ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) proudly celebrated the third annual Flame of Hope Awards today at the Georgia State Capitol. The ceremony honored 10 Georgians whose leadership and lived experience reflect the heart of DBHDD’s mission to ensure every person can live, work, and thrive in the community of their choice. 

“The Flame of Hope honorees remind us that transformation does not only happen in sweeping moments,” said Commissioner Tanner. “Change happens in the quiet, everyday acts of service that meet people exactly where they are. Their perseverance shows that hope is built one person at a time, through showing up, listening and walking alongside those who need support. Their stories are powerful proof that no one is too far from hope, and that with the right community around them, every Georgian can find a new path forward.”

This year, Commissioner Tanner was joined by Speaker of the House Jon Burns and Ms. Ella Marchese, whose personal journey inspired the first-ever Flame of Hope Awards. 

The following individuals were named 2025 Flame of Hope Award winners:

  • Speaker’s Choice Awards: Former State Representative Penny Houston received the Speaker’s Choice Award for her decades-long leadership advancing equity and access for Georgians with disabilities, including championing Medicaid dental benefits and elevating underserved voices statewide.
  • Commissioner’s Choice Award: Kim Jones is the Executive Director of NAMI Georgia. She was honored for her transformative advocacy that helped advance mental health reform, historic funding and community engagement across Georgia.
  • David Crews was recognized for more than five decades of public service and for strengthening the behavioral health safety-net system across coastal Georgia through trusted leadership and expanded crisis services.
  • Dr. Anna Scheyett was honored for her statewide impact in supporting Georgia’s farming communities, building mental health resources and trust across rural regions.
  • Christopher “Chris” Sullens was selected for demonstrating profound resilience and compassion after surviving a life-altering attack while serving the homeless community.
  • Eric Smart was honored for his transformative work as a Peer Specialist and for creating inclusive, empowering support systems for Georgia’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing community; Mr. Smart is the first award winner from the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.
  • Truitt Cousin was recognized for his remarkable journey as a patient in a forensic hospital program to a thriving career in cybersecurity, embodying the truth that recovery and new beginnings are possible with support and determination.
  • Shenequa Gresham was selected for her leadership in strengthening employment and community inclusion opportunities for people with developmental disabilities through her work at EmployAbility.
  • Bobby O’Neal received recognition for her steadfast commitment as a Direct Care Provider, including her extraordinary courage in ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals during Hurricane Helene.
  • Jake Branan was honored for his creativity, advocacy, and voice in the disability community, using his podcast “Handicap Hangout” to inspire others and elevate lived experiences.

Contact

Director, Office of Communications Camille Taylor

[email protected]