This year’s Black History Month theme focuses on the importance of Black Health and Wellness for minority communities and Black health care providers, including the patients and families we serve at Pinnacle and our teammates and colleagues. Their achievements in overcoming addiction, and in providing the best quality compassionate care, are extraordinary and the strength they have shown, particularly during this time of COVID, is beyond compare. Let us all take the time to pay tribute to people of color, recognize their contributions and sacrifices, and understand the many challenges of Black life.
Team Culture Spotlight
In honor of Black History Month, we asked a few of our Black teammates to share about themselves so we can get to know them on a personal level and learn more about the work they do in the field of addiction treatment.
Lovazia Brantley, LPN Licensed Practical Nurse
Alliance Medical Services of Johnstown | Johnstown, PA
What does your role entail?
Assessing and dosing patients with medication to treatment opioid use disorder. Communicating with all team members for well-rounded care of patients.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is a time where we can educate ourselves more about the minorities who contributed to the success of the US. It allows us to shed light on topics that may make us feel uncomfortable but allowed Black Americans to get to where they are today.
Is there a Black history leader past or present that inspires you?
Rosa Parks and Malcolm X
What is the best career advice you received?
The best career advice I have ever received was from my nursing instructor, “Trust your glimmer and follow your gut. If you are wrong, you can apologize for it later.”
What keeps you at Pinnacle?
I care for all of the patients that come to Alliance in Johnstown. I have known addiction through family members and friends which allows me to have a better understanding in my current role as an LPN.
What is your favorite mantra or quote?
“If you’re always trying to be normal you will never know how amazing you can be.” -Maya Angelou
Beatrice Chavez Medical Biller
Aegis Treatment Centers | Bakersfield, CA (San Dimas)
What does your role entail?
Data Entry
What does Black History Month mean to you?
That we are all God’s creation
Is there a Black history leader past or present that inspires you?
Dr. Martin Luther King
Describe your career path with Pinnacle?
I love to help the community. I see myself retiring with Pinnacle; it brings me joy to know that as an organization we help save lives daily.
What is the best career advice you received?
Work for a company that you love and have a passion for what you do.
What keeps you at Pinnacle?
Knowing that we help save lives, everyone is someone’s child.
What is your favorite mantra or quote?
God teaches us to always love one another.
Adrian Michelle Davis Residential Aide-I, Intensive Outpatient Program
Pinnacle Treatment Services of Roanoke | Roanoke, VA
What does Black History Month mean to you?
To me, it’s not just one month, it’s every month and I embrace the beauty of being a Black woman.
Is there a Black history leader past or present that inspires you?
Yes, my favorite is Angela Bassett.
What is the best career advice you received?
I was told I was in my calling, working with people who want to stay clean.
What keeps you at Pinnacle?
Nothing really has surprised me. I was overwhelmed with the fact that this job is valuable to me and my recovery.
What is your favorite mantra or quote?
Love the U in YOU.
Michelle L. Evans Residential Aide Manager
Pinnacle Treatment Services of Roanoke | Roanoke, VA
What does your role entail?
Training and supervision of all residential aides. I serve our patients in a safe environment promoting long-term recovery.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
People who made ultimate sacrifices to help us as a race have a better life.
Is there a Black history leader past or present that inspires you?
Maya Angelou. The written word is so powerful, and she made it feel so alive. Her lived experiences and how she was able to overcome is very inspiring for me.
Describe your career path with Pinnacle?
I started as a residential aide in July of 2020. I was promoted to residential aide manager in September of 2021.
What is the best career advice you received?
Everything I do, do it as unto the Lord! He is my help! Every good and perfect gift comes from Him. When the job gets overwhelming at times, I lean on His strength and guidance.
What keeps you at Pinnacle?
The desire to help change people’s lives.
What is your favorite mantra or quote?
“Team Work Makes the Dream Work”
Delores Hall Residential Aide
Pinnacle Treatment Services of Roanoke | Roanoke, VA
What does your role entail?
Making sure the patients’ needs are accommodated according to our requirements and procedures.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
It is a month of acknowledging Black people’s worth and all they have done to make some of the changes we see and live by today.
Is there a Black history leader past or present that inspires you?
Yes, my mother.
Describe your career path with Pinnacle?
I started off as a residential aide and have already received my PRS (Peer Recovery Specialist); soon working for certification in that department and also start working on becoming a CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) all so I can be better at serving not just the patients but also for me and my development.
What is the best career advice you received?
Show up no matter what with a positive attitude and a smile on your face.
What keeps you at Pinnacle?
The great teamwork we have here at Pinnacle Treatment Services of Roanoke and, of course, the patients.
What is your favorite mantra or quote?
The best is yet to come.
Penny Johnson Executive Director
Aegis Treatment Centers | Wilmington, CA
What does your role entail?
To oversee quality assurance & risk management; clinical standards and quality control; customer service, human resources and more for our center in Wilmington in the spirit of excellence!
What does Black History Month mean to you?
In a nutshell, “an appreciation and acknowledgment of Blackness and how it permeates all aspects of society.”
Is there a Black history leader past or present that inspires you?
There are a number of Black history leaders who inspire me. They all have had a special moment in time when they were able to break barriers for the good of not just black people but people of all colors. If I were to name a specific person, it would definitely be the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King.
Describe your career path with Pinnacle?
My career path started with Aegis Treatment Centers after earning a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis on marriage and family therapy. I started as a counselor in 2015, gaining hours for licensing. After year three, I became a supervising counselor and one year later an executive director. I didn’t know if I would like managing people as a part of having a management position, but can now emphatically say that I rather love people, enjoy teaching what I know, and bringing out the best part of themselves.
What is the best career advice you received?
The Bible tell us that Daniel the prophet was favored by the king because he had an excellent spirit. The best advice I would give is to learn your craft and do it well, be teachable and willing to share your golden nugget on how to do it better. I believe there is always a better way to do something. But it speaks volume to do it with a conviction and in excellence; serving people is what we do. Be the best you can be not for the pat on the back but just because you love serving.
What keeps you at Pinnacle?
I like that Pinnacle cares about the personal career paths and goals of its employees.
What is your favorite mantra or quote?
John Maxwell talks about “The Law of the Lid” (The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership). This says your leadership ability is the LID that determines a person’s level of effectiveness. If you are not growing in knowledge it won’t help the people who follow you. Applying this “law” can help you change the way you lead.
Monique Jones Case Manager/Certified Recovery Specialist
Williamsport Family Medical Center | Williamsport, PA
What does your role entail?
I provide resources and/or referrals for patients in the program. As a recovering addict myself, I engage with patients who are struggling to sober.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black history means a lot to me not only this month but every day. I’m so grateful for the struggles Black people endure and for paving the way for me to have the opportunities I have today.
Is there a Black history leader past or present that inspires you?
Any and all leaders who fought and died to uphold the 14th Amendment that all men are created equal—that is inspiration for me.
Describe your career path with Pinnacle?
My path career with Pinnacle would be learning all there is to learn in my field and to go to college and get a degree.
What is the best career advice you received?
Continue to learn and grow in this field and remain teachable.
What keeps you at Pinnacle?
The disease of addiction that continues to kill and destroy families in my area and nation. I’m in recovery and I want to be a part of the solution today, support and service my peers, and help save lives.
What is your favorite mantra or quote?
The time is always right to do what is right. -Dr. Martin Luther King
Stay connected to be protected. -NA
Rachel Lawson Counselor
Athens Treatment Services | Athens, OH
What does your role entail?
Intake process, and individual and group counseling
What does Black History Month mean to you?
It is a time of reflection for the sacrifices of my loved ones. It is a time to appreciate and find gratitude for all of the advantages I am afforded today.
Is there a Black history leader past or present that inspires you?
Although he may not be a “leader,” Charles McGee is definitely a role model as a Tuskegee Airman who recently passed and worked so hard to share his story to make a large impact towards change.
Describe your career path with Pinnacle?
I have only been working here about a year. Pinnacle gave me an opportunity to expand my AOD knowledge and talents.
What is the best career advice you received?
Take your time and take care of yourself.
What keeps you at Pinnacle?
How much I have learned in such a small amount of time.
What is your favorite mantra or quote?
“We rise by lifting others.”
Regan Moore Lead IOP Counselor/Coordinator
Alliance Medical Services of Pittsburgh Ensign I | Pittsburgh, PA
What does your role entail?
Assisting individuals suffering from the disease of addiction get stable, rebuild, and navigate the early stages of recovery.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
An opportunity to celebrate the leadership, integrity, and determination we have in our community.
Is there a Black history leader past or present that inspires you?
James Baldwin, John Lewis, Myrlie Evers-Williams, Bayard Rustin, Willi Ninja
Describe your career path with Pinnacle?
I was hired in 2015 as a counselor. In 2016, I became an IOP Counselor; in 2017, I moved into the Lead IOP Counselor/Coordinator role.
What is the best career advice you received?
KNOW YOUR WORTH
What keeps you at Pinnacle?
Our patients. I am honored to be able to witness them find their strength and get their lives back on track.
What is your favorite mantra or quote?
“What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation.”
Trista Wilson Residential Aide Manager
Recovery Works | South Shore, KY
What does your role entail?
Being an RA Manager in South Shore entails supervising, scheduling, and training residential aides in providing effective care for our clients. This ranges from making the schedule, having trainings to ensure staff are adequately equipped with the information to provide excellent care to our clients. I work closely with all departments to assist with working as a team to ensure our clients are receiving the tools to begin their path to recovery.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month means showing appreciation and acknowledgment to our ancestors who worked so hard to make our voices heard. Black History Month means acknowledging and celebrating the integrity, leadership, and determination of our predecessors who paved a way for me to even be able to obtain the position I’m in today. Black History Month means teaching others that just not too long ago, opportunities that I have today would not be available to myself had these people not made their marks and paved a way for us today. Black History Month means embracing who I am unapologetically and being proud of where I come from.
Is there a Black history leader past or present that inspires you?
Tarana Burke has spent decades listening to Black and minority communities. She originated the phrase and concept of “Me Too” in 2006 as a way for victims of sexual violence to share their stories and connect with others. “We are socialized to respond to the vulnerability of white women, and it’s a truth that is hard for some people to look in the face, and they feel uncomfortable when I say things like that,” she says. “But it is true. … [There’s a] stark difference in what it takes to get attention around Black women and girls.”
Describe your career path with Pinnacle?
I have grown more as a person in the last four years of being with Pinnacle than I have in probably the last 15 years of my life. I have been presented with many opportunities to grow within the company. I have been supported by my leaders to help push me to grow. When I started as an RA four years ago, I never imagined I would gain so much knowledge and encouragement to push myself to grow.
What is the best career advice you received?
The best career advice I have received comes from my executive director. It’s not one specific thing, but anytime I feel inadequate or overwhelmed, she reassures me and pulls things out of me that I didn’t know were there. She helps me learn new ways of thinking and processing information that has helped me grow as a person and as a leader.
What keeps you at Pinnacle?
The opportunity for growth within the company is amazing. I have never worked for a company that encourages staff to reach personal and professional growth.
What is your favorite mantra or quote?
People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
Tumirrow Lynee Jones RTherapist IOP
Recovery Works | Elizabethtown, KY
What does your role entail?
Clinical therapy
What does Black History Month mean to you?
It reminds me of my ancestor’s dream and keeping that dream alive.
Is there a Black history leader past or present that inspires you?
My father Rev. Bobby Jones, Sr.
Describe your career path with Pinnacle?
I love working at Pinnacle and hope to grow and get my doctorate while working here.
What is the best career advice you received?
Set good boundaries and ‘No’ is a full sentence.
What keeps you at Pinnacle?
Pinnacle is my family.
What is your favorite mantra or quote?
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 149:13