ATLANTA — Seven Georgians were recognized at the state Capitol as advocates who “fan the flames of hope” for behavioral health and disabilities support.

The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities chose the recipients of the “Flame of Hope” awards out of 160 nominations from community leaders, board members, staff, affiliated organizations and providers.

The Flame of Hope award honors individuals who have gone above and beyond and their commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others,” DBHDD Commissioner Kevin Tanner said Dec. 6. “The recipients are unsung heroes to the individuals they serve, and they’re a beacon of hope for families in crisis and a source of inspiration within their communities.”

Recipients were chosen as residents who further the mission and values of DBHDD, which leads a continuum of care to support Georgians with behavioral health challenges and intellectual and developmental disabilities lead a life of recovery and independence.

Among the Flame of Hope award recipients is Lauren Saporito, a forensic peer mentor with Legacy Behavioral Health — a Valdosta-based community service board.

Saporito was nominated by Heather Hatchett, director of specialty services for LBH.

In working with other individuals, she gives them hope,” Hatchett said. “And her hope is with her lived experience, ‘been there, done that,’ and you can come out on the other side — and not only for the peers, but for us as clinicians.”

Saporito first came to LBH as a patient battling suicide, addiction and homelessness in 2016.

Through the facility she received support and recovery services after battling addition since her teens.

She is now certified in addition recovery support.

“Now we are Legacy Behavioral Health, and three other counties are doing a pilot jail in-reach program so I can share my lived experience navigating the criminal justice system,” Saporito said. “So the things that brought me the most shame and embarrassment have now provided freedom, purpose, passion and the ability to help others.”

Saporito said it is important for those supporting others in recovery to “meet people where they are” and provide empathy, genuine care and connection.{

“My goal is to light the flame in them to see their strengths and abilities because everybody’s thing is going to look different,” she said. “It might be work and school for me. For someone else it just might be peace and not feel that stigma or shame.”

Other recipients of DBHDD’s Flame of Hope awards include:

Ella Marchese of Springfield/Coastal Georgia

• . Tanner nominated Marchese after meeting with her at Reddick Stadium in Effingham County. Tanner said her resilience and personal story are the source of inspiration as Marchese breaks these stigmas through her “light, empathy and servant’s heart.”

Judge Marc D’Antonio of the Muscogee County Probate Court since 2013

• . D’Antonio works closely on mental health reform efforts, including assisted outpatient treatment and orders to apprehend to support individuals in crisis. According to his nomination, Judge “D” goes beyond the court room to ensure individuals in crisis do not fall through the cracks and has accompanied individuals to the emergency room and has celebrated milestones with those he serves.

Ryan Carroll of Atlanta. Carroll began suffering from seizures as a toddler, which resulted in a medical diagnosis

• that he would never read, write or live independently. He overcame those odds and today works as a lab runner at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and is a resident of Champions Place.

Mary “Claire” Smith of Paulding County

• Smith is a support coordinator with Columbus Cares for nearly 20 years. She was nominated by a mother deeply touched by her unwavering dedication. “Claire tirelessly advocates for families like the Branen’s within the intricate web of state services. Claire is not just an invaluable resource; she is a testament to the transformative power of heartfelt dedication and tangible results,” according to her nomination.

Pej Mahdavi of Conyers. Mahdavi is the director of the co-responder program at View Point Health in Conyers. In this role, he’s grown the co-responder program to serve 15 cities in over two years. Under his

• leadership, these co-responder programs have become a model for other Georgia communities.

Members of the Tabernacle of Faith Christian Church of DeKalb County

• . Church members have volunteered for a decade at the Central Unit of the Georgia Regional Hospital of Atlanta, consistently providing Thanksgiving luncheons that extend beyond mere meals, offering invaluable emotional support and care to the patients. Bishop Frances Mills and Vicie Miller accepted the award on behalf of the church.

Eight finalists received a “Champion of Hope” certificate:

• State Rep. Shelly Hutchinson of House District 106 in Gwinnett County (D-Snellville).
• Dr. Esteban Lim, medical drector at Bridge Health in Northwest Georgia.
• Diane Wilush, CEO of United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia.
• Sheriff Gary Sisk with the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Department.
• Tripp Talley, recovery support supervisor at Macon Recovers.
• Paula Mounce, certified peer specialist at a Medication Assisted Treatment Program in Athens.

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• Kimberly Worsham, supervisor of River Edge’s Adult Day Program in Macon.
• Greta O’Dell, director of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities at River Edge Behavioral Health in Macon.

While today we honor these recipients and highlight their contributions, the well being and progress of those facing mental health or behavioral health challenges, tomorrow we hope these stories will inspire others all across Georgia to do the same,” Tanner said.