Our History
In May of 2021, NJAWT celebrated 45 years of education and support to its members!
The New Jersey Association of Women Therapists (NJAWT) is a vibrant, multi-disciplinary association of mental health professionals that draws its members from throughout the state. We were founded in 1976 by a group of 12 women therapists who felt isolated in their work and desired a way to come together to find support and opportunities for professional collaboration. The group gained momentum and over the years evolved into what is now a stimulating and well established collegial organization that offers opportunities for continuing education. Our membership serves the New Jersey community by offering mental health services via their work in private practice, mental health facilities, universities, hospitals and other settings.
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NJAWT is a non-profit organization run by and for women therapists. Our membership is comprised of professional women who meet the New Jersey state and/or National licensure standards or hold a temporary/provisional permit in any of the various mental health fields and have a minimum of a Master’s Degree in mental health discipline. The Organization’s stated purpose is to provide members with an opportunity to meet for fellowship, exchange ideas with colleagues, and for continuing educational and professional growth.
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We understand and support the needs, challenges and gifts that are unique to women therapists. We achieve this through offering General Meetings, Conversation Hours, peer-led support and special interest groups, our monthly e-newsletter called the “E-Bulletin” and a private Facebook group. We invite you to browse the pages on our website to learn more about us, become involved and meet our members.
Founding Members E. Betty Levin, President, 1982-1984
and Sheila E. Dancz, President, 1986-1988
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We were saddened to learn of the passing of E. Betty Levin, one of our founding members, who died on May 16, 2018 at the age of 92. Betty continued to attend meetings until weeks before her death and was an inspiration to us all.
Meet The Board of Directors
The NJAWT Board is made up of a four member Executive Committee and eight Committee Chairs. Together they run the organization, develop membership, organize meetings and create programs and social events. They serve a two-year term.
2023 Executive Board
Christine M Valentin
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MSW, LCSW, President
Cheray Thiel
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PsyD, Vice President
Phyllis Kopit
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MSW, LCSW, Secretary
Pamela Brodie
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PhD., LPC, Treasurer
Kimberly Goodrich
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MSW, LCSW, Social Media Chair
Jodi Brodsky
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MSW, LCSW, Nominating Chair
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Sonja Seglin
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LPC, Membership Chair
2023 Committee Chairs
Marisa Tucker
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MSW, Hospitality Chair
Katy Engel
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MSW, LCSW, Events Chair
Hieka Wiese
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MSW, LCSW, Member-at-Large
Sharon McCobin
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MSW, LCSW, Member-at-Large
Christine M. Valentin, MSW, LCSW
A message from NJAWT’s President
Dearest NJAWT members,
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It is with much excitement and honor that I greet you as NJAWT's new President.
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Nine years ago as I was going through some flyers I picked up from a recent networking event, I came across a blurb about an organization called the New Jersey Association of Women Therapists. The blurb announced an upcoming educational and networking event for women therapists. What the event was I cannot recall but I do know that the time of the event was doable, the location was reachable and that it would be my chance - a girl from Queens who recently moved to NJ and started her private practice- to meet with other women who had a similar endeavor.
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So, I jumped on the chance to learn and socialize. That meeting in 2014 was the stepping stone to me then serving on the Board two years later and now in 2023 serving as your current President for the next two years.
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Never could I have imagined that I would find an organization comprised of inspiring and knowledgeable women whom I've come to know personally and who have taught me how to balance work, family and self-care. For 46 years NJAWT has supported women in a variety of ways and I look forward to being a part of that history and adding to how we can continue to support those in the mental health field.
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I would like to take this time to acknowledge the outgoing board, our Advisory committee and everyone in our membership who chipped in when we needed help. This organization, much like raising a child, takes a village. Without each person, we can't continue to strive and thrive for another 46 years.
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Lastly, I want to thank each member who has decided to continue with us for another year for exciting programs and continued virtual and in-person events. Aside from the educational and networking meetings we will be hosting, we are also excited for the continued groups we have going including two new ones - a Book club and a Brainstorming group for Therapreneurs. These are free groups faciliated by NJAWT members and available only to NJAWT members. If you are a member, we hope to see you at one of our events and in one of our groups.
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If you are not a member, we hope you will become a member and participate in one of our many upcoming meetings. To become a member, simply click on the membership tab above in the menu and click apply.
With much gratitude and appreciation,
Christine M. Valentín, LCSW
President, NJAWT
