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Mental Health First Aid Summit Breakouts A

MHFA7 - Scaling What Works: Advancing Youth and Teen MHFA in New York and New Jersey Through Policy, Partnership and Practice

Sunday, April 26, 2026
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM MDT
Location: 607
NASW CCB ACCME NY-SW NBCC
As youth mental health needs intensify, schools and states are working to expand sustainable, evidence-based solutions. This session highlights how New York and New Jersey are scaling and embedding Youth and Teen Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) through strategic partnerships, policy alignment, and district leadership.

Presenters will share lessons from statewide implementation in New York, including cross-sector collaboration, infrastructure development, and strategies for integrating MHFA into schools and youth-serving organizations. A district case study from Mount Olive School District (NJ) will illustrate how MHFA can be embedded within a broader student wellness framework, driving staff engagement and long-term sustainability.

Participants will gain practical strategies for scaling MHFA, strengthening partnerships, aligning with policy and funding priorities, and translating statewide vision into meaningful district-level impact.

Learning Objectives:

  • Discuss practical strategies for scaling MHFA
  • Explore methods of strengthening partnerships
  • Examine how to align with policy and funding priorities
  • Translate statewide vision into meaningful district-level impact
Disclosure(s):
Katie Oldakowski: No financial relationships to disclose
Travis Hubert: No financial relationships to disclose
Melissa Grosenstein: No financial relationships to disclose
Davia Plusch, MS: No financial relationships to disclose
Suzanne L. Pearlman, MA: No financial relationships to disclose

    Presenter - MHFA Summit(s)

  • KO

    Katie Oldakowski

    Director of Training
    Mental Health Association in New York State
    Colonie, New York

    Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose

    Slides

  • Travis Hubert

    Special Education Teacher, tMHFA Instructor, YMHFA Instructor
    Mount Olive Township School District
    Rockaway, New Jersey

    Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose

  • Melissa Grosenstein

    Special Education Teacher, tMHFA Instructor, YMHFA Instructor
    Mount Olive Township School District
    Port Murray, New Jersey

    Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose

  • Robert Moon

    Deputy Commissioner, Community Program Policy and Management
    New York State Office of Mental Health

    Disclosure information not submitted.

  • Davia Plusch, MS

    Mental Health Program Specialist 2
    New York State Office of Mental Health
    Albany, New York

    Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose

    • Moderator - MHFA Summit(s)

  • Suzanne L. Pearlman, MA

    MHFA National Trainer
    dePearl & Associates Owner and Principal Consultant
    Santa Fe, New Mexico

    Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose

    Slides