On the first day, Stephen K. Klasko, MD, MBA, Executive in Residence, General Catalyst and Board Chair, Teleflex, — along with NJAMHAA’s own thought leaders Deborah Visconi, President and CEO, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center and Chair of the New Jersey Hospital Association’s Board of Trustees; Regina Widdows, MA, President and CEO, SERV Behavioral Health System, Inc. and NJAMHAA Board Member; and Bob Gold, Founder and Chief Behavioral Technologist, GoMo Health® — will explore the future of behavioral health through the integration of technology, innovation and human-centered care, and share practical strategies for preparing behavioral health organizations and professionals for the changes ahead.
Gold Medal of Honor for Courage and Compassion (In Memoriam) - Governor Richard Codey
Excellence in Hospital and Community Behavioral Health Award - James McCreath, PhD, MSW, Former NJAMHAA Board Member; Adult Outpatient Clinician, Mount Carmel Guild Behavioral Health
Trailblazer in Wellness Award - Margaret Swarbrick, PhD, FAOTA, Professor, Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology; Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey
Incomparable Behavioral Health Market Intelligence Award - Monica Oss, Founder and CEO, OPEN MINDS
Excellence in Technology Leadership Award - Dennis Morrison, PhD, Owner, Morrison Consulting
Unparalleled State Leadership Award - Valerie Mielke, MSW, Deputy Commissioner for Health Services, New Jersey Department of Human Services
State Legislative Leadership Award - The Honorable Shanique Speight, New Jersey General Assembly, District 29
Federal Legislative Leadership Award - The Honorable Josh Gottheimer, U.S. House of Representatives, District 5
Truth in Media Award - John Mooney, Founding Editor, NJ Spotlight News
Outstanding Peer Leader Award - Truddy Gierbolini, CADC, Associate Director, Integrity House
Outstanding Direct Service Provider Award - Casey Moss, CPRS, CRSP, Syringe Access Coordinator, Street Team Supervisor, Maryville Integrated Care
Outstanding Leader in Children's Services Awards:
- Sonia Rodrigues, MA, LPC, LMFT, LCADC, ACS, Senior Director, School and Community Based Programs, Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care
- Jennifer Velten, MA, LPC, ACS, CCTP, DRCC, CFRC, Senior Director, CarePlus NJ, Inc.
- Lauren Casas, MA, LPC, ACS, Director, Preferred Center for Children and Families, Preferred Behavioral Health Group
Outstanding Leader in Adult Services Awards:
- Laurie DeSimone-Celuch, LPC, LCADC, ACS, CCS, Associate Vice President, CarePlus NJ, Inc.
- Jenifer McBride, Residential Program Manager, IDD, SERV Behavioral Health System
- Roman Karpiel, MA, LCADC, CCS, Director of Substance Abuse Services, Maryville Integrated Care
Outstanding Leader in Co-occurring Disorders Treatment Award - Bahashim Parker, CADC, Shift Supervisor, New Hope Integrated Behavioral Health Care
Outstanding Leader in Complex Care Award - Erica Higdon, BSW, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Manager of Outpatient Behavioral Health Services, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center
Outstanding Behind the Scenes Supporter Awards:
- Catherine Arulmohan, CPM, Director of Operations, Mercer Council on Alcoholism and Drug Addiction
- Kaileen Alston, JD, Director of Community Engagement, Eva's Village
Outstanding Provider of the Year - Oaks Integrated Care
