We are the stewards of change, the torchbearers of hope, and the champions of a better future supporting the landscape of mental health services.

Our Board

The essence of our Board resonates with a relentless commitment to the pursuit of excellence. We are the steadfast guardians of the determined mission to deliver high-quality, abundant services to the vibrant communities Baltic Street Wellness Solutions serves. Our vision extends beyond the ordinary; we stand as advocates for innovation and person-centered services that transcend boundaries and touch lives.

Our goal is not just to maintain the status quo but to elevate it to new heights. We are not content with the ordinary; we hunger for the extraordinary. We aspire to set a benchmark of service excellence that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of those with mental health histories, mental health professionals, and the very communities that surround us.

Our commitment is tenacious, and our passion is boundless. We are the stewards of change, the torchbearers of hope, and the champions of a better future. With every decision, every action, and every partnership, we strive to redefine the landscape of mental health services and illuminate the path toward a world where everyone can flourish, regardless of their mental health history. Together, we are the architects of transformation, the guardians of well-being, and the catalysts for a more compassionate and inclusive future.

We are the heralds of change, the pioneers of transformation, and the architects of a brighter future. Our mission is to raise the Agency’s profile, casting a radiant light on the importance of mental health services and the indomitable human spirit. We are dedicated to fostering a society that values and supports those with mental health histories, advocating for a world where stigma is replaced by understanding and compassion.

But our dreams are not confined to words alone. We work tirelessly with the Foundation to secure the funding required to meet the ever-growing needs of the Agency. We are not just fundraisers; we are advocates for empowerment, ensuring that resources are available to fuel our vision and support those who depend on our services.

Wendell Knight: MSW, CSWM – Chairperson

Mr. Knight has more than 35 years of managerial and leadership experience in the field of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Transitional and Permanent housing, Integrated Business development, job readiness training, mentoring, advocacy, and implementing services in both an Psychiatric institutional setting and community-based services with and for individuals with psychiatric lived experiences.

Peter Ashenden – Secretary

Peter has working in human services for over 40 years. Twenty-five of those years were as an administrator. His last position before retiring was Vice President of Consumer Affairs for Optum Health  division of United Health Care

Dr. Joanne Forbes, Ph.D – Treasurer

Dr. Forbes trains and consults nationally on system transformation and peer support service delivery, implementation, training, and supervision. She earned her Ph.D. from Rutgers University’s Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation. She has years of experience in the field of mental health as an advocate, educator, administrator, and peer supporter.

Angela M. Cerio, CPRP

Angela strongly believes in peer run supports. She has taught the history of our movement at the Howie Harp Center and other forums. She supports the clubhouse model, to which she attributes much of her personal recovery. She has served on the NYS MH Planning Advisory Committee, and was elected  by her peers as Consumer CoChair of the NYCDOH&MH’s Federation of Mental Health Councils.

Steven C. Joubert

Mr. Joubert has over 40 years of Financial Securities Compliance and Regulatory Management experience.  He retired from Prudential Financial as Vice President, Regulatory Supervision after 28 years of service.  He was responsible for Compliance/Regulatory Training, Broker Dealer and Financial Advisory Services Procedures and Marketing materials regulatory management for the domestic sales force of Prudential Financial. He has served on the board of several not-for-profit mental health organizations in the past 25 years.

Gita Enders, MA, MSW, LMSW, NYCPS

Gita shares with her peers the lived experience of a mental health challenge. She currently holds the position of Director in the NYC Health + Hospitals / Office of Behavioral Health, where she oversees numerous health care delivery system activities and concerns impacting individuals who use mental health, substance use, and co-occurring treatment services, and provides oversight to the NYC H+H Peer Academy.

Dr. Felecia Pullen, Ph.D

Dr. Felecia Pullen specializes in program and policy development for the fields of substance use disorders, teen misuse prevention, non-medical models of harm reduction, and recovery support. Much of her focus is on the design and implementation of community-based initiatives. Through multi-tiered approaches, she believes we can prevent the onset of use, reduce overdoses resulting from misuse, increase the attainment of recovery capital, and promote healthier communities.

Cecelia Hoskins, NYCPS

Cecelia Hoskins has dedicated her career to supporting and advocating for vulnerable populations. Serving as the first Certified Peer Specialist on the Board of Directors of Baltic Street Wellness Solutions, she began her career as an Employment Specialist with Baltic Street nearly 25 years ago. Cecelia has also been a Peer Wellness Facilitator with the Pathways to Housing ACT Team in Brooklyn and served in various roles at Howie the Harp, a world-renowned training program for peer providers with forensic, substance use, and mental health backgrounds.

The Baltic Street Mental Health Board Foundation, INC.

The heartbeat of our Foundation pulses with steadfast dedication to the cause. As a not-for-profit powerhouse, we stand as the stalwart pillars, fortifying the programs and services of Baltic Street Wellness Solutions Our mission is clear: to empower, to elevate, and to make a difference that resonates far and wide. We are not just fundraisers; we are the architects of transformation. Through heartfelt appeals and dynamic events, we tirelessly raise the funds that serve as the lifeblood of our mission. We are not content with the ordinary; we aspire to the extraordinary. Our passion is the driving force that propels us forward, and our commitment knows no bounds.

In our stewardship, we assume the sacred fiduciary responsibility. We are the custodians of planned gifts and bequests, ensuring that the dreams and legacies of our patrons live on, perpetuating hope and empowerment. We vigilantly and conservatively manage the precious capital assets entrusted to us, honoring the trust of the donors and friends of Baltic Street Wellness Solutions. But we don’t stop at financial management; we are advocates for the future. We envision a world where mental health services flourish, stigma is replaced by understanding, and everyone has access to the support they need to thrive. Tax-deductible donations are not just welcome; they are the foundation upon which we build a better future.

Our cause is not just a mission; it’s a passionate declaration of support, an unyielding commitment to progress, and a testament to the human spirit’s boundless potential. Together, we are more than a Foundation; we are the guardians of hope, the champions of empowerment, and the catalysts for change. Join us on our journey, and together, we’ll shape a future where compassion, support, and opportunity abound for all.