Career Connection Employment Resource Institute at MHANJ

11/10/2025

Let’s take a closer look at Parts 3 & 4 presented by Giovanna Giacobbe:

Giovanna Giacobbe, MSW, is a Senior Training and Consultation Specialist for Rutgers University in the Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation. Giovanna has had over 15 years of experience managing various research projects from the state of NJ, NIDILRR, NIH and NIMH that focused its research on severe mental illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, schizoaffective disorders, as well as substance abuse, trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), personality disorders, smoking cessation, college students with psychiatric disabilities, Supported Housing, Supported Employment and Supported Education.
Giovanna’s area of specialty is in trauma and PTSD.  She currently teaches a trauma graduate course at Rutgers University for students in the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Graduate Program. She is also a trauma consultant for the NJ State Psychiatric Hospitals.

Registration is still open for parts 2-4:

Part 2: Supported Education in Action – Practical Tools & Strategies
Nov 20th 10–11:30AM EST
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/XLEXxRsqSfaiz1mFP7t_LQ #/registration

Part 3: Trauma-Informed Practice (TIP)-Supporting Student Success in Higher Education
Nov 25th 1–2:30PM EST
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/iupRWe3aThOywK4br4gnWA #/registration

Part 4: Trauma-Informed Practice (TIP): Supporting Student Growth Through Executive Functioning and Goal Setting
Dec 2nd 1–2:30PM EST
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/UBXgqRNnTtyPQiFCLgwWxg #/registration

11/07/2025

Join us for Wellness Wednesday on November 19th from 12-1PM EST for “Coping in the Workplace.” In this session, we will learn about common workplace stressors and introduce practical strategies for coping with challenges on the job.

Hope to see you there!

Register here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/gDkQHMudR_q4KTxUaEVG-A

11/05/2025

Mark Your Calendars!
Join us as we welcome Krista Klie for an engaging workshop that explores the intersection of AI and social media in job development and discover the transformative potential of AI while learning how to use it responsibly and ethically!

Attendees will:
• Gain insights into the multifaceted advantages of AI while understanding ethical considerations.
• Uncover the intricacies of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and their impact on job applications.
• Master the utilization of AI in crafting resumes, creating impactful cover letters, and beyond, for optimized career advancement.

Register today!

AIfluence: Leveraging Technology for Career Success in the Social Media Age
Tuesday, November 18th
12:00PM-1:30PM EST
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/GbdauAxpSzmi4nhmn5hLsQ

11/03/2025

Meet the presenter for “Empowering Through Education: Supporting Mental Health in Postsecondary Pathways,” Sharon Gbadamosi:

Sharon is a dedicated PhD Candidate leveraging over a decade of hands-on experience in higher education. With a background that spans both academic and student support services, Sharon has held key roles as a Disability Specialist, Wellness Counselor, and Academic Advisor. This unique blend of expertise is further complemented by experience as an Adjunct Professor. Deeply passionate about the transformative power of both education and counseling, Sharon is committed to fostering inclusive, supportive, and academically enriching environments for all students. 

Part 1, Nov. 6 from 10-11:30AM EST:
Mental Health & Education – Understanding the Connection

Overview:
This session looks at how mental health can affect a student’s ability to succeed in school. We’ll talk about common challenges, how they show up in the classroom, and what support can help. You’ll also learn how to work with schools and help students access the accommodations they need.

Register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ATUjaii9SYW4_l3dTKS9lg #/registration

Part 2, Nov. 20 from 10-11:30AM EST: Supported Education in Action – Practical Tools & Strategies

Overview:
This session is all about putting supported education into practice. You’ll walk away with real tools and ideas to help students plan their education goals, manage stress, and speak up for their needs. We’ll use real-life examples and hands-on activities to make it practical.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/XLEXxRsqSfaiz1mFP7t_LQ #/registration

10/31/2025

Happy Halloween! 🎃

10/29/2025

Let’s take a closer look at Parts 1 & 2 presented by Sharon Gbadamosi:

Empowering Through Education: Supporting Mental Health in Postsecondary Pathways

Part 1, Nov. 6:
Mental Health & Education – Understanding the Connection

Overview:
This session looks at how mental health can affect a student’s ability to succeed in school. We’ll talk about common challenges, how they show up in the classroom, and what support can help. You’ll also learn how to work with schools and help students access the accommodations they need.

Objectives:
• How mental health conditions (like anxiety, depression, etc.) impact learning
• Common barriers students face in college or training programs
• How to work with colleges and training programs to support students
• What accommodations are available and how students can access them

Register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ATUjaii9SYW4_l3dTKS9lg #/registration

Part 2, Nov. 20: Supported Education in Action – Practical Tools & Strategies

Overview:
This session is all about putting supported education into practice. You’ll walk away with real tools and ideas to help students plan their education goals, manage stress, and speak up for their needs. We’ll use real-life examples and hands-on activities to make it practical.

Objectives:
• How to support students using recovery-based and person-centered planning
• Ways to help students build coping skills for school stress
• How to use planning tools like WRAP and SMART goals
• How to support students during big transitions (like starting college or returning after a break)

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/XLEXxRsqSfaiz1mFP7t_LQ #/registration

10/28/2025

Career Connection Employment Resources Institute was honored to lead a session at the 2025 GSETA Conference on “Coping in the Workplace” in Atlantic City! Together, we explored how to manage stress, support our wellness, and build healthier, more mindful work environments. Thanks to Trainers Whitney Hendrickson and Katie McGowan for presenting and leading the way!

10/27/2025

Whitney Hendrickson and Katie McGowan, Trainers/Coordinators from the Career Connection Employment Resource Institute, presented on Burnout and Compassion Fatigue for CARC. Whitney and Katie shared important information and tips on how to maintain wellness while having some fun with the staff. Thank you to everyone at CARC for the opportunity to support such an amazing group of helpers!❤️

10/24/2025

Join us for our Supported Education Professional Development Training Series hosted by CCERI!

➡️Learn practical tools to support clients in their educational goals
➡️Gain recovery-based, trauma-informed, and person-centered strategies
➡️ Earn up to 6 CRC credits!

📅 Join us:

Mental Health & Education – Understanding the Connection
Nov 6th 10–11:30AM EST
Register here:
Part 1: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ATUjaii9SYW4_l3dTKS9lg #/registration

Supported Education in Action – Practical Tools & Strategies
Nov 20th 10–11:30AM EST
Part 2: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/XLEXxRsqSfaiz1mFP7t_LQ #/registration

Trauma-Informed Practice (TIP)-Supporting Student Success in Higher Education
Nov 25th 1–2:30PM EST
Register here:
Part 3: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/iupRWe3aThOywK4br4gnWA #/registration

Trauma-Informed Practice (TIP): Supporting Student Growth Through Executive Functioning and Goal Setting
Dec 2nd 1–2:30PM EST
Register here:
Part 4: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/UBXgqRNnTtyPQiFCLgwWxg #/registration

Each session features expert presenters and actionable tools to help you support clients’ success and well-being.

10/23/2025

Congratulations to our colleagues at UBW!❤️

We are excited and proud to share that United By Wellness received the prestigious 2025 Richard Van Horn Innovation Award at Mental Health America’s National Conference in Washington, D.C. last week! United By Wellness is the MHANJ virtual wellness center that provides groups to individuals who live with mental health and substance use disorders. Pictured are: Julia Gimbel of MHAAC; Racheal O’Dea, MHANJ Chief Administrative Officer; Amy Johnson, of MHANJ Ocean County; Bob Kley, MHANJ COO; Carolyn Quinn, leadership at MHAAC; Mary Giliberti, Interim President and CEO of Mental Health America; Seth Edwards, UBW Coordinator; and Emily McCall and Ashley Zappala of MHAAC.

10/21/2025

This month, we honor the rich history and traditions that unite Hispanic communities, and are inspired to shape the future together.🩵

10/20/2025

Wishing those who celebrate a very happy Diwali! 🪔