Cypress Resilience Project Trainers Recognized by National Council for Mental Wellbeing

Oakland, CA — April 21, 2026 — In an uncommon achievement, three Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) instructors from a single organization will receive top honors at NatCon 2026, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing’s annual conference. Cypress Resilience Project, a California-based nonprofit, is proud to celebrate their MHFA instructors for outstanding contributions to the field of mental health and wellbeing:

• Jermaine J. Williams was named Peer Specialist of the Year, recognizing his support of individuals facing substance use and mental health challenges.

• Shuniqua Guss was named a Top MHFA Instructor for teaching the highest number of first aiders as a new instructor.

• Emelie Morales Smith was named a Top MHFA Instructor for the state of Idaho.

Williams’ national recognition highlights the compassion, lived experience, and care he brings to his work as both a Peer Specialist and MHFA instructor. Through his work with Cypress Resilience Project, he has helped individuals and communities build the confidence and skills to support others through mental health challenges. As a Peer Recovery Specialist with CDAC Behavioral Healthcare, Williams supports individuals facing substance use and mental health challenges through storytelling and peer engagement.

“The Awards of Excellence recognize individuals each year who have achieved distinction in this amazing field,” said Chuck Ingoglia, President and CEO of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. “While so many National Council members fit that category, I’m honored to recognize Jermaine for his incredible accomplishments.”

In recognition of this honor, Williams will be speaking at NatCon 2026, taking place April 27–29 in Denver, Colorado.

The recognition of Guss and Smith as Top MHFA Instructors highlights their commitment to expanding access to mental health education and equipping more people with practical, real-world skills to support others in times of need.

“We are incredibly proud to see our instructors recognized in this way,” said Brooke Briggance, Program Director at Cypress Resilience Project. “The humanity and authenticity they bring to this work has a profound impact on the people they train and the communities they serve.”

These recognitions reflect the broader mission of Cypress Resilience Project: to equip individuals and organizations with the tools to show up for themselves and others when it matters most. 

Since its founding in 2020, Cypress has reached over 33,000 participants in 534 zip codes across the U.S., working with individuals, organizations, schools, and workplaces to build more prepared, connected, and resilient communities. 

About Cypress Resilience Project

Cypress Resilience Project provides professional certifications, workshops, and coaching that help individuals and organizations build practical skills to support mental health and wellbeing. Through offerings such as Mental Health First Aid, QPR Suicide Prevention, and customized trainings, Cypress equips participants with tools they can use in real-world situations.

Cypress Resilience Project is proud to be fiscally sponsored by the Public Health Institute, supporting its mission to expand access to mental health training and resources.

For more information about Cypress Resilience Project and upcoming trainings, visit www.cypressresilience.org