David Lewis was a remarkable man who transformed the recovery community, and East Palo Alto in particular, through his inspiring work with addiction and criminal justice. The San Mateo County Mental Health and Substance Abuse Recovery Commission presents the David Lewis award to individuals who have made an extraordinary difference in the lives of people with substance use disorders and the San Mateo County community. 

2017 Recipient

This year we are pleased to honor Angela Stocker, Professor/Director of the Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Studies Certificate Program at the College of San Mateo.

Angela founded the AOD Studies program at San Mateo College and has been a driving force in enhancing career preparation and opportunities for individuals striving to work in the addiction treatment field. Through her decades long leadership, hundreds of skilled counselors and case managers have found employment with non-profits and the County. Many of her students were also people in recovery and their enrollment and completion of Angela’s rigorous program have been key milestones in their lives. Angela was one of, if not the first, AOD educator in the State to develop and implement curriculum that addressed the needs of individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental health challenges.

Angela has served as a member on the Department of Alcohol and Drug Director’s Advisory Committee, President of the CA. Association of Alcohol/Drug Education and Vice-President of the Northern CA Association of Addiction Certifying/Credentialing Organizations.

Much of the credit for the outstanding services provided in San Mateo County over many years belongs to Angela Stocker.