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RCPA Partner Clinically AI announced on Wednesday, March 11, that it was inducting RCPA President and CEO Richard Edley into its Behavioral Health Hall of Fame. Richard has been recognized for his career in advocating for those in health and human services, and during a discussion with Clinically AI on their podcast “The Tea in Behavioral Health,” Richard discussed both his history and how he got started as well as the current major trends in behavioral healthcare.

You can listen to the podcast here as well as read the newsletter detailing Richard’s achievements. As Clinically AI notes:

Richard Edley built RCPA from a quiet association into a 420-organization powerhouse that fights for behavioral health at every level of government. His induction into the Behavioral Health Hall of Fame recognizes decades of advocacy that has shaped policy, protected funding, and made sure behavioral health always has a seat at the table.

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Press release by McAuley Ministries: Published February 26, 2026

Excerpt below:

PITTSBURGH (February 26, 2026) – McAuley Ministries, Pittsburgh Mercy’s grant-making foundation, awarded 29 grants totaling over $2 million. The grants help fund capacity building, education, empowerment, essential needs & social services, legacy programs, and whole-person health initiatives in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, Uptown, and West Oakland communities, its three focus neighborhoods, collectively referred to as the Mercy Corridor.

 

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“My time at Strawberry Fields has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. Working alongside a passionate and talented team of staff and board members, we have expanded opportunities, empowered individuals and strengthened a mission that changes lives every day. I am incredibly proud to have played such a part in shaping the organization Strawberry Fields has become”

– Strawberry Fields Chief Executive Officer Cynthia “Cindy” Pasquinelli

Throughout her decades-long career at Strawberry Fields Inc., an affiliate of Devereux, Pasquinelli has led with passion, purpose and an unyielding commitment to providing the highest quality programs and services for individuals and families with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and mental health challenges in Centre County, Pennsylvania.

Pasquinelli joined Strawberry Fields in 1985 as the director of mental health services. Two years later, she assumed the role of acting chief executive officer before being appointed to the position permanently.

On July 31, Pasquinelli will retire after 41 years of exceptional leadership and service to the organization.

“When I first joined Strawberry Fields, we offered just three programs. Today, we provide more than 20, including a variety of intellectual and developmental disability, mental health and early intervention services, along with two social enterprises that create employment opportunities for adults with disabilities,” said Pasquinelli. “We have always believed our role is to serve the community, and growing these programs, while witnessing the growth of the individuals in our care, has been extremely rewarding.”

Devereux President and CEO Carl E. Clark II noted, “Cindy’s leadership has been truly transformative. Her vision, integrity and deep expertise have made a lasting impact on Strawberry Fields, and the individuals and families served by the organization. Through her steadfast focus on person-centered, community-driven care, she has positioned Strawberry Fields for long-term success. As a result of her tireless efforts to improve the lives of those in need, her legacy will be felt for years to come.”

Creating opportunities, transforming lives
During her tenure, Pasquinelli said one thing she is most proud of is opening Strawberry Fields’ social enterprises: Scraps and Skeins, a creative reuse store, in 2015, and Good Day Café, a coffee shop, in 2018.

“We employ approximately 20 adults with disabilities at Good Day Café and seven with mental health challenges at Scraps and Skeins,” explained Pasquinelli. “Working at these businesses provides our individuals an opportunity to showcase their unique skills and talents, build life and social skills, and engage in their community.”

Pasquinelli added that launching Scraps and Skeins and Good Day Café has also had a positive impact on the organization as a whole: “People can see, firsthand, the meaningful difference we are making. We have grown our base of supporters as a result, which has allowed us to start new endeavors.”

Ensuring long-term sustainability
In 2025, under Pasquinelli’s leadership, Strawberry Fields became an affiliate of Devereux. Pasquinelli said the partnership strengthens Strawberry Fields’ ability to serve its community while ensuring long-term sustainability.

“Through this partnership, we have exciting new opportunities to innovate and grow,” Pasquinelli shared. “With Devereux’s support, we are preparing to introduce a new family-based mental health service and expand our autism assessment services in rural areas outside of Centre County. These efforts will help us reach more people, address emerging needs and continue to build a stronger, more connected community.”

Future plans
After her retirement, Pasquinelli plans to continue supporting Devereux in its efforts to forge new partnerships with organizations like Strawberry Fields that share its dedication to making a difference in the lives of individuals and families in need.

Most importantly, she will focus on continuing to develop the David Pasquinelli Memorial Fund for Strawberry Fields, which was established by the organization’s Board of Directors in 2022 in memory of Pasquinelli’s son.

“The funds raised will support Scraps and Skeins and Good Day Café, as well as any new projects that may need seed money,” Pasquinelli noted. “While I will be stepping away from my full-time role, I am excited to work with Strawberry Fields as it enters its next chapter and continues to grow and evolve.”

Learn more about Strawberry Fields Inc., and learn more about Devereux.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Allegheny Family Network Celebrates the Retirement of CEO Ruth Fox, Welcomes John Eliyas as Incoming Chief Executive Officer

Pittsburgh, PA — [February 9, 2026] — After more than four decades of dedicated service to children, families, and communities, Ruth Fox, Chief Executive Officer of Allegheny Family Network (AFN), has announced her retirement, closing a transformative chapter in the organization’s history. AFN also proudly announces the appointment of John J. Eliyas, MA, CPG, as its new Chief Executive Officer, ushering in the next era of leadership and growth.

Welcoming a Seasoned Behavioral Health Leader
As AFN looks to the future, the Board of Directors has appointed John J. Eliyas, MA, CPG, a respected behavioral health executive with more than 30 years of experience across mental health, substance use, forensic, and community-based systems.

John, of Penn Township, Pa., most recently served as Executive Director of Behavioral Health at Merakey, where he oversaw residential, outpatient, forensic, and community programming across Western Pennsylvania. Throughout his career, he has built multidisciplinary teams, expanded services, increased revenue, and strengthened system partnerships.

His leadership philosophy centers on collaboration, frontline engagement, and empowering staff and families — values closely aligned with AFN’s family-run model.

“I am honored to step into this role and build on the incredible foundation Ruth and the AFN team have created,” said Eliyas. “Family voice and peer support are critical to strong communities, and I look forward to partnering with families, staff, and stakeholders to expand AFN’s impact across Pennsylvania.”

John shares “lived experience” as a parent and caregiver, personally and professionally, across a variety of systems.

Honoring a Visionary Leader
Ruth Fox has devoted her career to uplifting families and strengthening mental health systems across Western Pa. Beginning her professional journey as a nurse and community volunteer, Ruth transitioned into behavioral health leadership, where she discovered her calling: ensuring families have a voice and a choice in their care.

Ruth, of Cheswick, Pa., began her position as Executive Director in 2008. Under her leadership:

  •       Budget growth from $250,000 to $6.1 million
  •       Staff expansion from 5 to 56 team members
  •       Service reach from 30 families per month to more than 467 families monthly
  •       Launch of the family-run statewide organization, the PA Parent and Family Alliance
  •       Innovative partnerships with family peer support and crisis response systems

Her leadership story is deeply personal as well as professional. Inspired by her own family’s lived experience navigating mental health challenges, Ruth built AFN around compassion, resilience, and the belief that every family deserves support, dignity, and hope. Ruth’s work has empowered thousands of caregivers and families over her tenure.

“Leading Allegheny Family Network has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” said Fox. “My wish is that the organization continues to grow, and continues to help families who are working hard so that their children can succeed.”

A Strong Future Ahead
AFN’s Board of Directors shared that this transition reflects continuity and growth.

“Ruth’s legacy is woven into the heart of our organization,” said Lisa Stefanko, Board Chair. “John brings the experience, integrity, and vision needed to carry that mission forward. Together, this moment represents both celebration and opportunity.”

Allegheny Family Network remains committed to strengthening families, elevating lived experience, and ensuring that families have access to meaningful support and advocacy.

About Allegheny Family Network
Allegheny Family Network is the largest family-run nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families raising children and loved ones with mental health or emotional challenges in Pennsylvania. Through peer support, advocacy, education, and system partnership, AFN empowers families to build resilience, connection, and hope. AFN is based in Pittsburgh, with a satellite office in Natrona Heights, Allegheny County. It services almost 500 families monthly with Comprehensive Family Peer Support Services, Support Groups, Education Programs and Partnerships with child and family-serving systems. AFN has a staff comprised of parents with lived experience of raising children with mental health, behavioral health or trauma, from the Executive Team to the frontline staff.

Media Contact:
Misty Chybrzynski Woody
Chief Strategy & Development Officer
Allegheny Family Network
Office / Cell: 412-438-6130

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