Heroes of Hope: Meet The Nominees

 At Vincent House Pasco, Raylene Pennetti is more than a peer support specialist; she’s a guide, a role model, and a lifeline. Drawing from her own lived experience, Raylene helps others navigate their recovery journey with empathy and encouragement. Her presence helps members regain confidence, build social and vocational skills, and move toward meaningful employment and connection.

Raylene has a gift for making people feel understood. Whether she’s working one-on-one or leading by example, she offers more than support, she offers hope. Her work at Vincent House proves that recovery is possible, and her impact is felt long after members leave the program.

 The Recovery Epicenter Foundation is rewriting the script on what recovery can look like. With peer-led centers like The Catcher’s Mitt in Clearwater and The Outfield in New Port Richey, they’re offering something many thought impossible: accessible, community-based recovery support for people who don’t fit traditional models of care. Their programs reduce homelessness, ER visits, and overdoses; all by meeting people where they are with empathy and lived experience.

Recovery Epicenter isn’t just helping people recover, they’re redefining what it means to belong, heal, and thrive.

 As an Air Force veteran and founder of Cryo-eeze 22, Ryder Gaston is changing how Pasco County supports those who served. Through his nonprofit, he offers holistic therapies like cryotherapy and salt rooms—free of charge—to veterans, first responders, and law enforcement officers. In just one year, Cryo-eeze 22 delivered over 2,000 free treatments.

Ryder’s mission is personal. He knows what trauma feels like, and he’s built a community of healing where others don’t have to face it alone. His work goes beyond treatment, he partners with nonprofits, supports fundraisers, and reminds our heroes they’re not forgotten. Thanks to Ryder, recovery comes with both comfort and community.

 Stephanie Areson is a beacon of authenticity in the mental health world. By openly sharing her story on social media, she’s created a ripple effect of healing across Pasco County. Her vulnerability has helped countless others feel seen, understood, and brave enough to seek help themselves.

She doesn’t shy away from hard truths, but she also speaks with warmth, humor, and hope. Her active involvement and candid storytelling make her a powerful peer advocate. Stephanie reminds us that healing isn’t just about clinical support; it’s about connection, courage, and the willingness to show up for each other.

 Marine veteran Thomas DeLuca lives a life of service, first in combat zones, now in the community. As a leader in the Warrior Wellness Program and head of Pasco County’s Retired K-9 Fundraiser, Thomas creates programs that honor, support, and care for veterans and law enforcement families. He also serves as a School Guardian, helping keep students safe every day.

His advocacy is hands-on and heartfelt. From promoting trauma therapy alternatives to organizing events that connect veterans to resources, Thomas meets real needs with unwavering dedication. His leadership, shaped by experience and empathy, helps fellow veterans reclaim purpose, health, and belonging.

 Ashley Roura leads the Mental Health Bureau at the Law Offices of the Public Defender for Florida’s Sixth Judicial Circuit, serving both Pasco and Pinellas counties. In a system that too often fails people with mental health conditions, Ashley ensures they’re not only represented but supported. Her work goes far beyond the courtroom; she’s a tireless advocate for rehabilitation, compassion, and systemic change.

Ashley’s passion for mental health touches every part of her life. From her involvement with The Red Tent Women’s Initiative to her board service with the Florida Public Defender Association and the Coalition for the Homeless of Pasco County, she is always working toward a more just and humane system. Within her office, she’s also a lifeline for colleagues, helping them manage the emotional weight of their roles. Her leadership, empathy, and drive make her a true changemaker in the intersection of law and mental health.

Connor, the Boston Terrier therapy dog of NAMI Pasco, may be small in size, but his impact is enormous. Whether he’s bringing calm during a support group, sharing the mat in puppy yoga, or working his signature “snooze-asana,” Connor offers unconditional support to those navigating difficult mental health journeys.

He helps frontline workers, families, and individuals alike feel safe and grounded. His presence encourages openness, reduces stress, and spreads joy in ways only a dog can. Connor reminds us: sometimes healing starts with a wag and a nudge.

 Luna Clay may not have a clinical title, but she plays a vital role in bringing joy and comfort to everyone she meets. Whether it’s participating in NAMI Pasco events or simply being present for someone who needs a little cheering up, Luna’s presence is a reminder of the healing power of connection, no words needed.

With her bright spirit and calming energy, Luna helps create spaces where people can feel a little lighter, a little less alone. She’s become an unofficial emotional support animal for the community, offering warmth, wiggles, and an open heart wherever she goes.

 Castiel Clay, lovingly known as a “rainbow pup,” entered his owner's world at a time when healing was needed most. After the loss of his owner’s first dog, Castiel became a lifeline of comfort and connection. His uncanny ability to sense emotional pain, “he can hear a tear fall from half a mile away” makes him a natural source of emotional support.

Whether at a NAMI Pasco walk or curled up beside someone in distress, Castiel’s loving presence speaks volumes. He offers snuggles, kisses, and the kind of steady companionship that can carry someone through even the hardest days. Castiel is more than a pet, he’s a quiet force of hope.

 Attorney and mediator Mandi Clay is on a mission to transform the legal profession from the inside out. Through her work with The Florida Bar’s Mental Health & Wellness Committee and bravely sharing her mental health journey, Mandi is making space for wellness in a high-stress field that rarely talks about it. Her efforts have led to new resources, community-building initiatives, and ongoing conversations around mental health in the legal world.

She also created a Facebook group just for lawyers to talk honestly about their struggles, which has become a vital resource in the local legal community. Colleagues describe Mandi as a voice of courage and care, someone who leads with vulnerability, wisdom, and a fierce commitment to others. Her work is shifting culture and making wellness something lawyers don’t have to face alone.

 Carmen Miller is a powerhouse in elder and family law, with a deep dedication to serving individuals facing mental health challenges. Through her extensive work with Baker Act cases, Carmen ensures that the rights and dignity of those in crisis are upheld. Her approach is thoughtful, firm, and always compassionate, anchored in the belief that every person deserves fair treatment and access to care.

Carmen is also a passionate educator and community advocate. She’s spoken on topics ranging from dementia and the Baker Act to civil rights and juvenile justice. Her voice brings clarity and understanding to complex legal issues, and her clients consistently praise her loyalty, patience, and humanity. Carmen is not just practicing law, she’s changing lives.

 With over 15 years of clinical experience, Ashley Simpson brings both depth and warmth to her work as a therapist at LifeStance Health. Specializing in conditions like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and psychosis, Ashley creates a supportive space where clients feel empowered to lead their healing journey. Her strengths-based, holistic approach centers the client as the expert of their own story.

Ashley’s impact is deeply personal. Parents describe how her support helped their child take life changing steps toward education, employment, and stability. Others speak of her empathetic guidance as a turning point in their mental health journey. Through her practice, Ashley not only helps individuals heal, she helps families thrive.

 Dr. Lisa Cloutier brings over 30 years of experience to her role at Elite DNA Behavioral Health, offering an integrative, compassionate approach to mental wellness. Her career spans community mental health, veterans’ services, employee assistance, and college counseling, allowing her to meet each client exactly where they are. Known for her warm presence and deep insight, Dr. Cloutier helps individuals and families identify practical, meaningful strategies for healing.

Clients describe her as life changing, especially in moments of high anxiety or emotional crisis. Through a blend of traditional therapy and holistic care, she creates a space where people can find their footing and begin again. Her quiet strength has made a lasting mark on New Port Richey’s mental health landscape.

 Kim Miller is the heart behind Pasco County’s Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation (PAIR) program, where she combines innovation, compassion, and pure joy to break down barriers around mental health. From puppy meditation to suicide prevention walks, Kim’s creative events create spaces where fun and healing coexist. Her dedication goes far beyond her job description, she puts in countless unseen hours to ensure every event is inclusive, impactful, and full of heart.

Whether she’s leading Strike the Stigma, organizing Veterans’ Fishing, or championing Sasquatch Wellness Trail activities, Kim brings a deeply personal touch to every effort. She doesn’t just create programs, she creates connections. For those who have felt unseen, misunderstood, or left out, Kim offers something rare and invaluable: belonging. Her work has helped hundreds feel less alone and more empowered.

 Ron Whitney is a quiet force for good in Pasco County’s mental health community. With compassion as his guide, he works to uplift those who often go overlooked: veterans, children, the homeless, and others on the margins. Whether he’s facilitating support groups or coordinating health screenings at local resource centers, Ron shows up with respect, humility, and a genuine desire to serve.

He treats every person with dignity, regardless of circumstance. Through both his actions and example, Ron encourages others to step in and do more. He’s the kind of teammate who makes an entire system stronger, and our community is better because he’s part of it.

 Marie Hawkins is a voice for those who might otherwise go unheard. As a Spanish-speaking peer support facilitator, translator, and advocate, she’s made it her mission to ensure everyone has access to care and connection, no matter their language or background. Her warmth and advocacy have changed countless lives, including a preschooler who lit up for the first time in group after Marie translated his story to classmates. That single moment captures the heart of her impact.

Marie doesn’t just show up, she makes people feel seen. Whether she’s running a support group, translating a flyer, or connecting someone to resources, she does it all with humility and heart. Her presence is so impactful, people continue to ask for her when she’s not there, a testament to how deeply she’s woven into the healing process for so many.

 Tonya Griffin is the kind of leader every emergency mental health unit needs. At BayCare’s ISU, she’s a calming presence in crisis and a fierce advocate for both patients and staff. Whether it takes minutes or hours, she’s known for building trust with individuals in acute distress, guiding them from resistance to participation with compassion and skill. When others step back, Tonya steps in.

She’s a lead CPI trainer, a go to responder during facility emergencies, and a voice for ongoing improvement through process initiatives. Beyond her roles and titles, Tonya is someone who brings dignity into every interaction. Her ability to lead with heart while ensuring safety and support is why so many trust her and why her impact is felt long after a shift ends.

 Jessica Judd is a powerful presence in Pasco County’s mental health community, especially for those navigating perinatal mental health challenges. One of the few providers in the region with this specialty, she brings essential care to individuals at one of the most vulnerable times in life. Her influence doesn’t stop with her clients; Jessica also supervises interns, serves on Keiser University’s advisory board, and helps shape the next generation of therapists.

Known for putting her clients’ wellness first, Jessica helps people find healing even after negative past experiences with therapy. Her clients describe her as thoughtful, nonjudgmental, and deeply invested in their growth. Whether she’s guiding a session or mentoring a student, Jessica makes the mental health field stronger, more accessible, and more compassionate.

 Kelly Haggerty has been a steady, compassionate force at Youth and Family Alternatives for five years, consistently going above and beyond to support young people navigating mental health challenges. Her deep commitment to the wellbeing of her clients shines through in everything she does. Whether she’s helping a teen find a path forward or supporting a colleague behind the scenes, Kelly is known for putting others first and never losing sight of the mission.

Serving a population with some of the most complex needs, Kelly approaches every youth with empathy and tenacity. Her efforts have not only impacted individual lives but have also shaped a stronger, more responsive support system within her agency. She is, as one colleague put it, a trailblazer and a true asset to the future of youth mental health care in Pasco.

 Known affectionately as Ms. Q, Quilla Allen brings a calm, steady presence to RAP House every single day. She greets everyone with kindness, patience, and understanding, especially when situations are challenging. Her ability to de-escalate, reframe, and highlight positives makes her a grounding influence in the shelter, where she helps turn daily interactions into life shaping moments.

Ms. Q has a rare gift for helping others feel seen. She consistently lifts up the small wins and creates opportunities for growth and healing. Whether she’s running meetings, supporting her colleagues, or simply listening without judgment, she sets a standard for compassion and professionalism. Her work is a daily reminder that safety, dignity, and empathy can change lives.

 Ashley Silva plays a behind-the-scenes role at NAMI Pasco, but her impact is front and center. Her work on the organization’s newsletter and communication efforts has brought clarity, connection, and a new level of engagement to the community. In a mission where information and outreach are everything, Ashley’s consistent contributions ensure that people are informed, included, and inspired.

She brings care and excellence to everything she does, always striving to share the heart of NAMI Pasco’s work. Her attention to detail and willingness to go above and beyond haven’t gone unnoticed. Ashley’s dedication makes sure our message gets where it needs to go: into the hands and hearts of the people who need it most.

 Alyssa Scott, founder of Reach Higher Holistic Services, embodies a healing centered approach to mental health. She combines traditional and alternative therapies to help individuals tap into their strength and move toward whole-person healing. Her thoughtful, trauma-informed practices make her a trusted ally in the wellness space.

Alyssa doesn’t just offer services, she builds relationships rooted in respect, empowerment, and hope. Her commitment to supporting each person’s journey with personalized tools and a non-judgmental atmosphere has helped many take meaningful steps toward better mental health.

 Janell Hunter is a powerhouse of passion and persistence within NAMI Pasco. Her leadership in recruitment, event planning, and outreach, especially for NAMIWalks, has elevated the affiliate’s visibility and impact in the community. She’s also been nominated for the national Cash, Sweat & Tears Award, a reflection of her extraordinary dedication.

Janell is more than a volunteer, she’s a driving force for connection and growth. Whether she’s rallying a team, managing logistics, or advocating for mental health resources, she does it with heart and humility. Her presence helps ensure that NAMI Pasco’s mission moves forward, one step at a time.

 Melody Williams is a driving force behind Growth & Recovery Counseling and a deeply respected figure in Pasco County’s mental health landscape. With a heart for healing and a vision for accessible care, she has built up a practice that not only serves clients with empathy and skill but also nurtures the next generation of mental health professionals. From offering free support to interns to hiring a highly skilled, compassionate team, Melody has made it her mission to provide judgment-free, trauma-informed, and person-centered care for all.

Under her leadership, Growth & Recovery has become more than a counseling center, it’s a community hub. Melody ensures the practice offers a range of services tailored to children and adults alike, provides flexible payment options, hosts community workshops, and opens its doors to support groups and collaborations. She’s known for going above and beyond for clients and colleagues alike, all while creating a space that radiates hope. Those who know her best describe Melody as fiercely kind, humble, and someone who “changes lives with her care” both inside and outside the office.