Episodios

  • Hot Topics in Mental Health, Episode 9: Transforming Lives with a Personalized Cognitive Approach to Behavioral Health Challenges
    May 22 2025

    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 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 substance use disorders through advocacy, education, training and services. For more information visit our website ,https://www.mhanj.org/. Email our host, Merrill Altberg, MSA, Director of Communications, at maltberg@mhanj.org.

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    30 m
  • Hot Topics in Mental Health, Episode 8: Pioneering Progress for Behavioral Health
    Apr 29 2025

    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-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.mhanj.org/. Email our host, Merrill Altberg, MSA, Director of Communications, at maltberg@mhanj.org.

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    22 m
  • Hot Topics in Mental Health, Episode 7: How a Service Club Fosters Community Mental Health
    Mar 23 2025

    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.

    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 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.mhanj.org/. Email our host, Merrill Altberg, MSA, Director of Communications, at maltberg@mhanj.org.

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    13 m
  • Hot Topics in Mental Health, Episode 6, Black History Month: Exploring Spiritality, Mental Health and PEWS
    Feb 20 2025

    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 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 founded PEWS in 2005 and remains at the helm. The PEWS Program’s goal was to help break the stigma associated with mental health conditions for members of the African American church. She became a strong proponent of equipping church leaders with skills to respond to congregants who had concerns about their own mental health or the mental health of their family members.

    As an advocate on behalf of persons with mental illness, and as a long-standing Deacon and member of the Union Baptist Church in Montclair where she still serves, Laverne has diligently developed partnerships between faith-based communities and behavioral health institutions by bridging the gap between theology and mental health. Her insights were indispensable in encouraging culturally relevant behavioral health resources and family support services to an array of diverse consumers. She diligently worked to increase awareness and engagement with key stakeholders in communities of color.

    In addition to her award-winning work, Laverne is also a New Jersey Certified Social Worker, WRAP (Wellness & Recovery Action Plan) Facilitator, Mental Health First Aid Instructor and Certified Grief Recovery Specialist. She is a highly sought-after conference keynote speaker and workshop facilitator having presented to numerous statewide and local agencies, consumer organizations and family member groups.

    Laverne’s work has been published, and she has been quoted by notable authors such as Sheryl Sandberg in her bestselling book, Option B – Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy. The PEWS program is referenced in a paper published by Laverne and her colleagues, entitled, Implementing a Mental Health Ministry Committee in Faith-Based Organizations: The Promoting Emotional Wellness and Spirituality Program, * accessible on the National Library of Medicine’s website.

    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.mhanj.org/. Email our host, Merrill Altberg, MSA, Director of Communications, at maltberg@mhanj.org.

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    18 m
  • Hot Topics in Mental Health: Navigating the Fear -- Expert and personal Insights on Supporting a Loved One who has a Substance Use Disorder
    Jan 26 2025

    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 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 victory over mental illness and substance use disorders through advocacy, education, training and services. For more information visit our website ,https://www.mhanj.org/. Email our host, Merrill Altberg, MSA, Director of Communications, at maltberg@mhanj.org.

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    18 m
  • Hot Topics in Mental Health, Episode 4: Transformation and Inspiration, Valuable Insights from Emily Grossman
    Dec 10 2024

    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 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!
    For more information, visit www.emilygrossman.net.

    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.mhanj.org/. Email our host, Merrill Altberg, MSA, Director of Communications, at maltberg@mhanj.org.

    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.mhanj.org/. Email our host, Merrill Altberg, MSA, Director of Communications, at maltberg@mhanj.org.

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    19 m
  • Hot Topics in Mental Health, Episode 3: Perspectives on Youth Suicide Prevention, with Susan Tellone
    Nov 4 2024

    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 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, she developed a Crisis Response plan during one of the largest teen suicide contagions on record. The plan later became a national model. She remains a prominent speaker at national conferences, continuing her mission to prevent youth suicide.

    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.mhanj.org/. Email our host, Merrill Altberg, MSA, Director of Communications, at maltberg@mhanj.org.

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    17 m
  • Hot Topics in Mental Health, Episode 2: Insights from Connie Greene, Vice President of the RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery
    Oct 30 2024
    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 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 Mental Health and Addiction Services Professional Advisory Committee for Addictions, she continues to champion an integrated holistic care system for individuals with substance use and co-occurring disorders.


    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.mhanj.org/. Email our host, Merrill Altberg, MSA, Director of Communications, at maltberg@mhanj.org.





    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.mhanj.org/. Email our host, Merrill Altberg, MSA, Director of Communications, at maltberg@mhanj.org.

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    15 m