Exclusive Interview… - Trinitas Hospital

Nancy Mooney, MA, LPCexperiencing mental health issues, such asdepression and anxiety,” explains NancyMooney, MA, LPC. These services can furtherhelp children who struggle with angermanagement or need help coping withtheir feelings, may have expressed suicidalor homicidal tendencies, or have engagedin self-harm.Pro-Active ProgramMakes a Difference“Because students spend a significantportion of their lives in school, TrinitasHospital is committed to working collaborativelywith local Boards of Educationto provide services which respond to thebroad range of issues that students facetoday,” notes Marlyse Benson, Director ofBehavioral Health Services. In order tosupport students dealing with problemssuch as substance abuse, teen pregnanciesand teen suicide, Trinitas Hospital managesan innovative behavioral and mentalhealth program that brings help directlyinto local schools. The New JerseyDepartment of Children and Familiescurrently funds two such programs inElizabeth and Roselle.The staff at the Elizabeth High SchoolYouth Enrichment Services (YES) programreports the energy and vitality of the programcome from the students themselves.“With input from the teenagers, the programis customized to respond to identifiedneeds,” says Brian Nandy, MA,Program Director at Elizabeth HighSchool-Jefferson House. The programreaches students before and after schooland throughout the summer. “Thanks tostudent feedback, the program continuesto evolve and grow to suit their needs,”notes Jeannette Dejesus, LCSW, ProgramDirector at Elizabeth High School –Halsey House,“These programs are designed to helpstudents finish high school and graduatesuccessfully, strengthen peer relationshipsand family relationships, and develop acareer plan for their future, “ explainsAlexandra Pintauro, MA, Director of theYES program in Roselle. “In essence, ourgoal is to help students overcome barriersthat may be interfering with the process ofhealthy living.”Professional staff members, includinglicensed counselors, Master’s level clinicians,and other essential support staff areon site and provide individual/family/group therapy, career and educationaldevelopment, learning support, pregnancysupport, pregnancy/STD prevention, communitylinkages, and recreation.“Schoolwork poses more demands onstudents to achieve academic success thanever before,” observes Roger Goddard,Director of Wellness ManagementServices, who continues, “Add financialpressures, family difficulties, hyperactivitylevels and emotional problems to the mixand success in school can be more difficultfor children today.” Wellness ManagementServices has offered local schools a StudentLeadership and Success Program thatFUN FOR EVERYONE!!!Mount Hyatt Miniature Golf18-Hole CourseBirthday Party Packages AvailableContinued on page 12Psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, creative arts therapists, substanceabuse counselors, and mental health workers — many of whom hold advanceddegrees — are members of the Behavioral Health & Psychiatry Department staff.Shown seated are Shirley Ostrega, social worker, and Kathleen Tumino, RN.Standing from left are Maria Davanzo, art therapist; Christine Donnelly, substanceabuse counselor; Jose Hernandez, mental health worker; Jaya Gavini, psychiatrist,and Essie Larson, psychologist.732-669-9100www.hyatthills.com• Challenging, Well-Maintained Nine Hole Golf Course (Par 36)• Driving Range (50 Stations)• Practice Bunker, Chipping & Putting Greens• Golf School, Private or Group Lessons• Well Stocked Pro Shop• Club Repairs & FittingsOpen Daily 7AM to 10PMPublic Welcome1300 Raritan Road (Clark/Cranford Borders)FALL 2007 11