MHANJ's Hot Topics in Mental Health

In this episode of the Mental Health Association in New Jersey's Podcast, Hot Topics in Mental Health, guest host Isabelle “Belle” Nicholas — Miss New Jersey 2025, clinical psychology graduate student at Widener University, and founder of Shout Our Struggle — speaks with Emily Grossman, MA, CPRP, Lecturer in the Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling Professions at Rutgers Un...

In this episode, guest Katie McGowan, EdM, CRSP, PMH-C, shares practical, compassionate strategies to support women experiencing postpartum mental health challenges. A Certified Recovery Support Practitioner with a certification in Perinatal Mental Health, Katie serves as Trainer and Coordinator for the Mental Health Association in New Jersey’s (MHANJ) Career Connection Employment Resource Institu...

2026, Episodio 3: Acceso a apoyo de la salud mental para los miembros de las comunidades de habla hispana de Nueva Jersey Con las anfitrionas invitadas (De izquierda a derecha) Mercedes Gomez y Daysi Sanz, LSW, Asociación de Salud Mental en Nueva Jersey The Mental Health Association in New Jersey is a statewide non-profit organization that strives for people to achieve victory over mental illness...

In this episode of Hot Topics in Mental Health , Mercedes Gomez and Daysi Sanz, Mental Health Association in New Jersey (MHANJ) community outreach staff, share challenges in accessing mental health support that are faced by members of Spanish-speaking communities. They also discuss several resources available in Spanish. This Episode is available in both English and Spanish.  The Mental Health Ass...

Reverend Rose Hardy, MA, CSW is the Senior Pastor for the Restoration Temple Ministries in New York City and the Mental Health Supervisor at Saint Joseph's Hospital in Paterson, New Jersey. In this episode, Reverend Rose shares her insights about how faith, culture, and clinical practice can work together to support mental wellness. Drawing from her dual roles as a pastor and a mental health...

Hot Topics in Mental Health, the Mental Health Association in New Jersey's (MHANJ's) Podcast, kicks off the New Year with a focus on one of today’s most essential mental health advocacy skills. In the first episode of 2026, host Merrill Altberg, Director of Communications, welcomes Ruth Kaluski, MS, CRC, LMHC, Statewide Director of Strategic Programs and Mental Health First Aid. Entitled...

Divad 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 ti...

Mark 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...

Donald (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 an...

Robin 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 Nurs...

Bob 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...

Suzanne 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-...

The 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. ...

Deacon 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 Associati...

Jill 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...

Emily 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...

Susan 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 p...

Connie 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...

Everyone 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 insi...