The Provider Reception
About
Established in 2022, The Provider Reception is an annual event hosted by COPA for Colorado behavioral health and substance use providers to connect and work to create a more equitable system in the state.
The Provider Awards
The Provider Awards are a big part of the yearly reception. This is a space to acknowledge and lift up the hard work that behavioral health champions do across the state of Colorado. While we often promote conventional healthcare workers, like doctors and nurses, we believe the staff involved in the behavioral healthcare systems deserves a dedicated space for recognition.
Each summer, we send out a form to our members to nominate their staff. The three categories are:
Clinician
Evaluations are based on how the nominee demonstrates excellence as a clinician, how they strive to improve understanding in their field, and how they advocate for patients.Â
Peer
Evaluations are based on professional growth, effort to create a safe, stigma-free environment, and their endeavors to empower others through their lived experience.
Outstanding Employee
Evaluations are based on their embodiment of the organization’s values, their performance and innovation in the role, and overall, why the nominee deserves to be recognized as a leader.
Here, employers or co-workers get to brag about their colleague, explaining why they deserve the award! The nominees are evaluated based on how they demonstrate excellence in their role. For clinicians, we look at how they work to improve their understanding of the field and their advocacy for patients. For peers, evaluations are based on professional growth, effort to create a safe, stigma-free environment, and their endeavors to empower others through their lived experience. And for outstanding employees, we look at their embodiment of the organization’s values as well as their performance and innovation in the role.
Although there are only a couple chosen winners each year, we celebrate each and every nominee for their contributions to behavioral healthcare!
Past Winners
Clinicians:Â
- Heather Thompson – AllHealth Network
Outstanding Employees:Â
- Rande Gaier – Culinary Hospitality Outreach and Wellness (CHOW)
- Angela Shuff – Advocates for Recovery Colorado
Peers:Â
- Jamie Davis – HardBeauty
Clinicians:Â
- Amanda Feagle – AllHealth Network
- Jolene Richael – Sobriety House
Outstanding Employees:Â
- Sean Gartrell – Advocates for Recovery Colorado
- Emily Burks – Young People in Recovery
Peers:Â
- Joseph Rountree – Sobriety House
- Keith Hayes – 5280 High School
Clinicians:Â
- Madison Zang – Rocky Mountain Crisis Partners
Outstanding Employees:Â
- Dominique Knowles – Serenity Recovery Connection
Peers:Â
- Paula Rose Lopez – Rocky Mountain Crisis Partners
The "Why"
What does it mean to you for your work to be recognized?
“It means a lot. Of course, clients tell us how meaningful the work is to them and that is incredibly meaningful to me as a clinician, but it’s private due to confidentiality. It means a lot to also be recognized by those that nominated me and those who decided I won the award. It adds another layer of fulfillment to the job.”
– Amanda Feagle, 2024 Clinician Award Winner
“Being recognized by COPA with this peer award is deeply meaningful to me. This work is rooted in lived experience, vulnerability, and a commitment to walking alongside others in their recovery. To be acknowledged by peers and leaders in this field is both humbling and affirming—it reflects not just my efforts, but the collective power of our community to create change, break stigma, and support healing in real, tangible ways.”
– Jamie Davis, 2025 Peer Award Winner
Why is it important to recognize people in your field for the work they're doing?
“It is important to recognize people in this field because the work is often heavy and relentless. Most of us give of ourselves with no expectations in return, that is woven into what drives us. The addiction field is so close to so many that have lived it and are able to see the other side and help others. We don’t seek recognition but it is nice to know that our colleagues value us and support us.”
– Jolene Richael, 2024 Clinician Award Winner
“Recognition in our field is vital. I think it is especially important to recognize the impact that individuals with lived experience can have on the community. Too often, lived experience is undervalued or overlooked in professional spaces, despite being a powerful source of wisdom, empathy, and credibility. When people in recovery or those who have navigated mental health challenges are acknowledged for their contributions, it not only validates their personal journey but also reinforces the value of peer support in systems of care.
Recognition helps shift the narrative from one of stigma to one of strength. It shows that lived experience isn’t a limitation, but a vital asset in building connection, fostering hope, and creating lasting change in individuals and communities. By honoring this work, we also inspire others who may be early in their recovery or unsure of their path, reminding them that they, too, have something meaningful to offer.”
– Sean Gartrell, 2024 Oustanding Employee Winner
Sponsors
We are sincerely grateful for the sponsors that make this event possible.
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