Deacon Laverne S. Williams, CSW - Zoom Guest & Topic on 4.20.21

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

Please join us on Tuesday, April 20th at 2:00 PM when my special guest will be Tanya Pagán Raggio-Ashley, MD, MPH, FAAP. Dr. Pagán's topic will be: "Preventing Maternal Morbidity and Mortality" in honor of Black Maternal Health week.
Tanya Pagán Raggio-Ashley, MD, MPH, FAAP has dedicated her life to improving and eliminating health disparities, creating health equity in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner. She collaborates with others to improve social determinants of health with a focus on health care access, quality, affordable health services.Dr. Raggio has a background in clinical medicine, academia, research, public health and private practice. She also has extensive experience in creating, writing and reviewing grants, policy, legislation, implementing and overseeing Federal programs. She has extensive experience collaborating with others on health issues, health care services, education and training of health professionals to improve health outcomes and eliminate health disparities. She has served as a clinician, consultant and on health center boards providing primary care, mental health, Ryan White HIV AIDs and 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 currently serves on the New Jersey Commission on Women and 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. Dr. Raggio has attended New York Theological Seminary and the Semanario Teologia in Puerto Rico. She is a licensed clergy (minister) at Abundant Joy Church and is here in that capacity.Dr. Raggio resides in Teaneck New Jersey with her husband the Rev. Dr. Willard W.C. Ashley and their therapy dog Serafina. She enjoys reading, art, music and working in her garden.

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.