Welcome to USRA Coalition’s Let’s Talk About It Podcast, where we give you insights into mental health and substance abuse issues. In each episode we’ll have a conversation with a guest who will help educate and create awareness in our communities around these topics. Thanks for listening and enjoy the podcast!
Supporting Students Beyond the Classroom: A Conversation with Dr. Tony LaRocca
In this episode of the USRA Coalition's Let's Talk About It podcast, we sit down with Dr. Tony LaRocca, Assistant Principal of Student Affairs at Northern Highlands, to discuss the evolving role of prevention, discipline, and wellness in today’s school environment. Dr. LaRocca shares insights on the importance of trusted adult relationships, the school’s approach to vaping and substance intervention, and the integration of mental-health and restorative learning practices. He also talks about ...
27 Sept 2024
Supporting Athletes Beyond the Game: A Conversation with Dr. Pete Koeniges
In this episode of the USRA Coalition's Let's Talk About It podcast, we sit down with Dr. Pete Koeniges, Northern Highlands' Head Athletic Trainer, to discuss the evolving role of athletic training in student wellness. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Koeniges shares insights on the physical and emotional challenges athletes face, the importance of identity beyond sports, and how his department collaborates with the school's wellness team to support students. Tune in for an engaging conv...
4 Sept 2024
A Highlander’s Return: Empowering Student Wellness with Joe Torres
In Season 3, Episode 3 of the USRA Coalition's Let's Talk About It podcast, we sit down with Joe Torres, a Northern Highlands alum turned wellness school counselor. Joe shares his journey from student to counselor, offering insights into how the school's wellness department actively supports students' mental health. He discusses the proactive approaches used to engage students, the importance of trusted adult relationships, and the strides Northern Highlands has made in fostering a positive a...
27 Aug 2024
Supporting Families & Transforming Lives: A Conversation with Rudy Novak
In Season 3, Episode 2 of the USRA Coalition's Let's Talk About It podcast, we dive into the world of mental health and substance abuse with Rudy Novak, Vice President of Clinical Partnerships at Altior Healthcare. Rudy shares his journey from personal recovery to helping others find the right support, shedding light on the importance of partnerships in behavioral health. Tune in as Rudy discusses the challenges families face, the vital role of support networks, and the life-changing impact o...
22 Aug 2024
Navigating Substance Abuse and Underage Drinking: Insights from a Community Perspective
In this eye-opening episode of Let's Talk About It, we sit down with Captain Ed Kane, a seasoned officer from the Upper Saddle River Police Department, to discuss the critical issues of underage drinking, substance abuse, and the changing landscape of drug legalization. With over 25 years of experience in the community, Captain Kane shares his observations on the attitudes of both youth and parents towards alcohol, the challenges of modern parenting, and the impact of legalizing marijuana. Tu...
17 Oct 2022
The Impact of the Not Even Once Program - with Officer Kevin Azevedo
In the latest episode of USRA Coalition’s Let’s Talk About It, we welcome special guest, Officer Kevin Azevedo. He's a ten year veteran of the Allendale Police Department, serves as the Lead Officer in the Allendale School District as well as at Northern Highlands, and has helped organize the Not Even Once Program. Officer Azevedo shares the impact this program has had, and how teens within the community have benefited from it. We also discuss the negative spiral of crime that substance abuse...
25 Jul 2022
Discussing "The New Normal" - with Dr. Jen Altman
In this episode of USRA Coalition’s Let’s Talk About It, we welcome back special guest, Dr. Jen Altman. She's a local clinician, a parent, a proud member of the USRA Coalition, and she joins us in this episode to discuss going back to normal post-pandemic, and her praise of the Highlands Wellness Program.If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or mental health issues, there are resources to help. Visit our website for more information: https://usracoalition.orgUSRA Coalition’s...
11 Mar 2022
How a Normal Life Can Still Lead Down a Dark Path with Gail Cole
In this episode of USRA Coalition’s Let’s Talk About It, we have a special guest, Gail Cole, who discuses her pursuant drive in drug awareness and prevention. Gail also provides us a glimpse into what the struggle is like with an addict in the household, how to help others with awareness, and the tragic loss of her 22 year old son.If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or mental health issues, there are resources to help. Visit our website for more information: https://usraco...
4 Mar 2022
Providing Students a Sense of Belonging with Allison Rocca
In this episode of USRA Coalition’s Let’s Talk About It, we have a special guest, Allison Rocca.Allison is a licensed clinical social worker and is a member of the newly founded Northern Highlands Wellness Department. She helps assist students struggling with mental health related challenges and assures that all students are receiving any sort of help they may need. In this episode, Allison shares with us how she better assists students who are dealing with mental health challenges, and ...
15 Feb 2022
What Northern Highlands is Doing to Address Mental Health Issues with Principal, Joe Occhino
In this episode of USRA Coalition’s Let’s Talk About It, we have a special guest, Joe Occhino, Principal at Northern Highlands Regional High School. Joe Occhino has been the School Principal at Northern Highlands for the past 13 years and has spent almost 40 years working in the education field. Mike Koth and Joe Occhino discuss Northern Highland's Wellness Initiative.If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or mental health issues, there are resources to help. Visit our websit...
8 Feb 2021
Insights And Inspiration From Local Recovering Addict
In this episode of USRA Coalition’s Let’s Talk About It, we have a special guest, Jon Shaw.Jon is a recovering addict who grew up in Suffern, NJ. He started experimenting with drugs and alcohol at a young age. It was all about having fun for a while, but then they became something just to numb the pain.In this episode Jon shares how to tell if you’re drinking or using could be a real problem and how to identify some red flags that someone could be suffering from addiction.If you or someone yo...
25 Jan 2021
Dr. Jolene Arasz on Coping with Anxiety
In this episode of USRA Coalition’s Let’s Talk About It, we have a special guest, Dr. Jolene Arasz.Dr. Arasz has been a practicing clinical psychologist for the past 20 years. She has been working with adolescents, adults, families, and in school settings. She offers therapeutic services, acts as a public speaker, and is the author of new book, Why On Earth Do I Feel This Way?In this episode, Dr. Arasz shares with us how better understand anxiety and offers solutions to help us cope.If you or...
11 Jan 2021
USR Police Officer Anthony Pulizzano Shares Insight About Our Youth
In this episode of USRA Coalition’s Let’s Talk About It, we have a special guest, Anthony Pulizzano.Anthony has been a police officer for 18 years, and in the last 16 years, he’s been protecting and serving the town of Upper Saddle River. He’s served as a PBA State Delegate, on the Bergen County Crisis Intervention Team, and as a DARE Officer in the Upper Saddle River Schools.In this episode, Anthiny joins Michael Koth to share his insights. This includes what he’s been working on in the DARE...
24 Nov 2020
Student Activist Melissa Reifman On Drug Prevention and Awareness
In this episode of USRA Coalition's Let's Talk About It, we have a special guest, Melissa Reifman.Melissa is a student of Northern Highlands Regional High School, member of the National Honor Society, co-editor and chief of the school newspaper, and a member of Senior Class Council. She’s also a student activist in the community, drumming up awareness for the opioid crisis and anti-bullying efforts.If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or mental health issues, there are reso...
24 Nov 2020
How The Pandemic Is Affecting Our Youth With Dr. Jenn Altman
In this episode of USRA Coalition's Let's Talk About It, we have a special guest, Dr. Jenn Altman.Dr. Jenn Altman has been both a school psychologist and clinical psychologist for the past 20 years. She also has her own private practice right here in Ho-Ho-Kus. She works closely with schools, college advisors, and other specialists.With everything that's going on in the world right now, we discuss how it's been affecting adolescents in our community.If you or someone you know is struggling wi...
18 Nov 2020
Meet Dr. Jessica Verdicchio from Northern Highland's Student Wellness Department
In this episode of USRA Coalition's Let's Talk About It, we have a special guest, Dr. Jessica Verdicchio.Dr. Verdicchio is a social worker at Northern Highlands Regional High School and the supervisor of the Student Wellness Department. Focused on the needs of our students, she helps connect them to different resources.If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or mental health issues, there are resources to help.Visit our website for more information: https://usracoalition.orgUS...
22 Oct 2020
Lauren Wright Fights Back After Losing Her Brother To Addiction
In this episode of USRA Coalition's Let's Talk About It, we have a special guest, Lauren Wright. Lauren tells the story of her brother, Carter Stone, a 32-year-old man who fell victim to the heroin epidemic in Bergen County.Carter started taking OxyContin after a car accident in September 2015, when a woman who was texting while driving rear-ended him. He eventually turned to heroin to get high, as it was much cheaper.If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or mental health is...
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