NYAPRS is very pleased to announce that Teena Brooks has formally assumed the position of Assistant Director for the Office of Consumer Affairs for the NYC Department of Health and Mental Health. In this role, she will work with the Director, Carlton Whitmore, to represent the consumer/peer perspective in the planning, policy development, advocacy and innovative service development activities within the Division.
Teena brings more than 15 years of experience as a social worker and has been active as a peer/provider in the NYC peer and recovery communities since 1999. She worked at the Urban Justice Center’s Mental Health Project for a decade and during that time worked on a variety of advocacy issues/campaigns.
Teena also worked with the New York Association for Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services (NYAPRS) for many years serving as a regional coordinator for New York City, co-chair of the NYAPRS Cultural Competence Committee, active member of the Public Policy Committee and Co-President of the Board of Directors. Prior to working for the Urban Justice Center and NYAPRS, Teena gained experience working as a crisis center coordinator.
She has a strong commitment to education and has worked as an adjunct professor at Fordham University Graduate of Social Service, an Advisor for the Columbia University School of Social Work and a Field Instructor for the Silberman School of Social Work.
Ms. Brooks has been recognized by the National Association of Social Workers, NYC for her contributions to the profession.
While we will miss Teena’s direct involvement with NYAPRS, we know that she will bring the same dedication and excellence on behalf of our community to her new position as she has brought to NYAPRS over the past decade.
Please join us in welcoming Teena to her new role!