Deacon Laverne S. Williams, CSW - Zoom Guest & Topic on 5. 4.21

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 May 4, Deacon Williams guest will be Erica Joy West. Ms. West is a national speaker, entrepreneur, and NLP transformational coach for adults and children. Her purpose is to awaken the compassionate communicator in all of us. After a 16-year career in nonprofit human services and mental health, Erica is using her personal and professional experience to help people, across the country, develop more deeply connected and compassionate relationships.
A turning point in Erica's life came after her grandmother suffered a traumatic brain injury due to hydrocephalus (water on the brain) in 2016. The brain surgery advanced her grandmother's previously diagnosed Alzheimer's disease leading to further developmental, neurological, and intellectual impairments. Erica elected to move in with her grandparents to support her grandmother's care.

One day in a poignant moment of lucidity, Erica's grandmother asked, "how can I communicate better with my family?" Erica's organic response awakened a fundamental truth that would transform her life and career, "It is not your job to communicate with us, it is our job to communicate with you."
Erica's experience as a caretaker deeply transformed her understanding of compassion and helped her realize her true purpose to awaken the compassionate communicator in all of us. She empowers children/teens, adults, and corporate professionals to make powerful shifts in their communication and transform their personal relationships.

Credentials: BS, Psychology, Rider University, (NLP) Neurolinguistic Programing Coach, Time Line Therapy® and Hypnotherapy Practitioner. ICF (2021) Genius Unlocked Coaching Institute. Awakening Together Inter-Faith Minister. (2021)

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