Kananelo Mokati, a Fulbright Scholar from Lesotho, will return home to work on maternal health policy after overcoming a critical funding challenge with the help of the Department of Public Health.

Kananelo Mokati: A Global Mission for Maternal Health

For Mokati, the journey to a听Master of Public Health听was fueled by a calling that transcends borders. A听Fulbright Scholar听and trained midwife, she traveled from her home country of Lesotho in South Africa to 精品成人福利在线 University to bridge the gap between clinical practice and systemic health policy.

Choosing Montclair was a strategic decision for Mokati, who sought the professional energy of the New York metropolitan area without the overwhelming 鈥渘oise鈥� of the city. At Montclair, she found her home in the Health Systems Administration and Policy concentration, where she could focus on the structural barriers facing health-care delivery.

However, her journey faced a critical challenge in 2025 when federal funding for her Fulbright program was unexpectedly eliminated. 鈥淎t that point, it felt like all the hard work I had put in over the past year was about to go down the drain. It wasn鈥檛 a lack of support, but a moment where answers simply weren鈥檛 available,鈥� Mokati recalls.

With help from her advisor, Professor Amanda Birnbaum, and Public Health Department Chair Lisa Lieberman, Mokati secured a summer internship with the听School of Nursing听which provided the vital bridge funding needed to keep her on track.

The internship gave her the opportunity to perform grant application work, do a poster presentation and coauthor a research manuscript on 鈥渃ounty-level variations in risk-adjusted rates of preterm birth among young mothers in the United States,鈥� the latter of which was accepted for publication in the听Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing.

鈥淲hat began as one of the most challenging moments of my journey ultimately opened the door to some of the most meaningful opportunities I鈥檝e had,鈥� Mokati says.

Mokati鈥檚 passion for public health is rooted in her experience as a midwife 鈥� a career that began in her home country but quickly became her life鈥檚 work. She鈥檇 earned a BS in general nursing and midwifery, a requirement as part of the nursing curriculum, from the National University of Lesotho.
After receiving her MPH, she plans to return to Lesotho before heading back to the U.S. to obtain a doctorate on maternal health policy, 鈥減articularly on how health systems can better support women and improve maternal health outcomes.鈥�

Abbigale Damiano, a first-generation graduate, provided life-saving support volunteering for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and will work at a substance use treatment center and join Montclair as an adjunct psychology professor.

Abbigale Damiano: A Local Anchor for Mental Health and Recovery

While Mokati focuses on global systems, Damiano has dedicated her graduate studies to the immediate needs of her local community. Graduating with a听Master of Arts in Counseling, with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, she has spent her time at Montclair diving into the front lines of the mental health crisis.

As a first-generation graduate, Damiano鈥檚 academic journey is a testament to perseverance. She graduated with a BA in听Psychology听in 2023 and immediately pursued her master鈥檚 program, during which she completed a rigorous clinical internship at a nonprofit substance use treatment center, providing support for individuals navigating recovery and co-occurring mental health challenges. She also worked as a teacher鈥檚 assistant for Associate Professor Ofelia Rodriguez for three years.

Her commitment to service extends beyond her formal requirements. Damiano also serves as a volunteer for the 988鈥檚 Crisis Text Line, providing real-time, life-saving support to individuals in moments of acute distress. For her, Montclair was the place where her innate desire to help was transformed into professional expertise.

鈥溇烦扇烁＠谙� University has been more than just a school for me,鈥� Damiano reflects. 鈥淚t is where I found my purpose, built my leadership skills, and discovered my passion for counseling, student support and community care.鈥�

After graduation, the end of a seven-year student journey, Damiano has a job awaiting her at the crisis facility. She will also join Montclair as an adjunct psychology professor in the fall.

Had she not reached out to professors and department heads during her time at Montclair, she says, 鈥淚 feel like I wouldn鈥檛 be as prepared now graduating or even being able to be an adjunct professor 鈥� at the age of 25.鈥�

Reach out to the professors and to your department, they will help you and they will lead you to success.鈥� 鈥� Abbigale Damiano

Fulfilling the Mission

Both Mokati and Damiano represent the core values of Montclair鈥檚 commitment to community service. Whether advocating for policy changes to protect mothers globally or providing a lifeline to those in crisis locally, these two graduates prove that a Montclair degree is a catalyst for meaningful change.

As they transition from students to alumni, their stories serve as an inspiration to the next generation of students.

Damiano says that as a first-generation college student she had to ask lots of questions in order not to be lost. She advises all students, including commuters like her, to spend time on campus and reach out to faculty. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e so many different opportunities on campus that I鈥檓 sure people aren鈥檛 even aware of,鈥� she says. 鈥淓very professor has a different career and different connections, so you don鈥檛 know where you鈥檒l end up if you keep up with what they鈥檙e offering you.鈥�

鈥淚f you are looking for a school that will challenge you, open doors for you and support you 鈥� not just to do well academically but to be set up for success after graduation 鈥� 精品成人福利在线 University is the place for you,鈥� says Mokati.

鈥淎s someone who moved thousands of miles with nothing but hope and a desire to better myself, I found more than an education here, I found a community that showed up for me when I needed it most. I built meaningful professional networks, and I am leaving as a better version of myself.鈥�

This story is part of a series celebrating 精品成人福利在线 University鈥檚 graduates 鈥� students who embody the听University鈥檚 mission听to broaden access to听exceptional learning opportunities and contribute to the common good.

A GED earner, Howard will receive her Bachelor of Arts in听Family Science and Human Development听during the听College for Community Health听portion of the ceremony. Her journey embodies the spirit of Montclair鈥檚 graduates and mission: students who broaden access to opportunity and uplift others along the way.

A Mother鈥檚 Dream Becomes a National Brand

Howard became a single mother at 16. Raised in Harlem in the foster care system, she wanted a different future for her young son, Cory Nieves so the two moved to Englewood, New Jersey, navigating daily life by bus. When 5-year-old Cory wished for a car to help them get around, he came up with an idea 鈥� selling hot chocolate and then cookies.

听began at home. What followed was extraordinary. The mother-and-son business gained national attention, appearing in local, regional and national media, including听and appearances on听and the reality TV show听. At its height, the company, which resulted in Howard鈥檚 Cookie moniker, reportedly surpassed $1 million in sales.

And then it all crumbled.

Loss, Homelessness and Starting Again

The COVID-19 pandemic halted sales. The business unraveled. Howard and her son lost their home and eventually moved into a shelter.

鈥淚 made it to the top and fell back down,鈥� Howard says. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 a part of being an entrepreneur; it鈥檚 part of being human. I just pray that with the grace of God things will get better.鈥�

Despite the ups and downs, Howard refused to give up 鈥� on herself or on education.

Returning to School Against the Odds

While still operating听听and working odd jobs, Howard, 37, enrolled at Montclair as a non-traditional student, navigating financial instability, a documented learning disability and the daily realities of survival. There were moments when continuing felt impossible, particularly when her car 鈥� the 2015 Ford Escape gifted to her on听Ellen听鈥� broke down and she again faced eviction and homelessness.

鈥淭hese were times when everything felt dark, and I honestly didn鈥檛 see a way out,鈥� she says. 鈥淏ut by God鈥檚 grace, I was able to keep my apartment. I held on to the little bit of light I had left, and somehow, it shined right through.鈥�

Melissa Pecora, Howard鈥檚 EOF counselor and academic advisor, watched that perseverance firsthand. 鈥淐ookie has overcome countless challenges with remarkable resilience and determination. Despite the obstacles she鈥檚 faced, she continues to rise above them and has shown that challenges can become opportunities for future success,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 have watched her excel academically while achieving significant personal milestones.鈥�

鈥淐ookie exemplifies a unique balance of grit, creativity and unrelenting drive. She is an inspiration to all scholars, particularly those adult learners who may be reluctant to enroll in college.鈥� ~ Daniel Jean, Associate听 Provost for Educational Opportunity and Success Programs

Three Buses, No Internet, No Excuses

Unable to afford the car repairs or an internet connection, she left home three hours early, taking three buses to campus to make her 9 a.m. class. Using the internet on campus, Howard routinely stayed late into the evening, juggling class assignments and her internship and leadership of the Adult Student Advocacy Program (ASAP).

From her warmth and humor, few would know her struggles, as her light also illuminated others.

鈥淚鈥檝e had students come to the office asking for her or mentioning how much she helped them,鈥� says Meghan Hearns, director of the Disability Resource Center, where Howard is a constant presence.

Advocacy as a Calling

Howard鈥檚 impact at Montclair extends far beyond the classroom. She became a mentor and presenter for students connected to the Disability Resource Center, spoke at the Disability Awareness Month flag-raising ceremony, and earned the prestigious Charlotte W. Newcombe Scholarship for Students with Disabilities.

Her most lasting contribution, however, is the Adult Student Advocacy Program 鈥� a support network she founded to help non-traditional students navigate school while balancing work, family and life challenges.

鈥淎dult students have a lot of stuff that鈥檚 going on in our lives,鈥� Howard says. 鈥淲e sometimes feel like no one cares, but we have to open our mouths and say, 鈥楬ey, I need help.鈥� People want to help you.鈥�

A Tribe That Wouldn鈥檛 Let Her Quit

Despite the hardship, Howard persisted with the help of the people around her.

鈥淚t took a tribe of people to get involved and say, 鈥榃e believe in you,鈥欌�� she says. 鈥淭hat gave me the confidence to continue.鈥�

Support came from people on and off campus. Howard credits and is grateful for the many who helped her, including Associate Vice President and Dean of Students Margaree Coleman-Carter, whom she credits for making her internship possible, Office of Student Belonging Assistant Dean Jonnine DeLoatch, and a host of听 professors, advisors and even University Police 鈥� some of whom, she says, bought her meals, pitched in for car repairs or other needs. She also credits her church family at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Hackensack, some of whom will be at Commencement, for helping her get to the graduation stage.

鈥淭hey just didn鈥檛 give up on me,鈥� Howard says. 鈥淚 kept holding on, and I鈥檓 happy I did.鈥�

Academic Advisor听Natalia Pizarro-Valencia听credits Howard鈥檚 鈥渉ard work, perseverance and commitment to learning鈥� to accomplish her goal. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been a truly humbling experience to support Cookie throughout her academic journey. Witnessing her effort, growth and dedication has been both inspiring and rewarding.鈥�

Looking Ahead, Giving Back

Howard鈥檚 plans to continue her post-graduate studies. She鈥檚 considering attending Drew University, where she鈥檚 been accepted. Her goals include community activism, philanthropy and humanitarian work 鈥� 鈥減astoral work without the collar,鈥� as she puts it.

鈥淚 want to work with single mothers and at-risk kids,鈥� she says. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 why I鈥檓 going for my Master of Divinity.鈥�

As she crosses the stage January 13, Howard鈥檚 journey affirms that with resilience 鈥� and the right support 鈥� students at 精品成人福利在线 University can transform adversity into achievement.

Story by听Sylvia A. Martinez听Photography by University Photographer听Mike Peters.

This story is part of a series celebrating 精品成人福利在线 University鈥檚 graduates 鈥� students who embody the University鈥檚听mission听to broaden access to exceptional learning opportunities and contribute to the common good.

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

Prospective students:听Learn more about Montclair鈥檚听Family Science and Human Development听or explore other听College for Community Health听programs.

Journalists:听Contact Montclair鈥檚听Media Relations team听for assets or to schedule an interview on this topic

鈥淚鈥檓 extremely proud to say that my working experiences have allowed me to pay for my bachelor鈥檚 degree program all on my own,鈥� says Abrom, who will be participating in听Winter 2026 Commencement听Tuesday at Prudential Center in Newark. A student in Montclair鈥檚听College for Community Health, Abrom鈥檚 degree concentration was in听Applied Nutrition and Wellness with a minor in听Sports Nutrition.

Balancing work and academics, she adds, taught her lessons that will shape her future. 鈥淚 now have a better commitment to financial planning, proper time management and a passion for working and what I do.鈥�

Her father, Gregory Abrom, says, 鈥淲e are extremely proud of Allison and all she has accomplished. She can now start her life without the burden of debt. Allison learned she can set a goal and accomplish it no matter what stands in the way.鈥�

Determination from Day One

Abrom enrolled at Montclair in fall 2019 knowing her path might look different. She and her parents thought it was possible for her to self-fund her education without incurring student debt. 鈥淢y parents and I view college and higher education as a privilege,鈥� she says, adding that 鈥渨orking to pay for my education fully will set me up for financial freedom and success.鈥�

At times, Abrom took only as many classes as she could afford. She was determined to do it on her own 鈥� and she鈥檚 not afraid to apply herself.

鈥淚鈥檓 a really hard worker,鈥� she says proudly. 鈥淚 genuinely like to work, and so does pretty much everybody in my family.鈥� Abrom worked more than full-time as a head food server at a country club while working toward her bachelor鈥檚 degree, saving as much money as she could along the way.

That work ethic became the foundation of her college experience. Associate Professor of Nutrition and Food Studies Doreen Liou says that showed in her school projects. She describes Abrom as 鈥渁 proactive student, projecting a positive attitude and zeal in learning.鈥�

Sacrifices That Paid Off

To stay enrolled at Montclair, Abrom often worked 40 to 50 hours a week at the country club until the demand became unsustainable. Although it paid well, she quit when expectations began to conflict with her education.

鈥淭hey were expecting me to put the work before school, so I was like, I can鈥檛 be in that environment anymore,鈥� she says.

She found a desk job closer to home at a golf simulator 鈥� one that allowed her to study during slower periods.

Social sacrifices followed as well, as tuition and textbooks took priority. 鈥淚 had to say no to certain social outings, which allowed me to put more time into work,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 felt like I was kind of distancing myself from friends, but now my friends are so proud of me, so it doesn鈥檛 matter.鈥�

It definitely was hard, especially being young in your 20s, to be more responsible with money but in the end, it was worth it.鈥� Allison Abrom 鈥�26, BS Nutrition and Food Science

Learning By Doing

Last summer, Abrom completed her required nutrition internship at the Meadowlands YMCA, where she assisted with the SNAP-Ed food pantry program, developed nutritious recipes using pantry ingredients and wrote nutrition-focused articles. She also created healthy recipes for YMCA members.

鈥淚 was granted a working environment that prompted creativity and allowed me to fully trust in my own knowledge and education,鈥� she says.

The experience reinforced her commitment to community-based nutrition and wellness 鈥� work that aligns directly with Montclair鈥檚 public-service mission.

Looking Ahead 鈥� and Giving Back

Abrom will be cheered on by her father, mother, Laura, and brother, Drew, at听Commencement听on January 13. Her long-term goals include careers in corporate wellness, sports counseling or community nutrition, as well as teaching as an adjunct professor.

鈥淚 am incredibly thankful for my time in my undergraduate program at 精品成人福利在线 University,鈥� she says, 鈥渁nd I am proud of the person it has helped me become both in a professional and personal way.鈥�

Research from the Pew Research Center shows that college graduates with student loan debt are more likely to question. Abrom鈥檚 answer is emphatically clear. In fact, her immediate post-Commencement plans: to pursue a master鈥檚 degree and a certificate in听Nutrition and Exercise Science听at 精品成人福利在线 University.

She鈥檒l be paying her own way, of course.

Story by听Sylvia A. Martinez听Photography by University Photographer听Mike Peters.

This story is part of a series celebrating 精品成人福利在线 University鈥檚 graduates 鈥� students who embody the University鈥檚听mission听to broaden access to exceptional learning opportunities and contribute to the common good.

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

Prospective students:听Learn more about Montclair鈥檚听Nutrition and Food Science programs.

Journalists:听Contact Montclair鈥檚听Media Relations team听for assets or to schedule an interview on this topic

鈥淐olette has made tremendous progress,鈥� says听SLP graduate听student researcher Alexis Gallagher, who has been working with her throughout the study. 鈥淚t can be disheartening in the beginning because they鈥檙e trying something new, and it鈥檚 not changing. Then, I think it was session four or five, suddenly, there was the 鈥榬鈥� sound. It鈥檚 thrilling.鈥�

The software program they are using was designed by Hitchcock, a leading expert in speech-sound disorders, who, along with more than 20 colleagues across three universities, published 鈥済old-standard evidence that biofeedback accelerates early progress with children鈥� in the.

A Rapid Breakthrough for a Young Learner

After nearly three years of school-based therapy in Florida, improvement on the 鈥榬鈥� sound remained painfully slow for Colette, a general indicator of a Residual Speech Sound Disorder (RSSD). 鈥淲hile she鈥檇 made gains with other sounds, we just never saw progress with the 鈥榬鈥� sound,鈥� says Colette鈥檚 mother, Meghan Fougere, a speech-language pathologist herself. A 2014 Montclair SLP alumna, she also tried helping her daughter.

鈥淚 kept thinking, 鈥業 can fix it,鈥� and I wasn鈥檛 fixing it. I had done my best at home with her until she realized that she didn鈥檛 want her mommy working on her speech sounds with her. She wanted me to just be mommy.鈥�

After moving back to New Jersey and before investing in private therapy, Fougere reached out to her former professor, Hitchcock, who invited Colette to participate in a new research project using biofeedback technology. 鈥淚n just a few weeks, we started hearing a difference,鈥� Fougere says.

Hitchcock says: 鈥淲e managed to create this pilot study for Colette to work on a sound that has long been difficult for her, but to also work on a developing aspect of our treatment program.鈥� Hitchcock鈥檚 research is funded by a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant focused on improving children鈥檚 speech therapy. The goal is to better understand how kids hear and produce speech sounds, and to see whether new visual biofeedback tools and listening-based training work just as well online as they do in person. So far, more than 100 children ages 8 to 18 have taken part in the study. Gallagher then applied for 鈥� and received 鈥� a听Montclair Graduate Student Research Award听to move the pilot program forward.

How the Game-Changing Technology Works

The visual-acoustic biofeedback software program provides a real-time display of Colette鈥檚 鈥榬鈥� compared to a target representing the desired output, enabling her to both hear and see when she pronounces her 鈥榬鈥� correctly. Biofeedback has shown promising results in people with RSSD who have not responded to previous treatments.

This new research has tremendous potential to improve outcomes for children and in much less time.鈥� ~听Elaine Hitchcock, Communication Sciences and Disorders Chairperson

More traditional motor-based treatment for speech disorders often relies on imitation, sound modeling or props such as a mouth-and-tongue puppet. But the 鈥榬鈥� sound is uniquely challenging: there is no single right tongue placement, as partly evidenced by 22 different ultrasound images of 鈥榬鈥� production pinned to the wall where Colette practices.

鈥淲e鈥檝e had a lot of success in situations that have not been successful before with the use of visual biofeedback,鈥� Hitchcock explains. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e using the biofeedback as a way to 鈥榮ee鈥� if they鈥檙e saying the sound correctly; we鈥檙e working around a flawed auditory feedback system to utilize the visual system.鈥�

Why Early Speech Intervention Matters听

Many children struggle with but self-correct the 鈥榬鈥� sound. When the issue persists, however, it听 can become problematic when teasing or frustration begins and lead to obstacles in both social and academic environments.

The biofeedback technology 鈥渋s more effective, and a faster means to an end,鈥� says Hitchcock.
The stakes are surprisingly high. Left unaddressed, speech sound disorders and articulation challenges can affect people well into adulthood 鈥� impacting confidence, relationships and even income, says Hitchcock. 鈥淪o, across the lifespan, it鈥檚 a surprisingly large impact, given that it can be as simple as one sound error.鈥�

Montclair鈥檚 Nationally Recognized听SLP听Program Offers Research Opportunities

The long-term goal is to train clinicians in the effective use of biofeedback technology including in telehealth practices, making speech therapy more accessible to people, including those in rural areas, who may need treatment for speech sound disorders.

精品成人福利在线 University鈥檚 Speech-Language Pathology program is nationally recognized for integrating clinical training with faculty-led research, giving graduate students hands-on experience with innovative treatments like visual biofeedback. Currently, Montclair is vetting an app developed by an NYU researcher, which could be more accessible to clinicians.

I wanted to join Dr. Hitchcock in her work because this opportunity does not exist anywhere else.鈥� ~听Alexis Gallagher, SLP graduate student

Making a Lasting Impact as an SLP Graduate Student

For Gallagher, the project is more than just a research opportunity 鈥� it鈥檚 personal. A former theater, TV and film actor who changed careers post-COVID, she came to Montclair specifically to work with Hitchcock. She also witnessed firsthand the life-changing impact that speech therapy had on her own daughter, who overcame similar speech difficulties as Colette鈥檚.

Gallagher explains that Montclair offers her 鈥渁 biofeedback clinic where you can learn鈥� from one of the best researchers in the field. 鈥淪he literally wrote the program we were doing. Why would I not take the opportunity to learn how to teach a child how to do their 鈥榬鈥檚 using this equipment when the author of it is standing over my shoulder, training me, helping me, guiding me?鈥�

While Colette can now produce her 鈥榬鈥檚 in syllables, words and phrases, she occasionally slips back into losing the 鈥榬鈥� in casual conversation and will continue working with the research therapist in the spring, until Gallagher graduates with a master鈥檚 in SLP.

Meanwhile, Gallagher is determined to make a difference for Colette. 鈥淚 know what that feels like as a parent, it鈥檚 devastating,鈥� she says, 鈥淚 want to help this child.鈥�

Story by听Sylvia A. Martinez

Ready to shape the future of speech-language pathology?听Apply to听Montclair鈥檚 SLP graduate program.听 Explore other nationally ranked听programs,听visit campus,听, or.

Journalists:听Contact the media relations team听for assets or to schedule an interview.

鈥淭his partnership reflects 精品成人福利在线 University鈥檚 deep commitment to serving the public good through impactful, community-based collaboration,鈥� said President Jonathan Koppell. 鈥淲e are proud to expand our myriad of partnerships with Essex County and grateful to County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo for recognizing what is possible when academic expertise of our Department of Public Health is aligned with Essex County鈥檚 forward-thinking leadership. Together, we are building a model for how universities and local governments can work together to strengthen public health infrastructure, train the next generation of professionals and improve the well-being of the communities we serve.鈥�

Dean Ron Werner-Wilson of Montclair鈥檚 College for Community Health added, 鈥淲e are committed to teaching, research and service that promotes equitable healthcare and wellbeing in New Jersey and beyond. As the Dean of the College, I am delighted that this Academic Health Department partnership with the Essex County Office of Public Health Management will enable us to join our individual commitments to public health, multiplying our impact on Essex County residents, while building our students鈥� skills and expertise.鈥�

鈥溇烦扇烁＠谙� always has been a great partner with us and their involvement and presence in the community is second to none. Combining the talent and resources of both our institutions will enhance the outreach and service we provide to our residents, develop innovative approaches to enhance wellness and preparedness and create a pipeline to develop future public health officials,鈥� DiVincenzo said.

鈥淐ounty Executive DiVincenzo understands the importance of public health and I appreciate the guidance and support he has given as we have worked to create a public health program that responds and can adapt to the needs of our diverse community. Joining with 精品成人福利在线 brings two public health powerhouses together in a relationship that will benefit our residents,鈥� said Maya Harlow, Essex County Public Health Officer and Director of the Essex County Office of Public Health Management.

The agreement formalizes an existing working relationship between the two entities and strengthens their shared commitment to serve the public, foster research initiatives and share resources when needed. By working more closely together, the County and University will be able to create a coordinated approach to preventing disease, promoting wellness and public health education and preparing for emergencies. The combination of practical experience by the County鈥檚 public health officials and academic insight from the University鈥檚 teachers and students is an opportunity to improve outcomes, create innovative approaches to promoting public health and serve as a model for community-centered public health practice.

In addition, the agreement creates a workforce development pathway for 精品成人福利在线 University students to gain real-world, research and data analysis experience by interning with the Essex County Office of Public Health Management. Interns would be involved in data collection and analysis, assist with existing public health programs and outreach initiatives, and participate in public advocacy and emergency preparedness in cooperation with Essex County. The University would ensure students meet academic requirements and understand the health department鈥檚 policies and procedures.

The Essex County Office of Public Health Management had a major role in organizing and administering Essex County鈥檚 highly successful COVID-19 testing and vaccination program during the pandemic. Through a partnership with RWJBarnabas Health, Essex County also has established a successful mobile outreach program and student vaccination clinic initiative.

The 精品成人福利在线 University Department of Public Health, in the College for Community Health, has worked for decades to train the public health workforce of NJ, with alumni in public health leadership roles across the state and the region, to address a wide range of public health needs. These have included responding to the Covid-19 pandemic, maternal and child health challenges in the state, tobacco and substance use reduction, and more.

Discover More at Montclair

Prospective Students and Parents:听Plan your visit听and听take your first step听in听. Learn more about the听Department of Public Health听in the听College for Community Health.
Journalists:听Contact听Media Relations听for assets or to schedule an interview on this topic.

鈥淭he From Trauma to Healing: Healing-Centered Approaches to Trauma in Families and Communities course was so much more than I expected. I feel so much better prepared as a professional,鈥� says Przywara. 鈥淚 can say with confidence that this has changed my approach and deepened my understanding.鈥�

A Needed Collaboration

Now in its third cohort, which begins October 13, the trauma-centered certificate course is a collaboration between Montclair鈥檚听Department of Family Science and Human Development听(FSHD), in the听College for Community Health, and the New Jersey Department of Children and Families鈥� (DCF)听

The program is designed for professionals in the education, law enforcement, social services and mental health fields where understanding trauma鈥檚 impact is critical.

鈥淲e鈥檙e so deeply appreciative to Montclair for creating a course of this caliber,鈥� says Office of Resilience Executive Director Rebecca Bryan. 鈥淢ontclair was a perfect fit for this kind of work because it鈥檚 community focused, and we鈥檙e community focused.鈥�

FSHD Chair Lyndal Khaw adds: 鈥淭his course fulfills New Jersey鈥檚 goal of being a trauma-informed and healing-centered state, while advancing President Jonathan Koppell鈥檚 mandate to be a public-serving institution. It benefits professionals who work with people and helps strengthen communities around us.鈥�

Impact on Professional and Personal Life

Przywara says the course has changed how she interacts in all her roles:

As a SAC at a vocational school where students are referred to her for a range of matters, sometimes behavioral issues: 鈥淭here鈥檚 a story behind what students are doing. There鈥檚 a why, and once you get to that, you鈥檙e usually able to find a connection with the student.鈥�

As a private practice counselor: 鈥淚t is important to use a lens of understanding and compassion which comes from knowing and identifying the trauma and the ways to help them understand their own strengths in coping and processing that impact.鈥�

As a wife, mother of a child with autism and a cancer survivor: 鈥淭his has saturated my parenting, my relationship with my husband of 20 years; it鈥檚 made me reflective.鈥�

For Przywara, the course revealed a key insight: 鈥淲e鈥檙e not just damaged, we鈥檙e damaged and coping. That鈥檚 a special piece because then you鈥檙e not counseling 鈥榓t,鈥� you鈥檙e counseling 鈥榳ith.鈥欌��

Developing the Curriculum

The 10-week online course explores healing-centered approaches within the context of social connection. Unlike traditional trauma-informed care, it emphasizes strength, resilience and wholeness in individuals, families and communities.

The curriculum blends research on neurobiological responses to trauma with practical applications. Graduates earn continuing education credits and a micro-credential certificate jointly from Montclair and the DCF Office of Resilience.

Khaw notes: 鈥淭his was the first time FSHD offered a course designed to be community-serving and responsive. It鈥檚 an interactive, comprehensive look at trauma and how professionals can be more trauma-informed in their everyday practices to support families and children.鈥�

Robin Wanner, a care manager supervisor at Bergen鈥檚 Promise, a community-based, nonprofit organization serving more than 1,700 youth and families in Bergen County, found the course invaluable: 鈥淚n general, it helps you be a more sensitive individual, to understand or have a sensitivity to where people might be coming from in their humanity. It makes you step back and look at your own life or parenting or generations in your own family to recognize things you may not have understood before.鈥�

Creating Resiliency in New Jersey

The听听uses a Trauma-Informed Continuum 鈥� trauma aware 鈫� trauma sensitive 鈫� trauma responsive 鈫� healing centered. Bryan explains: 鈥淲hen you take the final step to become healing centered, you realize that we are more than our trauma. The trauma is a part of the story, but we鈥檙e already whole; we鈥檙e incredibly resilient. The focus is strengths-based.鈥�

Demand for the course continues to grow, with enrollment doubling between the first and second cohorts. Khaw also sees potential for Montclair to expand teachings in professional development and micro-credentialing for graduates and early-career professionals.

About the Partnership

The听, created in 2020, addresses the long-term effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and promotes resilience. The office offers free statewide training, organizational support such as the Trauma Responsive Understanding Self-Assessment Tool and hosts networking opportunities through Resilient NJ Collaborative meetings.

In early 2021, New Jersey launched the听听with the goal of preventing and reducing childhood trauma and adversity. The aim is to keep students safe, healthy and in school and create opportunities to prevent and empower healing from individual, transgenerational and community trauma,

Through its partnership with Montclair, the state reserves seats for employees and provides scholarships to community members to ensure accessibility. 鈥淥ne of our deeply held beliefs is that cost should not be a barrier to this knowledge,鈥� says Bryan, emphasizing that 鈥淢ontclair is a key component of taking trauma training to the next level. This is meant to be a long-term relationship.鈥�

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

Prospective Students and Parents:听Plan your visit听and听听in applying to become a Red Hawk. Learn more about the听Department of Family Science and Human Development听in the听College for Community Health.

Journalists:听Contact听Media Relations听for assets or to schedule an interview with faculty or students.

Oscaterin Bautista begins her day at 5 a.m., carving out quiet hours to study before her four children wake. At 35, she balances motherhood, a full-time job and a double major at 精品成人福利在线 University 鈥� all while championing young children鈥檚 school readiness. This documentary photo essay follows her journey in her own words, capturing the determination, setbacks and inspiration fueling her pursuit of higher education.

鈥淚鈥檓 grateful to contribute to something meaningful, to inspire others to begin their educational journey and to show that it鈥檚 never too late if we have the motivation and desire to grow,鈥� she says.

As told to Marilyn Joyce Lehren

Study Time

Even if I only get three hours of sleep, I know it鈥檚 worth it. Soon, I鈥檒l have my degree and that will open more doors for us. I want my kids to see that it鈥檚 possible.鈥�

I remind myself this is a temporary sacrifice 鈥� I want to be a role model for my kids 鈥� I can鈥檛 expect them to be something I鈥檓 not.鈥�

Breakfast and Family Routine

I鈥檓 really thankful for my kids; they help me a lot. My 15-year-old takes care of the younger ones when I have evening classes.鈥�

On the Job:听Advocating for Families

We have families of every background. I see the worries and the hopes. My job is to remind them help is not a punishment and you are not alone.鈥�

I have a caseload of 113 families. I help them with self-assessments and services, even paperwork they鈥檙e afraid to fill out. Sometimes I see what鈥檚 missing 鈥� maybe a child isn鈥檛 getting vaccines or a family needs food. If I can, I help them in my office 鈥� especially if they鈥檙e afraid of being misunderstood or if there are language barriers.鈥�

I keep the notes as special reminders of my connection with the children, especially throughout their journey to kindergarten. I鈥檝e been part of some families鈥� lives for one to three years, and when they leave our program, a real connection remains 鈥� because I see their faces daily and a bond is built. Creating an impact on the little ones is truly priceless, even if they might not remember me when they grow up.鈥�

Evening: Family, Homework and Baseball

I鈥檓 there as his number one fan, even if he strikes out.鈥�

Back to School

At first, I was scared to go back to college. I was 30 with four children, surrounded by classmates half my age. But I met others like me and I learned I wasn鈥檛 alone.鈥�

The support from professors and the resources available have prepared me to grow stronger as a family advocate 鈥� Sometimes, while working on ourselves, we can lose sight of who we are, but the feedback from my professors reminds me of who I want to become and why I am here.鈥�

After I graduate, I want to get my master鈥檚 in social work and create a nonprofit that makes sure no family falls through the cracks. I want to use my experiences to make things easier for other families. If I鈥檝e struggled, so have others 鈥� and no one should face that journey alone.鈥�

听for a more complete look at Oscaterin鈥檚 day as a mother, student and family advocate.

Are You Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

• Plan your visit听and听听in applying to become a Red Hawk!

鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 hear or see anything,鈥� Eloy says. 鈥淚 had no clue the photo was being taken. All I could feel 鈥� see, sense 鈥� was joy.鈥�

Eloy earned her听Master of Public Health听degree and works as an Assistant Community Director at the Village Apartments. Her celebration on the Prudential Center floor marked more than just the end of a degree 鈥� it was the fulfillment of years of dedication, resilience and faith.

鈥淚n that moment, all of the hard work, prayers, trials and obstacles that I had overcome were brought to remembrance. This is a celebration of the journey ahead and the many more milestones I will accomplish.鈥�

From Graduation to Global Impact

While pursuing her MPH, Eloy interned at Be Well Women鈥檚 Health, an OBGYN practice in Northfield, New Jersey, where she connected her coursework to clinical practice.

鈥淚n my time there, I worked on cultural competency, addressing health disparities, and ensuring quality patient care,鈥� she says.

Eloy isn鈥檛 done yet. She plans to continue her education and attend medical school 鈥� driven by a lifelong passion for health care and a desire to give back.

鈥淚 spent much of my childhood in Haiti, and over the years I鈥檝e witnessed the challenges many face due to a lack of medical resources,鈥� she says. 鈥淎 long-term goal is to open a clinic in Haiti and provide care to those who otherwise might go without.鈥�

As she looks ahead, Eloy says she鈥檚 more confident than ever in her calling.

鈥淚鈥檝e grown to see the light that shines within me, and I can鈥檛 wait to let that light shine out into the world 鈥� a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden.鈥�

This story is part of a series celebrating 精品成人福利在线 University鈥檚 Spring Commencement 2025 graduates听鈥� students who embody the University鈥檚 mission to broaden access to exceptional learning and contribute to the common good.

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

• Prospective Students:听Learn more about听Montclair admissions, our听Graduate School, and the听College for Community Health.
• Journalists:听Contact our听Media Relations听team to request assets or schedule an interview with a member of the Class of 2025.

Doctor of Audiology students at 精品成人福利在线 University Grace Gleba and Nicole Genser were both born with hearing loss and fitted with hearing aids as infants. This week, they graduate with听Audiology听degrees and don white coats, marking their transition from students to professionals, during a ceremony at the听Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Their story is a full-circle journey that started at Summit Speech School, a preschool dedicated to teaching spoken language to children who are deaf or hard of hearing. They were not close at the time and only discovered that coincidence years later when they reconnected at Montclair, drawn independently to the same program by personal experiences and a shared desire to help others.

鈥淚t feels like an invisible string tied us together,鈥� says Gleba. 鈥淭his shared experience from our early years somehow strengthened our connection in adulthood. Reconnecting in grad school felt like the culmination of a journey that began long ago.鈥�

Genser agrees: 鈥淲e鈥檝e supported one another while learning to navigate this field 鈥� not just as patients, but now as providers. Being able to lean on someone who gets it makes the challenges feel less overwhelming and lonely. It鈥檚 comforting to know our bond is now lifelong.鈥�

Doctor of Audiology Program Director Maryrose McInerney says Gleba and Genser have been exceptional students. 鈥淕race and Nicole bring a unique and empathetic perspective to audiology shaped by their hearing loss,鈥� she says. 鈥淏oth are academic standouts, servant-leaders and passionate advocates.鈥�

Fueling Purpose Through Advocacy

Gleba鈥檚 advocacy began early. As a child, she became the namesake of 鈥淕race鈥檚 Law,鈥� enacted in 2009 to require insurance coverage for children鈥檚 hearing aids in New Jersey. Last year, the law expanded to include cochlear implants.

Her diagnosis resulted from voluntary newborn hearing screening; today,听听are mandated statewide. Her mother, Jeanine Gleba, discovered that hearing aids weren鈥檛 covered by insurance for newborns. Mother and daughter fought for legislative change for nearly a decade.

鈥淲hen a parent learns at birth that their child is deaf, it is devastating,鈥� Jeanine says. 鈥淵ou don鈥檛 know if they will ever hear words such as 鈥業 love you,鈥� speak like the rest of the hearing world or have a successful career. You wonder if many doors might not be opened for a child with a disability and what challenges lie ahead.鈥�

But the Glebas helped prepare Grace to succeed in a hearing world. 鈥淲e never let her deafness define her, and we always had high expectations for her,鈥� Jeanine says.

How Montclair鈥檚 Audiology Program Made the Difference

Gleba and Genser thrived in Montclair鈥檚 research-based, patient-centered program, the only doctoral audiology program in New Jersey.

They collaborated on pioneering research that addressed challenges faced by audiologists with hearing loss, focusing on clinical tools like listening scopes. Gleba, who presented her findings on 鈥淎ssessment of Modified Listening Stethoscopes for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Audiologists with Emphasis on Gain and Frequency Shifting鈥� at the New Jersey Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NJSLHA) explains that standard listening checks weren鈥檛 always accessible due to her own hearing loss.

鈥淚 was unable to dependably listen to hearing aids programmed for individuals with milder hearing loss. As a result, I found myself depending either on verified objective measurements or on my normal-hearing peers to complete listening checks,鈥� Gleba says. 鈥淚 realized this wasn鈥檛 just a personal hurdle 鈥� it was a broader issue of equity in clinical practice.鈥�

Genser explored a related topic: 鈥�.鈥� She presented at state and national conferences and published in the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association鈥檚 academic journal. 听鈥淚 feel fortunate to have spent four years in a program that not only provided a strong clinical foundation, but also truly encouraged student initiative and ideas,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 was supported in my desire to share my work beyond the classroom through widespread means that help move our field forward, establish the narrative, and amplify underrepresented perspectives.鈥�

Leadership Beyond the Classroom

Both women balanced rigorous academic and clinical schedules with part-time jobs and extensive community service. They:

• Conducted hearing screenings at events such as New Jersey Special Olympics, Head Start Screening Days or at senior centers
• Served as co-presidents of the Student Academy of Audiology
• Participated in NJSLHA鈥檚 Advocacy Day at the state capitol in Trenton
• Serve on the Board of Trustees for the Hearing Loss Association of America 鈥� New Jersey chapter

In addition, Gleba served two years as a doctoral assistant on the New Jersey Hearing Aid Project, playing a key role in coordinating services statewide for low-income seniors.

Supported by Faculty, Family and听Friendship

Despite the demands of graduate school, both credit their success to support from family, faculty and each other.

鈥淗aving a strong, understanding support network made all the difference,鈥� Genser says. 鈥淲ithout the people I leaned on, the road would have been much harder.鈥�

Gleba adds: 鈥淚 hope to pay it forward by holding the door open for others who share similar goals and dreams.鈥�

Bright Futures in Hearing Health

Gleba and Genser have both accepted jobs as audiologists at clinics where they completed their residencies: Gleba as vestibular director at Adept Audiology in Florida, and Genser at the Center for Hearing and Communication in Manhattan.

鈥淐ompleting my doctoral degree is a deeply meaningful, full-circle moment for me,鈥� says Genser. 鈥淣ow, I finally get to live that dream.鈥�

Gleba reflects: 鈥� Individuals with hearing loss often face additional challenges in reaching academic milestones, such as earning a doctoral degree. That鈥檚 why this moment is especially meaningful to me 鈥� it鈥檚 a personal achievement and a symbol of breaking the glass ceiling that others like me continue to face.鈥�

Jeanine Gleba is excited to celebrate her daughter鈥檚 achievement: 鈥淔or all parents, graduation is a shining moment and a joy to witness. This is quite a culmination for Grace and our family, much more so than Grace鈥檚 Law. Our daughter is now a doctor! Proud is an understatement.鈥�

The University will听celebrate its graduates at Commencement听exercises on Wednesday, May 7 and Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.听

Story by听Sylvia A. Martinez, University Communications and Marketing

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

• Prospective Students and Parents:听Learn more about听Montclair admissions, our听Audiology听graduate program and the听Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.
• Journalists:听Contact the听Media Relations team听for assets or to schedule an interview with a member of the Class of 2025.

Major:听Food and Nutrition Science听with a concentration in听Sustainable Food Systems in the听College for Community Health

Resides: On campus

How She Chose Montclair

Katie had a friend who was attending and wanted to know someone on campus. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 want to have to go to college alone and try to make new friends,鈥� she said.

Jump-Starting Success: The Summer Bridge Program

A Passion for Food and Sustainability

Adjusting to College Life

Favorite Class

Lab Time: Chemistry听

Advice to Prospective Students

鈥淟ook at Rate My Professors; that鈥檚 an important thing. That would probably be the best thing I鈥檝e learned.鈥�

Future Career Goals

After taking a food safety class, Katie discovered a new career interest: 鈥淚 want to be a health inspector of restaurants.鈥�

Photos by University Photographer听Mike Peters.

Ready to start your own听Montclair听life?

Are you a鈥μ�

Prospective Student or Parent?听Learn more about听Nutrition and Food Science,听Sustainable Food Systems听or other听College for Community Health听programs or plan a听visit to our campus听and take the first step in听applying to become a Red Hawk.

Journalist?

Contact the听Media Relations team听for assets or to schedule an interview with a graduating student.