Women To Watch Awards 2026 honors Michelle Grigsby-Hackett

Michelle Grigsby-Hackett, LCPC, CPRP, is a nationally respected behavioral health leader with more than 25 years of experience advancing mental health, crisis response, and recovery-oriented systems of care. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner, Michelle brings deep clinical expertise alongside proven executive leadership in nonprofit behavioral health organizations.

As Chief Executive Officer of Santé, Michelle has led significant growth and innovation across Maryland and North Carolina, expanding access to crisis services, outpatient mental health care, peer-run wellness and recovery centers, and community-based crisis response programs. Under her leadership, Santé has strengthened 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline operations, mobile crisis response, Crisis Intervention Training (CIT), and peer-led recovery services, ensuring individuals and families can access timely, compassionate mental health support when they need it most.

Michelle is known for building collaborative partnerships that bridge behavioral health, public safety, healthcare, and community systems. In recognition of her leadership, she was recently invited to serve on the newly formed Maryland Statewide Steering Committee on Behavioral Health and the Justice System, a statewide effort co-chaired by the Lieutenant Governor and the Chief Justice to improve how behavioral health needs are addressed across the criminal justice continuum.

A sought-after speaker and thought leader in mental health, crisis care, and minority leadership, Michelle regularly contributes to local, national, and international conversations on behavioral health innovation, equity, and recovery-oriented care. Her work emphasizes meeting people where they are, reducing stigma, and creating systems that prioritize dignity, connection, and long-term healing.

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Arizona State University and a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Argosy University. She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where she continues her lifelong commitment to service and community leadership.

Throughout her career, Michelle has remained focused on one core belief: effective mental health systems are built on human connection, strong teams, and a deep understanding of community needs. Her leadership continues to position Santé as a trusted provider of behavioral health and crisis response services, and as a model for compassionate, community- centered care.