Let's Talk About It By USRA Coalition

In this episode of the USRA Coalition's Let's Talk About It podcast, we sit down with Dr. Tony LaRocca, Assistant Principal of Student Affairs at Northern Highlands, to discuss the evolving role of prevention, discipline, and wellness in today’s school environment. Dr. LaRocca shares insights on the importance of trusted adult relationships, the school’s approach to vaping and substance...

In this episode of the USRA Coalition's Let's Talk About It podcast, we sit down with Dr. Pete Koeniges, Northern Highlands' Head Athletic Trainer, to discuss the evolving role of athletic training in student wellness. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Koeniges shares insights on the physical and emotional challenges athletes face, the importance of identity beyond sports, and h...

In Season 3, Episode 3 of the USRA Coalition's Let's Talk About It podcast, we sit down with Joe Torres, a Northern Highlands alum turned wellness school counselor. Joe shares his journey from student to counselor, offering insights into how the school's wellness department actively supports students' mental health. He discusses the proactive approaches used to engage students,...

In Season 3, Episode 2 of the USRA Coalition's Let's Talk About It podcast, we dive into the world of mental health and substance abuse with Rudy Novak, Vice President of Clinical Partnerships at Altior Healthcare. Rudy shares his journey from personal recovery to helping others find the right support, shedding light on the importance of partnerships in behavioral health. Tune in as Rudy...

In this eye-opening episode of Let's Talk About It , we sit down with Captain Ed Kane, a seasoned officer from the Upper Saddle River Police Department, to discuss the critical issues of underage drinking, substance abuse, and the changing landscape of drug legalization. With over 25 years of experience in the community, Captain Kane shares his observations on the attitudes of both youth and...

In the latest episode of USRA Coalition’s Let’s Talk About It, we welcome special guest, Officer Kevin Azevedo. He's a ten year veteran of the Allendale Police Department, serves as the Lead Officer in the Allendale School District as well as at Northern Highlands, and has helped organize the Not Even Once Program. Officer Azevedo shares the impact this program has had, and how teens within t...

In this episode of USRA Coalition’s Let’s Talk About It, we welcome back special guest, Dr. Jen Altman. She's a local clinician, a parent, a proud member of the USRA Coalition, and she joins us in this episode to discuss going back to normal post-pandemic, and her praise of the Highlands Wellness Program. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or mental health issues, there a...

In this episode of USRA Coalition’s Let’s Talk About It, we have a special guest, Gail Cole, who discuses her pursuant drive in drug awareness and prevention. Gail also provides us a glimpse into what the struggle is like with an addict in the household, how to help others with awareness, and the tragic loss of her 22 year old son. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or mental...

In this episode of USRA Coalition’s Let’s Talk About It, we have a special guest, Allison Rocca. Allison is a licensed clinical social worker and is a member of the newly founded Northern Highlands Wellness Department. She helps assist students struggling with mental health related challenges and assures that all students are receiving any sort of help they may need.  In this episode, Allison shar...

In this episode of USRA Coalition’s Let’s Talk About It, we have a special guest, Joe Occhino, Principal at Northern Highlands Regional High School. Joe Occhino has been the School Principal at Northern Highlands for the past 13 years and has spent almost 40 years working in the education field. Mike Koth and Joe Occhino discuss Northern Highland's Wellness Initiative. If you or someone you k...

In this episode of USRA Coalition’s Let’s Talk About It, we have a special guest, Jon Shaw. Jon is a recovering addict who grew up in Suffern, NJ. He started experimenting with drugs and alcohol at a young age. It was all about having fun for a while, but then they became something just to numb the pain. In this episode Jon shares how to tell if you’re drinking or using could be a real problem and...

In this episode of USRA Coalition’s Let’s Talk About It, we have a special guest, Dr. Jolene Arasz. Dr. Arasz has been a practicing clinical psychologist for the past 20 years. She has been working with adolescents, adults, families, and in school settings. She offers therapeutic services, acts as a public speaker, and is the author of new book, Why On Earth Do I Feel This Way? In this episode, Dr...

In this episode of USRA Coalition’s Let’s Talk About It, we have a special guest, Anthony Pulizzano. Anthony has been a police officer for 18 years, and in the last 16 years, he’s been protecting and serving the town of Upper Saddle River. He’s served as a PBA State Delegate, on the Bergen County Crisis Intervention Team, and as a DARE Officer in the Upper Saddle River Schools. In this episode, An...

In this episode of USRA Coalition's Let's Talk About It, we have a special guest, Melissa Reifman. Melissa is a student of Northern Highlands Regional High School, member of the National Honor Society, co-editor and chief of the school newspaper, and a member of Senior Class Council. She’s also a student activist in the community, drumming up awareness for the opioid crisis and anti-bull...

In this episode of USRA Coalition's Let's Talk About It, we have a special guest, Dr. Jenn Altman. Dr. Jenn Altman has been both a school psychologist and clinical psychologist for the past 20 years. She also has her own private practice right here in Ho-Ho-Kus. She works closely with schools, college advisors, and other specialists. With everything that's going on in the world righ...

In this episode of USRA Coalition's Let's Talk About It, we have a special guest, Dr. Jessica Verdicchio. Dr. Verdicchio is a social worker at Northern Highlands Regional High School and the supervisor of the Student Wellness Department. Focused on the needs of our students, she helps connect them to different resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or mental h...

In this episode of USRA Coalition's Let's Talk About It, we have a special guest, Lauren Wright. Lauren tells the story of her brother, Carter Stone, a 32-year-old man who fell victim to the heroin epidemic in Bergen County. Carter started taking OxyContin after a car accident in September 2015, when a woman who was texting while driving rear-ended him. He eventually turned to heroin to...