On the evening of February 6, 2025, the Monmouth County Schools Partnership for Wellness, in collaboration with the Monmouth County Superintendents’ Roundtable and a steering committee made up of school leaders from across Monmouth County, hosted a Symposium on Mental Health & Wellness at Brookdale Community College. This gathering attracted nearly 500 registrants from across the state, marking a pivotal moment for educators, mental health professionals, parents, students, and community leaders to address the mental health challenges facing students and families today.

The symposium was made possible through the generous support from local organizations and businesses, whose contributions were vital in bringing the event to life. The sponsors included Vin Gopal Civic Association, Brown & Brown Insurance, Dominic Cinelli, Gary Goldfarb, MC3, YMCA, CPC, Monmouth County School Counselors’ Association, Senator Declan O’Scanlon, The Monmouth County Directors’ Association, Effective School Solutions, The Tigger Stavlola Foundation, and the Monmouth County Education Association. Their commitment to supporting the mental health and wellness of students and families was an invaluable part of the success of the evening.

With the backing of nearly 30 local community partnerships, which were represented at the resource fair, the symposium emphasized the importance of collaboration in tackling mental health issues in our schools and neighborhoods. The presence of so many diverse organizations at the fair was a testament to the collective commitment to supporting mental health and wellness in the region.

The evening began with registration and a bustling resource fair, where attendees could explore a wide range of mental health resources and connect with community organizations dedicated to promoting wellness. From local counseling services to prevention programs, the fair highlighted the variety of support available to those seeking help, setting the tone for an engaging and informative evening.

A key moment during the event was the deeply moving story of the tragic loss of a young family member who long struggled with a sense of disconnection from her peers. The story underscored the importance of early intervention, support, and connection in addressing mental health and addiction issues, particularly for young people.

The keynote speaker, Jonathan Barresi, an educator with extensive experience in both classroom and administrative roles, delivered a compelling address titled “The Anxious Generation.” Barresi spoke about the growing anxiety among today’s youth, emphasizing the pressures of academic performance, extracurricular demands, and social media’s pervasive influence. His message highlighted the need for environments that nurture emotional well-being and provide students with the tools they need to cope with stress.

Following the keynote, a series of impactful breakout sessions were held, each focusing on different aspects of mental health. These sessions were led by local organizations including The Center for Wellness, Wellspring Center for Prevention, The Balance Project, Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, Living YES, The Ocean is Female, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), among others. These organizations shared their expertise, offering everything from addiction prevention programs and mental health first aid training to youth counseling services.

As the evening came to a close, the symposium concluded with one of its most powerful moments: a panel discussion featuring both students and mental health experts/advocates. The panel offered attendees the opportunity to hear directly from students about their experiences with mental health and the challenges they face in today’s world. Their voices, coupled with the expertise of mental health professionals, underscored the central message of the event: the need for open dialogue, empathy, and collective action in addressing the mental health needs of youth.

The success of the symposium reinforced a crucial message: mental health is a community issue that requires the collective effort of all stakeholders. Educators, mental health professionals, community organizations, and families all have a role to play in creating environments where students feel supported, understood, and empowered to seek help when needed.

The Symposium on Mental Health & Wellness served as a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration, compassion, and action in addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time—the mental health of our youth. As the event concluded, participants left feeling inspired, connected, and committed to making a positive impact on the mental health and well-being of their communities.