NJEA is proud to offer a new series of virtual workshops and conversations on the topic of building a family.
In Part 1 of this series, NJEA members share their experiences around pregnancy loss, overcoming infertility, and the adoption/fostering process.
In Part 2 of this series, NJEA members generate ideas and share resources around more equitable birth outcomes and mental health support for parents, maximizing paid leave access and options, and lactation rights for educators.
Experts will provide information and answer your questions. We will also discuss ways that we can advocate for ourselves and our colleagues. The virtual series is detailed below, and is open to all NJEA members.
Panel discussion #1: Supporting members through pregnancy loss
Thursday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m.
Panelists to include:
- Denise Paul, Holy Redeemer Hospital + Unite Inc
- Jackie Mancinelli, Eastern EA member and founder of Start Healing Together
- Kaitlyn Dunphy Esq., NJEA Legal Services
- Caroline Tantum, NJEA UniServ Region 3
- Beth Schroeder Buonsante, NJEA Member Benefits
Panel discussion #2: Helping members navigate the IVF process
Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022 at 7 p.m.
Panelists to include:
- Gabby Lewis, East Windsor EA
- Kristi Hunter, Eastern EA
- Jackie Mancinelli, Eastern EA
- George Kemery, Eastern EA
- Lynn Polin, NJREA member and founder of Kindred Beginnings
- Beth Schroeder-Buonsante, NJEA Member Benefits
- Jim Boice, NJEA UniServ
Panel discussion #3: Hearing our members’ stories about adoption and fostering.
Thursday, March 31 @ 7 p.m.
Panelists to include:
- Megan Schutz, North Plainfield EA.
- Sharon Bowman, Pennsauken EA.
- Ilene Sloan, Englewood EA.
- Sean Hengst, Haddon Township EA.
- Kaitlyn Dunphy Esq, NJEA Legal Services.
- Beth Schroeder-Buonsante, NJEA Member Benefits.
All panels moderated by Tracie Yostpile, NJEA UniServ Region 9 and Jessica Denney NJEA, UniServ Region 3.
NJEA Building A Family Workshop Series
Part 2
Panel discussion # 1: Overview of Resources for Healthy Pregnancy, Birth, and Parental Mental Health
April 27, 2022 @ 5 p.m.
Panelists to include:
- Kaitlyn Dunphy, Esq., NJEA Legal Services
- Susan Esserman, MSW, Maternal and Paternal Mental Health Specialist
- Jackie Mancinelli, Eastern Camden County Regional School District, Start Healing Together
- Meg Santonacita, Freehold Regional High School District
- Beth Schroeder Buonsante, NJEA Member Benefits
- Jill Wodnick, Certified Lamaze Childbirth Educator, NJEA Lactation Rights Task Force
Lauren Zucker to serve as moderator.
Panel discussion # 2: Access and Maximize Paid Leave Options to Care for Yourself, a Child, and/or a Loved One
May 4, 2022 @ 5 p.m.
Panelists to include:
- Kaitlyn Dunphy, Esq., NJEA Legal Services
- Sara Magretto, Northern Highlands Regional High School
- Meg Santonacita, Freehold Regional High School District
- Caroline Tantum, NJEA UniServ Field Rep
- Beth Schroeder Buonsante, NJEA Member Benefits
- Yarrow Willman-Cole, NJ Time to Care Coalition
Lisa Veit to serve as moderator.
Panel discussion # 3: Breastfeeding and Pumping Rights and Resources for Educators
May 11, 2022 @ 5 p.m.
Panelists to include:
- Carmen Baker-Clark, IBCLC, NJEA Lactation Rights Task Force
- Kaitlyn Dunphy, Esq., NJEA Legal Services
- Ellen Maughan, JD, IBCLC, New Jersey Breastfeeding Coalition and NJEA Lactation Rights Task Force
- Allyson Murphy, IBCLC, NJEA Lactation Rights Task Force
- Lauren Zucker, Northern Highlands Education Association, Chair of the NJEA Lactation Rights Task Force
Sarah Reichenbecher to serve as moderator.
Resources
- Building a Family Digital Toolkit
- Returning to Work After Pregnancy Loss – Pregnancy After Loss Support, Jan. 18. 2022