At its 25th Annual Dinner, Kitsap Mental Health Services (KMHS) honored Executive Director, Larry Keller and Pam Keller, executive assistant, for their dedication to KMHS and recognized their service with a surprise tribute prepared by staff and volunteers.

Larry Keller was hired by the Kitsap County Commissioners in 1978 to establish a comprehensive community mental health center for the County. Today KMHS is one of the most respected community mental health centers in the state and one of the largest employers in Kitsap County.

Among other honorees during the Sept. 12 event at Kiana Lodge, were individuals who have been involved with KMHS since its inception in 1978. Included in this group were: Crisis Clinic Volunteers Lucy Konizeski, Marge Thorne and Glenda Negrones, KMHS Corporate Board Member James Tracy and Rosemary Tracy, KMHS Foundation Trustees Larry Tuke and Bill Broughton, and community friends Pastor Larry and Opal Robertson, Mark Grimm, Bob Ewell, Bill Mahan and Pete Crane.

Awards for Employee, Volunteer and Foster Parents of the Year were presented to the following people: Janet Sire-Anderson (Leadership Award), Akiko Nishikiori, (Jane Browitt Memorial Award for Support and Business Services), Sara Bischoff (Diane Decker Memorial Award for Clinical Services), Kristine Welch (Child & Family Services), Grenda Cancino (Adult Outpatient Services Employee of the Year), Tony Sparber (Specialized Community Response Services), Michelle Egelhoff (On-Call Services), Robin Garcia (Crisis Clinic Volunteer), Secret West (Volunteer/ Intern), and Jo Cheff and Yo Schuin (Foster Parents).

For more information about KMHS call (360) 373-5031.