Reflecting on 2025: A Year of Impact and Growth at Greater Mental Health
As 2025 comes to a close, we reflect on a year defined by growth, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to mental health. Over the past twelve months, our team has launched innovative programs, provided accessible and affordable behavioral healthcare to neighbors across the Lower Hudson Valley, and been recognized for excellence. Together, we’ve strengthened communities and expanded hope. Here’s a look back at some of our proudest moments.
January: Honoring Leadership
We kicked off the year celebrating Chief Program Officer Ruthanne Becker, who was named one of City & State’s “50 Over 50” honorees. Ruthanne’s 25-year tenure at Greater Mental Health reflects her extraordinary leadership and dedication to improving lives throughout the Hudson Valley.
February: Welcoming New Board Members
This year we welcomed Andy Bracco, Colin McGrath, Lindsey Garito, and Randy Gonseth to our Board of Directors. Their expertise, dedication, and passion are instrumental in helping us expand mental healthcare access.
March: Breaking the Silence
In honor of Women’s History Month, we joined the Westchester Women’s Summit for a powerful panel on mental health advocacy. CEO Stacey Roberts, LCSW and local leaders discussed the importance of advocacy, community education, and navigating systems of care, as well as dispelling myths and breaking down stigma around mental health topics.
“Learning to be in an ‘asking stance’ with humility is critical in allowing people to trust and feel more comfortable with not only providers, but co-workers, friends, and family.”
Stacey Roberts, LCSW, CEO
April: Leadership Milestones
We welcomed Darcie Miller, LCSW-R, as our new Chief Operating Officer. She brings over 25 years of experience leading behavioral health systems, most recently from her tenure as Orange County’s Commissioner of the Departments of Social Services and Mental Health. CEO Stacey Roberts was also honored with City & State’s Above and Beyond Award, recognizing her leadership.
“Clinic services have been a longstanding passion throughout my career, and I am looking forward to ensuring that our clinical care remains high quality, affordable, and accessible for those who need it most.”
Darcie Miller, LCSW-R, Chief Operating Officer
May: Mental Health Awareness Month
From community events to educational campaigns, we turned awareness into action. We were proud to receive Mental Health America’s Platinum Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health and to celebrate Deirdre Sferrazza’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the “What’s Great in Our State” ceremony. Our Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program was also recognized by CASA New York State for its positive impact on children and families.
June: Pride & Juneteenth Community Engagement – Reaching More of Our Neighbors
Our team was out in the community celebrating Pride Month epi Juneteenth, reinforcing our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion while raising awareness for mental health within our communities.
July: Recognizing Minority Mental Health Month
We honored the legacy of Bebe Moore Campbell, amplifying conversations about mental health in BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities and advocating for culturally responsive care.
“Mental illness is not a personal failure. In fact, it’s a common human experience. We need to start treating it as such.”
Bebe Moore Campbell
August: Celebrating Graduates of Our Peer Specialist Training Program!
Nou Peer Specialist Training Program celebrated it’s Summer session graduation! Offered three times a year out of the Sterling Community Center, this training program provides individuals with lived experience of mental health conditions a pathway to employment and certification. Participants learn skills to support others in both traditional and peer-run behavioral health settings and are prepared to pursue New York State credentials.
September: Suicide Prevention Month
We reaffirmed our belief that where there is help, there is hope. We spent the month holding trainings and sharing resources to break stigma and save lives – when people feel heard, supported, and connected, healing becomes possible.
"Education is key, and open communication about suicide breaks down barriers to seeking help. The more open discussion we can foster, the more people we can help and the more lives we collectively can save."
Brian Gens, LCSW, Senior Director of Training, Advocacy, and External Affairs and and a member of the Westchester County Suicide Prevention Coalition
October: Celebrating the Power of Connection & Honoring our Board President
Nou annual gala brought together supporters and advocates for an unforgettable evening! We were proud to honor Jan Fisher epi Gallagher for their impact, and bring Broadway magic to Tarrytown with exceptional performances by Jenn Gambatese.
Hon. Mary F. Foster, President of our Board of Directors, was named the 2025 Joe Lemmond Volunteer of the Year by the Mental Health Association of New York State (MHANYS)! Foster has been a cornerstone of Greater Mental Health’s leadership since 1992, serving in numerous roles on the Board of Directors, including Treasurer, Vice President, and President.
“It has been my privilege to serve this amazing organization, to work alongside my fellow Board members and to support the leadership team of Greater Mental Health."
Hon. Mary F. Foster, Board President
November: Expanding Youth Services
We launched the first Youth Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team in Rockland County, providing intensive, community-based care for young people. We also joined the NY Giants’ My Cause My Cleats campaign, raising funds for mental health access.
“Youth ACT in Rockland is a critical addition to the continuum of services we provide for youth in our region. We are proud to bring the innovative Youth ACT model to Rockland County, ensuring more young people have access to the care they need close to home.”
Deirdre Sferrazza, LMSW, Senior Vice President of Children’s Services
December: Closing the Year with Gratitude
Closing out the year strong, we are proud to be named one of City & State NY’s Top Mental Health Care Providers! And as we wrap up the year, we launched our second annual Matching Gift Campaign, thanks to generous support from the Ipri, Ingrassia, Foster and Tropp Epstein families. Every dollar up to $15,000 will be matched through December 31.
Double your impact and donate today to support a new year of hope and healing!
