The Protective Factor: Conversations that Inspire Hope & Healing

A conversation between prevention consultants Meghan Souter and Heather Pajak at NJ Statewide Student Support Services in Morris and Sussex Counties on the topic of teen dating violence.
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/domestic-abuse-warning-signs
NJCEDV - NJ Coalition to End Domestic Violence https://njcedv.org/
JBWS - Serving Morris County 1-877-782-2873 https://jbws.org/JBWS Dating Abuse Prevention Program (DAPP) 973-267-7520
DASI - Serving Sussex County 973-875-1211 24/7 hotline https://dasi.org
NJ4S Parent Academy - Monthly Series September through June Domestic Violence Awareness Month Session on 10/21/2025 at 6:00pm Learn More/Register: https://forms.office.com/r/09XtxtSdiV

A conversation with Tracy Cappiccille, MA, LPC, Director of the NJ Statewide Student Support Services in Morris and Sussex Counties and Christine Norbut Beyer, MSW, Commissioner of the NJ Department of Children and Families. 
 
For services in Morris and Sussex Counties: www.mhainspire.org/NJ4S or email NJ4S@MHAinspire.org
View more about the NJ4S program and services throughout the state, as well as virtual offerings available to all: https://nj4s.nj.gov/s/ 
If you don’t see NJ4S services available in your school, reach out to the Department of Children and Families: NJ4Sfeedback@dcf.nj.gov 

A conversation with Emily Savino, Assistant Director of NJ4S Morris-Sussex at the Mental Health Association, and Liz Nissim, Ph.D., Clinical & School Psychologist at Psychological & Educational Consulting.
Liz Nissim, Ph.D.www.psychedconsult.com
Office of Special Education www.nj.gov/education/specialedPRISE: Parental Rights in Special Education www.nj.gov/education/specialed/parents/ParentalRightsinSpecialEducation2023.pdf

A conversation with Genaya Palmer, director of Suicide Prevention at the Mental Health Association and Patricia Behrens, M.S.W., C.P.R.P. Volunteer/Outreach Coordinator for 2ndFloor.
 
MHA Teen Connect Teen Connect FREE Peer Support Available Mon.-Fri. 5:00-10:00pm Call 888-866-6054 | Text 973-791-5700https://www.mhainspire.org/teen-connect-line  https://stopteensuicide.mhainspire.org  https://youarenotalone.mhainspire.org https://www.mhainspire.org/teen-connect-line 
 
2NDFLOOR FREE, anonymous, professional & confidential 24/7 support  Talk/Text 888-222-2228  www.2ndFloor.org 

A conversation between Liz Williamson, director of the Substance Use Recovery & Empowerment Program at the Mental Health Association and Samar Caton LAC, LCADC Intern, Adolescent Clinician at High Focus Centers in Parsippany on substance use support for youth and adults during the holiday season.
https://www.mhainspire.org/substance-use-disorder/
https://www.highfocuscenters.com/

Emma Tagariello, LPC, Student Assistance Counselor for Butler Public School District/Butler High School Anti-Bullying Specialist and NJ4S Clinician Amanda Spasov, LCSW, talked about tips for managing back to school jitters and anxiety.

A conversation with Christina Liparini, PhD, LPC, Program and Curriculum Advisor at Good Grief and Alex Zaki, LCSW, NJ4S Morris-Sussex Clinician.
https://good-grief.org/

For Pride month, our podcast episode features a conversation in which listeners and viewers can learn more about the LGBTQ+ community and supporting youth. NJ4S Clinician Ema Dias, LAC, NCC, ATR-P talked with Toni Sisti, LSW, Associate Director and Clinical Coordinator of the Adolescent Program at High Focus Center in Parsippany, NJ. 
www.highfocuscenters.com973-299-9919 x8900

A Conversation with Kevin Donaldson, Podcaster, Author, Youth Coach, and former Law Enforcement Officer and David Mills, MA, Supervising Prevention Specialist at NJ4S Morris-Sussex.
https://www.realkevindonaldson.com/
https://thesufferingpodcast.com/

A conversation about OCD with Ira Hayes, LCSW, Director of Programs, Development and Outreach at Center For Wellness and NJ4S Morris-Sussex Clinician Taylor Gencarelli, MA, LAC, NCC.
https://www.centerforwellnessnj.com/
https://www.hayshealthandwellness.com/