February is Black History Month! This month we are celebrating the history, culture and contributions to American History by Black individuals. Guided by our IDEAL principles of Inclusive Culture, Different Voices, Embracing Potential, Authentic Self and Learning & Growing, we are excited to spotlight a few of our team members as they share their perspectives and experiences.

Terrell
Terrell is a Vocational Specialist for our Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team, working with individuals who have severe and persistent mental health conditions. He also supports people reentering or entering the workforce while also helping with their day-to-day needs such as medications, housing and other personal affairs. Terrell believes it’s important to recognize Black History Month because many significant contributions by Black Americans, particularly inventors, are often overlooked and underrepresented in traditional U.S. history and education. While he celebrates Black History Month year-round, February holds special meaning for him and his family. Terrell identifies with all of the IDEAL principles because each one plays a crucial role in both personal and professional life.

Diona
Diona, LPC, serves as the Clinical Team Lead Supervisor for our Regional Education Assessment Crisis Services Habilitation (REACH) Program. She is deeply committed to supporting and inspiring her team of mobile crisis and community stabilization coordinators, emphasizing the importance of serving the community while practicing self-care. As a Black woman in mental health leadership, she values representation and strives to be a role model for others. During Black History Month and every day, Diona celebrates by sharing stories of Black excellence with her young son, empowering him to embrace his greatness. Diona identifies most with the principle of Authentic Self, believing in the power of walking confidently in one’s individuality and uniqueness.

Vanessa
Vanessa is a High-Fidelity Wraparound Program Manager. She leads teams across three locations to help at-risk youths stay out of trouble, stay at home and remain in school. She collaborates with the North Carolina High-Fidelity Wraparound Training program at the University of North Carolina Greensboro to ensure program development, staffing and compliance with state standards. Vanessa sees Black History Month as a time to celebrate both the historical and ongoing achievements of Black people and a time to reflect their resilience and contributions. Vanessa identifies most with the principle of Authentic Self as she strives to be her true self while honoring the deep roots of Black history in her everyday life and legacy.

Emunah
Emunah is an Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Peer Support Specialist. She empowers people by guiding them through wellness recovery action plans, sharing her own life experiences to provide insight and support. Emunah teaches self-advocacy skills and collaborates with mental health providers to help others maintain a healthy state of mind while embodying the principles of recovery and resilience. For Emunah, Black History Month is a time to honor the heritage and accomplishments of African Americans and to recognize the struggles and achievements that will inspire future generations to strive for excellence. Emunah also talks to her children about influential Black people who pave the way for others to enjoy greater opportunities. Emunah embraces Different Voices, taking pride in her identity that reflects her strength and individuality.

LaKisha
LaKisha is a Mobile Crisis Supervisor at Easterseals PORT Health. In her role, she manages the Mobile Crisis Team that provides stabilization, de-escalation and connects individuals to services across multiple North Carolina counties. She also manages Mobile Outreach, Response, Engagement + Stabilization (MORES), an extension of Mobile Crisis services that support youth. LaKisha sees Black History Month as an opportunity to honor African American contributions and showcase Black culture while combating stereotypes. She celebrates by wearing themed apparel and attending the Black History parade in Mt. Olive, NC. LaKisha identifies most with the principles of Inclusive Culture and Embracing Potential as she reflects on the progress African Americans have made in gaining rights and opportunities.
ABOUT US
Easterseals PORT Health is a trustworthy, compassionate partner providing exceptional disability, behavioral health and addiction treatment services to help our neighbors live their best lives. Purpose, dedication and empathy drive our in-person and telehealth service delivery. Our diverse and inclusive 2,600 member team provides more than 10.2 million hours of meaningful support to 40,200 kids, adults and families in 11,000 home, facility and community locations across North Carolina and Virginia. Learn more at eastersealsPORT.com.