March Brought Spring and Board Transitions

Daniel Costello

The majority of Mr. Costello’s career has been spent as an insurance broker specializing in non-profit organizations, retiring after 41 years of service as the Area President for Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers. He is extremely passionate about volunteer opportunities, using his free time to work with a variety of organizations including St. Vincent de Paul, Ignatian Spirituality Project, and Free to Succeed – where he tutors, and coaches incarcerated persons at San Quentin Prison.

“I joined this board because I want to make a difference, especially when it relates to assisting formerly incarcerated men transition back into society. This is important work, and I am committed to not just solving problems but being part of the solution.”

The philosophy, “to give is to receive,” is one he subscribes to, acknowledging that it is these experiences in particular that have “blessed and enriched his life in many ways.”

Costello has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from San Francisco State University and an MBA from Golden Gate University. With a decade of experience coaching, he is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at Dominican University.

George Woods, M.D., L.F.A.P.A.

Dr. Woods is a medical physician licensed to practice in 8 states, including California, with offices in Oakland. While he specializes in the study of psychiatric manifestations of medical diseases and the assessment of neurodevelopmental disorders, his clinical practice assesses and treats a variety of medical problems.

In addition to the wealth of knowledge and training in the fields of medicine and neurosciences, he also brings with him experience working with companies like Microsoft, Telehealth and Walmart on culturally competent employment testing procedures and his focus on African American Behavioral Health disparities through the American Psychiatric Association and Morehouse School of Medicine SAMHSA Center of Excellence.

Regarding his position on the Felton Board of Directors, he writes:

“The evolution of the social determinants of health is to do good by saving lives and to do well by giving those lives meaning. Those with chronic disease, especially behavioral health, are the canaries in the mines of American health culture. Social determinants of health are the noxious fumes we must address. Felton Institute recognizes the power in the preparation – then the action to address these noxious fumes. I’m proud to learn from such a visionary model.”

Dr. Woods previously taught at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta Georgia for 14 years and was a lecturer at Berkeley Law – University of California for nine. Currently, he is President of the International Academy of Law and Mental Health, Chief Scientific Officer for Crestwood Behavioral Health, and a Governing Board Member on the Stanford University Health Alliance.

Farewells

Felton is sad to acknowledge that with its seasonal change, Dr. Michelle Clark, a longstanding Member of the Board, will be leaving. Too soon, the time has arrived to wish Dr. Clark success as she transitions out of her role as board member and Chair of the Program Committee, and on to new endeavors.

Michelle O. Clark, M.D., DLFAPA

So much can and should be said about Dr. Clark’s involvement with Felton Institute, and it still would not fully grasp the impact she’s made, nor the legacy she leaves behind. She joined the Felton Board in 2016, leveraging her 40+ years of experience in mental health services as a roadmap to supporting the agency during its period of expansion.

She has held academic positions with Charles R. Drew Postgraduate Medical School, and the University of California, San Francisco and achieved the level of Associate Clinical Professor III. She is a published author of academic and non-academic literature and has been invited to speak at conferences both nationally and internationally.  Her knowledge, experience and most of all, her support, will be greatly missed.

Dr. Clark shared a few parting words:

“Going but not saying Good-bye –

 

I am grateful for this opportunity to give a ‘shout out’ regarding my experience as a member of the Felton Institute Board of Directors.

 

During the brief six years that I have served as a Trustee I have been witness and participant in the ongoing expansion and evolution of Felton Institute. A world recognized and sought-after mental health and social services organization, Felton Institute is known to “walk the walk” toward community led positive and sustainable change through creative innovation and modeling of high quality, evidence informed services. I have been amazed and inspired by their resolute, enthusiastic and energetic leadership and staff members. I have heard the testimony of clients whose quality of life was transformed by the services received.

 

It was an honor to be accepted onto their Board of Directors. It has been a privilege to collaborate with my co-trustees and the Felton leadership and staff in service to our shared community. I am most grateful for having had the opportunity to serve.

 

Although I have reached the limits of my term as a Trustee, I remain dedicated to goal of promotion of equity and social justice and committed to the continued success of the amazing Felton Institute.”