Meet the 2024 Pittsburgh Recovery Award Winners
In 2024, we issued the annual call for nominations for three recovery award categories:
Recovery Advocate: An individual who has worked to change policy or public opinion about addiction and recovery
Recovery Caregiver: An individual who provides outstanding direct care to people with addiction/people seeking recovery (e.g., recovery supports, counselors, case managers, medical professionals, first responders, and more)
Recovery Pathway Supporter: An individual who has worked to broaden the range of recovery pathways available in the greater Pittsburgh area (e.g., someone who has worked to promote MAT, harm reduction, alternative peer support groups, etc.)
Here are the 2024 winners.
RECOVERY ADVOCATE: JOEY PAGANO
Joey Pagano is a licensed social worker, supervisor, and certified recovery specialist. He currently oversees a Center of Excellence, coordinating care for more than 550 clients with opioid use disorder and mental health challenges. He also recently earned his Doctorate of Social Work degree.
Joey has written two books, “No Addict Left Behind” and “From Scars to Stars,” which include clinical insights and personal narratives. He is also organizing “Rock for Recovery,” the Mon Valley’s largest outreach event on September 28, 2024, aimed at reducing stigma and aiding vulnerable populations.
Joey’s nomination said, “Joey’s unwavering dedication, achievements, and commitment to advocacy make him a deserving recipient, poised to continue inspiring and effecting change in the years to come.”
RECOVERY CAREGIVER: MELISSA OSBURN
Melissa Osburn is currently a Team Lead at Community Human Services. When she started at CHS as a Peer Specialist, she was relatively new in her recovery journey and hoped to find purpose by sharing her story and her perspective with others who were struggling as well. As a Community Support Specialist, she assisted over 400 individuals in various stages of their own recovery journeys in obtaining and maintaining stable housing.
Melissa not only conducts trainings on recovery for the CHS staff, but she also provides weekly yoga classes for all staff members at CHS to prevent burnout and encourage true self-care for the helping profession.
Melissa’s nomination for this award said “Melissa is able to connect with every participant in a meaningful way. She has a special talent for meeting individuals where they are and providing skills such as mindfulness to her participants to better manage their new lives.”
RECOVERY PATHWAY SUPPORTER: SHANEA CLANCY
Shanea Clancy’s suicide prevention work with the Department of Veterans Affairs spans multiple facets of mental health, addiction nursing, re-entry, and trauma-informed care. She holds Master of Forensic Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees as well as an Executive MBA in Healthcare. She is also co-chair of Leadership Butler County and dedicated to service with the Butler Collaborative for Families.
She was recently inducted as a Fellow of the International Association of Addiction Nursing. Her recent book, “Transforming Trauma into Triumph,” serves as a guide for individuals navigating the challenges of recovery. She is known for her dedication to the mental well-being of veterans and our community.
Her nomination for this award said, “Clancy’s tireless efforts and substantial contributions to recovery advocacy have established her as a pillar of support and a beacon of hope for many.”
