Who is the Mental Health Association? 'The Best Kept Secret in Downtown Erie!'
The Mental Health Association (MHA) just celebrated its 30-year anniversary! The MHA provides support and advocacy to those in recovery-to be themselves, and to feel accepted and connected with others with shared experiences. MHA values community education and empowering people with mental health needs to lead meaningful and satisfying lives. Patricia Stucke, MHA CEO; Colleen Hammon, MHA Vice President of the Board of Directors; and Betsy Wiest, MHA Board Member will share the concepts of peer support and how this is embraced in all the programs including the Board of Directors at MHA.
*If purchasing a lunch, please register 48 hours in advance. Thank you!
Location: Jefferson Educational Society - 3207 State St, Erie, PA 16508
Date/Time: Friday, February 21, 12pm to 1:30pm
Admission: Free; Lunch optional, $5/person
Patricia Stucke, MHA CEO
Pat has been working in the human services field for the past 43 years. She has been in leadership positions for 37 years at several different agencies including Stairways Behavioral Health, UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor and Mental Health Association of Northwestern PA. (MHA) She has been the CEO at MHA since 2018. Pat has a lifelong passion to help and collaborate with others as her favorite saying is, “It takes a village.” She is married, has two rescue dogs and has been vegan for over 20 years.
Colleen Hammon, MHA Vice President of the Board of Directors
Colleen Hammon holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology, and served as clinical director in both the Mental Health and Intellectual Disability systems. Her previous experience resulted in her ongoing commitment to the importance of empathic positive engagement and service access for children and adults with serious mental illness. Following forty years in the field, Colleen also chaired the Erie County Home Team Homeless and Housing Coalition, for the past four years.
Colleen has followed her passion for service to individuals, challenged by trauma from mental illness, addiction and homelessness, by transitioning to a volunteer outreach specialist in the Erie community. Her days are spent accessing housing and supportive services at the local soup kitchen, shelter sites, on the street, and at the Mental Health Association, where she serves as vice-president on the board.
Betsy Wiest, MHA Board Member
Betsy spent her career working in social services. She retired in 2023 from her positions as Executive Director of St. Patrick’s Haven as well as the Social Justice Coordinator for the Sisters of St. Joseph of NWPA. Betsy is a board member for the Mental Health Association of NWPA. In her spare time, she works with the DAR to restore veteran gravestones. She loves spending time with her family, is an avid gardener, crochets prayer shawls for the Erie Cancer Wellness Center and travels frequently.
