We are excited to be highlighting the winners from this year’s RAVE (Rockstar Awards Virtual Edition).
A reminder to everyone that there is still time to sponsor advocacy perks for Rockstars for our Rockstar Fundraiser! Your donation goes directly to supporting this, and other Youth MOVE National programs!
Kevin Puskaric is the recipient of the Dr. Gary M. Blau Professional of the Year Award.
Dr. Gary M. Blau Professional of the Year is given to an individual who distinguishes themselves in the following ways:
- Outstanding and continued service to the profession through active support of youth voice as evidenced by efforts to ensure youth voice is fully integrated into the work.
- Outstanding and continued commitment to youth engagement in a manner consistent with the highest standards of the field. These standards may be met in a variety of ways, including activity that involves exceptional creativity, innovation, intellectual or moral courage, leadership, or scholarship.
- Outstanding research and/or publication in any media or format that contributes to the further understanding and development of authentic engagement of youth voice.
- Outstanding and continued performance as a teacher in the field of social services or a closely related field.
Now, let’s learn a little bit more about Rockstar, Kevin Puskaric!
Kevin Puskaric (He, Him, His) CPS, CRS, CFRS became a Certified Peer Specialist in 2017 and then later certified in 2021 as a Certified Recovery Specialist and Certified Family Recovery Specialist. With his training and lived experience Kevin brings skills in leadership, youth engagement, and involving youth peer support values to his role as the Program Director for Youth MOVE Pennsylvania. Kevin serves as a voting member on the Childrens Committee of Mental Health Planning Council and is a co-chair of the Transitional Age Youth and Young Adult Advisory (TAYYA) Subcommittee as part of the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS). Kevin is involved in many youth advocacy initiatives throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and believes amplifying youth voice has the impact to change lives.
Thank you Kevin for being a Rockstar!
