2021 NJPA Mid-Year Report

NJPAExecutiveBoard

President: Daniel Lee,PsyD

President-Elect: Peter DeNigris,PsyD

Past-President: LucySant’AnnaTakagi, PsyD

Secretary: Mary Blakeslee,PhD

Treasurer: MarcGironda, PsyD

Parliamentarian: JosephCoyne, PhD

Members-at-Large

PhyllisBolling, PhD

Aida Ismael-Lennon,PsyD

Elio Arrechea, PhD

Nicole J.Rafanello, PhD

Aileen Torres,PhD

DanielDaSilva,PhD

APA CouncilRepresentative: Rhonda Allen,PhD

Special Representatives:

ECP Chair: Melany Rivera Maldonado, PhD

NJPAGS Chair: JaredHammond

Afiliate CaucusChair: Phyllis Bolling, PhD

CODI Co-Chairs:

PhyllisBolling, PhDandSusan Herschman, PsyD

Executive Director: KeiraBoertzel-Smith, JD

Directorof Professional Affairs: SusanC. McGroarty, PhD

Affiliate Organization Representaties: NortheastCountiesAssociationofPsychologists: Nansie Ross, PsyD

Essex/Union CountyAssociationofPsychologists: Sara TedrickParikh, PhD

Mercer County PsychologicalAssociation: TBD

Middlesex CountyAssociation ofPsychologists: TammyDorff,PsyD

Monmouth/OceanCountyPsychological Association: DeirdreWaters, PsyD

Morris County Psychological Association: TBD

Somerset/Hunterdon/WarrenCounty Psychological

Association: Janie Feldman,PsyD

South Jersey PsychologicalAssociation: TBD

AN OVERVIEW

Todaywearestillmanagingthedramatic,long-term shiftinhowweoperateasanassociationandasa profession.Howhasthepandemicchangedtheway weoperateasanassociation?Whattrendsarewe seeinginmembership,advocacy,yourpracticeneeds, andforthefutureoftheprofession?Inthisyear'smidyearreport,wereflectonthepandemicandemerging trends,andtheirimpactonourfinancialhealth,the majorissueswewillbefocusingon,andourpriorities fortheupcomingyearandbeyond

Howdothefivepillarsoftheassociationadjustas welooktowardthefuture?

Membership

Howhasourmembershipchangedinthelastfive years?Whatconcernsdomembershavetodayand movingforward?

Communications

Alookatourevolvingdigitalcommunications,social mediapresence,memberengagement,andtargeted communications:howdowestructureourmessagingin thefuture?

Advocacy

Areviewofourcurrentlegislativeactionsand engagementthroughournewVoterVoiceplatform,our futurelegislativepriorities,andanexaminationof federallegislationthatisimportantwithinNJ

ContinuingEducation

Transformationofourprogrammingformatstoadjustto ourcurrentenvironment,itsimpactonaccessibility,and futureprogrammingtopicsofimportancetoyou.

AssociationBusiness

Ananalysisofourfinancialstatus,newstrategicplan priorities,andgoalsforthefuture

KeiraBoertzel-Smith ExecutiveDirector

WELCOME!

Round Robin Discussion on The Future of Psychology

Daniel Lee, PsyD President

As NJPA President, I hosted a round robin conversation about the future of psychology with a few key NJPA members: Committee on Legislative Affairs Chair, Dr Virginia Waters; Early Career Psychologist Committee Chair, Dr Melany Rivera Maldonado; NJPAGS Chair, Jared Hammond; Member-At-Large and COLA member, Dr Aida Ismael-Lennon; Past-President, Dr Lucy Sant'Anna Takagi; and Executive Director, Keira Boertzel-Smith Listen

Here!

Keira Boertzel-Smith Executive Director

Ayearlater,muchofthenoveltyoftheonce-in-a-generationsenseofshared humanity,drivingusalltoadaptandperformatunimaginablyhighlevelsof productivity,haswashedaway Thereisexhaustioninthe2021air,andIam absolutelyfeelingit,too Thisisanomnipresentcloudofexhaustion,notmerely maskandZoomburnout Wearelivingamongongoingfearsaboutthevirus alphabetvariants,economicuncertainty,concernsaboutthewell-beingofloved ones,andtheexacerbatedexistingafflictionsoftheworld So,whatdowedo withallthis?Howdowe,asanassociationandindividuals,moveforwardintothe future?

Isaywemoveforward,together,withgrit,thatiswithcourage, conscientiousness,goal-setting,resilience,andexcellenceAngelaDuckworth,aleadingspeakeron“grit,”definesitas “passionandsustainedpersistenceappliedtowardlong-termachievement,withnoparticularconcernforrewardsor recognitionalongtheway.Itcombinesresilience,ambition,andself-controlinthepursuitofgoalsthattakemonths,years,or evendecades”AstheexecutivedirectorofNJPA,Ihavemyreliablegrittokeepmegoingeachday IworkcloselywithNJPAleadership,theexecutiveboard,andNJPACentralOfficestafftoensurewegetthisright,not perfect,butrightWearereopeningtheNJPACentralOfficeforourstaffandmembers,withcautionandfaithWeare researching2022continuingeducationprogramvenues,andwaystomakesomein-personlearningandnetworking opportunitieshappen,safely,forourattendees.WeareincreasinguseofourVoterVoiceadvocacyplatformtospreadour advocacymessagestomembersandbeyondsothatNJPAmaymakepermanentchangesinNewJerseytofurtherpromote, protect,andenhancethescienceandprofessionofpsychologyWearebuildingandusingouroutreachlistsofpotential memberstoincreaseourmembershipWearemakingsurethefaceofNJPArepresentsthediversityofourmembers’work settings,practiceareas,populationsserved,geographiclocations,andsomuchmoreWeareimplementingnewwaysto encourageparticipationinaleadershippipelineforNJPA,theNJPAFoundation,andtheNJP-PAC.Icouldgoonandon aboutthepathwaytothefutureThispublicationcoversmanyofthedifferentwayswearemovingforward,withgritEnjoy!

JoinusattheSeptember17,2021(9am–10:30am)AssociationCheck-InZoomeventtotalkallthingsNJPA Learnhow NJPAismakingadifferenceintheprofessionofpsychologyinNewJersey.Registerinadvanceforthismeeting:Click heretoregister Afterregistering,youwillreceiveaconfirmationemailcontaininginformationaboutjoiningthemeeting

ASSOCIATION FINANCES

I began my term as treasurer in January, 2021, and quickly hit the ground running There was much to review after an unprecedented year in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In February, we wished a happy retirement to long time NJPA bookkeeper, Marion Medow We used this opportunity for change namely, NJPA began making use of more online tools to manage our accounts receivable and payable This allows for easier access to real time financial numbers for decision-making NJPA also outsourced the bookkeeping role to an accounting firm The accountant is working with us to update our chart of accounts and money processing administration.

Marc Gironda, PsyD Treasurer

One priority, as NJPA looks for ways to strengthen our financial position, is to make better use of our investment account At the June 2021 NJPA Executive Board Meeting, Mariner Wealth Advisors, Megan Brozowski, CFP, CDFA, and Sonia Morales, CFP, attended as guests and presented an investment re-allocation comparison report This report offered four risk target options: Moderate Conservative, Moderate, Growth, and Aggressive risk targets.

We are operating at the “Moderate Conservative” risk target, but it is suggested that NJPA use these investments to generate income for the organization A more “growth” oriented target was therefore recommended This would shift a larger proportion of our investments from cash and fixed income to equities The benefit is NJPA can make significantly more money from our investments The downside is NJPA risks losing more money if there is a market downturn Note that for the past decade equities have been up overall. On July 21, the NJPA Executive Board approved the Growth Risk Target and to review our investment risk targets on an annual basis We are working with Mariner Wealth Advisors to implement the Executive Board’s decision

In August 2021, we will begin planning the NJPA budget for 2022, with a plan for approval in the fourth quarter of this year. I look forward to finding ways to keep NJPA on sure financial footing, with an eye towards stability in the future.

ORGANIZATIONAL HEALTH & VIABILITY

Our Strategic Plan for the Future

The NJPA strategic plan is used to drive the association’s initiatives, directs the activities of the Executive Board, leadership team, and committee chairs, and shapes our communication with members and external partners about the association’s goals and the actions needed to achieve those goals. It is time to reflect and begin our future planning.

NJPA is working with Randall P. White, PhD, a founding partner of Executive Development Group and international thought leader in the field of executive coaching and leadership development. He is co-head of Leadership at HEC Paris (and Doha) and the TRIUM Global Executive MBA program. He also teaches with Duke Corporate Education (Durham and London). As we begin to plan out the future path for the association, we identified these starting points as we begin to build the 20232027 Strategic Plan:

Understand our Mission & Desired Association Culture

Understand the NJPA Ecosystem

Advocacy, Communications, Continuing Education, & Membership Focus, & Association Business (Five Pillars)

Infusion of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Strategic Plan Execution & Ownership of the Work

Listen to Dr. White's presentation to the Executive Board below:

An Introduction to NJPA's Future

REOPENING IN AN ONGOING PANDEMIC WORLD

As you can expect, the pandemic is still on most of our minds, but now with a twist. What do we do now?

by, Director of Professional Affairs, Susan McGroarty, PhD

NJPA members want to know and understand how to move forward now that the emergency orders are lifting, and regulations are changing or are still in flux NJPA President, Dr Daniel Lee, interviewed me on reopening and moving forward in our work

Click on the link below to listen to the NJPA Power of the Spoken Podcast recording that covers these reopening items:

The current recommendations/rules about whether psychologists should meet in-person or continue to do telehealth

Ethical guidelines for in-person meetings

Avoiding discriminatory practices regarding vaccinated/unvaccinated patients

In office mask wearing

Brick-and-mortar office space

Telehealth legislation and PSYPACT

Reopening Resources

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE

Note that the COVID pandemic environment is rapidly changing. This podcast was recorded in June 2021, and some items are subject to change

Dr Susan McGroarty is an associate adjunct professor at Rowan School of Medicine and Director of Behavioral Medicine Prior to joining Rowan, she was a tenured adjunct professor at Chestnut Hill College doctoral program in clinical psychology and she is currently the NJPA Director of Professional Affairs Dr McGroarty loves paddle boarding and in the warm weather spend hours paddling and exploring the bays and inlets around Ocean City, NJ.

MEET THE 2022 BOARD SLATE CANDIDATES!

TheNJPAExecutiveBoardispleasedtointroducethe2022BoardSlateCandidates!

Watchforouremailinvitation to meet the candidates at our liveZoomevent, and be sure tovote in September!(open to voting members)!

Thevotingperiodcommences onthefirstTuesday of Septemberandwillremainopenforthreeweeksafter electronicvotingbegins. Asstated inthe NJPAbylaws, allNJPAelectionsshallfollowthe policies andprocedures setforthbytheNominations andLeadershipDevelopmentCommitteeandapprovedbytheExecutiveBoard.

President-Elect: Aida Ismael-Lennon, PsyD

Nomination Statement

CV

Secretary: Alexandra Miller, PsyD

Nomination Statement

CV

(Affiliate) Member-At-Large: Deirdre Waters, PsyD

Nomination Statement

CV

(Membership) Member-At-Large: Alexandra Gil, PsyD

Nomination Statement

CV

Each NJPA candidate’s statement of interest will be shared by NJPA via internal communication means. In September, this statement will also be posted once by the NJPA LISTSERV chair on the NJPA Members Only LISTSERV. The candidates may include an email for members to ask follow up questions via backchannel. The LISTSERV chair will determine in which order the statements will be released. Read the NJPA campaign guidelines here.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s !

2021 Division 31 Psychologist of the Year Award Winner!

NJPA Past-President

Dr. Lucy Sant'Anna Takagi

This award honors a psychologist whose distinguished contributions may include demonstrating outstanding leadership in state, provincial, or territorial psychological association(s) (SPTA). APA Division 31 President, Dr. Kathleen Ashton, shares that Division 31 is proud of Dr. Takagi’s many accomplishments and thanked her for the work that she does on behalf of psychology and state associations every day. Dr. Takagi will be presented with the award at the virtual awards ceremony at the APA Convention.

Join us for the 2021 NJPA Virtual Awards Ceremony!

Each year, NJPA seeks nominations for important recognition awards that highlight the accomplishments of NJPA members, private citizens, and mental health advocates who strengthen and advance the field of psychology and promote mental health awareness. These awards include:

Lifetime Achievement Award Psychologist of the Year

Dr. Stanley Moldawsky Mentor Award

Academic & Scientific Awards Foundation Awards

Legislator of the Year Award

Awards will be presented in a virtual ceremony during the NJPA Fall Conference. Read about the awards here. Watch for our email invitation to attend!

THE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

1620 TOTAL MEMBERS

Aileen Torres, PhD Membership Committee Chair

Weexcelathelpingourmembers succeed!

Youdon'thavetowonderalone! Yourprofessionalworkisoftenquitesolitary. It's commonformanytofeelisolatedandalone, especiallywhenfacedwithapressingquestion aboutapracticeissueoranethicalsituationthat youcannotdiscusswithfriendsorfamily.We haveexcellentresourcesavailabletohelpyou feelmoreconnectedandcaredfor.

FREEPROFESSIONAL CONSULTATIONS!

TwovaluableNJPAmemberbenefitsinclude confidentialphoneconsultationswithDirectorof ProfessionalAffairs,SusanMcGroarty,and/or withthemembersoftheEthicsEducationand ResourceCommittee.Allconsultationsarefreeof chargetoyou!Theseconsultationsaretwo importantwaysthatwecontinuetoshowour supportforyou!

Wheneveryouhaveapracticequestionorfacean ethicaldilemma,remember,youdon'thaveto wonderalone!

ScheduleaDPAConsultation

ScheduleanEthicsConsultation

45% New members joined!

Total number of NJ licensed psychologists

Total number of NJPA licensed psychologists

Percentage of licensed psychologists in NJ who are NJPA members:

40%

THE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

When the COVID-19 global pandemic broke in early 2020, a can-do spirit set in, both individually and collectively, to care for others and to get our association work done. Fifteen months later, we are all managing the dramatic, long-term shift to how we operate as individuals, an association, and as a profession moving forward. Over the next few months, we will focus on how to optimize the impact of virtual leadership to ensure that we:

help NJPA staff and members have the most positive experiences so that we can deliver the most positive results on a sustainable basis; are prepared to shift the NJPA business model and organizational structure as the world continues to evolve; and strive on individual and collective bases to retain the energy, vitality, and enthusiasm needed in helping NJPA to move forward.

As we continute to move forward, remember these important benefits that are available to you:

We recently introduced our new Continuing Education Certificate (Transcript) Storage Portal, an online organizational tool that will help you keep track of your CE activities! This tool enables you to organize your CE activities into categories: general, domestic violence, and opioid. It also keeps a running balance of your earned CE credits, and allows you to store CE certificates earned from programs you attend outside of NJPA. This online tool should be used in conjunction with paper copies of your certificates.

NOTE: You must keep documentation of continuing education certificates you are issued as per the Board of Psychological Examiners Regulations 13:42 10.21(a) and (b).

NJ ADVOCACY

Our

Committment

We are committed to strengthening our political outreach and advocating for the interests of New Jersey psychologists and mental health issues that are important to the public

Introducing VoterVoice!

VoterVoice, our new tool, helps you keep track of important legislation we are supporting and notifies you when it's time to take action! As 2021 progressed and we faced the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, our legislative priorities focused on advocating for the continued expansion of access to mental healthcare through telehealth and PSYPACT Advocating for these issues were at the top of our legislative agenda and your support and outreach were instrumental in reaching legislators and Governor Murphy

Big Wins! With your help we achieved:

June 30 Action Alert! Passes both Houses

Contact Governor Murphy

June 10 Action Alert!

Passes both houses; Contact Governor Murphy to sign into law

NJ ADVOCACY

Next Steps

Understanding Our Legislative Positions

We hope to build off the momentum from 2021 Q1 & Q2 and carry it into the remainder of the year. On our advocacy web page, you will find current bills that we are actively supporting. We encourage you to read about this legislation and take action where indicated. You may also use the View Key Legislation button to view the list of bills we are currently following.

In reviewing legislation, COLA will recommend one of the below positions to the NJPA executive board for board vote Action needs approval of NJPA executive board

Actively Support: requires the full resources behind a bill, including financial support, grassroots activation, written communication, lobbying by the NJPA government affairs agent (GAA), and preparing legislative hearing testimony

Support: may require written communication indicating our support Limited resources committed to effort. NJPA’s GAA may lobby if necessary. Seeking Amendments: requires written proposed amendment(s) to be sent to sponsor(s), which may occur in conjunction with support or oppose positions.

NJPA’s GAA agent may lobby if necessary.

Monitor: Bill remains in the NJPA bill report. COLA will be advised by the NJPA GAA of any significant movement in case amendments are proposed which may change our position.

Oppose: may require a letter from NJPA indicating our opposition. Limited resources committed to effort NJPA’s GAA may lobby if necessary

Actively Oppose: requires the full resources in opposition of a bill, including, financial support, grassroots activation, preparing testimony to present at legislative hearings NJPA’s GAA shall actively lobby sponsor(s), committees, legislature, and the governor’s office

No Position: Bill has no significant impact on psychology and is carried in the NJPA bill report for historical purposes only

Our Ongoing Legislative Focus:

Risk of Harm to Self or Others

Integrated Care

Expansion of Telehealth

Public and Private Reimbursement

Licensure and Professional Issues

PSYPACT

Education and Mental Health Services

FEDERAL ADVOCACY

American Psychological Association Education Advocacy Summit

On July 25, 2021, NJPA members participated in the APA Education Advocacy Summit: NJPA Committee on Legislative Affairs Chair and NJPA Federal Advocacy Coordinator, Dr. Virginia Waters, NJPA COLA Members Drs. Aida Ismael-Lennon and Harold Zullow, and NJPAGS member Dominique Reminick. Our House "asks" included cosponsoring the Increasing Access to Mental Health in Schools Act (H R 3572) and the Comprehensive Mental Health in Schools Pilot Program Act (H R 3549) They thanked our representatives for passing the Mental Health Services for Students Act (H R 721) In the Senate, our "asks" were to cosponsor the Mental Health Services for Students Act (S 1841), the Increasing Access to Mental Health in Schools Act (S 1811), and to support the introduction of the Comprehensive Mental Health in Schools Pilot Program Act.

Participating in the APA's Advocacy Summit on Advancing the Role of Psychology in Education and Student Well-Being was an incredibly enriching and rewarding experience for me. I'm thankful for the opportunity to gain insight into the legislative process, strengthen my communication skills, and collaborate with fellow NJPA colleagues to advocate for increased mental health resources in our schools. The pandemic has made issues related to mental health and well-being more salient than ever, particularly for school-aged youth, and I believe it is essential for current and future psychologists to harness their expertise and use their collective voices to galvanize support to increase crucial resources for populations in need.

~ Dominique Reminick, MA

APA Practice Leadership Conference

March 5-7 and March 14 - 15, 2021

COVID-19 Recovery and the Future of Practice

by,NJPAExecutiveDirector,KeiraBoertzel-Smith

Everyyear,theAmericanPsychological Associationgathersdelegatesfromstate, provincial,andterritorialpsychological associationsatthePracticeLeadership Conferencetoprovideadvocacytrainingfor leadersinthefieldofpsychology.Following severaldaysoftrainingevents,thedelegates headtoCapitolHilltomeetwiththeir congressionalandstaterepresentatives.

OnMonday,March15,NJPAdelegateshad productivevirtualCapitolHillvisits.Wewereglad tobeabletodiscusshealthequity,thecurrent andfuturepathsofaccesstocareviatelehealth services,andsupportingthefutureprovidersof psychologicalservices.Wemetvirtuallywiththe officesofSenatorBooker,SenatorMenendez, RepresentativeSires,RepresentativePayne, RepresentativeMalinowski,andRepresentative Sherrill.

Learnmoreaboutstateandfederaladvocacy initiativesrelatedtopsychologyhere.

2021 NJPA Practice Leadership Delegates

(L to R) NJPA Diversity Delegate, Dominique Reminick; NJPA Early Career Delegate, Dr. Melany Rivera Maldonado; NJPA Past- President, Dr. Lucy Sant'Anna Takagi; NJPA Federal Advocacy Coordinator, Dr. Virginia Waters; NJPA Executive Director, Keira Boertzel-Smith; NJPA President-Elect, Dr. Peter DeNigris; NJPA President, Dr. Daniel Lee. Not pictured: Director of Professional Affairs, Dr. Susan McGroarty

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Our Goals

NJPA CE programs broaden the clinical, academic, consultative, and research knowledge bases for the purpose of facilitating the highest quality of professional work This is accomplished by providing meaningful CE programs which:

Increase the scope of knowledge and skills in areas of specialization and emerging areas of practice and study; and Facilitate the integration of practice and research to foster and sustain an active sense of critical inquiry.

There’s a stigma regarding online learning, especially in doctoral training It’s often perceived as lower quality, and there’s the perception that advisers can’t adequately train and supervise students using online platforms ...That perception hasn’t kept pace with the reality.

FrancineConway,PhD

Dean,RutgersUniversity,GSAPP

Past-President,NationalCouncilofSchoolsand ProgramsofProfessionalPsychology

NJPAPast-DirectorofAcademic&ScientificAffairs

This content originally appeared in the July, 2021 issue of Monitor on Psychology, published by the American Psychological Association Used with permission

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Most requested CE programs topics based on 2021 CE program attendee feedback:

CBT, DBT, Psychodynamic Anxiety, Trauma, Suicide

CE Program Topics

NJPA, Affiliate, & Homestudy: Number of Programs Offered Through the Years (2017 - 2021)

Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, Multicultural Competency: 30

Education and Mental Health Services: 16

Forensics: 12

Innovations of Practice (Integrated Care, RxP, Telehealth, PSYPACT): 4

Mindfulness: 7

Populations Served: 38

Practice Areas: 21

Practice Orientations: 31

Professional Issues: Licensure, Ethics, Legal & Regulatory: 23

Risk of Harm to Self or Others (Including DV and Suicide): 22

Substance Use (Including Opioids): 14

Diversity & Multiculturalism

Telehealth

Child Therapy

NJPA VIRTUAL FALL CONFERENCE

October 29 & 30

November 1 & 3

Upcoming CE Programs!

Approved Licensure Act

Amendments: Revised Training Requirements for Psychologists (1.5 CE)

Live Webinar

September 30, 2021

11:00 AM-12:45 PM

Registration now open!

Future 2021 Programs

Details to come!

October

Fall Journal Homestudy CE

November

Ethics and Supervision

December

RxP IMPAC Program Children and Trauma

In-Person Events: Back on track in 2022! (within NJ/CDC guidelines)

January 2022: DV Program

April 2022: Spring Conference The Business of Psychology

Nov 2022: Fall Conference Neuropsychology

Details to come!

KEEPING IN TOUCH

We continue to explore and utilize a multifaceted approach when communicating information about psychology, the practice of psychology, and the importance of mental health. This helps us to further the NJPA mission: The advancement of psychology as a science, as a profession, and as a means of promoting health and human welfare in an atmosphere that supports the diversity of its members and the society at large. We recognize the need to integrate modern forms of communication with more traditional modes, as we grow and build on the tools we use to communicate information today and into the future

Social Media Followers

NJPAWebsite(www.psychologynj.org): We workcontinuously tobring the most current informationand resources to our members andthepublic. With over 28.1K new users and133.1K page views(YTD), our website isgrowing itsaudienceevery day.

Most visited pages: 1) Member Login, 2) Find a Psychologist, 3) Member Landing page, 4) Continuing Education, and 5) Continuing Education FAQs

Mostnotable: Visits to our FindaPsychologist page grew 102%in2021 (YTD). 10.7K visits from January - June 2021.

E-Newsletter: sent out 3 times a year to over 4000 subscribers including the public and members 35% open rate

Contact Center: Association emails sent directly to members including Friday Updates, CE event notices, Foundation Flash, dues renewals, and special messages such as Member Spotlights, podcast releases, E-Newsletter distribution, and more!

LISTSERV: A members only, electronic platform for interactive discussion such as networking, sharing information and resources, and posting opportunities that are relevant to the profession of psychology NJPA Members LISTSERV: 1145; ECP LISTSERV: 245; Students LISTSERV: 176

Podcasts: Our library continues to grow in 2021! We feature discussions including Book Club reviews, highlighted Foundation Dissertation Grant awardees work, and topics on our Mental health Awareness theme, Agile Resilience Subscribe to our YouTube channel and never miss an episode!

Voter Voice: We've taken advocacy to a new level! We're making it easy for you to follow our legislative priorities, keeping you informed on the legislative process, and alerting you to calls for action We will be adding new features to help you keep track of how your legislators are voting on important mental health legislation More information about Voter Voice can be found on page 11 in this report

THE FUTURE OF PSYCHOLOGY IN ACADEMIA

As the Academic & Scientific Affairs Committee streamlines to interface with all research and training initiatives, we embody the future of psychology The NJPA graduate student association (NJPAGS) is thriving, and we continue to build their professional identities as psychologists-in-training and contributing to the practice of professional psychology

Peter Economou, PhD NJPA Director of Academic and Scientific Affairs Co-Directors MaryAnn Dunn, PhD and Jim Haugh, PhD

Trending:

Between 2003 and 2015, the number of psychologists in academic leadership positions grew by 61%, according to the APA Center for Workforce Studies

(Increases in psychologists in academic leadership, 2020). This content originally appeared in the July, 2021 issue of Monitor on Psychology, published by the American Psychological Association. Used with permission.

In 2019, 38% of psychology graduate students identified as people of color, up from 29% in 2009—and the share of tenured faculty and academic leaders of color is increasing.

(The state of the psychology training pipeline and workforce, APA, 2018; Racial/ethnic minority representation among the academic psychology workforce continues to increase, APA, 2020). This content originally appeared in the July, 2021 issue of Monitor on Psychology, published by the American Psychological Association. Used with permission.

The research process helps define psychology. One of the most rewarding NJPA experiences involves annually encouraging individuals to conduct their own research, participate in the NJPA Poster Presentations, and help share their study results during the NJPA Fall Conference Be sure to view the 2021 NJPA Poster Presentations at the 2021 Fall Conference The one-minute author narrated videos will be available to view online on the Poster Hall web page of the Fall Conference in mid-September

STAY CONNECTED

Academics

Director of Academic & Scientific Affairs:

Peter Economou, PhD

Co-Directors MaryAnn Dunn, PhD and Jim Haugh, PhD

NJPA Graduate Students: Jared Hammond

Advocacy

Committee on Legislative Affairs (COLA): Co-Chairs Virginia Waters, PhD & NJPA President-Elect, Peter DeNigris, PsyD

Federal Advocacy Coordinator: Virginia Waters, PhD

Colleague Assistance Committee (CAC)

Co-Chairs: Mary Blakeslee, PhD, and Janet Berson, PhD

Early Career Psychologists Committee

Chair: Melany Rivera Maldonado, PhD

Ethics Education & Resource Committee

Chair: Jane Simon, PhD

Integrated Care Committee

Chair: Alexandra Miller, PsyD

Communication

Publications Committee (Journal): Editor, Aaron Gubi, PhD

Public E- Newsletter: Editor, Nicole Lacherza-Drew, PsyD

Podcasts: Co-Chairs: Daniel Lee, PsyD & Jared Hammond

LISTSERV Monitoring Committee

Chair: Kelly Moore, PsyD

Continuing Education

Council on Continuing Education Affairs (CoCEA) Co-Chairs:

Mark Lowenthal, PsyD, and Marc Gironda, PhD

CoCEA

Conference Committee Co-Chairs:

Sharon Ryan Montgomery, PsyD, and Phyllis Lakin, PhD

CoCEA - Standalone Programs Committee Co-Chairs:

Nicole Paolillo, PsyD and Stacie Shivers, PsyD

CoCEA- Homestudy Committee Co-Chairs:

Nathan McClelland, PhD, and Dennis Finger, EdD

CoCEA- CE Approval Committee Co-Chairs:

Raymond F Hanbury, PhD, and Dennis Coffey, PsyD

Committees and Special Interest Groups offer learning opportunities and networking avenues.

Special Interest Groups Chairs

Forensic Psychology: Alan Lee, PsyD Health Psychology: Daniel Gallagher, PhD Psychologists for the Promotion of Child Welfare (PPCW) Workgroup: Alan Lee, PsyD Psychology in the Schools (PINS): Co-Chairs: Thomas Massarelli, PhD, & Eric Herschman, PsyD Sport Psychology: Michael Zito, PhD

NJPAEthicsCommittee

Chair,JaneSimon,PhD

Todate,theEthicsCommitteefielded50 requestsforconsultationin2021 The subjectsarewide-ranging,butmost concernedconfidentialitymorethanany othertopic Otherconsultations concernedissuesrelatedtopractice duringthepandemic,suchastelehealth, officereopening,requiringproofof vaccinationandinterjurisdictional practice Fewerquestionsaroseabout DutytoWarn,insurance, termination/abandonment,forensic issues,record-keeping,dual relationships,conflictsofinterest,abuse andissueswithacolleague

COALITIONS & PARTNERSHIPS

NJPA collaborations and partnerships allow even bigger strides in bettering the enhancement, promotion, and protection of the science and profession of psychology, and works towards improving our New Jersey communities today and in the future.

5 benefits:

More Experts at the Table

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Increased Visibility for NJPA/psychologists

Creating a Louder Advocacy Voice Expense Sharing

Inter-Mental Health and Psychological Associations Coalition (IMPAC)

Through the New Jersey Inter-Mental Health and Psychological Associations Coalition (IMPAC), NJABPsi, LMHANJ, and NJPA join together as equal partners to contribute their unique educational acumen, expertise, experience, and perspectives to obtain synergy as a resource to promote equality in mental healthcare and to zealously advocate for the mental health needs for the diverse NJ population. This will be accomplished by our respective organizations working together to develop initiatives to educate the public, as well as healthcare providers, through training, professional presentations, and mobilizing resources as needed to provide counseling and psychological services under emergent circumstances Click here to learn more.

The Rachel Coalition

In 2020, NJPA approved participation in a collaboration with the Rachel Coalition, a division of Jewish Family Service of Metro West NJ Representing NJPA are Co-Chairs: Drs Morgan Murray and Nicole Rafanello, and NJPA Task Force Members: Drs. Cynthia Lischick, Charlena Sears, Eileen Kohutis, Tamsen Thorpe, Carla Cooke, and Sharon Ryan Montgomery. Rachel Coalition Representatives: CEO Jewish Family Service of Metrowest, Dr Diane Squadron; Director of Legal Programs, Rachel Coalition, Division of Jewish Family Service, Suzanne Groisser, Esq ; Attorney, Rachel Coalition, Division of Jewish Family Service, Tara Halpern, Esq ; Rachel Coalition Volunteer, Martin Pollack, Esq In 2021,The Rachel Coalition's goals are to promote guidelines to be used with Therapeutic Supervised Visitation, increase education regarding TSV among members of the judiciary, psychologists, and other mental health providers, and promote greater safety for children in domestic violence situations Click here to learn more

Immigration Action Group's Collaborations

Co-chairs: Susan Esquilin, PhD & Monica Indart, PsyD

New Jersey Association for Infant Mental Health: This collaboration is focused on develping literature for the public and professionals regarding the unique needs of young children and their caregivers with respect to immigration stress and trauma (Work in progress) They are also working to contribute to a NJPA database of social service agencies that serve young children and their families around immigration issues.

Kids in Need of Defense (KIND)

To date, three pro bono trainings were delivered to KIND attorneys by Drs Susan Esquilin, Melany Rivera, and Aileen Torres. More pro bono trainings are in discussion Also in progress, compiling a database of psychologists for KIND attorneys to access for immigration evaluations Click here to learn more.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

Our Committee on Diversity and Inclusion (CODI) is unlike other committees of the board, as it is comprised of executive board and non-executive board NJPA members The committee is responsible for examining issues of diversity and cultural competence in the field that have an impact upon the practice of psychology, and advise the board in fostering multicultural awareness and inclusiveness within the organization CODI is working with the Membership Committee to bring the spotlight to our diverse membership populations

Immigration Action Group (IAG)

The Immigration Action Group (IAG) was proposed to, and approved by, the executive board to explore addressing the mental health needs of those directly and indirectly affected by the immigration crisis. This group will also explore the feasibility of working toward changing existing immigration policies and laws based on psychological research that demonstrates the detrimental short and long-term effects of the current practices (E g , separation of immigrant families) Read more about the IAG efforts under the Collaborations and Partnership page

APA Practice Leadership Diversity Delegate

CODI sends a NJPA Diversity Delegate to each APA Practice Leadership Conference in Washington, DC We have a long history of fully funding diversity delegates through the years that began when APA instituted training-on-diversity at the State Leadership Conference in 2000 Through the generous support of APA’s Committee for the Advancement of Professional Practice (CAPP), as well as the Office of Ethnic Minority Affair’s (OEMA) Grants for Ethnic Minority Recruitment, Retention, & Training (CEMRRAT), our own diversity initiatives have been enhanced

CODI Programs & Inititatives

CODI hosts a continuing education program or town hall at the NJPA Fall Conference Join us at the Friday, October 29 CE program Helping People Heal: Resiliency in Communities of Color with presenters Helen Hsu, PsyD, Monique Swift, PsyD, LPC, LMHC, Aileen Torres, PhD, and Sudha Wadhwani, PsyD with moderators CODI Co-Chairs, Phyllis Bolling PhD, and Susan Herschman, PsyD. Click here to read more about the CODI programs and initiatives

Does this committee interest you? If so, please consider joining! Contact Keira Boertzel-Smith to learn more

Phylllis Bolling, PhD Co-Chair Susan Herschman, PsyD Co-Chair

THE NJPA FOUNDATION

The New Jersey Psychological Association Foundation (NJPAF) was established in 1993 by the New Jersey Psychological Association as a charitable, tax-exempt organization The NJPA Foundation is the heart of NJPA! We administer and raise funds to support the training of psychology graduate students as clinicians and researchers with an emphasis on treating underserved populations. We support the mission of NJPA especially in its commitment to diversity, public health, underserved populations and the training of graduate students in psychology Keep up with the great work of the NJPA Foundation by reading our quarterly publication, The Foundation Flash

Student Initiated Awards

This an annual contest that awards research projects that align with the criteria outlined within four awards The research and projects may be conceptual or data driven All applicants are enrolled in a NJ master's or doctoral level psychology program OR, a psychology intern at a New Jersey facility

2020 3 awards $5,000

2019 2 awards $4,000

Dissertation Grants

The Social Advocacy Open Topic Dissertation Gran is open to NJ doctoral level graduate psychology students To be a candidate for this grant, a qualified graduate student must have a social advocacy topic that may or does impact underserved populations of New Jersey

2020 8 grants $ 13,850

Community Service Grants

NJPAF administers grants to higher education institutions and organization sites that train psychology graduate students as clinicians and researchers who work with diverse and underserved populations We invite applications from program administrators across the state of New Jersey, with the goal of identifying and supporting model programs who serve underserved populations, from each county.

Listen to this important message NJPA Foundation President, Matt Hagovsky, PhD introduces the NJPAF “Donate a Session for the Profession” Fundraising Drive

Make your donation here today!

THE NJP-POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE

The New Jersey Psychology – Political Action Committee (“NJP-PAC”) is a voluntary, non-profit political action committee comprised of a board of trustees, consisting of New Jersey Psychological Association (“NJPA”) members/psychologists. NJP-PAC is a separate entity, and is not affiliated with any political party or other political committee

Our Purpose

1 To make contributions to candidates for office and political committees in NJ who have demonstrated their interest in and support of psychology, without regard to party affiliation

2 To solicit funds to be distributed in such a manner as to advance the stature of the profession of psychology in New Jersey

3. To appoint NJPA members to attend fundraising events to represent the profession of psychology.

4. To create educational articles and flyers for New Jersey legislators about the science and profession of psychology.

The Pandemic & the NJP-PAC

The reopening phase of the pandemic is stressful for New Jersey residents, communities, and legislators Fear and anxiety about the virus and what could happen, and has happened, can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children Coping with stress in a healthy way will make our New Jersey residents and communities stronger

COVID-19 created a moment in time when psychologists must provide information and education to our local legislators about mental health and support legislators who promote quality mental health care in the State of New Jersey. Ongoing this year, psychologists will be virtually meeting with legislators, hosting forums to discuss mental healthcare with community and institution leadership, creating educational podcasts for distribution, and writing educational articles for publication

How can you help support our efforts? Please consider donating to the NJP-PAC The reality is that without a financial commitment to our NJP-PAC, our ability to sustain support of legislators who promote quality mental healthcare in NJ will become increasingly difficult We would like to thank our members who have already contributed to NJP-PAC, as well as those members contributing now for the first time We accept one-time contributions or you can spread out payments over four quarters (call Central Office 973243-9800 for details)! Thank you in advance for your support

45 STUDENTS

2021 NJP-PAC Officers

President Barry Katz, PhD Treasurer Mark Singer, EdD Secretary Ken Freundlich, PhD Executive Director Keira Boertzel-Smith Government Affairs Agent Jon Bombardieri

FINAL THOUGHTS

The NJPA Central Office Team is engaged in a collective exercise of evaluating and actively gauging our pandemic induced alternative work processes and assessing what will work for NJPA into the future. This page is an impression of some meaningful keepers.

The Art of Gathering

by, Keira Boertzel-Smith Executive Director

I learned that there is an art to defining the purpose of association gatherings and making practical choices that flow from that purpose, especially as we are all overstimulated and limited on time. Zoom meetings showed me the importance of being able to focus on each participant as they contribute to the discussions. I felt more connected to some rising stars and typically quiet members who I might not have been able to see or fully hear in a busy conference room with many distractions. In addition, members who could not commute to and attend an in-person meeting due to their work schedule or childcare needs, could remotely attend a Zoom meeting. This attention to more members and wider access to meetings are both truly important for building the NJPA leadership pipeline. I will take these lessons with me into the future.

Staying Connected

by, Christine Gurriere Senior Communication Manager

Communication was crucial at the start of the pandemic and continues to be vital today. We used our social media pages, direct emails, and website to keep membership and the public apprised of important information that helped answer questions, allay fears, and provide details of our legislative efforts that helped with continuity of mental healthcare services. Our website became a popular hub for information and assistance, as witnessed by sharp increases in visitor activity. Our social media audiences also continue to rise as we utilize newer forms of digital communication tools to spread our messaging. We will continue to build on this positive trajectory into the future.

Evolving Continuing Education

by, Ana DeMeo Event Coordinator

The wellbeing of our staff, members, program attendees, and presenters has remained crucial throughout the pandemic. It is this commitment that has allowed us to look for innovative ways to provide excellent continuing education programs during this challenging period. As we quickly pivoted to online education, NJPA provided effective remote learning and enhanced attendee engagement alternatives, reaching an even greater audience Although we miss in-person events, comradery, and networking, virtual learning has extended a lifeline to NJPA and the many learners who count on us to deliver excellent and relevant CE content

Progress Positive

By, Jennifer Cooper Membership Coordinator

growth stemming from challenge, a lot of adapting, reliance on technology, and trials with new communication tools –together we learn, grow, and thrive. The NJPA Membership Committee established its new Member Spotlight Gallery celebrating individual NJPA members. Central Office is continuously enhancing the NJPA website to share emerging and frequently changing information with members, as a tool for committee communication and to collect information and facilitate member benefits This year’s Fall Conference will feature a streamlined virtual Poster Hall Presentation Gallery The NJPA Foundation officers embraced technology to enhance participation by the Board of Trustees and grant applicants and recipients to support their mission Central Office is committed to continued growth and development in times of a “new normal” and in support of NJPA’s members