Her Story
About Christine
She is dedicated to strengthening communities by making education, prevention, and support accessible to everyone. As the Mental Health Awareness Coordinator at Empower Somerset, she works to increase awareness, reduce stigma, and connect individuals with the resources they need to thrive. Her work is rooted in the belief that informed, compassionate communities are better equipped to support one another during life's challenges.
Christine coordinates and delivers evidence-based trainings, including Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention. Through these programs, she has trained hundreds of educators, healthcare professionals, first responders, veterans, parents, students, community leaders, and residents to recognize the signs of someone experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge and respond with confidence and compassion. Each training creates a ripple effect, empowering participants to become trusted sources of support within their families, workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods.
In addition to her role at Empower Somerset, Christine is a certified Community Health Worker (CHW), helping bridge the gap between individuals and the healthcare system by connecting people with local resources, advocating for their needs, and promoting healthier communities. Her person-centered approach emphasizes prevention, education, and reducing barriers to care.
Christine also serves as a New Jersey Disaster Response Crisis Counselor (DRCC), providing emotional support and crisis assistance to individuals and communities affected by disasters and emergencies. Her specialized training enables her to respond with empathy, practical guidance, and evidence-based strategies that foster resilience during difficult times.
As a Traumatic Loss Coalition (TLC) Lead Responder, Christine provides compassionate support to schools and communities following traumatic events. Drawing on training in Psychological First Aid and the Instant Stabilization Procedure (ISP), she helps individuals begin the healing process by offering immediate emotional support, promoting healthy coping strategies, and connecting those affected with ongoing resources.
Collaboration is at the heart of Christine's work. She partners with schools, municipalities, healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations, veterans' groups, faith-based organizations, and community leaders throughout Somerset County to expand access to education and strengthen community networks. By building these partnerships, she helps ensure that prevention and support services reach people where they live, learn, work, and gather.
Christine's commitment to public service extends beyond direct training and outreach. She continually expands her expertise through professional development in crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, suicide prevention, disaster response, and behavioral health. This ongoing learning allows her to bring current, evidence-based practices into every training session and community partnership.
Outside of her professional role, Christine enjoys crocheting as a creative outlet and a way to give back. She finds joy in creating handmade blankets, hats, toys, and other keepsakes that are shared with family, friends, and members of the community. For Christine, crochet is more than a hobby—it is another way to show kindness, offer comfort, and bring a smile to someone else. Whether teaching others to crochet or gifting something made by hand, she believes small acts of generosity can have a lasting impact.
What drives Christine is the understanding that even a single conversation can change the course of someone's life. Whether teaching a classroom of professionals, supporting a family after a traumatic loss, helping a veteran access resources, or connecting a community member with services, she believes every interaction is an opportunity to create hope and strengthen the community.
Christine's impact is measured not only by the number of people she has trained or the programs she has delivered, but by the confidence she instills in others to recognize when someone is struggling, start meaningful conversations, and connect people with the help they need. Through education, collaboration, creativity, and compassionate leadership, she continues to help build communities where people feel supported, valued, and empowered to care for one another.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Christine
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a genuine passion for helping others, a commitment to lifelong learning, and the relationships I've built within the community. I believe that listening with compassion, treating everyone with respect, and being willing to collaborate creates meaningful change. I also embrace opportunities to continue growing through education and training, allowing me to better serve others. Most importantly, I measure success not by personal achievements, but by the positive impact I can have on someone's life and the stronger, more connected community we build together.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received was, "Never lose your passion or forget why you started." There will always be challenges, busy days, and moments when the work feels difficult, but your purpose is what keeps you moving forward. Passion is what allows you to connect with people authentically, inspire others, and continue making a difference even when the results aren't immediately visible. I remind myself of this often because, in the work I do, every conversation, every training, and every act of kindness has the potential to positively impact someone's life. Staying connected to that purpose is what makes the work meaningful.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to believe in your abilities, never stop learning, and stay true to your purpose. Lead with compassion, listen more than you speak, and don't be afraid to use your voice to advocate for others. Build strong relationships, seek out mentors, and remember that meaningful change doesn't always happen through big moments—it often comes from small acts of kindness and genuine connection. Most importantly, never lose your passion. The work can be challenging, but if you stay focused on why you chose this path, you'll make a lasting difference in the lives of others and in your community.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is continuing to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraging people to seek help before they reach a crisis. Many individuals still hesitate to ask for support because of fear, misunderstanding, or lack of awareness. At the same time, this is also one of our greatest opportunities. By expanding education, strengthening community partnerships, and equipping more people with skills through programs like Mental Health First Aid and QPR, we can create communities where conversations about mental well-being are normal, support is accessible, and people feel empowered to help one another.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my work and personal life are compassion, integrity, kindness, and service to others. I believe in treating everyone with dignity and respect, listening without judgment, and leading with empathy. I value lifelong learning and strive to continually grow so I can better serve my community. Above all, I believe that even the smallest act of kindness or a simple conversation can make a meaningful difference in someone's life, and I try to carry that belief into everything I do.
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