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, June 21st, 2022 at 2pm as she welcomes to her show a very special guest; Dr. Tanya Pagan Raggio-Ashley, MD, MPH, FAAP. Dr. T’s session is titled: “Ball of Confusion” -Trending Mental Health Challenges.

Dr. Raggio has served as a clinician, consultant and on health center boards providing primary care, mental and oral health, Ryan White HIV AIDs, substance use disorder services, health care for the homeless, school-based health centers, birthing centers, mixed use senior housing, migrant and seasonal farm workers programs. She mentors students in Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Math (STREAM). She is also involved in programs addressing Reentry.

Dr. Raggio is a graduate of Livingston College Rutgers University, Rutgers Medical School and the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health. She completed her residency training at Montefiore Hospital and Medical Center, in the Bronx. A Masters in Public Health and a Cardiovascular Epidemiology Fellowship with a focus on women and Dr. Raggio has attended New York Theological Seminary and the Semanario Teologico in Rio Piedras Puerto Rico.

Dr. Raggio is a licensed clergy (minister) at Abundant Joy Church, where her husband Rev. Dr. Willard W.C. Ashley is the founder and Pastor. Her ministry is dedicated to health equity especially for Minority, underserved, and vulnerable communities. She has been collaborating with other physicians and clergy conducting webinars on COVID19 for faith-based and community organizations.

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