Trusted Leadership in Mental Health Recovery

Meet the Board of Directors at Mental Health Partnerships

The Board of Directors at Mental Health Partnerships provides expert leadership in mental health advocacy, nonprofit governance, and peer-led recovery. Their strategic guidance ensures we remain a trusted leader in transforming behavioral health services.

Irene M. Hurford, M.D., a white woman with light hair, smiling in front of a tall green hedge, wearing a light purple patterned blouse. She is the Board Chair at Mental Health Partnerships.
Board of Directors

Irene M. Hurford, M.D.

Board Chair, Owner of Irene Hurford MD PLLC

Richard Muhlberg, a white man with short brown hair, smiling in a suit and patterned tie against a neutral brown background. He is the Board Vice-Chair at Mental Health Partnerships.
Board of Directors

Richard Muhlberg

President Emeritus, Philadelphia Securities Association
MHP Board Vice Chair

A lifelong advocate for community service and mental health, with over 40 years of nonprofit leadership and volunteer experience.

A smiling Stefanie F. Seldin, Board Treasurer at Mental Health Partnerships, wearing dark-rimmed glasses and a maroon top.
Board of Directors

Stefanie F. Seldin

Board Treasurer, President & CEO of Rebuilding Together Philadelphia

President & CEO of Rebuilding Together Philadelphia with a background in law, housing, and public interest advocacy.

Jacob Bowling, a young white man with short light brown hair, smiling slightly while standing outside in a dark suit and tie against a brick wall. Board Member at Mental Health Partnerships.
Board of Directors

Jacob Bowling, MSW

Board Secretary, CEO of Bowling Business Strategies (BBS)

Jake is a behavioral health strategist with over a decade of experience in policy, program design, and service delivery. As CEO of BBS, he leads strategy and consulting projects that advance equitable, evidence-based care across systems.

Gwendolyn Fisher
Board of Directors

Gwendolyn Fisher

Board Member, Managing Director at FisherTrent Communications

Lisa Kubisiak, a white woman with blonde hair, smiling softly while wearing a mauve top and a patterned scarf. She is a Board Member at Mental Health Partnerships.
Board of Directors

Lisa Kubisiak

Board Member, Executive Director of ResCare

Perry Kaplan, a white man in a dark suit and yellow-striped tie, smiling slightly in a softly lit indoor setting. Board Member at Mental Health Partnerships.
Board of Directors

Perry Kaplan

Board Member, Senior Managing Director of Savills

Perry Kaplan is a Senior Managing Director at Savills and a dedicated MHP board member who brings real estate strategy, business insight, and a deep commitment to mental health advocacy to our mission.

Faiz Malik
Board of Directors

Faiz Malik

Board Member, Chief People Officer at Prevention Point

Mark Lenker, a white man wearing a dark suit and tie, smiling in a warmly lit professional photo. Board Member at Mental Health Partnerships.
Board of Directors

Mark Lenker

Board Member, Principal at TruSynergy

Roland Lamb, Board Member at Mental Health Partnerships, wearing a suit, blue shirt, and striped tie, smiling.
Board of Directors

Roland Lamb

Board Member, Retired Director of Addiction Services at Philadelphia DBHIDS

Veteran leader in addiction and behavioral health systems with over 45 years of experience shaping recovery-oriented care.

Lora Lahoda, Board Member at Mental Health Partnerships, smiling with long brown hair and a navy blazer.
Board of Directors

Lora Lahoda

Board Member, Chief Financial Officer of Beyond the Numbers

Strategic CFO with nonprofit expertise, specializing in audits, compliance, and financial leadership across diverse industries.

Josh Salzer, a white man with a shaved head and beard, smiling with arms crossed, wearing a light blue button-down shirt while standing in a cobblestone alleyway. Board Member at Mental Health Partnerships.
Board of Directors

Josh Salzer

Board Member, Attorney at Ballard Spahr LLP

Josh focuses his practice on corporate matters.

Mary Harper, Board Member at Mental Health Partnerships, smiling and wearing glasses and a light brown top.
Board of Directors

Mary Harper

Board Member, Retired Program Analyst at Philadelphia DBHIDS

Retired Program Analyst for Philadelphia DBHIDS with decades of service in behavioral health, volunteer leadership, and humanitarian work.

Amandeep Grewal, PsyD
Board of Directors

Amandeep Grewal, PsyD

Board Member, Doctorate in Clinical Psychology

Forward Together

Empower Change as a Mental Health Partnerships Board Member

Join a community driven by the belief that recovery is possible for everyone with resilience and support. Mental Health Partnerships (MHP) calls for passionate individuals to contribute to our mission of promoting well-being through innovative peer-centered advocacy, learning, and services.

Impactful Leadership

Shape the mission and purposes of the organization, contributing to seven decades of transformative changes in mental health services.

Advocacy and Fundraising

Be a catalyst for change by actively advocating, fundraising, and securing resources essential for MHP's mission advancement.

Strategic Planning

Engage in strategic and organizational planning to ensure a responsive and effective approach to mental health support.

Fiduciary Oversight

Play a vital role in ensuring strong financial management, monitoring programs, and enhancing MHP's mission.

Expectations for Individual Board Members:

  • Understand and champion the organization's mission, policies, programs, and needs.
  • Actively participate in fundraising efforts and leverage connections to advance MHP's mission.
  • Make an annual financial contribution based on your means, demonstrating a commitment to the cause.
  • Engage in board meetings, committees, and advocate for the organization in your networks.

Additional Responsibilities:

  • Adhere to organizational bylaws, policies, and resolutions.
  • Maintain confidentiality on internal matters of MHP.
  • Disclose and update conflicts of interest to ensure transparency.
Forward Together

A Legacy of Recovery, A Future of Possibility

Since 1951, Mental Health Partnerships (formerly the Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania) has championed the belief that people with mental health conditions can and do recover. Guided by the conviction that recovery thrives in informed, compassionate communities, we’ve helped transform how mental health care is delivered—locally and nationally—ensuring that services are shaped by the voices of those participating in the services.


Through over seven decades of relentless advocacy and innovation, we continue to drive peer-centered change and foster resilience, hope, and healing.

Our Mission

Mental Health Partnerships collaboratively builds hope and promotes the well-being of people in recovery through innovative peer-centered advocacy, learning and services.

Our Vision

A community where people flourish, live the lives they imagine for themselves and engage in the promotion of mental well-being.

Our Impact

From advocating the closure of state hospitals to helping establish Community Behavioral Health (CBH), MHP has redirected over $100 million into community-based services and pioneered Pennsylvania’s first peer-led mental health centers—proving that people in recovery are powerful agents of change.

Our Theory of Change

MHP has developed a Theory of Change (see below) to clearly define how our work supports people in recovery and leads to long-term outcomes. As our programs have grown across outreach, peer support, training, and advocacy, this framework helps ensure that everything we do is aligned, intentional, and working toward our intended impact. It connects our day-to-day services with the meaningful changes we aim to achieve—helping individuals build stability, strengthen skills, and live the lives they imagine for themselves.

Our Impact by the Numbers

Transforming Lives, Strengthening Communities

From peer-led recovery programs to statewide advocacy and education, our work touches thousands of lives every year. These numbers reflect our deep commitment to accessible, compassionate, and person-centered mental health support across Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania.

a group of people standing outside with boxes and a clipboard

11,703

Total participants served

30+

active programs across the region

1,204

participants trained each year

9,180

participants supported through direct services

5,615

outreach contacts with people experiencing homelessness

1,319

engaged in community advocacy

Your Path to Wellness Begins Here

Together, We Build Hope

At Mental Health Partnerships, we are dedicated to fostering hope and resilience. Our mission is to create a supportive environment where individuals can regain control of their mental health and live fulfilling lives. We offer personalized care that aligns with your unique needs and helps you connect with a community that cares.

a group of people laughing
Our Services & Programs

Comprehensive Support for Every Step of Recovery

Mental Health Partnerships (MHP) offers a broad range of peer-driven services—from Recovery Learning Centers and Mobile Peer Support to Case Management, Homeless Outreach, Advocacy, and more. Each program is designed to meet you where you are, providing personalized care and community-based solutions to help you thrive on your path to mental wellbeing.

Recovery Learning Centers

Direct Services

Mobile Peer Support

Direct Services

Case Management

Direct Services

Homeless Outreach

Direct Services

Advocacy

Advocacy & Systems Change

Family & Caregiver Support

Direct Services

Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) Training

Training & Education

Representative Payee Services

Direct Services

Resource & Referral Services

Direct Services

Training & Technical Assistance

Training & Education

Homeward Bound - Residential Recovery Housing

Direct Services

Compeer: Be Someone's Friend!

Direct Services

Community Autism Peer Support

Direct Services
Direct Services

Recovery Learning Centers & Peer Groups

Join peer-driven support groups, skill-building workshops, and social activities designed to foster resilience, confidence, and community connection in a safe, welcoming space.

Direct Services

Mobile Peer Support in the Community

Receive personalized, one-on-one support from trained peers who understand your experience and can meet you wherever you are—at home, in the community, or on your terms.

Direct Services

Personalized Case Management Services

Work with a dedicated case manager to navigate housing, healthcare, benefits, and local resources, empowering you to build stability and take control of your recovery journey.

Direct Services

Homeless Outreach & Housing Navigation

Our outreach teams engage individuals experiencing homelessness with empathy and respect, offering critical support, resources, and pathways to housing stability and supportive services.

Advocacy & Systems Change

Mental Health Advocacy & Policy Support

Support meaningful change by raising your voice in policy, community, and systems-level advocacy that protects rights, expands access, and centers lived experience.

Direct Services

Support for Families & Caregivers

Access tools, education, and emotional support specifically designed for families and caregivers—helping you navigate your loved one’s recovery while caring for yourself.

Training & Education

Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) Training

Transform your lived experience into a career of impact by becoming a Certified Peer Specialist—trained to offer hope, guidance, and empowerment to others on their recovery journey.

Direct Services

Representative Payee & Financial Support

Ensure essential bills are paid on time and financial obligations are met with our trusted payee services—designed to support independence and reduce stress in daily life.

Direct Services

Resource Navigation & Referral Services

Easily access housing, employment, healthcare, and recovery support through our connected referral network, tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Training & Education

Training & Technical Assistance for Providers

Strengthen your organization’s impact with professional training rooted in trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and peer-integrated best practices.

Direct Services

Homeward Bound - Residential Recovery Housing

Supportive, community-centered living for people transitioning from homelessness to stability and independence.

Direct Services

Volunteer-Powered Friendship Program

Compeer connects trained volunteers with individuals in Chester County seeking companionship and support on their mental health journey. All it takes to help is your willingness to be a friend.

Direct Services

Peer-Led Wellness for Adults on the Autism Spectrum

CAPS pairs trained peers with lived experience of autism with adults on the spectrum to support personal goals in areas like independence, education, health, and community participation.

What to Expect

How We Accompany You on Your Recovery Journey

Every individual’s journey is different—but no one has to walk it alone. At Mental Health Partnerships, we meet you where you are with compassionate, peer-led, and trauma-informed support. Whether you're just beginning or continuing your recovery, we’re here for every step—guiding you toward healing, empowerment, and connection.

Step 1: Connect With Us

Start Your Journey

Reach out online, by phone, or in person. Whether it’s a referral, outreach, or self-enrollment, we’ll make sure you feel welcomed and heard from day one.

a woman looking at a phone
Step 2: Compassionate Conversation

We Listen First

You’ll meet with a peer or another staff member who takes the time to understand your story, goals, and challenges. It’s not an intake—it’s a conversation rooted in respect.

Building Foundations for Stability
Step 3: Peer-Led Support

Get Matched with Support

From case management and mobile peer support to training or recovery centers, we connect you with services designed by people who’ve been where you are.

a black woman talking calmly to a woman that appears sad where the black woman is touching the woman on the shoulder
Step 4: Build Confidence & Skills

Grow at Your Pace

Learn practical tools, set goals, and build strengths through workshops, peer groups, and supportive coaching. You're in control of your own growth.

a man sitting in a chair
Step 5: Stay Connected, Stay Empowered

Recovery is a Journey

Healing isn’t a one-and-done experience, nor is it a straight line; each journey is unique. We’re here for ongoing support, check-ins, advocacy, and care—so you can continue building the life you want, with community by your side.

Mental Health Partnership   2024 Imapct Report
Voices of Our Community

Real Stories of Hope & Gratitude

Hear directly from individuals whose lives have been touched by our programs and services. Whether it’s case management, family support, or peer-led guidance, these stories showcase the power of compassionate care and unwavering belief in every person’s potential for recovery and growth.

Stay Informed, Stay Empowered

Latest News, Inspiring Stories, and Upcoming Events

Discover the latest news, inspiring stories, and upcoming events at Mental Health Partnerships. Our blog offers expert insights and practical advice on mental health, while our events connect you with a community of support. Stay informed and join us in advocating for mental health and recovery.

An image of Mental Health Partnerships participants and staff enjoying the Delco Project Share Annual Self Care BBQ
I Voted Stickers
I Voted Stickers
A photo of a temple university banner next to philadelphia city hall
An image of Mental Health Partnerships participants and staff tabling
An image of Representative Krajewski visiting our New Life recovery learning center
A photo of doc, standing with a sign at advocacy day, supporting the funding of peers support specialists.
Philadelphia city hall at night time
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training certified peer specialist group session
Ready to Begin?

Let’s Take the Next Step Together

At MHP, we understand that the journey to mental wellness can feel overwhelming. With peer-led support, proven resources, and a warm, caring community, we’re here to guide you through every step—so you never have to walk this path alone.