Honoring Our 2023 winner

Zandia Lawson

Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services

MHAOhio’s Norman Guitry Award, named after the founder and first Executive Director of Mental Health America of Ohio, recognizes an individual who has made an outstanding contribution in the area of mental health.

This year, at our annual Holiday Magic event on December 6, we were honored to present the 2023 Norman Guitry Award to Zandia Lawson, Bureau Chief of Recovery Supports at the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

Zandia draws on her professional and family experiences with behavioral health to support and advance access to care, helping make recovery possible for everyone. 

Zandia and her team work to build systems of recovery and to make visible and accessible the resources to find safe and affordable housing, engaging and supportive social networks, and meaningful employment so that individuals can thrive in recovery.

Zandia received a master’s degree in social work from the University of Cincinnati and has spent the past 25 years working in various roles in the field including as a behavioral health clinician for adults, youth, and families; a vocational rehabilitation counselor for youth and adults; a program administrator; and a bureau chief.

As a family member, she has spent her life helping and supporting loved ones through mental health challenges, addiction, and recovery.

These experiences have motivated her work to influence policy and practices that support and improve the lives of individuals and their families. 

Specifically focusing on amplifying and strengthening recovery supports for those seeking and living in recovery, championing both workforce and peer recovery support initiatives across Ohio.

“Zandia has always championed innovation and progress and it’s been our privilege to have her support and guidance as we’ve developed and expanded both our Workplace Health and Peer Recovery Supporters programs throughout the recent years,” said Maggie Hallett, Senior Director of Workplace Health and Education at MHAOhio, who both nominated Zandia and presented the award.

“Zandia’s leadership with peer recovery support, employment, housing, and growing the behavioral health workforce in Ohio are changing countless lives and communities for the better,” said Lori Criss, former Director of the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. “I can’t think of anyone more deserving to receive the high honor of the Norman Guitry award than Zandia Lawson.”

Congratulations, Zandia, and thank you for your compassion and commitment to mental health!