1. society
2. welfare
3. healthcare
4. hospital

Fall 2008
2269 Saw Mill River Road
Building 1A
Elmsford, New York 10523
(914)345-5900 Phone
(914)347-8859 Fax
www.mhawestchester.org
MHA on the move:
Run, Walk, Dance!
Officers
Norman J. Michaels, Jr.
President
Jeffrey H. Becker, Esq.
Michael J. Lombardi
Hon. Vincent R. Rippa
Vice Presidents
John J. Ryan
Treasurer
Geoffrey Kent, Esq.
Secretary
Board of Directors
Eileen Consilvio
Nora Liss Contract
Patrice Ingrassia
Marion Lynton
Mary Beth Morrissey, Esq.
Tanya D. Norris
Robert E. Norton, Jr., Esq.
Hon. Suzi Oppenheimer
Bobbi Rebisz
Donna Renella
Jill H. Shore
Hon. Nicholas A. Spano
Rick Suarez
Leslie Teichgraeber
Yvonne D. Tropp
Thomas A. Watkins
Mike Wilson
MHA Board President Norman J.
Michaels, Jr. with Board member and
Honoree Marion Lynton and her daughter
Lili Lynton
Several celebrity special
guests including CNN’s
Gerri Willis, Stone Phillips,
and CBS’s Lou Young joined
more than 500 Westchester
residents to raise nearly
$300,000 to promote mental
health programs at The
Mental Health Association of
Westchester’s (MHA’s) “MHA
on the move: Run, Walk,
Dance!” held on Saturday,
September 20, 2008. The day
began with the agency’s fourth
annual 5K Run/Walk and 1
Mile Kids’ Race, at FDR State
Park in Yorktown Heights and
culminated with a Gala Dance
Celebration that evening. All
proceeds from the events
will support MHA’s advocacy,
education and direct services.
“Both of these great events are
about addressing the stigma
of mental illness that prevent
people from getting help early,” says Dr. Amy Kohn, MHA’s
CEO and Executive Director.
“People living with psychiatric
disabilities and those who
have experienced trauma can
recover with dignity when they
receive the help they need.”
“This is an amazing community event that brings people
together to raise awareness”
adds Dr. Kohn. “Mental illness
and emotional disturbance
touches all of us and the stigma associated with seeking
help can be devastating.”
This year’s corporate and small
business sponsors included
Gold Sponsors: Bristol-Myers
Squibb, Ginsburg Development Companies, and NBC
Universal as well as Media
Sponsors: News12 Westchester, Optimum, Westchester
County Business Journal and
WFAS Radio.
In the 5K race, Francois Vignon
of Croton, NY won the men’s
division with a time of 18
minutes and 43 seconds. Cindy
Pomeroy of New York, NY
led the women with a time of
19 minutes and 50 seconds.
Additional winners included
the lucky participants who
walked away from the event
Continued on back page
Inside this issue…
MHA welcomes new
Board members.......................Page 2
Sterling Club members
receive white belts..................Page 3
…and more!
Participants get moving at the starting line of MHA’s fourth annual MHA on the move 5K Run/Walk
Please consider making a charitable donation online by visiting our website at
www.mhawestchester.org or consider MHA in your will or trust.
MHA Supporter Connie’s Bakery
Celebrates 3rd Anniversary
Photo: Margaret Fox
Connie Milstein takes a break from the festivities
to pose with MHA’s Caroline T. Turner and The
Supremes’ Mary Wilson
On July 17, 2008 MHA’s Director of Development & Communications, Caroline T. Turner
joined Mary Wilson of the infamous 60’s Motown Group, The Supremes, to help Connie’s
Bakery in Mount Kisco, celebrate its 3rd Anniversary. Wilson is the spokeswoman for the
Humpty Dumpty Institute, an organization that pairs public and private entities to work on
worldwide humanitarian issues, such as hunger and landmine removal. Humpty Dumpty
was founded by Constance Milstein, an attorney and member of a prominent New York
Real Estate family who opened Connie’s Bakery and General Store in February of 2005, and
donates all of the bakery’s profits to charities.
Foundation Sweet Success, the giving vehicle created by Connie’s Bakery and General Store
has long been a supportive partner to MHA. Each year, six non-profit organizations from Westchester County and the Hudson Valley
are selected as Connie’s charitable partners, and funds in the foundation are divided equally among them. MHA was a recipient of
these funds in 2006.
Milstein is quoted in the Journal News as saying that she is glad to be able to make a difference. “I think that doing good is the
reason that we are put on this Earth,” she said. “The more good we do, the better the world will be.”
MHA Welcomes Four New Board Members
MHA would like to extend a warm welcome to Eileen Consilvio, Nora Liss Contract, Bobbi Rebisz,
and Donna Renella, the newest members of MHA’s Board of Directors.
Eileen Consilvio
Nora Liss Contract
Bobbi Rebisz
Donna Renella
Ms. Consilvio, a resident of
Croton, NY most recently
served as the Executive
Director of both the Kirby
Forensic Psychiatric Hospital
and the Manhattan Psychiatric
Hospital. In this capacity, she
was responsible for managing
both State Psychiatric Centers
with a combined census of
520 patients. In addition, she
was responsible for staffing
levels, overtime management,
hospital budgets, census
targets and several construction projects including a new
Transitional Residence. Ms.
Consilvio earned her Bachelor
of Science from Pace University, her Master of Science in
Health Administration from
Long Island University, and
her Nursing Degree from
the Mount Sinai School of
Nursing.
Ms. Contract, a resident
of Ardsley, NY, is currently
the Director of Financial
Services at New York Presbyterian Hospital’s Westchester
Division and Payne Whitney
Manhattan campus. Here
she oversees the financial
management of the dualcampus behavioral health
division, including a 276-bed,
stand-alone facility and 64
beds on the main campus.
She received her Master of
Business Administration
from the Wharton School of
Business at the University of
Pennsylvania, and earned her
undergraduate degree from
Cornell University.
implementation and tracking
of the company’s marketing
programs. Ms. Rebisz earned
her Bachelor of Science in
Business Administration from
Adelphi University.
fair for diversity graduates
nationwide with the Johnson
School of Communications
of Howard University which
has taken place annually since
2003, and she lectures on an
ongoing basis. Ms. Renella
received her Bachelor of Arts
and Master of Arts degrees
from Hunter College in New
York in Economics and applies
her quantitative skills to the
design and analysis of industry wage and work surveys.
Ms. Rebisz, a resident of Katonah, NY, currently serves as
the Agency Marketing Director
at METLIFE in Elmsford, NY,
where she is directly responsible for the development,
Ms. Renella, a resident of
Croton-on-Hudson, NY, has
over 25 years of senior-level
experience in creating and
implementing recruiting
programs for global businesses. She was the head of field
human resources operations
at Airborne Express (now
DHL), and most recently
was head of talent for the
Constituency Management
Group, Interpublic Corporation (public relations agencies
Weber Shandwick, Golin
Harris, Rogers & Cowan and
ancillary branding/marketing
communications firms). She
created and organized the
only trade association job
“We are delighted that Eileen,
Nora, Bobbi and Donna have
joined our Board of Directors.
Their professional expertise
will go a long way in helping
MHA to continue serving the
Westchester community in the
most innovative way,” says
Dr. Amy Kohn, MHA’s CEO
and Executive Director.
Welcome Eileen, Nora, Bobbi
and Donna!
Crossroads Recognition Breakfast
On Friday, May 2, 2008, MHA’s Crossroads program held
its 8th annual Recognition Breakfast, honoring professionals in the community who have gone above and beyond
their required job responsibilities in order to make a
difference in the lives of the young adults they serve.
Children’s Case Management and Partnership
Program Recognition Breakfast
MHA’s Children’s Case Management and Partnership Program
jointly held their 11th annual Recognition Breakfast on Wednesday, May 28, 2008. The event honored professionals who
have gone a long way in helping the children they serve. This
year’s honorees were Janeelisa Henry and Denise Ruiz of BOCES Bellows, May Jones, LCSW of Clear View Day Treatment,
Donna Riou of Families First, Dori DellaSciucca and Jennifer
Neville of Family Services of Westchester, Geraldine Tonich
and Kerry Megley of Family Ties, Ellen Saltzman of the Fox
Meadow Learning Center, Michelle Bromley, Paula McFarlane
and Sharell McKennie of Longellow Elementary School, Brooke Johnson and Dawn Corrado of MHA of Westchester, Dr.
Jeremy Stone of New-York Presbyterian Hospital, Gina JarrinWilson of Preventive Services, Lulinda Lloyd of St. Vincent’s
BOCES, Sharon Thomas of the Urban League of Westchester
and Amanda Rosenberg of WJCS.
Sterling Club Members
Receive White Belts
On June 18, 2008 ten Sterling Club members
were honored for completing a 16-week Tae
Kwon Do program at B.M. Kim’s Tae Kwon Do
of White Plains. In order to formally achieve
their Tae Kwon Do belts, the members had to
successfully pass a rigorous test, after which
they were presented with white belts as well
as trophies and certificates.
“We now have people who are in better shape
and are starting to think about what it means
to focus and how to do push ups and sit ups.
Everyone had a great time, and there is talk
about doing it all again in September,” says
Ray Pena, Transportation Facilitator for the
Clubhouse.
This year’s honorees included Danielle Lucas of St.
Joseph’s Medical Center, Betty Lahmann of Human
Development Services of Westchester, Quinn Rathjen of
MHA of Westchester’s Functional Family Therapy program,
Thomas Miller of Westchester Jewish Community Services’ Center Lane program, Dr. Tom Byrne of BOCES and
Betty Mutschler of Family Ties of Westchester. Honorees
and their supervisors enjoyed breakfast and an awards
ceremony in which Crossroads staff spoke about each
recipient’s contributions.
Volunteer Recognition Luncheon
On June 12, 2008, MHA held its annual
Volunteer Recognition Luncheon in
honor of all the volunteers who give of
their time to MHA’s programs. Over
100 volunteers gathered on a sunny,
spring day at Crabtree’s Kittle House
in Chappaqua, NY for a celebratory
lunch. Volunteers were present from
all aspects of MHA: CASA, Mentoring,
Family and Abuse Court Services,
Long-Term Care Ombudsman who celebrated their 30th year, Quality Assurance
and the Sterling Club.
Dr. Amy Kohn, CEO and Executive Director of MHA, welcomed everyone and
thanked them for their commitment to MHA, donation of time and all of the wonderful work they do. Dr. Kohn expressed her extreme gratitude and articulated
that without volunteers, MHA’s programs would not be able to exist or sustain
themselves. The guest speaker was Joanna Straub, Executive Director of The
Volunteer Center of United Way, who spoke about the personal gratification and
subsequent health benefits for people who volunteer.
The Volunteer Recognition Luncheon was a wonderful opportunity for MHA’s volunteers to gather and meet, some for the very first time. Volunteers spoke about
why they give of their time to MHA and what it means to them. Each volunteer
received a small token of thanks.
If you or anyone you know is interested in volunteering in any of MHA’s various
programs please call Constance Moustakas, Senior Development Associate at
(914) 345-5900 ext. 209.
MHA
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the move:
MHA Gala
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1 1
MHA Trains Educators
in Suicide Prevention
was the evening’s Master of Ceremonies,
and Tipper Gore was the Honorary
Co-Chair. Guests participated in live and
silent auctions, and enjoyed dinner and
dancing.
with raffle prizes including a Chopper
remember
rediscover theand
importance
Bike,
an iPodand
Nano-chromatic,
airline
of
the
profound
work
that
we
do
and
tickets, courtesy of JetBlue.
MHA Staff Presents
at Latino Mental
Health Summit
Continuing to build on our 2006
On October 18th, Maribel Rivera, LCSW,
conferences, “Suicide Prevention:
Director of MHA’s Nuestro Futuro program,
celebrate it this evening.
Recognizing Warning Signs - Saving
presented at the First Latino Mental Health
At the Gala Dance Celebration at the
Lives” and “Core Competencies for
Summit at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Harrison,
Marros
in Rye,
MHA ahonored
The Gala
included
live jazztelevisiAssessing and Managing Suicide
NY. The conference addressed issues such
onperformance
journalist and
author
Janesaxophonist
Pauley,
by legendary
Risk,” MHA will partner with New York
as the emotional impact of immigration,
Westchester
developer
community
Carmen Leggio.
Threeand
other
accomplished Presbyterian Hospital to present a
effects of substance abuse on Latino
advocate Martin Ginsburg, MHA Board
musicians joined Mr. Leggio: Mr. Bill
conference for educators. Organized
families and accessing support services.
member and supporter Marion Lynton,
Crow, Mr. Hiroshi Yamazaki and Ms.
in response to requests of attendees
long-time MHA friend and supporter Aline
Glenda Davenport, all of whom have
at the earlier conferences, this event
MHA’s Nuestro Futuro program provides
Raisler, and MHA Board member and
been performing in the New York area
willBoard
address
the
situations
bilingual/bicultural
mentalSurgeon
health
MHA
member
andspecific
Honoree Yvonne
Tropp and her daughters
Mt Sinai Thoracic
Dr.treatment
Todd Weiser
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Karen Veronesi, Jan Ground, Dana Pedersen, and Lisa Fitzgerald
his daughters
Maddie and Ella with
for decades. Longtime friends, along
encountered in educational settings.
and supportand
services
to Spanish-speaking
volunteer Yvonne Tropp. Stone Phillips
Scooby Doo
with new faces, were able to take part
The conference will be held on
children, families
and adults who have a
mental illness or history of serious
in this memorable evening.
November 29th, 2007 at New York
Presbyterian Hospital in White Plains.
emotional disturbance.
The evening would not have been
For more information, please contact
possible without the support of our
Jackie Hirschorn by phone at
MHA of Westchester is grateful for recent
Gala Sponsor, Pfizer, and Gala Patrons:
914-345-3993, extension 222,
grant awards from the following foundations
Bristol-Myers Squibb, Clarfeld Financial
or by email at
and organizations:
Advisors, Inc., Epstein, Becker and
hirschoj@mhawestchester.org.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
Green, P.C. and Jean and Donald Stone.
MBIA, Inc.
RadioShack StreetSentz Community
MHA
thanks
all who participated in
Grant Program
MHA
Board
President
Honoreethe
Aline Raisler, her daughter Peggy
Event Co-Chair & MHA Board Member DebraThe
Phillips,
Martin
Ginsburg and
Norman
J. Michaels,
Jr. and
supporting
and
celebrating
Lucius N.Honoree
Littauer
Foundation,
Inc.his wife
Winkelman and granddaughter Jaime
Board Member Mike Wilson and Keesha Adams
Irene Ginsburg
CEO and Executive Director
United Way of
Westchester and Putnam
“Community of Caring.”
Dr. Amy Kohn
Winkelman
The Mental Health Association of
Westchester County, Inc.
2269 Saw Mill River Road
Building 1A
Elmsford, NY 10523
Adopt a Family
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at 914-345-5900
ext 209 or visit www.mhawestchester.org.
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