Mental Health & Community Support
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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:
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Mental Health Team
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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!
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.
Upcoming Events
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Thursday, November 20
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Thursday, December 11
Building Stronger Communities Through The Four Agreements
A 4-Week Book Series Inspired by Don Miguel Ruiz
Facilitated by Helene Cierzo, Mental Health Specialist
Tuesdays, November 18 & 25
12–1pm
Virtual sessions via Microsoft Teams
Join us for a 4-part virtual series exploring The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. Together, we’ll learn how timeless wisdom can help us:
- Strengthen trust and respect in our communities
- Improve communication and understanding
- Build resilience in relationships
- Create a culture of belonging and compassion
Each week, we will focus on one agreement, with guided discussion, reflection, and practical ways to apply it to community life.
Compassion in Action: Helping Loved Ones Heal After a Loss
Thursday, November 20 from 12-1pm via Teams
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. Free to all.
A Parent Workshop: Exploring New Foods and Overcoming Food Selectivity
For Children in Early Childhood Learning Center
Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 12:00 pm Via Teams
Mindful Media: Helping your Teen Navigate the Digital World with Balance
Thursday, January 22 from 12-1pm via Teams
This workshop is designed to help cultivate a healthier, more intentional relationship with technology and digital media for you and your teen. It focuses on understanding the impacts of digital exposure on mental health and overall well-being. The workshop emphasizes mindfulness techniques to help reduce digital overload, foster focus, and promote emotional resilience. Free to all.
Balancing Acts: Empowering the Sandwich Generation Caregivers
Thursday, February 26 from 12-1pm via Teams
Caught between caring for aging parents and raising children, members of the Sandwich Generation often find themselves overwhelmed, under-supported, and stretched thin. This interactive workshop is designed to provide practical tools, emotional support, and community connection for those managing multi-generational caregiving roles. Peer discussion is encouraged for validation and shared wisdom. Free to all.
