'People can and do recover': New director ready to lead mental health and recovery efforts

Sherry Branham-Fonner plans to keep making the world a happier place, one person at a time.

"You never know when one small act of kindness can change a life for the better," she said.

Branham-Fonner is the new executive director of the Richland County Mental Health & Recovery Services Board.

She was appointed to the position last month by board members after they terminated the contract of Joe Trolian, the former executive director.

Branham-Fonner has previously served as both associate director and interim director for the board.

"I have worked in the Richland County social service system for 31 years," she said.

'My father really cared about people'

Branham-Fonner grew up in Wheelwright, Kentucky, a small town about 300 miles south of Mansfield that was once known for its coal industry.

"The coal company had pulled out of the area by my early elementary years and Wheelwright was struggling," she said.

Her favorite childhood memories are from their family farm.

"My parents were very loving and humble people," Branham-Fonner said. "My father really cared about people and I watched him helping others from as early as I can remember. I think I learned to care about people and became a public servant by watching him."

She went — thanks to her brother's urging — to Morehead State University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in sociology with a minor in social work. Later, she earned a master's in public administration from Golden Gate University.

Lengthy service to residents of Richland County

Throughout her college years, Branham-Fonner worked with at-risk youth in an alternative school program.

She moved to Richland County, making Ontario her home. Once she became a local, she spent 15 years working for the Richland County Children Services Board.

"I was initially hired as a social worker/case manager," Branham-Fonner said. "I was then promoted to supervisor of ongoing case management. I was later promoted to program supervisor over case management, foster care, adoption, training and administrative services."

Then she was hired by the mental health and recovery service board, where she was has spent the past 16 years.

"I was initially hired at the board as the director of program management and public relations," Branham-Fonner said. "There were two subsequent promotions: director of external operations and, most recently, associate director."

She was named interim director this autumn and executive director toward the end of November.

'Never experiment with any drug'

One of the biggest concerns she has noticed throughout her career is the extensive struggle people from all walks of life have with addiction.

"If I could give one piece of advice to the children in this community, as a matter of fact to children everywhere, is never experiment with any drug," Branham-Fonner said. "Misuse of drugs steals childhoods and destroys lives."

Fortunately, she said, the residents of Richland County understand the importance of mental health treatments, which has allowed for an extensive continuum of care in the behavioral health system. She plans to build on that as she leads the Richland County Mental Health & Recovery Services Board.

"I want to seek community and agency input on programmatic needs, evaluate program outcomes to ensure quality care, collaborate with businesses and social services organizations, ensure stable quality housing for those with severe and persistent mental illness, and to maximize federal, state and local funds to meet needs of those served by our system," Branham-Fonner said.

She also wants people to take action individually by supporting their family, friends and neighbors.

"Understand that people can and do recover from addiction and that those struggling with a mental health diagnosis can get well and stay well," Branham-Fonner said. "Engage in conversation with family, friends and neighbors about wellness and about building a better community."

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This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Sherry Branham-Fonner leading Mental Health & Recovery Services Board