Thankful Tuesdays with Deacon Laverne S. Williams, CSW

During this time of crisis and uncertainty many rely on faith for support and stability. The community is invited to join Laverne S. Williams, CSW, a Deacon at the Union Baptist Church in Montclair, for a free Zoom.us session, entitled "Thankful Tuesdays." During these sessions, Deacon Williams and her special guests explore important topics centered around faith and spirituality. The program is offered at 2 p.m. every Tuesday: individuals may participate online through the Zoom link. https://zoom.us/j/424719863?pw... or by visiting Zoom.us, Meeting ID number 424 719 863, Password 469922 or by calling 646-558-8656. The program may also be viewed on Facebook Live @MentalHealthAssociationinNewJerseyInc

Please join Deacon Williams on Tuesday, May 31st, 2022 as she welcomes to her show special guest Willard W C Ashley, Sr., MDiv, DMin, Rev, SCP who will present the topic: "Recognizing When You Are Not Doing Well." During this thought provoking session, wellness tips will be explored.

In July 2012, Dr. Ashley was granted tenure and appointed by President Gregg Mast as the first African American Dean of the Seminary in the 200 plus-year history of New Brunswick Theological Seminary (NBTS). July 1, 2020, Ashley accepted early retirement from New Brunswick Theological School with the title “Retired Professor of Pastoral Theology”. Memberships include the National Association for the Advancement of Psychoanalysis, American Association of Marriage Family Therapists, American Group Psychotherapy Association, and Eastern Group Psychotherapy Society. Ashley is married to Tanya Pagan Raggio-Ashley, MD, FAAP, MPH who is a double graduate of Rutgers and double boarded in Pediatrics and Preventive Medicine. Together they raise Serafina their 11-pound Shih Tzu.

Laverne Williams, CSW is the Director of the PEWS (Promoting Emotional Wellness and Spirituality) Program for the Mental Health Association in New Jersey. Ms. Williams is a New Jersey Certified Social Worker, WRAP (Wellness & Recovery Action Plan) Facilitator, Mental Health First Aid Instructor, and Certified Grief Recovery Specialist. With over 35+ years of experience in mental health service, Ms. Williams is a highly sought- after conference keynote and workshop facilitator. Her workshops have been presented to numerous statewide and local agencies, consumer organizations and family member groups. As an advocate on behalf of persons with mental illness, and a Deacon at her church, Ms. Williams diligently develops partnerships between faith-based communities and behavioral health institutions by bridging the gap between theology and mental health.

Ms. Williams was quoted in the April 2017 #1 best-selling book, Option B – Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy, by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Gant.

To contact Deacon Williams please email: lwilliams@mhanj.org