Caliber Awards
The Caliber Awards is an annual invitation-only event honoring the work of local organizations and individuals for their contributions to the public behavioral health system in the mid-shore region. Four (4) main awards are presented, including: Achieving Excellence through Effective Programming, Achieving Excellence through the Empowerment of Consumers, Achieving Excellence through Interagency and Community Collaboration, and Lifetime Achievement. Special Recognitions are also awarded.
The 28th Annual Caliber Awards
2026 Caliber Award Nominations
The 2026 Caliber Awards is an annual invitation-only event honoring the work of local organizations and individuals for their contributions to the public behavioral health system in the mid-shore region.
To submit a nomination, click the links below and follow the instructions on how to submit. Nominations must be completed in full. The deadline for submissions has been extended until April 10th. For any questions, contact Jon Qvarnstrom at jqvarnstrom@midshorebehavioralhealth.org.
View each category and nomination form by clicking the links below.
Excellence In Substance Use Recovery Award
Bernie Vervin Beacon of Light Award
Achieving Excellence – Special Recognition Award
Achieving Excellence – Roundtable on Homelessness Award
Achieving Excellence – Mary Beth Brennaman Award
Achieving Excellence – Lifetime Achievement Award
Achieving Excellence – Interagency & Community Collaboration Award
Achieving Excellence – Child & Adolescent Advocate Award
Achieving Excellence – Forensic Mental Health Award
Achieving Excellence – Empowerment of Consumers Award
Achieving Excellence – Effective Programming Award
The 27th Annual Caliber Awards
2025 Caliber Awards winners
Child & Adolescent Award
Lexi Marie Whiteley, Affiliated SANTE
Forensic Mental Health Award
Tamara V. Stofa, MD Office of the Public Defender
Roundtable on Homelessness Awards
Valerie Davis, Delmarva Community Services
Adult & Older Adult Population Behavioral Health Outreach Award
Robin Lopez, MHA, Channel Marker, Inc.
Effective Programming Award
Susan Ahlstrom, MS, For All Seasons, Inc.
Interagency and Community Collaboration Award
Dr. Michelle Boulden-Hammond, PhD, CMHC, ADT, Caroline County Health Department
Jennifer A. McCready, CAC-AD, CPRS, RPS, Kent County Health Department
Mary Beth Brennaman Award
Kathleen Travesari, LCSW-C, Shore Counseling, LLC.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Bernie Vervin, (Posthumously), Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc.
Katie Schoonover, CPRS, Crossroads Community, Inc.
Dr. Rob Schmidt, Ed.D, LCPC, NCC, Talbot County Public Schools
Special Recognition Awards
Tabitha Groce, Foundations Recovery House
Cathy Anderson, CFPS, Maryland Coalition of Families
Jay Watson, Eastern Shore Talk Podcast
Deanna Lewis, Crossroads Community, Inc.
Allison Baldwin, CSC-AD, Choptank Recovery
Amy Thomas, LCPC, Peace of Mind Mental Health Services
Kaci Madison, MA, CAADC, For All Seasons, Inc.
Laura Scrivener, LCSW-C, For All Seasons, Inc.
Rebecca Hutchison, LCSW-C, Caroline Pride
Crisis Intervention Team Award
George Bacorn, Chief of Denton Police Department
Varied, Fair access, & Broad engagement Champion Award
Omeaka Jackson, LCPC, Harvesting Hope
Excellence in Substance Use Recovery Award
Kristie Elaine Thompson
Recovery Champion Award
Tabitha Groce, Foundations Recovery House
Bernie Vervin Beacon of Light Award
Lisa May, LCSW-C, Shore Health System Home Care & Hospice