Deacon Laverne S. Williams, CSW, Zoom and guest on 6.8.21

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.

On Tuesday June 8th, Deacon Williams' guest will be Marisa Slaten, Esq. Ms. Slaten's presentation is entitled "Do it Afraid: Moving Forward Despite How You Feel."

Marisa Slaten is the Director of Regulatory Strategy and Services for Pepco Holdings (PHI), an Exelon company. Marisa joined PHI in 2017 and is responsible for leading the regulatory activity and stakeholder engagement for Delmarva Power & Light in Delaware and Atlantic City Electric Co. in New Jersey. In this role Marisa manages regulatory and compliance filings, testifies as a policy witness, and regularly meets with government officials and industry leaders to discuss priority initiatives.
Prior to joining PHI, Marisa was the Director of the Division of Clean Energy at the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU). During her time at the BPU, Marisa was elected to the Board of Directors of the National Association of State Energy Officials and served as a representative for the Mid-Atlantic region for two years.
Marisa started her career as a law clerk for New Jersey Supreme Court Justice Peter Verniero and later joined Riker, Danzig, Scherer, Hyland & Perretti, LLP, as an associate in the commercial litigation practice group. In 2007 she joined the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office where she served as a Deputy Attorney General and Special Assistant to Attorney General Anne Milgram.
Marisa is a graduate of Rutgers University Law School and is licensed to practice in New York and New Jersey. She completed undergraduate studies at Northwestern University with a B.A. in Economics and earned a certificate in Global Affairs from New York University. Active in the community, Marisa serves on the Board of Directors of the Delaware Boys & Girls Club, Leadership New Jersey, The Delaware Sustainable Business Council and the Esther Project. She also serves on the Board of Consultors for the New Jersey Bar Association, Public Utilities Law Section.

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.