Courtesy Saratoga County Citizens Committee for Mental Health
Laurie Nelson was selected as the Saratoga County Citizens Committee for Mental Health 2016 Citizen of the Year for her 30-plus year career serving people living with mental illness.
Nelson was honored on May 4 at the Mental Health Matters benefit at Longfellows Restaurant.
Nelson was formerly the deputy director for Transitional Services Association, where she worked for many years and in several capacities. She began her career working for the state Office of Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities, which is now the Office of Persons with Developmental Disabilities.
After joining Transitional Services Association, she worked in the community residences and served as a program supervisor for Hammond House.
She was the first program director for the Edgewood House after it was established. Nelson was promoted to program coordinator and then promoted to deputy director of the agency.
Officials said Nelson dedicated herself to creating and improving mental health services in Saratoga County, especially housing and care management services. In particular, she is recognized and respected by mental health professionals and clients for promoting a client-centered approach to mental health services.
The Saratoga County Citizens Committee for Mental Health is a nonprofit, charitable organization that distributes grant money to agencies and programs in Saratoga County so they can enrich existing programs or expand services for people living with mental illness. It also provides affordable educational opportunities for professionals and consumers, advocates for improved mental health care and services, and is committed to increasing public awareness.
For more information visit www.SCCCMH-Saratoga.org or contact Peggy Lounsbury, Chairperson, at 583-8371.