MHA-NYC’s Jennifer Watkins Honored at 2017 Gala
About Jennifer Watkins:
Jennifer Watkins is a community organizer, mentor, friend and peer. Since her first role as an MHA-NYC youth advocate in 2013, Jennifer has supported families as they’ve navigated life events and helped them build strong relationships. While living her own experiences, Jennifer has also helped other youths obtain their educational requirements, coordinated housing support, and guided young adult parents through healthy transitions. Her Youth Advocate role later progressed into becoming a Family Advocate at MHA-NYC’s Family Resource Center. In 2016, Jennifer transitioned into MHA-NYC’s Circle of Security Parent Coaching program. In her new role as a Parent Coach, Jennifer works to build secure and supportive relationships between parents and their children. Jennifer is also able to support children as they explore their own emotional needs. As Jennifer continues developing her career, she plans to start her own supportive program to connect mental health with performing arts. In addition to her work at MHA-NYC, Jennifer’s journey also includes working with Girls Inc. of NYC, The Brotherhood-Sister Sol, Mount Sinai Medical Center for Excellence internship program, and AmeriCorps Public Allies of New York.
