Attitudes In Reverse® Honors Dawn Aulisi as Partner in Hope

PRINCETON, NJ, September 23, 2024 – Throughout her 30-plus-year career in the prevention field, Dawn Aulisi, Student Assistance Coordinator for Toms River Regional Schools, had become familiar with a variety of mental health and suicide prevention education programs. However, the program she learned about most recently from Attitudes In Reverse® (AIR®) stands out from all the others. “At the time I was introduced to AIR, there was nothing like it in our classrooms. It has helped break the barriers and reduced the stigma associated with mental health,” Aulisi said. In recognition of Aulisi’s determined efforts to have AIR present to all students despite budgetary challenges, AIR will honor her with a Partner in Hope Award during the 8th Annual Taste of Hope event on October 9, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Princeton Marriott at Forrestal, Princeton, New Jersey.

“AIR is very unique. The vulnerability that is shared is beyond any other presentation. I immediately connected with the speaker, not only in my role as a Student Assistance Coordinator, but also my roles as a parent, daughter, sister and friend. The presentation has an emotional impact on all who experience it, regardless of age,” Aulisi said. “Also, the presentation does not just end. There is always follow-up, and in my opinion, that is what makes AIR extremely unique and successful. The surveys that are distributed that students complete save lives. I am a big believer in that. I have personally followed up with students whom I immediately referred to services,” she added.

“We need many more partners like Dawn to fight for life-saving programs for students,” added AIR Co-Founder Tricia Baker. “It is extremely troubling that budget cuts have led to many schools ending their mental health education programs. While this would be unfortunate at any time, it is especially concerning now because students have been experiencing more depression and anxiety, which increases risk of suicide.”

“Our Coming Up for AIR® program is the only one that fosters help-seeking behavior,” added AIR Co-Founder Kurt Baker, referring to the surveys Aulisi mentioned, which researchers at The College of New Jersey have proven to be effective. “Another unique and tremendously powerful component of our presentations is the participation of certified therapy dogs. We have witnessed hundreds, if not thousands, of times the dogs’ amazing ability to comfort youth, which encourages them to share their struggles and ask for support.”

“Receiving this award is a testament to the incredible support and opportunities I have been given in the field of mental health prevention as a Student Assistance Coordinator. My recognition will serve as a catapult in my continued effort to spread the mission of AIR,” Aulisi said. “I have seen firsthand the positive impact AIR has on students. Every child and teenager needs this education to strengthen their mental health and increase their opportunities for healthy and successful lives.”

Aulisi will be honored along with Champions of Hope Bill Wells, Vice President, Commercial Relationship Manager at TD Bank and a member of the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors, and Rachelle St. Phard, Founder of The BeTheLi9ht Foundation; and Partners in Hope Jeanette Vega, Director of Grant Financial Administration, The College of New Jersey; Evelyn Bardzilowski, Vice President and Branch Manager, Northfield Bank; and Suzanne Keller, LSW, MSW, Supervisor, The SOURCE School-Based Youth Services Program and Freshman Academy at Red Bank Regional High School.

AIR is most appreciative of the Taste of Hope event sponsors Szaferman Lakind Attorneys at Law; Stark & Stark Attorneys at Law; TD Bank; Philadelphia Insurance Companies; Leary, Bride, Mergner & Bongiovanni P.A. Attorneys at Law; Sharp Electronics Marketing Company of America; Princeton Brain & Spine; Oaks Integrated Care; Renzi Legal Resources; Hinkle, Prior & Fischer Attorneys at Law; J. Robert Bratman; Summit Dental Partners; Oswald & Zoschak Family Law Attorneys; Moore Engineering Services; Cynthia Bratman, PsyD; Brian Greenwald, MD; and Capital Health.

AIR is equally grateful for the participating restaurants and dessert, wine and spirit vendors are Antimo's Italian Restaurant, Bonefish Grill, Carella's Chocolates, CATB Liquor Imports, Crown of India, De Lorenzo's Tomato Pies, Iron & Ivy at Princeton Marriott, Joe Canal's Discount Liquor,

KK Sweets, Local Greek, Outback Steakhouse, PF Chang's, Pink Little Cakes, Public Wine, Beer & Spirits, Texas Roadhouse, Quality Wine & Spirits, Railroad Distillery, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, Seasons 52, Sourland Mountain Spirits and Starbucks.

To register to attend the Taste of Hope event or make a donation, please visit www.toh.ngo.

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Attitudes In Reverse® (AIR®) was established by Tricia, Kurt and Katelyn Baker of Plainsboro, NJ, in 2010, soon after their son/brother Kenny died by suicide following a long battle against severe depression and anxiety. Their mission is to save lives by educating students about mental health, related disorders and suicide prevention. Since January 2011, they have presented to more than 200,000 students in elementary, middle and high schools and colleges in New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Missouri, Texas and Arizona. AIR also offers the AIR Dogs: Paws for MindsSM program, bringing dogs into schools to help students de-stress and engage in the conversation about mental health. In addition, AIR trains and certifies Emotional Support Animals and offers a lunch-and-learn program for businesses. For more information about AIR, please visit www.air.ngo or call 609-945-3200.