Kids and Pets of Northwest Bergen

EDUCATION
AMAZING GRACE MARIANI
HEALTH + WELLNESS
LIVEWELL COUNSELING AT CHRISTIAN HEALTH
AUGUST 2023






Kids and Pets of Northwest Bergen
EDUCATION
AMAZING GRACE MARIANI
HEALTH + WELLNESS
LIVEWELL COUNSELING AT CHRISTIAN HEALTH
AUGUST 2023
I hope this letter finds you well and enjoying the summer.
KIDS! How would you define their ages and stages? Well, according to healthychildren.com, a “Baby” is 0-12 months, a “Toddler” is 1-3 years, a “Preschooler” is 3-5 years, a "Grade-schooler" is 5-12 years, a “Teen” is 12-18 years, and a "Young Adult" is 18-21 years. As a dad of five, my children are still “kids” to me, even though the youngest is 27 and the oldest is 39. Most of all, I consider myself extremely fortunate and blessed.
This issue is always one of my favorites. I suppose it is because of the immense joy children bring to their families and their significant impact on others and their communities. Determination and inspiration are just two words describing Mahwah’s very own Grace Mariani . I’m not going to tell you much more because I’m hoping her inspirational story in the pages ahead will positively impact all of you.
Secondarily, who could forget pets? This special companionship can be a transformative experience for children and adults alike. Pets provide us with unconditional love and the opportunity to learn, grow and develop essential life skills in a nurturing environment. And who could ignore the bond between kids and their furry friends? The bond is often deep and meaningful, fostering qualities like empathy, responsibility, and companionship.
What children and pets share in common is that they need us. Our care, attention, and intention shape their upbringing and who they become. We hope this issue inspires you to pour a little extra into the children and pets in your life this month.
Lastly, we are honored to feature LiveWell Counseling , a Christian Health service. Their highly trained physicians and therapists assess and treat individuals of all ages with a variety of challenges and needs. With all of Christian Health’s outpatient and inpatient mental health services located on its Wyckoff campus, families benefit from having access to a range of treatment options and the expertise of a large, interdisciplinary team.
Wishing your kids and your pets lots of love.
PUBLISHER
Marc Schwartz | marc.schwartz@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Meghan McGowan | meghan.mcgowan@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Sammi Tatarsky | sammi.tatarsky@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITERS
Lucy Probert | lucy.probert@citylifestyle.com
Donna Gould | donna.gould@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Nancy Motto | nancy.motto@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Avery Gomberg
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein
CONTROLLER Gary Johnson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
Want to be seen in the magazine?
Tag your Instagram photos with @NorthwestBergenLifestyle
Two leaders in healthcare -- Valley Health System and Christian Health -- have partnered to launch Valeridge Center for Behavioral Health and Wellness, combining resources to address the growing demand for accessible mental health care in Northern NJ. The new center is located on The Valley Hospital's Ridgewood campus and staffed by Christian Health practitioners. All ages will have access to services, with a special focus on maternal mental health, child, and adolescent services. valleyhealth. com/newsroom/valley-and-christianhealth-establish-valeridge-centerbehavioral-health-wellness
Digital meets fitness with Fitometry Health Club in Ridgewood . Step into a fully connected strength training experience that will help you shatter limits—whether you’re just beginning your fitness journey or consider yourself a fitness buff. What sets this health club apart from other fitness facilities? Fitometry provides ongoing fitness management and oversight, plus amenities like Hydromassage, rooftop fitness, body scanning, and more. They aim to help you make wellness an integral part of your lifestyle. fitometry.com
Take a deep breath and disconnect from the stressors of the outside world as you enter Village Yoga in Glen Rock . Join a community with a passion for yoga, breathwork, meditation, and connection. Classes offered include Hot Vinyasa, Yoga Sculpt, Mantra & Meditation, Warm Aligned Vinyasa, Warm DonationBased Vinyasa, Yin Yoga, and Yin Yang Yoga. Village Yoga values caring for yourself so that you can care for others. villageyoganj.com
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen
Graziana and Athena are an unusual case of dog and human buddies. They’re both two years old, and in fact, Athena, a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, was born on March 13th, only one day before Graziana. The family got Athena when she and Graziana were both four months old. The two have gotten the special opportunity to grow up by each other’s sides, and it’s made them incredibly close!
Graziana and Athena seem to believe that they are each other’s sisters regardless of their difference in species. Athena is almost always near Graziana, and will let the little girl sit on top of her or stand on her back to steal things from the refrigerator. Athena will often even roll onto her side to make it easier for Graziana to climb all over her! She loves following Graziana around trying to eat snacks out of her bowl, and waits beneath her chair to gobble up dropped food, acting as the household vacuum cleaner for spills and crumbs. Out of the family’s three dogs, including a Labrador Retriever and a Leonberger, Athena is by far the closest to Graziana, and given their special bond, it’s no wonder!
Peyton, age 12, and her two siblings have been best friends with the family dog, Molly, age 3, since they got her during the Covid-19 pandemic. As a Covid pup, Molly was hard for the family to come by. With quarantined households everywhere looking to add a furry friend to the mix, they had to drive to Brooklyn and wait in a long line in the early hours of the morning. Once they finally reached the front of the line, the first dog that ran up to say hello was a ten-week old Shih Tzuh puppy. They took her home and named her Molly, where she quickly became Peyton’s fourth sibling.
Although Molly can be a bit of a scaredy cat and is frightened of dogs who are bigger than her, she loves playing with the family’s three children, wrestling for toys and enjoying a nice belly rub. Peyton and Molly especially love chasing each other around in the yard and playing rough before enjoying calmer moments snuggling together.
Daisy, a 10-year-old Golden Retriever, has been a part of 13-year-old Charlotte’s family since she was 12 weeks old. She is the picture-perfect example of a people-loving Golden Retriever. Daisy is everyone’s best friend, but especially Charlotte’s! She loves playing tug with a big rope toy, taking walks with Charlotte, getting belly rubs, and of course, retrieving her toys that Charlotte throws for her. She gets special treats from Charlotte at sandwich time, when she’ll wait by the counter to be fed pieces of turkey or, if she’s very lucky, get the privilege of licking the peanut butter off of the butter knife. Charlotte loves Daisy just as much as Daisy loves her, and enjoys spoiling her, making sure that her bowl of water is always extra fresh, and that it has ice cubes in it no matter the weather.
Out of the family’s four children, Charlotte has a special connection with Daisy. She loves brushing the dog and changing out her bandanas, picking new ones from a collection that includes different colors and patterns for all of the holidays and seasons. Daisy loves wearing her bandanas, too, and likes to go around showing off how pretty she looks every time she gets a new one. As a Golden Retriever, Daisy is a dog that adores people, but she and Charlotte share a particularly special bond.
“As a Golden Retriever, Daisy is a dog that adores people, but she and Charlotte share a particularly special bond.”
Lili, age 9, is the youngest of her family. With a 19-year-old brother and a 16-year-old sister, she doesn’t have many contemporaries in the family, except for Chico, the Plott Hound mix. Chico will be five years old in September, and the family has had him since he was a puppy. When he and Lili were both younger, he was very protective of her, but has eased off as she’s gotten older. Since the early days of their friendship, Chico has been sweet and gentle with her, and was always standing guard near her, just to make sure she was safe. Chico and Lili love running around in the yard together, and he likes to tag along with her while she rides her bike. He often comes along for the ride to drop Lili off at school or one of her activities, and “barks like he’s being tortured” when she leaves the car, according to Lili’s mom, Ana Maria.
The family got Chico from Real Dog Rescue, and his case is an interesting one. Before Chico, the family hadn’t had a dog since 2013, but following a string of unfortunate events in 2019, including some difficult injuries, they were reminded not to take things in life for granted, and wanted to ensure that Lili got the experience of growing up with a dog. Chico came from Alabama, where he had been in a car accident as a puppy. The accident left him healing a difficult compound fracture in his leg that was nearly life-threatening. Worried about the demands of a dog with high medical needs, the family agreed to foster Chico as a trial run. Within twenty-four hours, they had decided to adopt him! Chico was sweet and gentle from the very first day, and loves people, especially his family and his best friend Lili.
No, that’s not a cloud– it’s Peter, age 9, and Michael, age 12, with their dog Goose. Often called Goosey, this Samoyed is still just a puppy, turning a year old this fall, and is described as “aggressively friendly” by the boys’ mother, Christine. Goose was a surprise for Michael and Peter, who had been begging for a Samoyed for ages before the family finally brought him home. Christine confessed that she was worried Michael and Peter would lose interest in Goose after a while once the novelty wore off, but the boys are still enamored with their puppy. They love spending time with him and readily take on the many responsibilities that come with a dog. “You’d think he was still brand-new,” Christine said.
Goose is loving and sweet, but still has a tough side that he uses to protect the house from strangers, switching from his “baby bark” to his “tough bark” when he needs
to lay down the law. He’s extremely food motivated, and Michael and Peter have lots of fun teaching him tricks like “roll over,” “shake,” and “high five.” Goose is a fast learner and can pick up new tricks in as short an amount of time as a single sitting, so the family knows that when he isn’t getting something, it’s because he doesn’t want to, not because he can’t! He loves people and likes doing silly things to get attention, like running around the house with a stolen roll of paper towels or climbing onto one of the boys’ beds with their toys in his mouth to get someone to play with him. When he’s not making adorable mischief, Goose likes to lay on the floor with Peter and Michael to cuddle while they read, watch TV, or play games. Goose is still a young puppy and has his crazy puppy moments, but it’s clear that one thing he won’t grow out of as he gets older is his sweet nature and his love for his two human brothers!
Jax is a 6-year-old Yorkshire terrier, shown here with Victoria, age 16. He’s been a part of Victoria’s family since he was twelve weeks old, and with her and her sister, he’s very much the brother of the family. Toni, Victoria’s mother, described Jax as “the grounds protector,” because he is very dedicated to looking after the house and the family, especially the girls. Jax loves looking out the window and growling at birds and deer. Although he’s a fierce little dog, he has a soft side, too, one that he shows with Victoria in particular.
Victoria was the family member who requested a puppy, and she and Jax hit it off right away. They love playing ball together and snuggling, since Jax is very much a lapdog. He also likes to sit under the bench while Victoria plays the piano, something she’s done since second grade. They’ve been together for highs and lows in both of each other’s lives, and are sure to get even closer as the years go by!
Avery Gomberg, a 13-year-old rising eighth grader at Eisenhower Middle School, has had a passion for nature and photography since she was young. She naturally gravitated towards the camera early on, capturing images of flowers, trees, dogs, birds, and anything beautiful in nature that she could find. Her hobby for photography lent itself well to capturing the kids and dogs of Northwest Bergen!
Besides taking pictures, Avery plays tennis and lacrosse, enjoys spending time with her “dog cousins,” an Old English Sheepdog and a Shih Tzuh, and participates in the Animal Welfare Club and the Talented Art Program at Eisenhower. While she isn’t yet sure what she wants to pursue as a career, she loves photography and wants to continue with it as long as she can. Avery is very grateful to Northwest Bergen Lifestyle for this special opportunity!
$450
Valued at $700
Expires 08/31/23
Laser Hair, Tattoo, Wrinkle, Spot and Vein Removal, Botox, Fillers, Skin Tightening,Thread Lifts, Hair transplants
Cellulite treatment, Body Contouring and Muscle Sculpting
Ethan and the Bean works to increase the employment rate for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities in New Jersey. Visions shares their commitment to provide an empowering environment that supports individuals in the workplace that’s part of community growth. Visions supports hundreds of causes like Ethan and the Bean with donations to fund good works, employee volunteers who pay it forward, and sponsorships that support community events. Because Visions Cares, where you bank can help you and your community.
ARTICLE BY LUCY PROBERT | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY GRACE MARIANI
Grace Mariani, 22, has spent her entire young life determined not to be held back by her health challenges. Born prematurely at just over 24 weeks, she spent her first three months in the NICU, developed pneumonia at three weeks old, and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. “We weren’t sure she was even going to make it,” says her mother, Nancy. “But she did and she’s been a fighter ever since.” Even with her limited mobility, her focus has been on what she can do, not what she can’t. “She was always a ‘what’s next?’ kid.”
Growing up in Mahwah, she recently graduated magna cum laude from Seton Hall University with a Bachelor of Science in Education and plans to teach at an elementary school or in a special education classroom. “I’ve always liked the idea of working with children,” she says. “Helping them learn different skills and how to navigate life.” Grace participated as a child and then later a volunteer at Saturday Stars run by the Mary Therese Rose Fund, which offers programs like cooking, music, and crafts classes, tailored to children with special needs. “I also had a great experience as a student teacher last semester and I think teaching is the right career path for me,” says Grace. “I’m very excited about it.”
Very early on, before she was 3, Grace started horseback riding as therapy and continued with it until she went to college. “When she started riding, she basically couldn’t sit up without support,” says Nancy. “Riding is good for strengthening the core, so it gave her great body strength.” She eventually had her own horse, Suds, and spent a lot of time riding.
“When I rode, my disability wasn’t really a factor at all, I didn’t feel different,” Grace says. “Up on a horse I was just like everybody else.” When other kids were playing soccer or basketball on the weekends, Grace was out getting her own exercise, strengthening her muscles by riding Suds.
She gained national attention this spring when Seton Hall posted a video that went viral of her receiving her diploma from University President Joseph E. Nyre at the Prudential Center, along with her sixyear-old service dog Justin, who was awarded one too.
“Justin went to class with me every day and everyone just fell in love with him,” she says. Justin is a labrador and golden retriever mix who knows over 40 commands; with Grace his work is primarily using the ‘get’ command, picking up things that she has dropped from her wheelchair, or carrying items for her. He was raised and trained by Canine Companions and has been with Grace for 5 years. “I have two different relationships with Justin,” she says. “A working one as a service dog and as a companion. When he puts on his service dog vest and we go out he’s all business and when we’re home and we take it off he’s more relaxed. Either way, he’s very intuitive to what I need him to do for me.” She even feels like Justin has a little sense of humor. “Sometimes if he’s in the room with me and hears something drop, he’ll look at me like ‘Do you want me to get that for you?’”
Their special relationship amazes Grace’s mother Nancy too: “Justin is wonderful. He’s mellow, friendly, and goes with the flow, just like Grace, which is why they connected so easily.”
When it came to being her companion at Seton Hall in class and living in the dorms, Justin fit the bill perfectly. “Not only was he helpful to me, he was an ice breaker for meeting new people, it was a great way for people to connect with me,” says Grace. “And on the rare days when he didn’t come with me to class, everyone would say ‘Where’s Justin?’”
For those around her, Grace’s future as an educator engaging with a new generation
of students is extraordinarily bright. “She’s very humble and doesn’t look for attention but I think she’s starting to realize how important her story is,” says Nancy. “How her positive attitude can affect and inspire others, and how even with limitations, she’s never allowed them to hold her back.” “The way I grew up, my disability was never a roadblock, it was always, how can we make this happen,” says Grace. “And that made me feel like nothing was impossible.”
“When I rode, my disability wasn’t really a factor at all, I didn’t feel different,” Grace says. “Up on a horse I was just like everybody else.”
w w w m i c h e l l e p a u l i n e i n t e r i o r s c o m @
For many northwest Bergen County families, August is a time of transition from the lazy, hazy, days of summer to a back-to-school routine. It is a big adjustment for children and teens, physically, mentally, and emotionally – and it is especially difficult for those struggling with anxiety or other mental health issues.
We spoke with specialists in child and adolescent mental health at LiveWell Counseling, a Christian Health service, about some of the common challenges families grapple with at the start of the school year. They also shared
ways that parents can support their children in making the switch from summer to school.
HOW LONG HAS CHRISTIAN HEALTH BEEN PROVIDING MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES?
“Christian Health has been a leading provider of mental health services since it was founded in 1911,” says Alexis Totaro, MSN, RN, WHNP-c, CARN-AP, VP/Administrator of Mental Health Services. “We have seen dramatic growth in the specialty of child and adolescent psychology, even before the COVID pandemic. We expanded our LiveWell
HELPING KIDS TRANSITION FROM SUMMER BREAK TO BACK-TO-SCHOOL
ARTICLE BY DONNA GOULD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMMI TATARSKYCounseling outpatient program in response to the increased need for these services in our community, and to ensure that families have access to therapy in an outpatient setting.”
LiveWell Counseling’s highly trained physicians and therapists assess and treat individuals of all ages with a variety of challenges and needs. With all of Christian Health’s outpatient and inpatient mental health services located on its Wyckoff campus, families benefit from having access to a range of treatment options and the expertise of a large, interdisciplinary team.
Alexis noted that parents often struggle to determine whether their child’s behavior is due to normal development or something more serious. “The whole purpose of our outpatient therapy program is to help families learn to understand children’s behaviors. These are little people with big emotions, and parents should never be afraid to ask for advice on how to respond.”
“Children often have difficulty transitioning their sleeping patterns,” says Cynthia T. Jalando-on, MD, BoardCertified Psychiatrist at LiveWell Counseling. “During the summer, many children – especially teens – go to bed late and sleep until 11 a.m. or noon. It’s important to help them gradually ease into a regular bedtime routine so they can wake up early on the first day of school.”
Dr. Jalando-on suggests starting a month or so before school starts and making sure kids go to bed 10 or 15 minutes earlier each week. If electronic gadgets are a distraction, encourage children to set them aside so they can wind down prior to bedtime. “Good sleep hygiene is essential for good mental health, and being well-rested can help lessen anxiety.”
“Parents often complain about their children putting off their summer reading or math
assignments, but waiting until the last minute just increases everyone’s anxiety,” says Dr. Jalando-on. The key is to do a little each day, budgeting time based on the child’s schedule and their ability to absorb the material. “I help parents and children work together to set the pace. Ideally, it’s best to allow at least a month to complete an assignment. However, this approach can work even if there is only one week before school starts.”
“It’s natural for children to be nervous about the prospect of a new school, a new teacher, and/or new classmates,” says Lara E. Addesso, MD, BoardCertified Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist at LiveWell Counseling. “With children for whom it is anxiety-provoking, the best approach is to gradually create a level of familiarity with the new environment.”
Ease into a drama-free morning dropoff by visiting the new school with your child ahead of time. Schedule a tour of the building or meet with their teacher so they will see a familiar face on their first day. If your child is older, review their new schedule so they will know what to expect.
“Starting school is a lot scarier when you are facing the unknown,” says Dr. Addesso. “Giving your child a sneak preview will help smooth the transition.”
“For some children and adolescents, summer is a break from bullying and they may dread going back to school,” says Dr. Adesso. “If your child is returning to a place where they have had negative experiences with peers, offer your support and get ahead of it by sharing your concerns with the school in advance.” If possible, work with your child’s guidance counselor to make in-school accommodations or look into mediation if it is an option. Most importantly, let your child know they are not alone – and they should speak up if they feel unsafe.
“These are little people with big emotions, and parents should never be afraid to ask for advice on how to respond.”
Dr. Addesso stresses the importance of carving out some oneon-one time to give kids a chance to open up. “Ask how they may be feeling and give them a safe space to talk about it. Share your own stories of adjusting to a new school, and offer support and guidance. If they don’t feel they can talk to you, let them know it’s okay to reach out to others or seek out counseling.”
Dr. Jalando-on advises parents that if they see a decline in academic performance or their child refuses to go to school at any point during the year, they should consider it a red flag. “Your child’s education is at risk, so it is important to speak with your
pediatrician about how to address this issue. I have some patients who require home instruction because intense anxiety makes it difficult for them to go to school.”
Accentuating the positives can also go a long way towards calming end-of-summer jitters. “A new school year is a clean slate, a chance to start fresh,” says Dr. Addesso. “Focus on things your kids can look forward to, whether it’s shopping for new backpacks and sneakers or reconnecting with friends they haven’t seen in months. Just remember that change can be hard, but it’s not necessarily a negative thing.”
https://www.christianhealthnj.org/communities-services/ mental-health/livewell-counseling/
MAHWAH PUBLIC LIBRARY | 7:00 PM
Presented via slideshow and lecture, Mario Medici will help to uncover why Ellis Island is often referred to as the "Island of Hope" and the "Island of Tears." Through his descriptive storytelling, you will be able to relive some of our immigrants' experiences, stories, fears, and disappointments. Actual immigrant photos, both past and present, bring it all to life. mahwah.librarycalendar.com/event
KASSCHAU MEMORIAL SHELL, 125 N MAPLE AVE, RIDGEWOOD | 7:30 PM
Rock out to the most dynamic band in the NY/NJ area as the Mighty SPECTRUM Band hits Ridgewood this summer. You may know and love them from their popular performances from the Jersey Shore to the beaches of The Hamptons. Enjoy timeless classics from Chicago, The Doors, Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Presley, and other Rock N' Roll classics. kasschaumemorialshell.com
HOLIDAY BOWL, 29 SPRUCE STREET, OAKLAND | 7:00 PM
Ramapo-Bergen Animal Rescue, Inc. (RBAR) is the leading no-K*ll animal shelter in Northern New Jersey. The organization provides second chances by providing safe refuge, essential medical and behavioral care, and finding new homes for homeless and abused dogs and cats. Proceeds from the Pins for Paws Bowling Fundraiser will go directly to the RBAR to aid their efforts. holidaybowlnj.com/fundraisers
CRESTWOOD LAKE IN ALLENDALE | 7:00 PM
Good music and great vibes with a beautiful view of Crestwood Lake. Join Sideshow Heroes, a high-energy 5-piece cover band from Bergen County. Their impressive repertoire spans several decades and taps into many genres, making this a perfect night for the whole family. Expect songs from the early 1960s through today, spanning rock, pop, hip-hop, and country. sideshowheroes.com
BOROUGH PARK IN WALDWICK | 7:00 PM
The Waldwick Band continues its 2023 Summer Concert Series at Borough Park. The theme of the concert is Music for the Dance, including music for ballet, movies, and popular dance music. In this free concert, you can expect to hear music from Hugh Stuart's Lemon Merengue, Cole Porter's Broadway musical Can-Can, and other favorites. waldwickband.org
RAMSEY PUBLIC LIBRARY | 2:00 PM
All good things must come to an end...but not without a party. Let your kids celebrate one last time before the school bells ring with the Ramsey Public Library. The bash will include games, temporary tattoos, a balloon artist and so much more! The event is open to kids of all ages. ramseylibrary.org
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/NorthwestBergen
Since 1911, it has been our mission to offer a listening ear, a helpful hand, and steady, supportive guidance throughout your wellness journey. Through our comprehensive continuum of mental health services, communities for older adults, and rehabilitation, we work diligently to foster physical health and also nourish the spirit.
For more information on how we can help you, please call (201) 848-5200 or visit ChristianHealthNJ.org.