Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Blog

Each May during Mental Health Month, San Mateo County Health presents the Tony Hoffman Community Mental Health Services Award to recognize individuals and organizations that have made an extraordinary difference in the lives of people with mental health challenges and the communities they live in.

This year’s recipients reflect the spirit of the award through their leadership, advocacy, innovation, compassion, and commitment to reducing stigma and strengthening mental health support across San Mateo County.

Gil Perez is a Personal Counselor at College of San Mateo whose leadership has helped expand flexible, culturally responsive mental health services for students and foster a stronger campus culture of care, safety, and belonging.

Nicoletta “Nica” Kelleher and the BHRS Parent Project are being recognized for the program’s longstanding impact supporting parents and caregivers with tools, connection, and hope. Nica, who is part of the BHRS ODE team, began with the Parent Project as a high school volunteer, and her journey to program coordinator reflects the Parent Project’s lasting role in building community leadership.

Patricia Baker has helped transform behavioral health crisis response in Redwood City through her compassionate work on the Community Wellness and Crisis Response Team, providing on-scene assessment, de-escalation, and connection to care.

Kira Liess has supported the NAMI San Mateo County community for 15 years as a peer educator, group co-host, volunteer, and Peer Specialist, offering encouragement, lived experience, and hope to others in recovery.

Caltrain is being honored for its commitment to rail safety and suicide prevention, including efforts to promote education, reduce stigma, strengthen partnerships, and improve public messaging around suicide prevention.

Sylvia Tang, a member of the BHRS ODE team and Co-Chair of the Suicide Prevention Committee, is recognized for her steady leadership, thoughtful collaboration, and commitment to centering lived experience in suicide prevention efforts.

Dr. Gabriela “Gaby” Perez is a longtime BHRS leader, service provider, BHRS Youth Team member, and Latino Collaborative Co-Chair whose trauma-informed, culturally responsive work has strengthened care for youth, families, Spanish-speaking and immigrant communities, and cross-system partners.

Michelle Ye, Co-Founder of Project EDSA, is recognized for her youth leadership in eating disorder prevention, awareness, and peer support, including helping grow a student-led nonprofit that reaches schools locally and globally.

Together, these honorees remind us that mental health is strengthened through compassion, connection, advocacy, and action. San Mateo County Health is proud to recognize their meaningful contributions during Mental Health Month.

To learn more about the San Mateo County Behavioral Health Commission visit https://www.smchealth.org/behavioral-health-commission.