Mental Health & Community Support

The Need:

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the mental health challenges that we experienced as a Nation, as well as in our local communities here in New Jersey. Stress and fear, grief and loss, and increased social isolation and loneliness all contributed. In the years following the pandemic:

The Solution:

The Metro YMCA is working to lessen the impact of these challenges and promote wellbeing by expanding our capacity to support the mental, emotional, and behavioral needs of our members. Efforts include staff training and support, youth development, and strengthening the communities we serve through programming intended to promote mental health. To support this work, we hired our first Mental Health Director in 2022. In 2023, the Mental Health Team expanded to include three new Mental Health Specialists. We have raised over $400,000 in grant funding to support mental health efforts in our communities.

The Impact:

Mental Health Team

Laura McCann,
Mental Health Director

Laura brings over twenty years of experience in public service, with more than a decade as a social worker in community and healthcare settings. Laura holds an LSW in the state of New Jersey and has led teams of mental health professionals for ten years. Laura has experience supporting the mental and emotional wellbeing of individuals from birth through end of life, and approaches all with a trauma-informed and inclusive lens. Laura and her family are also members of the South Mountain YMCA.

Jennifer Brown,
Mental Health Specialist

Jennifer brings experience as a dedicated guidance counselor. There she had worked closely with students and parents to providing essential support and resources, facilitating open communication and helping students develop coping mechanisms and resilience. Most recently she founded a non-profit with the primary aim to offer emotional support and a sense of community for people who are dealing with loss. She has also created a youth program that focuses on emotional growth, self-confidence and community building. Jennifer and her family have also been part of the Montclair YMCA community as members for over 10 years.

Helene Cierzo,
Mental Health Specialist

Helene brings over 20 years of experience working in the field of Applied Behavioral Analysis. She holds a masters in Applied Behavior Analysis, and is a certified attachment therapist and certified Nurtured Heart Approach® trainer. She specializes in early childhood learning and development. Throughout her career she has served toddlers through 18 years old, in public and private educational settings. She also has experience with adults with developmental disabilities. Helene has experience supporting individuals and their families with a variety of neurological and sensory needs. She is passionate about creating environments that celebrate and accommodate inclusivity as well as educating communities on how to be more inclusive.

Nora Zobele, Mental Health Specialist

Nora brings 10 years of experience working with youth and adolescents in multiple settings while supporting their social, and emotional needs. She’s worked as an after-school and camp counselor and holds a Master’s degree in counseling with a concentration in schools. Nora started her career as a middle school counselor, where she worked closely with teachers, administrators, and families to ensure student success. Nora’s passion and drive to work in youth development in evident; she believes the YMCA’s mission and core values are in alignment with her own personal values. She takes a creative approach when developing youth programming, which allows participants to feel excited about learning and growing.

About the Team

Jennifer, Helene, and Nora join Laura in expanding the mental and emotional support the Metro YMCA is able to offer our staff and members. You may see us in your child’s school-aged childcare program teaching a social-emotional learning lesson, or working with our fitness teams to educate members on the mental and emotional benefits of exercise. If you’re looking for assistance with connection to a local mental, emotional, or behavioral resource, don’t hesitate to ask!

[+] Show All

Request Community Mental Health Information

The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges supports the mental, emotional, and social well-being of our communities by offering opportunities for physical activity, socialization, education, and community-based referral for services. If you're interested in learning more about the mental and social benefits of a Metro YMCA membership, need assistance in locating a community-based mental health resource, or would like to speak to a member of the Mental Health Team, please complete the following form.

request form

Upcoming Events

FREE Parent Workshop
Compassion in Action: Helping Loved Ones Heal After a Loss

Wednesday, April 23 from 12-1p or 7-8p

This workshop is designed to provide tools, understanding, and empathy needed to support friends and family grieving the loss of a loved one. The workshop emphasizes practical support strategies, listening communication skills, and understanding grief cycle during one of the most challenging times in a person’s life.