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 professional, she reflects on the challenges communities face in addressing emotional health, the stigma that often surrounds it, and the importance of compassionate, holistic care. She offers a thoughtful perspective on meeting people where they are—spiritually, emotionally and psychologically.

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 [email protected].

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, “What Mental Health First Aid Really Means,” this session features Ruth's real-world insights on why Mental Health First Aid matters and how it helps individuals and communities respond with confidence and compassion. This episode offers practical perspective for professionals, advocates, and anyone looking to better support others.

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 [email protected].

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 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 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 [email protected].

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 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 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 [email protected].

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 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, education, and connection in the recovery journey — and how resources like webinars and peer support can truly make a difference.

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 [email protected].

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 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 children, and suggested, compassionate strategies for school staff.

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].