Each year the Kansas City Recovery Coalition acknowledges outstanding individuals who are working with people whose lives have been impacted by substance use disorders.

Sherie Morlang State Employee Unsung Hero: Lauren Quint Lauren Quint is part of the West/Southwest Community Operations team for the Division of Behavioral Health as the Chief of Substance Use Disorder Services. Ms. Quint completed her graduate work at Avila University and she is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She has a passion for evidence-based practices with a specialty focus on integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders. Prior to her work at the Department of Mental Health, Ms. Quint has been a DBT therapist, a wellness coach with train-the-trainer credentials, has worked in the areas of adult CPRP services, management of housing programs, work with disease management, and work with treatment court programs.

The awardee is a person who has furthered the field of substance use disorders prevention, treatment or recovery services who is employed by the state of Missouri or has made a significant impact to recovery services on a statewide level.

Law Enforcement Unsung Hero: Jamie Walk
Jamie Walk needed more opportunity. Opportunity to grow. Opportunity to advance. After 11 years at a small police department near Kansas City, Walk understood opportunity wasn’t coming. He had gone as far as he could go. That’s why he transferred to KCPD and its many offerings. Sooner than later, after just two years, a school resource officer asked Walk if he was interested in being her partner at Northeast High School. “I had been on the streets 14 years, and it was something different,” Walk said. “I didn’t know I wanted to do it, but I thought it was time for a change, so let’s give it a try.” Walk’s talkative, approachable, and always ready to joke. He thinks that’s why he was asked to be an SRO.

The students, as it turned out, really liked Walk. At Northeast since 2007, his role, Walk said, is heavily focused on being a mentor and counselor to students. “We’re with kids 40 hours a week, so it’s important they see a good role model,” Walk explained. “We try to set a good example and make sure students are comfortable to talk to us. Between two officers (Walk’s partner), we take care of a lot of people.” School begins on Monday, Aug. 21. For Walk, entering his 17th year at the high school, it’s a chance to meet new students. He knows he has an opportunity to influence teens and make a difference in their lives. “You genuinely help people here,” Walk said. “It makes you feel good, and if it makes you feel good, I’m in the right place.”

The awardee is a person employed by law enforcement or law enforcement unit that has made a difference in the lives of individuals and/or agencies served by the Kansas City Recovery Coalition. This individual is selected by those currently in law enforcement.

Community Volunteer Unsung Hero: Sabrina Flowers
Sabrina Flowers, Master of Art, Doctor of Psychology Sabrina has retired, she has been retired for several years. With over a decade of Mental Health Counseling under her belt.  Her professional experiences include providing mental health counseling to individuals with mental health concerns.

She volunteers as a Professor at Faith Bible College; she volunteers her time at Center Point Medical Center, as a Chaplain. She volunteers three days a week at a local bus stop, passing out water and crackers to the community. She passes out biblical track as well. She offers prayers to anyone requesting her services. She reaches out to over one hundred individuals a week.

Sabrina has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a master’s in counseling. She later went on to earn a Doctorate in Christian Counseling /Psychology She is an Ordained licensed Minister/Evangelist. Sabrina believes that everyone has a voice and should be heard. She cares for individuals and tries to instill hope for a better tomorrow through love and prayers. She feels that everyone that she ministers to has a chance for a better tomorrow with the help of the services that she provides. She feels that everyone is her family and feels she never meets a stranger.

Sabrina is married to Dr. Ladell Flowers. Sabrina and Dr. Flowers have three daughters, and one son (now deceased). Four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Sabrina and Dr. Flowers's sincere purpose is to serve God and promote the Kingdom of Heaven.

The awardee is an individual who has a heart for the recovery community and has given of their time & passion to those suffering from addiction.

Michael Williams Mental Health Unsung Hero: Dr. Stan Archie
Dr. Archie, a prominent figure in Kansas City, Missouri, possesses a diverse and impactful career. Since 1989, he has served as the Co-Founder and Senior Pastor of Christian Fellowship Ministries, overseeing multiple campuses and community organizations while nurturing teaching ministries and community events. In 2008, he founded Successful Edge LLC, offering consultancy services that blend his expertise as an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) and Behavioral Specialist. Here, Dr. Archie guides clients toward success, particularly in behavioral and organizational change and multicultural alliances. Simultaneously, he has served as the Clinical Director at Footprints, Inc., and Hero’s Homegate for Veterans since 2014, excelling in managing clinical operations and ensuring compliance with regulatory mandates.

Dr. Archie’s academic journey is equally impressive, including a 2019 Doctoral Degree in Theology & Behavioral Science and ongoing candidacy for a Doctorate in Behavioral Science. He holds a Master of Art in Behavioral Science, a Juris Doctor with a law specialization, and a Master of Art in Education in Educational Technology. His foundational education includes a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership. Dr. Archie’s unwavering dedication to spiritual and behavioral sciences, coupled with his extensive education and professional leadership, solidify his role as a distinguished figure in Kansas City, offering guidance and inspiration to all he encounters.

The awardee is an individual who provided exemplary service in all areas of the substance use disorder field including but not limited to: Prevention, mental health or substance abuse treatment, faith-based, assessment, recovery services, re-entry, employment, street outreach, detoxification, aftercare, therapy, and administration.

Achieving Youth Unsung Hero: Riot Liimatta
Riot Liimatta grew up in Los Angeles and moved to Kansas City in 2021. They are now in the 9th grade at Staley High School. Last summer, Riot did a 12-week internship at Healing House. Their responsibilities included housekeeping, sorting clothing donations, helping in the kitchen, working in the community garden, and assisting members of the staff with various tasks. Riot says “The internship was a great experience. I gained an improved work ethic and learned about the recovery community at Healing House.  I especially liked to see people grow and change for the better. After my summer at Healing House, I am inspired to work in social services one day. ”

The awardee is a youth who has been affected by addiction and has overcome obstacles and soared like an eagle accomplishing goals & achievements.

Kansas City Unsung Hero: Michael Liimatta
Michael Liimatta began working with Healing House in January 2020. He has served in leadership positions with nonprofit organizations for over thirty years. Most of that time was spent with organizations that help the homeless and people who suffer from substance use disorders. He is a person in long-term recovery himself, having celebrated 35 years of continuous sobriety last October.

Most recently, Michael served as Executive Director of Footprints, which provides outpatient treatment and recovery housing. He is the founder of City Vision University and of Connecting for Good, both located in Kansas City, Missouri. For over seventeen years, he served as Director of Education for the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions (now called CityGate Network), an association of 300 inner-city missions. In 1980, Michael founded New Creation Center, a residential treatment center in Atlantic Mine, Michigan, where served as director for over ten years.

Michael is a graduate of the Inter-Lutheran Theological Seminary and has a master’s degree in Organizational Administration from MidAmerica Nazarene University. He is an internationally certified addiction counselor and an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God.

The awardee is a person or agency/unit that has impacted the substance use disorder services field in the Kansas City, Missouri metro area.