The Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services (MHDS) Board of Directors will induct four members into the Mary Ann Bergeron Hall of Fame in honor of their contributions to the agency and the individuals it serves.
Now in its fifth year, the Hall of Fame’s new members are MHDS retirees Angela Bowman, A. Michelle Johnson and Beth Tetrault, as well as retired Henrico County Supervisor Frank J. Thornton. An induction ceremony will be held Thursday, June 18, at MHDS’ offices at 10299 Woodman Road.
“The four members of the class of 2026 have strengthened Henrico Area Mental & Developmental Services as an agency and carried on the legacy of Mary Ann Bergeron,” said Lisa Diggs, chair of the MHDS Board of Directors. “They have improved the lives of countless individuals in our community while living the mission of MHDS in their work every day.”
Bowman served MHDS for 35 years before retiring in March. She worked in a variety of treatment settings involving both mental health and substance use. In 2015, she accepted a role as a clinician with the Adult Outpatient Program, where she remained until her retirement. Bowman also served the county’s Hostage Negotiations Team, providing mental health expertise and collaborating with the Police Division to defuse crises and maintain community safety. Bowman is recognized by her peers for her ability to manage challenging situations with grace, patience and gratitude, and to present them as opportunities for growth.
Johnson retired in 2022 after 30 years with MHDS. A licensed clinical social worker, she worked as a clinician and clinical supervisor. She also served as division director for Community Support Services-Developmental Services from 2007 to 2022. She offered guidance to the developmental disability community, organizing an orientation program for new developmental disabilities directors and helping to establish protocols for case management transfers. Beyond her work locally, Johnson served as chair of the Virginia Association of Community Services Board’s Developmental Services Council and received the association’s Council Leadership Award. She also coordinated efforts in which 250 individuals with disabilities advocated to the General Assembly. Johnson is recognized for her dedication, thoughtfulness and passion for strengthening the community through MHDS’s services.
Tetrault retired in 2019 after 33 years with MHDS. In her final role, she served as the first program manager for the Developmental Services Community Teams. Tetrault is recognized by peers for consistently demonstrating the spirit and mission of MHDS through her commitment to individuals receiving services as well as to coworkers. Tetrault began her career at Cypress Enterprises and helped establish relationships in Charles City and New Kent counties that have allowed individuals receiving services to find meaningful employment. Tetrault is known for her passion for service and for always asking how she can help others.
Thornton represented the Fairfield District on the Board of Supervisors for 28 years until his retirement in 2023. He is recognized for his grace and tenacity in an elected office and for championing the services that MHDS provides. Thornton helped to guide the CONNECT Teen Job Prep Program, a prevention initiative that matches at-risk youth ages 14 to 16 with entry-level jobs as well as training in résumé writing, communication and conflict resolution. With youth development in mind, Thornton also advocated for the construction of the Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, the new Fairfield Area Library and a YMCA facility where youth of eastern Henrico could learn to swim. That facility, now known as the Frank J. Thornton YMCA Aquatic Center, opened in 2020 at 3201 Watts Lane, near both the recreation center and library.
The Mary Ann Bergeron Hall of Fame and its annual awards program honor the work of Mary Ann Bergeron, the founding executive director of the Virginia Association of Community Services Boards. Bergeron, who died in 2021, served the association from 1989 to 2014. Her legacy lives in the work of behavioral health authorities and community services boards across Virginia. The Mary Ann Bergeron Hall of Fame display is located at the MHDS offices at 10299 Woodman Road.
More information about the Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services Board of Directors is available at henrico.gov/mhds/board-members/.