Catching Hope is brought to you by Sherri Rushman. Sherri has dedicated her life to supporting people with disabilities and their families. She published a book in 2023 that synthesizes her Catching Hope principles with her research and experiences. Sherri provides keynote addresses on Catching Hope, so please contact her if you are interested in learning more.
During Mental Health Awareness Month in May 2019, Sherri was featured in a television news segment for creating the Hope Giver Award, which she presents to coworkers, local businesses, and doctors. Recipients are recognized for encouraging individuals with mental illness and helping to combat stigma associated with mental illness.
Sherri earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resource Development with an emphasis in Training from Oakland University in 1991. She has been a licensed Social Worker in Michigan since 1998 and a Certified Peer Support Specialist since 2006. Sherri served consumers of mental health services as a Peer Support Specialist at CNS Health Care from 1996 to 2003, and has been employed since then at the Oakland Community Health Network ("OCHN"), previously Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority.
At OCHN, Sherri presents at workshops, webinars, and conferences to peers, OCHN consumers, and their families, including teaching Finding Your Voice to OCHN staff and people with disabilities. She also conducts courses for social worker continuing education credits on the following topics:
- Catching Hope: Hope Givers, Hope Receivers and Hope Stealers;
- The Power of Positive Thinking;
- Worry Less with Wellness Recovery Action Planning ("WRAP"); and
- Defeat Loneliness with WRAP.
Sherri has conducted additional trainings for people with disabilities, including:
- Dare to Dream: The Best of Person-Centered Planning;
- Self-Determination;
- Advanced Directives;
- Self-Advocacy;
- Tools for Connectivity;
- Moving Forward for people who want to be Peer Mentors and Peer Support Specialists;
- Crisis planning with WRAP;
- How to write a WRAP Plan; and
- How to become a WRAP facilitator.
Some of Sherri's Certifications and Awards are listed below, and she has also taught Speechcraft as part of Toastmasters International since 2004.
Certifications
- Certified Listen, Empathize, Agree & Partner (LEAP) Trainer (2019)
- Lead trainer for Wayne/Oakland Counties at Peer Certification Training (2017)
- Certified Personal Action Towards Health (PATH) Facilitator (2017, 2010)
- Copeland Advanced Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) Facilitator (2015, 2013, 2011, 2007)
- Peer Support Specialist (2006)
- Essential Lifestyle Person-Centered Planning Trainer and Facilitator (2000)
Awards
- Excellence in Collaboration/Contributes to a Positive Image, OCHN (December 2023)
- Hero Award, Oakland Community Health Network (July 2013)
- State of Michigan Declaration of Special Tribute, Gail Haines, State Representative (2011)
- Special Recognition Award, Friends of Community Living Services (2011)
- National Award for Excellence in Consumer Advocacy, National Council (2011)
- Inspiration Award, Eli Lilly: Helping Move Lives Forward Reintegration Awards (2004)
- My Life Award, Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority (2003)
Speaking Awards
- First Place Toastmasters International "Club" Table Topics Contest (2017)
- FirstPlace Toastmaster International "Area" Table Topics Contest (2017)
- Second Place Toastmaster International "Division" Table Topics Contest (2017)
- Competent Toastmaster (2006)