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Engaging Faith Leaders In Addressing Mental Illness
Monday, July 13 at 1:30pm EST
One in four people struggling with a mental health concern go to their faith leader before they engage with a mental health professional. And when spirituality and religion are incorporated into care, many clients do better. The Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (The Partnership Center) will present on how we are encouraging faith leaders and their communities to address mental illness using education, tools and resources.
- Shannon Royce, J.D., Director, HHS Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives, Washington, D.C.
- Michael Perron, Minister of Life Recovery, Prestonwood Baptist Church, Plano, Tex.
- Gabrielle Spatt, Executive Director, The Blue Dove Foundation, Atlanta, Ga.
 | Shannon Royce, J.D., brings a wealth of experience from the government, private and nonprofit sectors to her role as Director of the Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In leading the HHS Partnership Center, Shannon sees her role as one of service and stewardship, carrying out the vision of HHS Secretary Alex M. Azar II and the Administration. She is married with two grown sons. |
 | As a former addict, now sober 21 years, Michael brings a unique perspective to the process of recovery. Over the past 20 years, Michael has dedicated himself to developing comprehensive programs, integrating the clinical and spiritual realms, that aid people in getting back to wholeness. He is a certified biblical counselor and is currently working with the Health and Human Services Department in Washington, D.C., to create a framework that helps faith-based organizations create awareness, remove stigma, and advocate for people in the midst of the chaos surrounding substance misuse/abuse and mental health issues. He is the Pastor of Life Recovery at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Tex. Michael and his wife Christina have been married for 21 years and have three children. |
 | Gabrielle Spatt is a genuine connector who is passionate about bringing people and organizations together to accomplish big dreams. A personal tragedy led Gabby to start volunteering with the Blue Dove Foundation, an Atlanta-based nonprofit focusing on mental health and substance abuse education, outreach and awareness through a Jewish lens. Gabby transitioned from board member to staff member in 2019. She devotes her time to her professional role and community engagement through different roles. |