2024 Awardees

We are grateful to these social workers for upholding the integrity of the social work profession and for their tireless efforts to serve in the midst of global pandemics.

Dr. Latika D Davis-Jones, PHD, MPH, MSW

Dr. Latika D. Davis-Jones (PhD, MPH, MSW) is the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP). She was nominated to the position in January 2023 by Governor Josh Shapiro, and unanimously confirmed by the General Assembly in June 2023. Prior to serving as DDAP’s Secretary, she was the Senior Director of Behavioral Health at Highmark Wholecare and she also served as the Single County Authority Administrator for the Allegheny County from 2011-2020.

Over the past 25 years, Secretary Davis-Jones has built a career moving substance use prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery support services forward and further educating the public, individuals with lived experience and their families, and professionals in the field of best practices related to confidentiality, stigma reduction, and use of evidence-based practices.

Marcus Flourney, MSW, LCSW

Marcus was brought up in the helping tradition of the community. He was taught to give back to the community through meaningful service. The premise was each one teaches one. “I am because we are. We are because I am”. He received his Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh and completed his clinical studies to receive his LSW and LCSW. He has been in private practice for 12 years (Community Counseling Therapeutic Center), does consulting work with several agencies in Allegheny County, is a certified Mediator for families and individuals, and is certified in EMDR, DBT, IPT therapy and substance abuse disorders. He has also been married to his loving wife for 6 years.

Jessica Gurley, MSW, LCSW

Jessica Gurley is an innovative therapist with diverse experience. She is the Owner of Social Work Consulting and Counseling (SWCC) which provides therapy, life coaching, supervision, training, and consulting services to both individuals and organizations. She is also the proud owner of Mental Health Ts. Jessica’s and SWCC’s mission is to HELP: Heal, Enlighten, Liberate, and Plan with every person served.

Jaquayla Huger, MSW, LSW

Jaquayla L. Huger is a passionate licensed social worker who believes in the ability of all people, particularly children, to learn and practice resiliency amid life difficulties. Jaquayla has worked in the Allegheny County Child Welfare system for 6 ½ years. Additionally, Jaquayla is a therapist with Sanant Counseling & Wellness, located in Monroeville, PA. She is also the Owner of Leverage Credit Consulting LLC. Ms. Huger received her BSW from Carlow University and her MSW with a concentration in children, youth, and families from the University of Pittsburgh. Jaquayla is a 2020 Child Welfare Education Leadership Fellow.

Demi Kolke, MSW

Demi Kolke is currently employed by Neighborhood Allies where she serves as the Senior Program Manager of Corridor Revitalization. In this role, Demi works to enhance neighborhood business districts while providing support to Black and brown entrepreneurs and developers. Demi has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from University of Pittsburgh and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from North Dakota State University.

Ramon "Tony" Rivera, LCSW

Ramon "Tony" Rivera is the Caregiver Support Innovation Coordinator at VA Pittsburgh, an adjunct instructor at Penn State Greater Allegheny, and therapist at Pittsburgh Mercy. He is earned a B.S. in Psychology from Penn State Greater Allegheny and his M.S.W. from the University of Southern California. Mr. Rivera is currently developing and piloting VET-CARE MH, a program for caregivers of Veterans in mental health recovery.

Mauri Tate, LCSW

Mauri Tate, LCSW is a Mental Health Therapist and Consultant for Strong Foundations Psychological Associates / Alliance Therapy Center. An alumna of Duquesne University and University of Pittsburgh, Mauri provides mental health therapy, consulting and training in various settings. She also worked as a school social worker and therapist. Mauri will be launching Bridging the Gap Services, LLC in 2024 providing mental health services to historically marginalized and underserved communities.

2024 Special Awardees