more. Each program is designed to meet you where you are, providing personalized care and community-based solutions to help you thrive on your path to mental wellbeing.

Recovery Learning Centers

Direct Services

Mobile Peer Support

Direct Services

Case Management

Direct Services

Homeless Outreach

Direct Services

Advocacy

Advocacy & Systems Change

Family & Caregiver Support

Direct Services

Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) Training

Training & Education

Representative Payee Services

Direct Services

Resource & Referral Services

Direct Services

Training & Technical Assistance

Training & Education

Homeward Bound - Residential Recovery Housing

Direct Services
Direct Services

Recovery Learning Centers & Peer Groups

Join peer-driven support groups, skill-building workshops, and social activities designed to foster resilience, confidence, and community connection in a safe, welcoming space.

Direct Services

Mobile Peer Support in the Community

Receive personalized, one-on-one support from trained peers who understand your experience and can meet you wherever you are—at home, in the community, or on your terms.

Direct Services

Personalized Case Management Services

Work with a dedicated case manager to navigate housing, healthcare, benefits, and local resources, empowering you to build stability and take control of your recovery journey.

Direct Services

Homeless Outreach & Housing Navigation

Our outreach teams engage individuals experiencing homelessness with empathy and respect, offering critical support, resources, and pathways to housing stability and supportive services.

Advocacy & Systems Change

Mental Health Advocacy & Policy Support

Support meaningful change by raising your voice in policy, community, and systems-level advocacy that protects rights, expands access, and centers lived experience.

Direct Services

Support for Families & Caregivers

Access tools, education, and emotional support specifically designed for families and caregivers—helping you navigate your loved one’s recovery while caring for yourself.

Training & Education

Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) Training

Transform your lived experience into a career of impact by becoming a Certified Peer Specialist—trained to offer hope, guidance, and empowerment to others on their recovery journey.

Direct Services

Representative Payee & Financial Support

Ensure essential bills are paid on time and financial obligations are met with our trusted payee services—designed to support independence and reduce stress in daily life.

Direct Services

Resource Navigation & Referral Services

Easily access housing, employment, healthcare, and recovery support through our connected referral network, tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Training & Education

Training & Technical Assistance for Providers

Strengthen your organization’s impact with professional training rooted in trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and peer-integrated best practices.

Direct Services

Homeward Bound - Residential Recovery Housing

Supportive, community-centered living for people transitioning from homelessness to stability and independence.

Core Values That Inspire Change

Guiding Principles for Empowerment and Growth

At the heart of our mission lies a steadfast commitment to core values that shape every aspect of our work. These values—rooted in hope, empowerment, and respect—guide us in fostering environments where individuals can thrive, exercise self-determination, and pursue lifelong learning. By embracing a holistic, non-judgmental, and culturally aware approach, we empower individuals to achieve their full potential and contribute to their communities.

What to Expect

How We Accompany You on Your Recovery Journey

Every individual’s journey is different—but no one has to walk it alone. At Mental Health Partnerships, we meet you where you are with compassionate, peer-led, and trauma-informed support. Whether you're just beginning or continuing your recovery, we’re here for every step—guiding you toward healing, empowerment, and connection.

Step 1: Connect With Us

Start Your Journey

Reach out online, by phone, or in person. Whether it’s a referral, outreach, or self-enrollment, we’ll make sure you feel welcomed and heard from day one.

Step 2: Compassionate Conversation

We Listen First

You’ll meet with a peer or another staff member who takes the time to understand your story, goals, and challenges. It’s not an intake—it’s a conversation rooted in respect.

Step 3: Peer-Led Support

Get Matched with Support

From case management and mobile peer support to training or recovery centers, we connect you with services designed by people who’ve been where you are.

Step 4: Build Confidence & Skills

Grow at Your Pace

Learn practical tools, set goals, and build strengths through workshops, peer groups, and supportive coaching. You're in control of your own growth.

Step 5: Stay Connected, Stay Empowered

Recovery is a Journey

Healing isn’t a one-and-done experience, nor is it a straight line; each journey is unique. We’re here for ongoing support, check-ins, advocacy, and care—so you can continue building the life you want, with community by your side.

Voices of Our Community

Real Stories of Hope & Gratitude

Hear directly from individuals whose lives have been touched by our programs and services. Whether it’s case management, family support, or peer-led guidance, these stories showcase the power of compassionate care and unwavering belief in every person’s potential for recovery and growth.

Stay Informed, Stay Empowered

Latest News, Inspiring Stories, and Upcoming Events

Discover the latest news, inspiring stories, and upcoming events at Mental Health Partnerships. Our blog offers expert insights and practical advice on mental health, while our events connect you with a community of support. Stay informed and join us in advocating for mental health and recovery.

Councilmember Jamie Gauthier meets with community members at A New Life advocacy center
President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter pictured together honoring their advocacy legacy
Rosalynn Carter seated in spotlight for her fearless work in dismantling mental health stigma
Mental Health Partnerships boardroom meeting on advancing mental health in Pennsylvania
Pink cancer ribbon with support resources for those caring for loved ones with cancer
Two peer supporters sharing smiles and warmth in a Philadelphia community mental health program
Peer specialists gathered in a training session to support the future of peer support programs
Group of advocates during Peer Support Day discussing findings from a regional mental health survey
Parents and caregivers participating in fall Parenting Plus mental health education program
Advocates promoting awareness about peer support inclusion in Medicare legislation
Launch of the Supporting Young Minds guide offering mental health tools for families and youth
Campaign materials promoting mental health priorities for Pennsylvania’s 2024 general election
Woman bonding with a horse during an equine therapy session supporting mental health recovery
College student preparing for a new semester with a mental health checklist on a desk
Celebrating Black excellence in mental health advocacy with community leaders and changemakers
Young woman holding graduation cap after completing internship at Mental Health Partnerships
Portrait of Bebe Moore Campbell celebrating National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
Philadelphia residents staying safe during a heatwave on designated Code Red days
Philadelphia residents coping with extreme heat, advocating safety during Code Red alerts
Dr. Jeannine Lisitski smiles while sharing her vision as CEO of Mental Health Partnerships
Child using tablet, symbolizing the need for safe digital habits and social media balance
Illustration showing emotional expression as part of the 'Speechless' naming your emotions campaign
Flat lay of a mental health toolkit with essential items for managing well-being
Public discussion on mental health and housing in the 2024–25 Pennsylvania state budget
Person lifting weights representing the connection between physical fitness and mental well-being
Woman practicing deep breathing outdoors for Stress Awareness Month relaxation tips
Women leaders recognized for their contributions during Women’s History Month and mental health efforts
Homeless individual bundled for winter, illustrating a call to compassion and support
People in a supportive group session on World Mental Health Day highlighting peer support
Voter casting ballot in support of mental health advocacy during Pennsylvania’s 2023 election
Children standing together outdoors symbolizing unity in response to youth mental health crisis
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Ready to Begin?

Let’s Take the Next Step Together

At MHP, we understand that the journey to mental wellness can feel overwhelming. With peer-led support, proven resources, and a warm, caring community, we’re here to guide you through every step—so you never have to walk this path alone.