Freeholders Honor Municipal Alliance Volunteers

CREST HAVEN – Kelli Turner, Cape May County Municipal Alliance Volunteer of the Year, was recognized by freeholders Dec. 8. A speech therapist with Dennis Township Schools, she is a member of Dennis Township Municipal Alliance Committee.
As such, she volunteers time at many community events, including National Night Out and Clean Communities. She is instrumental in “fostering” ties between the Municipal Alliance and New Jersey Education Association Pride Team, said Director Gerald Thornton, and “Is always looking for new ideas to improve the community.”
Turner resides in Ocean View with her husband and two children.
Tonia Ahern, of the Parent to Parent Organization, was recognized at the same meeting for her volunteer work. She assists families who have lost a member to addiction or who have someone with addiction problems. She is the District 1 team leader for the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence in New Jersey.
She serves on two state committees. She chairs the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Citizens Advisory Council, and is a member of the N.J. Behavioral Health Planning Council. In addition, she is a certified recovery coach for the Partnership for Drug-free Kids.
She has spent many hours helping those with addiction problems, and attends almost every county meeting regarding substance abuse, Thornton said.
She, her husband and their five children live in Upper Township.
Greg Speed, chief executive officer of Cape Counseling Services was recognized for community contributions to the county.
He was first employed by Cape Counseling Services in 1982 and became its CEO in 2000.
At the time he took the post, the agency’s budget was $8,381,160. Through his and the staff’s efforts the budget was boosted by $6,778,902 with behavioral health needs among its many accomplishments, Thornton said.
During his tenure, a residential program in Wildwood was added, Family Success Center, a support and education program in Rio Grande, and an in-house pharmacy at Cape Counseling Services were among highlights, Thornton noted.
He served as member and chaired many organizations. He is active in state and national mental health organizations.
He and his wife live in Upper Township. They have two adult children and four grandchildren.
“On behalf of the board, I would like to say how proud we are of all of you and what you have achieved,” said Thornton. “Because of your efforts the quality of life is much better in the County of Cape May.”