CHIEF CONSULTANT

With over two decades at the helm of Mental Health America of Dutchess County, I've successfully managed significant service transitions, emphasizing the need to embrace and drive change for effective mental health care delivery. Leading O'Grady Psychotherapy Associates, my focus on treatment and advocacy in behavioral health and substance use disorder has been the cornerstone of my professional journey. 

My commitment to mental health extends beyond organizational leadership to a broader stage, where I contribute as a weekly guest on a radio segment, advocating to reduce stigma and educate the public. This dedication is matched by a history of shaping policy through my presidency at the NYS Care Management Coalition, working tirelessly to enhance the Health Home Care Management system in New York State.

I have always embraced new and innovative programming and ideas. This field is no where near perfect and we need new and innovative ideas in order to be better. Every person is an individual with their own unique history. Each person needs their own unique treatment.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Lauren Espejo is a multifaceted professional in the pharmaceutical advertising industry, blending 12 years of digital marketing, art direction, graphic design, and social media strategy expertise. Lauren is also passionate about amplifying AAPI voices through her culture blog, YLWRNGR and advocating for social justice and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace and beyond.

Lauren created the YLWRNGR blog & social media accounts in 2016, to create a safe space for AAPI to talk about Asian American (AAPI) culture, spread mental health awareness, and fight for social justice. To join in on the conversation, make sure to follow @YLWRNGR on Instagram and Threads.

ARTS & HEALING DIRECTOR

Anna Brady Marcus, a multifaceted arts professional based in Beacon, New York, has honed her skills as a performer, dance teacher, writer, and arts administrator over 25 years. She has collaborated with choreographer Susan Osberg on performance and dance film projects with her esteemed Workwith Dancers Company since 2011, and has had the privilege of dancing with contemporary choreographers Jill Sigman, Carol Solomon, and Deborah Abramson. Additionally, she has produced her own performance and dance film works. Since 2023, Anna has taught dance to senior citizens at the Beacon Senior Friendship Center. Prior to this, she led dance classes for individuals with disabilities, ranging in age from 12 to 70, during three summers at Camp Jabberwocky on Martha’s Vineyard from 2016 to 2018. During this period, she not only taught dance but also choreographed their musicals and talent shows. Early in her career, Anna was a dance teaching specialist at various after school programs in New York City public schools. Anna is a graduate of Walnut Hill School, a performing arts high school in Natick, Massachusetts. Her dedication to the art form led her to earn a B.F.A. in dance from the California Institute of the Arts.

Linda is a certified coordinator, facilitator, and life coach. She has extensive experience helping those suffering through death, divorce, separation, and abandonment.  She managed the international not-for-profit program, “Death, Divorce, Separation, and Abandonment” through Sts. Phillip and James Roman Catholic Church for nearly a decade reaching over 100 families a year. Her work continued with experts in the field of childhood sexual abuse therapy and garnered her community educator awards for commitment to childhood neglect and abuse. She as worked with children, teenagers, and adults over the years and has the unique ability to build rapport with all. Linda is a lifelong student of the humanities, philosophy, and spirituality. She also is a certified Tai Chi instructor who also works in Reiki and Chi Gong techniques.

I consider myself a non profit finance professional that believes in the mission of the organization.  I call myself a socio-financial person.

Everyone has some sort of mental illness and Lori via her book, podcasts and classes has made a difference  in people's lives by talking about her life experiences and making people feel important about themselves and giving them hope.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH COORDINATOR & PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST

Shari Applebaum has extensive experience in mental health, education and social emotional learning (SEL). Her experience in social work and as an educator includes teaching in not for profit organizations, school settings and synagogues.

Professionally, she has worked with the Mental Health Association of Westchester as a Suicide Bereavement Support Specialist, providing counseling and support to individuals who lost a loved one to suicide. Through community outreach, Shari shared her personal story of suicide loss within Westchester County, to raise awareness and to provide resources. In her fundraising role, she was successful in raising monies to support mental health causes at several charity events.

Beyond Shari’s professional roles, she is deeply committed to positive change in mental health for people who are struggling. Shari co-created, Music and Miles: Changing Minds, along with Living Proof, a fundraising initiative and a scholarship fund honoring her late son, Miles. The purpose is to support young musicians at Lagond Music School where Miles attended - and to raise awareness for mental health challenges. The meaning of Living Proof for these events show that in the darkness of one’s own personal struggles, there is living proof from one’s own first person’s stories of hope and resilience where they can shine the light for those who suffer.

At the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), Shari received special training as a phone volunteer to help individuals and families who were newly bereaved. She is trained in Mental Health First Aid and ASIST, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, safeTALK, and Trauma Informed Training through the Mental Health Association of Westchester.

Her graduate school experience in social work and undergraduate background in rehabilitation counseling have shaped a compassionate and dedicated involvement to be part of an ongoing conversation to reduce stigma and to make a meaningful difference in the lives of persons who are struggling.

FUNDRAISING & BUSINESS RELATIONS

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIST