Nominate a Mental Health Champion
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Nominate a Mental Health Champion *
Help us celebrate those making a real difference for mental health.
Pathways’ annual Mental Health Champion Award honors individuals who are breaking down stigma, inspiring understanding, and improving the lives of those affected by serious mental illness.
Nominate someone today — a person who has made an exceptional achievement in the field of mental health through advocacy, innovation, education, or support.
Eligibility:
Nominees must have accomplished an outstanding achievement for mental health.
Let’s recognize the champions who are changing lives and leading the way
Winner:
The winner will be announced this summer and honored at the Pathways Annual Fall Gala on Friday, October 23, 2026. They will receive complimentary admission to the Gala, guest tickets, and transportation to and from the event.
Mental Health Champion Nomination Form
**Make sure that you have all the information about your nominee prepared in advance so you can easily enter it into the form below.
CONGRATULATIONS!
2026 MENTAL HEALTH CHAMPION
Laurel Scarlata
Pathways, Inc. is proud to honor Laurel Scarlata as its 2026 Mental Health Champion in recognition of her dedication to mental health advocacy, education, and community support. As President of NAMI Southwest CT, Laurel has been a strong advocate for individuals and families affected by mental health conditions, helping expand awareness, resources, and opportunities for connection throughout Fairfield County.
Through NAMI Southwest CT, Laurel supports initiatives that provide families and individuals with education, peer support, and a safe place to find understanding and hope. She has also been an active voice in the community, highlighting the importance of reducing stigma and ensuring that people affected by mental illness do not have to navigate their journey alone.
Laurel's commitment to the well-being of others extends beyond mental health advocacy. With a background in nature-based education, she has also championed programs that connect children with nature and experiential learning.
Pathways is honored to recognize Laurel for her compassion, leadership, and commitment to creating a more supportive and understanding community for those living with mental health challenges.
CONGRATULATIONS!
2025 MENTAL HEALTH CHAMPION
SHARI SHAPIRO
Pathways, Inc. has named Shari Shapiro, Executive Director of Kids in Crisis, as its 2025 Mental Health Champion in recognition of her more than four decades of leadership and advocacy for children’s mental health.
Research shows that the care children receive early in life can shape their wellbeing for decades to come. That’s why Shari Shapiro’s work is so transformative. By creating programs that provide safety, counseling, and connection when kids need it most, she has given them the chance to grow, heal, and thrive.
Her leadership ensures that challenges in childhood don’t have to define the future — and that every child has a community ready to stand beside them.
2024 Inaugural Mental Health Champion: Paul Dalio
Paul Dalio was honored as Pathways’ first Mental Health Champion for his extraordinary contributions to mental health awareness through film, music, and advocacy. His acclaimed movie Touched with Fire and his open sharing of his journey with bipolar disorder have helped break stigma and inspire countless others to seek understanding, compassion, and hope.