Mental Health Association Offering Online Support Group

OCEAN COUNTY – A new, online support and discussion group for women in the workplace is being offered by a nonprofit organization, The Mental Health Association in New Jersey, which has an affiliate office in Ocean County. The focus is on women who have experienced emotional, physical, or sexual intimidation or abuse on the job.

The group, called Life in Waves, is meeting online twice a month via the Zoom App. The meeting is founded and facilitated by women who have experienced these challenges. A mental health professional with lived experience as a survivor of trauma is an advisor to the facilitators.

“Our area of South Jersey employs many women in occupations frequently associated with a higher risk for these experiences. Think about all the waitresses, house - keepers, massage therapists, lifeguards, nurses and the many women working in the service industry,” said Bern Trendler, a wellness program manager. “This group provides a safe space to provide support and have an open discussion about topics like gender roles and power balances.”

Trendler said women who have faced these situations can experience negative health outcomes, including sleep disorders, depression, anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. Through the group, members share resources and strategies to improve their mental health.

Life in Waves meets twice a month on the second and fourth Wednesday at 7 p.m. To receive a link for this meeting, call The Mental Health Association at 609-652-3800 or email lifeinwaves@ mhanj.org.

OCC Course Opens The Door To Alternate Route To Teaching

TOMS RIVER – Ocean County College has partnered with Brookdale Community College to provide aspiring teachers with a pathway to K-12 teacher certification, offered through OCC’s Workforce and Professional Education department. Classes begin on July 14 and registration is open now.

Individuals with a bachelor’s degree or higher can take advantage of New Jersey’s Alternate Route to Teaching program to become a licensed teacher without having to complete traditional teacher training. OCC’s “Introduction to Teaching” course is the first step. The course is designed to provide candidates with the skills and strategies needed to become effective teachers, and delivers an overview of all aspects of teaching, including lesson planning, classroom management, child development, school law and ethics, assessments and more. The program is regulated and approved by the

New Jersey Department of Education. The course is composed of 30 hours of classroom instruction and 20 hours of clinical work, which includes classroom observations, substitute teaching, tutoring, and working in an after-school program. Upon completion, candidates receive a Verification of Program Completion and become eligible to move on to the next stage of the licensing process. The upcoming session will meet as follows:

July 14: 5 to 8 p.m.

July 15: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

July 16: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

July 21: 5 to 8 p.m.

July 22: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

July 23: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information and to register for the course, visit go.ocean.edu/teach or contact OCC’s Workforce & Professional Development office at 732-255-0409.