The Story Behind Marblehead's Amy R. Saltz Community Champions Award

MARBLEHEAD, MA — The Marblehead Counseling Center is seeking nominations for the second annual Amy R. Saltz Community Champions Award.

This award honors individuals in the North Shore community who contribute their time, energy, and mentorship to improve life for others.

The award is inspired by Amy R. Saltz, who died in 2023 at age 62.

"I can't think of a better way to acknowledge all that Amy stood for than to honor community members who work tirelessly to make our world a better place," Ruth Ferguson, President of the MCC Board of Directors, said.

Saltz was the author of the book, "Finding the Song: Living after Attempting Suicide."

Rabbi David Meyer, Rabbi Emeritus at Temple Emanu-El and a friend of Saltz’s, said: "Amy's response to her own challenges in life was always to reach out and help other people and bring love."

Saltz's selfless spirit and willingness to help others inspired the award, which was inaugurated in May 2025.

Last year’s recipient was Marblehead resident Anne Tassel-Todisco.

A $1,000 Community Service Scholarship was also awarded to Camila Ferrer Gomez of Danvers.

"We had so many great nominees last year, and we can’t wait to read this year’s applications," Ferguson said.

"Amy was an extremely bright woman, who could have been anything she wanted," said Dr. Harvey Zarren, a friend of Saltz for 17 years.

He added that they taught together at Tufts Medical School, helping medical professionals understand patients with mental health issues.

"Amy really had a way of alleviating suffering in others," he said.

Judy Kowalczyk, Saltz’s younger sister, admired her sister's bravery and determination. She described Saltz's journey after a teenage suicide attempt, stating: "It was excruciatingly painful. But she didn’t give up."

Kowalczyk added that her sister wanted to help others with similar struggles.

Saltz herself acknowledged the importance of perseverance, saying, "Let’s stop for a minute and allow ourselves to acknowledge the significance of our endurance."

"I have an email from Amy that states, ‘My entire being has been rejoicing since our meeting last week,'" said Teri Allen McDonough, LSW, Social Service Coordinator at Marblehead Counseling Center. "That just captures Amy’s spirit.”

Nominations for the 2026 Amy Saltz Community Champions Award, which recognizes contributions to residents' health and wellness, can be submitted through the Marblehead Counseling Center website.

Scholarship applications for young graduates interested in health and wellness are also available on the MCC website.