George Goodman Brudney & Ruth P. Brudney Social Work Award Previous Recipients

2024: Joey Pagano

Dr. Joey Pagano, DSW, LSW, CRS, is a distinguished figure in the field of mental health, and he is celebrated for his contributions as a recovery advocate and author. A two-time #1 Best-Selling author, Joey has garnered acclaim for his insightful and impactful books, including "No Addict Left Behind" and "From Scars to Stars." His work has even earned him a nomination as a Pulitzer contender, reflecting his profound impact on the discourse surrounding addiction and recovery.

With over a decade of experience in mental health, Joey is a dedicated clinician known for his profound empathy and unwavering commitment to harm reduction. His expertise and passion for helping others shine through in his various roles as a therapist, author, and educator. Joey's global travels and sharing of his knowledge and experiences aim to inspire and educate, breaking down the stigma associated with addiction and promoting effective harm reduction strategies, all with a deep understanding of the human experience. In collaboration with his wife, Jodie Pagano, Joey forms part of "The Traveling Social Workers," a dynamic duo whose work is characterized by a blend of academic excellence and genuine, lived experience. Their unique and invaluable contributions to transforming addiction recovery are felt globally. Together, they offer global insights through engaging talks, comprehensive training sessions, and co-authored projects, leaving a lasting impact on the field.

2023: Diana Anzaldua

Diana Anzaldua, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Trauma-Resilient Therapist in Austin, Texas. She is the founder of the award winning health and wellness centers; Austin Trauma Therapy Center & Contigo Wellness. Diana is a social change activist and influential leader in community organized mental health equity and reform in historically marginalized communities. Her vision of decolonized healing and anti-oppressive trauma-informed leadership create safe spaces for other survivors to grow, embrace their resilience, and heal; in-community with others. Diana and her clinical expertise have been featured in a number of magazines like: Allure, The BBC, and The Atlantic Journal. Diana serves on several local and national non-profit boards and has received numerous awards for her work in community healing, public service and leadership. Diana is a graduate of the School of Social Work at the University of Texas in Austin and is professionally licensed in North Carolina, Nevada, and Texas.

2022: Stacey Freedenthal

MHA’s 2022 George Goodman and Ruth P. Brudney Social Work Award goes to Stacey Freedenthal.

Stacey Freedenthal, PhD, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and consultant in private practice in Denver, CO, and an associate professor at the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work. She focuses her work on helping people who experience suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Her first book, Helping the Suicidal Person: Tips and Techniques for Professionals, was published in 2017. Her second book, Loving Someone with Suicidal Thoughts: What Family, Friends, and Partners Can Say and Do, is scheduled to be released by New Harbinger Publications in spring 2023.

2021: Elliot Pinsly

MHA’s George Goodman Brudney and Ruth P. Brudney Social Work Award recognizes significant contributions made to the care and treatment of people living with mental illnesses by practicing professionals in the field of social work. The 2021 award was presented to Elliot Pinsly.

Elliot is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the President & CEO of the Behavioral Health Foundation, an independent, data-driven, nonprofit policy center in Tennessee. He is an energetic and passionate leader in mental health policy and strategic advocacy and is committed to improving access to high-quality care, reducing stigma, decriminalizing mental health, and driving systems change. He works hand-in-hand with fellow social workers, behavioral health providers, judges, advocacy organizations, state officials, and concerned citizens to create meaningful mental health policy changes. The relationships Elliot has developed with statewide police and sheriff associations have also proved critical in securing funding for criminal justice reform and mental health decriminalization initiatives.

2020: Julius Boatwright

Julius is a Licensed Master Social Worker who completed a Trauma-Informed Community Practice Workshop with Duquesne University through their Department of Psychology and Rita McGinley Clinic. He obtained his Master of Social Work degree with a Certificate in Human Services Management from the University of Pittsburgh. Julius also earned a bachelor's degree in Communication from Pitt. Lastly, Mr. Boatwright completed a 1-year professional development program for nonprofit executives with Leadership Pittsburgh and the California-based Rockwood Leadership Institute. Julius serves as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer with Steel Smiling. They bridge the gap between Black people and mental health support through education, advocacy, and awareness. Their Mental Health Workforce Development Program (Beams to Bridges) equips Black adults with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to serve as Community Mental Health Workers. While completing the programmatic experience, cohort members receive the following: weekly workforce stipends, emergency financial assistance, mental health training, behavioral health treatment, and social service support.

2019: Kelley Kitley

Kelley is a psychotherapist and owner of 2 wellness businesses - Serendipitous Psychotherapy, LLC and reNew studio, LLC. She's an Amazon Best Selling Author and Chicago Literary Legacy Honoree of 'MY self' An Autobiography of Survival. She's shared her experience, strength, and hope on national media platforms including TODAY, Dr. Oz, Access Live, and Dr. Drew. Kitley is a TEDx speaker "I show my scars so others know I can heal," and expert contributor in hundreds of national publications. Her mission is to break the silence and stigma of mental health and addiction and give others hope that they too can heal.