NAMI Ask the Expert: The Future of WRAP with Founder Mary Ellen Copeland

Dr. Mary Ellen Copeland, Founder and Author of WRAP
Mary Ellen Copeland PhD is a mental health advocate, educator and researcher. She began her work in 1988, before recovery was a word used in reference to mental health issues, interviewing over 100 people to find out how they cope with these issues on a day-to-day basis, how they get well, stay well and move on with their lives. She did this as she searched for answers to her own mental health issues. Her work became the spark that led a group of peers to develop the Wellness Recovery Action Plan. She is the author of numerous user-friendly books and resources on how people can simply and safely overcome their mental health issues and do what they want to with their lives.

Lynn Miller, Director of WRAP, Advocates for Human Potential
Lynn is an Advanced Level WRAP® Facilitator who directs all WRAP initiatives, WRAP develops program implementation guidelines and facilitates program innovations. She works with local agencies and states to incorporate WRAP® into the human services system of service delivery, in correctional facilities and provider agencies military service and more. Lynn successfully developed a Workplace Wellness Initiative in the Pennsylvania State Prison system to advocate for the importance of wellness in the workplace using the evidenced based practice of WRAP. Since that time, she has led workplace wellness initiatives based on the values and ethics of WRAP. Prior to joining AHP, Lynn was the forensic mental health administrator in the PA Department of Corrections and certified peer specialist program director. Lynn is a certified peer specialist and credits WRAP with transforming her life and inspiring her to follow the footsteps of Mary Ellen Copeland to share the WRAP experience.

Lee Horton, Program Development Coordinator, Step By StepLee and Dennis Horton are Program Development Coordinators at Step By Step and they are champions of justice who have overcome unimaginable adversity. Wrongfully imprisoned for an astonishing 28 years, their story is one of unwavering faith, hope, and the pursuit of truth. Their exoneration is a testament to their unyielding determination, as well as the tireless efforts of countless advocates and legal professionals who fought to secure their release.

Their story is one that touches the hearts of everyone who hears it. For 28 long years, they faced the challenges of life behind bars, all while maintaining their innocence. Their unwavering faith in the justice system, their commitment to proving their innocence, and a truthful conversation with their maternal grandmom, kept them going through the darkest of times.

During their time in prison, Lee and Dennis embarked on a transformative journey that would not only change their own lives, but also positively impact the lives of countless others. They are certified peer support specialists and Advanced Level WRAP Facilitators.

They introduced the transformative WRAP program to Step By Step, extending its benefits to the employees and to the broader community Step By Step serves.
WRAP, with its inclusive approach, is designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, stature, or socioeconomic status.  Lee and Dennis are committed to Step By Step and the WRAP program and demonstrate how WRAP embodies the belief that personal wellness and growth are universal aspirations that know no boundaries.