NJAMHAA 75th Anniversary

54 75 th Anniversary It is open to mentees and mentors who are working or have worked in any aspects of the behavioral healthcare field, including clinical, administrative, legal, finance, human resources and information technology. Each mentee works closely with a mentor, as well as a coach, who has different expertise and experience from working in a different industry and adds to the value of the program. The Leadership Academy benefits the mentees’ organizations by helping to improve staff retention, which reinforces their long-term viability, and improves the quality and consistency of services. NJMHI started to undertake additional efforts to expand and strengthen the behavioral healthcare workforce through a series of roundtables, Building Solutions Together to Address Access Disparities , which began in October 2025. The goal is to develop strategies for creating new opportunities for the African-American and Latinx populations and providers. NJMHI is inviting leaders from state departments and the behavioral healthcare field, as well as individuals with lived experience, to share their perspectives and recommendations. The first session, Solutions to Engaging Diverse Communities , focused on encouraging individuals to seek services, building interest in behavioral healthcare careers and ensuring opportunities for success for individuals re-entering the community after being incarcerated. Focus groups are being planned to build on these initial discussions with more in-depth focus and strategy building for the workforce and for vulnerable populations requiring treatment and other types of support. Furthermore, NJMHI is expanding the effort to also include Asian populations. “ Being a leader or manager requires a lot of a person. We need to make sure that people have the right tools, support and mindset to take on the responsibility successfully. And that’s what this program is designed to do. ” Anne E. Collier, MPP, JD, PCC Leadership Academy Coach Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Arudia “ I always have a bunch of projects going on, and my mentor and coach helped me prioritize and advocate for what’s best for each project. I learned to break out of my comfort zone. For example, I started networking and giving presentations. Both my mentor and coach were great sounding boards. It was wonderful having their support. ” Victoria Nagel, LCADC, CCS, LPC, ACS, NCC, BC-TMH 2024-2025 Leadership Academy Mentee, Clinical Workforce Director, New Jersey Prevention Network “ The NJMHI Leadership Academy for Behavioral Health Professionals has been a worthwhile investment for rising stars at Preferred Behavioral Health Group. It offers invaluable education, tools, and mentoring to help launch the careers of emerging leaders. There is no better retention tool than investing in your workforce. ” Tara A. Chalakani, PsyD, LPC, RN Chief Executive Officer, Preferred Behavioral Health Group, and NJMHI Board Member