Shows
MHANJ's Hot Topics in Mental HealthThe Power of Community-based Connections in Behavioral Health ResponseDivad Sanders is the Program Director of the Newark Community Street Team- Overdose Response Team and Harm Reduction Center.In this episode, Divad shares how he and the ORT take a compassionate, community-trauma-data-based approach that prioritizes de-escalation, healing and building connections. He reveals why the most impactful work often happens one person, one conversation, one moment at a time.Both Divad and the Newark Community Street Team are honorees for the Mental Health Association in New Jersey’s 25thAnnual Evening of Excellence.The Mental Health Association in New Jersey is a statewide non-profit or...
2025-10-0622 min
MHANJ's Hot Topics in Mental HealthRespite and the Power of Community-based Connections for People with Behavioral Health ChallengesMark Duffy is the former Chief Operating Officer of Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey, or CSPNJ. Now retired, Mark’s leadership helped establish and shape the future of peer-led respite programs in New Jersey. In this episode, Mark reflects on the journey of building these programs, the unique value of respite care, and why peer support is essential to recovery. Mark is an honoree for the Mental Health Association in New Jersey’s 25th Annual Evening of Excellence.The Mental Health Association in New Jersey is a statewide non-profit organization that strives for people to ac...
2025-10-0518 min
MHANJ's Hot Topics in Mental HealthInsights For Families Who have a Loved One with Substance Use Disorder, with Guest, Donald Bornheimer, Outreach Coordinator, NJ Connect for RecoveryDonald (Don) Bornheimer, is the Outreach Coordinator for NJ Connect for Recovery, a service dedicated to helping people who have a loved one living with substance use disorder. Don understands how isolating it can feel when a loved one is struggling — and how important it is to know you're not alone. Through his work at NJ Connect for Recovery, Don helps connect people with expert guidance and practical support, offering families a clearer path forward through the often confusing and overwhelming landscape of recovery.In this episode, we’ll talk with Don about the role of community, educ...
2025-09-1811 min
MHANJ's Hot Topics in Mental HealthThe Pursuit of Student Mental Health: A Conversation with Robin Cogan, The Relentless School NurseRobin Cogan, MEd, RN, NCSN, FNASN, FAAN, is a nationally certified school nurse with 25 years of experience serving the Camden, NJ community. Widely known as The Relentless School Nurse, Robin is a respected leader in school health, an award-winning advocate, and a faculty member at Rutgers University. Her work as a blogger, mentor, and policy influencer has been highlighted in The Future of Nursing Report 2020–2030.In this episode, Robin shares an honest, insightful conversation about student mental health—what today’s students are up against, how it shows up in schools, what parents can do to support their...
2025-09-1216 min
MHANJ's Hot Topics in Mental HealthHot Topics in Mental Health, Episode 9: Transforming Lives with a Personalized Cognitive Approach to Behavioral Health ChallengesBob Gold, Chief Behavioral Technologist and founder of GoMo Health, is one of the world’s leading behavioral technologists with more than 20 years applied research and development in the behavioral and cognitive science of human motivation, activation and resiliency. He is an honoree for the Mental Health Association in New Jersey’s upcoming Evening of Excellence. Join Mr. Gold as he delves into the world of personalized behavioral and cognitive engagement strategies. The Mental Health Association in New Jersey is a statewide non-profit organization that strives for people to achieve victory over mental illness and substa...
2025-05-2230 min
MHANJ's Hot Topics in Mental HealthHot Topics in Mental Health, Episode 8: Pioneering Progress for Behavioral HealthSuzanne M. Kunis is President and CEO of NovaWell, Vice President of Behavioral Health Solutions at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, and an honoree at MHANJ’s upcoming Evening of Excellence. Tune in to hear Ms. Kunis share powerful insights and forward-thinking strategies that are driving innovation in behavioral health.The Mental Health Association in New Jersey is a statewide non-profit organization that strives for people to achieve victory over mental illness and substance use disorders through advocacy, education, training and services. For more information visit our website ,https://www.mha...
2025-04-2921 min
MHANJ's Hot Topics in Mental HealthHot Topics in Mental Health, Episode 7: How a Service Club Fosters Community Mental HealthThe Rotary Club of Mental Health Advocates' members are dedicated people who share a passion for community service, friendship and mental health. Led by Club President, Ray Freaney, a mental health advocate, himself, they promote mental health in the community by providing education to promote wellness and conducting and supporting valuable awareness projects that make a positive difference. The Mental Health Association in New Jersey is pleased to collaborate with the Rotary Club of Mental Health Advocates. We welcome the Club as a partner in 18th Annual Walk for Wellness and Recovery. The Mental Health As...
2025-03-2313 min
MHANJ's Hot Topics in Mental HealthHot Topics in Mental Health, Episode 6, Black History Month: Exploring Spiritality, Mental Health and PEWSDeacon Laverne S. Williams is a quintessential leader in emotional health and spirituality, possessing a heartfelt dedication to making the world a better place. Driven by her faith in God and her passion to create positive change, she became an inspiring figure in articulating and addressing mental illness in the Black Community. After more than 38 years of service at the Mental Health Association in New Jersey, in 2023 Laverne retired from her full-time position as the Director of the PEWS (Promoting Emotional Wellness and Spirituality) Program and serving as an integral member of the Community Education Team. Laverne f...
2025-02-2018 min
MHANJ's Hot Topics in Mental HealthHot Topics in Mental Health: Navigating the Fear -- Expert and personal Insights on Supporting a Loved One who has a Substance Use DisorderJill Schlossberg, LPC, LCADC, ACS, CCTP-II, DRCC, has been in the field of mental health and addiction for over 17 years. She is a licensed as a Professional Counselor and Clinical Drug and Alcohol Counselor. Ms. Schlossberg currently works at the Mental Health Association in New Jersey as a member of the NJ Connect for Recovery management team and Director of Services Hudson and Union County. She also has a private practice in Hudson County, New Jersey.The Mental Health Association in New Jersey is a statewide non-profit organization that strives for people to achieve...
2025-01-2618 min
MHANJ's Hot Topics in Mental HealthHot Topics in Mental Health, Episode 4: Transformation and Inspiration, Valuable Insights from Emily GrossmanEmily Grossman's strength and determination are a big part of her recovery journey from Bipolar Disorder. She was diagnosed at 18. After years of therapy and medications, she slowly began to heal. Her path included enrolling in the Mental Health Association in New Jersey's Consumer Connections course and subsequently being hired by MHANJ as a Peer, where she fell in love with using her story to help others.Now, Emily Grossman, MA, CPRP, Peer Life Coach, Keynote Speaker and author of Unlocked: From Psych Hospital to Higher Self, she is an inspiration to us all! F...
2024-12-1019 min
MHANJ's Hot Topics in Mental HealthHot Topics in Mental Health, Episode 3: Perspectives on Youth Suicide Prevention, with Susan TelloneSusan Tellone, MSN, BSN, CSN, RN, is a seasoned nursing professional with nearly 40 years of experience focused on mental health and youth suicide prevention. As Clinical Director of the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide (SPTS), she has been instrumental in transforming the organization into a recognized leader in life-saving education and training, setting new standards in teen suicide prevention.Susan’s early work with terminal cancer patients led her to psychiatric nursing, where she became one of the first psychiatric emergency screeners at Monmouth Medical Center. In 2008, after taking a position at Manasquan High School, sh...
2024-11-0417 min
MHANJ's Hot Topics in Mental HealthHot Topics in Mental Health, Episode 2: Insights from Connie Greene, Vice President of the RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and RecoveryConnie Greene, MA, CAS, CSW, has dedicated her career to the field of behavioral health, where she has made significant contributions. As Senior Vice President of the RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery, she has led the Institute to national prominence in prevention, intervention, recovery, tobacco treatment and workforce development, renowned for its outstanding training and education.Ms. Greene co-chairs the RWJBarnabas Health Tackling Addiction Task Force where she has been instrumental in the development of a multidisciplinary approach to substance use disorder and pain management. Re-elected in 2023 as Chairperson of the Division of...
2024-10-3015 min
MHANJ's Hot Topics in Mental HealthHot Topics in Mental Health, Episode 1: Suicide Prevention and AwarenessEveryone can play a role in helping to prevent suicide. September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to focus suicide warning signs and steps we can all take to intervene. In this episode of Hot Topics in Mental Health, MHANJ's Jaime L. Angelini, MA, DRCC, AMTP, MHANJ's Statewide Director of Suicide Prevention, Crisis Response and Special Projects, shares a wealth of knowledge and insights. Listeners will learn what to say if they suspect that a loved one is contemplating suicide, how to talk about the issue and types of training available. For more information visit the Mental Health Association...
2024-09-0918 min