Recognizing SOAR Success in Maryland

2021 Maryland SOAR Recognition

The Maryland Department of Health’s Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) introduced a SOAR recognition process this year. To qualify, a SOAR trained case worker must have had at least one case approved this fiscal year. All of their previous approvals are also counted. Recognition certificates are awarded at the following intervals: 1st approval, 10th approval, 25th, approval, 50th approval, 75th approval and so on. At Maryland’s June 2021 SOAR Annual Meeting/Celebration Event, the following were formally recognized:

Approvals

Achievement of their first ever SOAR approval: 

• Barbara Goodwyn
• Bernard Wynder
• Brooke Sisson
• Evan Bielecki 
• Kristin Urban
• Madison Paige
• Yvette Hynson

Since becoming SOAR trained, these individuals have obtained between two and nine approvals as of May 2021, with at least one approval this fiscal year:

• Becky Smith
• Krista Baker  
• Margaret Okoroji-Schaeffer 

Those receiving recognition in the 10 to 24 approval category are:

• Autumn Jaquette
• Bill Sanda
• Lisa Holden 
• Tami Morningstar

This group is particularly impressive as none of these individuals are full time SOAR specialists.

Those receiving recognition in the 25 to 49 approval category are:

• Marc Bowman
• Melonie Penkala
• Shantelle Jackson

Rachel Masciarelli is recognized in the 50 to 74 approvals category, and lastly — and both so, so close to their 100 SOAR approvals — in the 75 to 100 category are Andrea Eiblum and Terry Shenk.

Maryland SOAR Value in Action Awards

Additionally, as part of the event, a number of Maryland SOAR Value in Action Awards were presented. These community nominated awards seek to recognize those individuals and partners who truly embody  SOAR values such as respect, choice, empathy, partnership and compassion; who through their actions demonstrate their belief in the strengths, courage and potential of individuals; and who maintain a passion and commitment to their work even when experiencing difficulties or challenges. The worthy recipients of the 2021 Awards are: 

• Michelle Grabenstein, SSA Representative at the Cumberland Field Office
• Autumn Jacquette, Benefits Case Manager/SOAR Specialist
• Tracy Kelly, Harford County SOAR Lead
• Rachel Masciarelli, SOAR Specialist
• Marc Bowman, SOAR Specialist
• Andrea Eiblum, SOAR Specialist

Maryland SOAR Hall of Fame

The last award of the event was a very special one and that was a new inductee to Maryland’s SOAR Hall of Fame. This recognizes those individuals who have had a fundamental impact on Maryland’s SOAR program over many years. This year’s inductee, Merlina Romanoff, SSA Area 2 Work Incentives Coordinator, has been a wonderful support to SOAR for many years and is known across the state for her dedication and commitment to those we serve. Comments received for her nomination included:

• Merlina always goes above and beyond with patience and grace to help sort through complicated scenarios. Her compassion and tireless efforts for the vulnerable population we work with has been tremendous;
• I want to thank Merlina for how devoted, detailed and driven she is to make the SOAR engine in Maryland go; and 
• Merlina ROCKS!

In addition to celebrating a successful year despite these very challenging times, the event also featured an inspiring presentation from one of SOAR’s founders, Yvonne Perret, as well as national updates from Dazara Ware and Abigail Kirkman, Assistant Directors of the SAMHSA SOAR TA Center.