Richard Pruss Development Scholarship
Treatment Communities of America (TCA) is committed to working with our members to support, prevent and alleviate the profound personal, social and economic consequences of alcoholism and substance use disorders in this country. As a means of supporting our workforce, TCA is proud to have established the Richard Pruss Professional Development Scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded annually to a direct-service staff person in order to assist in furthering their education.
This scholarship was developed to honor the work and legacy of Richard Pruss to the Substance Use Disorder Field
Nomination Guidelines and Forms
Click on the following for the Nomination Guidelines, Nomination Form, Individual Professional Development Plan and the Professional Development Scholarship Nominee Evaluation Form.
Interested in donating to the Richard Pruss Scholarship Fund? Contact pat@treatmentcommunities.com to learn more.
About Richard Pruss
Mr. Pruss had a long history of service in the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) field; he stepped down as President and CEO of Samaritan Village (NY) in 2008 and served as a Board member and Chairman of the Board of Directors until December, 2017. Richard was one of the pioneers in the field; he began his mission in the mid-60s and dedicated his life to Samaritan Village where he saved the lives of thousands of individuals over his long and impressive career. Richard also served as the TCA President from 1980-1984 and remained active as a TCA Board Member until his passing in July, 2018. This scholarship was developed to honor the work and legacy of Richard Pruss to the SUD field.
We believe that this scholarship will make a profound difference and will support the professional development of a talented individual who works in the SUD field. Scholarships will be provided on the basis of need and qualification. TCA asks that all of our members consider nominating someone who you feel is deserving of this opportunity. All nominations must come from TCA members.
Richard Pruss Scholarship Recipients
The recipients of the 2026 Richard Pruss Scholarship will be announced soon.
Please check back for updates as we recognize this year’s deserving students and celebrate their achievements.
2025
Stephan Gbaguidi- Dynamic Youth, NY
Roberto Araujo- Samaritan Daytop, NY
Abad Senquiz Jr- Akeela, AK
Sylvia Dolgard- Gateway Foundation, FL
2024
Melanie Hlapatsos- Outreach NY
Dana Robinson- Integrity NJ
Caleb Grams- Gateway IL
Christene Angell- Akeela AK
Derek De Los Santos- VIP Community Services NY
2023
Taisha Milford- Outreach NY
Jessica Copeland- Integrity NJ
Shenika Monroe- Gateway IL
Erin Basley- Akeela AK
Paul Marinosky-Dynamic Youth NY
Maria Langan- Samaritan Daytop NY
2022
Anna Dolina- Dynamic Youth
Kerrie Miller- Gateway IL
Gary Mogg- Akeela AK
Willie Castillo- ODNY
Anthony Wellington- Samaritan Daytop NY
Dana Maguire- Integrity NJ
2021
Keith Ritchie- Outreach NY
Anna Dolina- Dynamic Youth NY
Irving Quinonez- Shields for Families CA
Paula Byrd- Samaritan Daytop NY
Brenda Taffalo- Center Point CA
2020
Jamie Elkhill- Akeela AK
Shelton Clark- Integrity NJ
Eva Pesta- ODLA LA
Adam Rivas- ODLA LA
Coleville Lewis- ODNY NY
Dan McCarthy-Outreach NY
Aja Stubbs- Samaritan Daytop NY
June Hanley- Samaritan Daytop NY
Anais Melendez- Shields for Families CA
Sara Halili- Shields for Families CA
Lemia Temah- StayN Out NY
Natalie Doggett- Treatment Trends PA
Sharon Lockett- Westcare FL
2019
Zion Crichlow- Integrity NJ
Andrew Perkins- Treatment Trends PA
Keosha Lemon- Westcare FL
David Vizzini- Outreach NY