About Us

Our Mission

To strengthen resilience and recovery in our communities with mental health and substance use education, prevention, advocacy and supportive services.

Our Vision

We envision a just, humane and healthy community in which all people are accorded respect, dignity and the opportunity to enhance their mental health and develop to their full potential, free from stigma and prejudice.
"Cast from shackles which bound them, this bell shall ring out hope for the mentally ill and victory over mental illness."

This powerful inscription appears on the original MHA bell forged over 50 years ago from the iron chains and shackles that bound people in mental asylums. It serves as a reminder of our past and the progress made; it is a powerful symbol of victory over mental illness.

Since 1964, Mental Health America of Southwestern PA has worked to fight the stigma associated with mental illness through outreach and educational efforts. MHA provides educational programs that help individuals learn about mental wellness as well as explain the challenges of depression, bipolar disorder and other types of mental illness. 

Mental Health America of Southwestern PA is an affiliate of Mental Health America.

Staff Listing

Chief Executive Officer
Laurie Barnett Levine, MSW, LSW  (x121)

Chief Operations Officer
Ronald J. Weaver, M.Ed.  (x110)

Program Director
Crystal Waters, MS (x123)

Quality Management Director
Beth Crofutt, MA (x118)

Director of Development
Rachel Cunningham, MSJ (x128)

Office Assistant
Stephanie Sopko (x119)

Behavioral Health Ombudsman
Rod Agras, CRS (x117)

External Advocate at Torrance State Hospital
Julia Valenti (724) 459-4583
(Vacant)        (724) 459-4520

Outreach Coordinator
Heather McLean (x126)

Community Advocate
Pam Ackerman (x115)

Consumer/Family Satisfaction Team
Beth Crofutt, MA (x118)

Step Up Drop-In Center
Martina Kaufman (724) 537-6120

Representative Payee Program
Christine Fiano (x132)
Rebecca Nicholson  (x113)
Jessica Crosby (x129)
Jennifer Fernell (x114)

Independent Monitoring for Quality
Janice Heming (x112)

Ray of Hope Coordinator
Rachel Cunningham, MSJ (x128)

Board of Directors

Board Officers
President: Kim Sonafelt
Vice-President: Marybeth Grandinetti Pultz
Treasurer: Justin Trumbetta, CPA
Secretary: William Magda
Past President: Marybeth Grandinetti Pultz

Board Members:
Judge Christopher Feliciani
Don Goughler
Dr. Lisa Issac
Adam Quatrini, Esq.
Judge Anthony Marsili
Dr. Geith Shahoud
Joan Stairs
Richard A. Stillwagon
Lisa A. Tatone
Curtis Upsher, Jr.
Andy Vaill
Deborah Wasilchak

Donate to MHA of Southwestern PA

Your Generosity and Support can help improve the lives of those impacted by mental illness. We hope that you can help. Members will be recognized in our Innovations program booklet. Membership year is January 1 to December 31; donations made now will be credited towards the 2020 calendar year.