Mylonne (My-Lawn) Sullivan has an MSW, LICDC, and LISW; she has worked in the behavioral health field for almost ten years. She is dual-licensed as a Licensed Independent Social Worker and a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor. She holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Baldwin Wallace University, a master’s in social work from The University of Akron, and she is currently pursuing a PhD in Leadership and Organizational Development from the University of Arizona Global Campus. She focuses on supporting behavioral health programming through technical assistance, training, organizational development, and coaching with an equitable lens. Throughout her career, she has worked in various facets of behavioral health, from counseling to consulting, board membership, management and leadership, evaluation, and project management to cultivating equitable and trauma-informed organizational cultures. With a background centered in the nonprofit sector in Cleveland, OH, she specializes in working with reentry and behavioral health organizations and leaders while advocating for and analyzing policy on local bail reform campaigns. Her multifaceted skill set, extensive experience, and commitment to advocacy continue to impact the behavioral health field profoundly and beyond. Mylonne focuses on all these areas while also cherishing her role as a devoted dog mom to a sweet and hyper 2-year-old Chihuahua-terrier mix dog named Karmello. Searching for an inclusive (and dog-loving) environment, Mylonne found Change Matrix.
What drew you to CM?
I wanted to be intentional about the next organization I worked for due to my experiences with burnout. While reviewing the CM’s website, a few things caught my attention. The colors, images, and terms used on the website were intentional, which showed the value of inclusion and differences. Additionally, CM’s various projects showcased such an array of skills and knowledge that I knew my potential co-workers would have, and I knew I wanted to be a part of this team.
What is your role at CM?
I am a Change Consultant: Technical Assistant Specialist-Equity & Systems Trainer.
Which project or assignment are you most excited about?
I am leading the Black365 project on the NTTAC team this year. Black365 is an initiative to provide continuous support and celebration of and for the Black community working in and connected with SOC through various targeted offerings.
Why did you choose equity work?
Being a micro-level social worker during my first career led me here. I worked with youth initially, but most of my career was spent working with people in the federal criminal justice system. This deepened my understanding of how embedded inequities are in all systems. I chose this work because I started to burn out from direct practice due to the constant injustices I experienced and witnessed. Still, I now have an opportunity to impact systems more positively.
