NNews March 2026

March 2026 17 D arian Eletto has created innovative programs and expanded services over the years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she launched the Hope and Resiliency Center for Youth. She also expanded eating disorder treatment for underserved patients through the Center for Eating Disorders and Body Positivity. In addition, she established an LGBTQIA+ center that offers affirming behavioral health services. “I viewNJMHI as a critical driver of innovation, leadership development and policy-aligned education within New Jersey’s behavioral health system. At a time when demand for services continues to outpace capacity, NJMHI plays an essential role in strengthening the workforce, elevating best practices, and creating space for leaders across hospital-based, community and academic settings to learn from A ngela Garcia Mallon has more than 25 years of dedicated experience in the human resources field. She leads efforts in Labor Relations, training and staff development; and is creating a pay-differential model for bilingual staff and career ladders at all levels of the agency. Angela Garcia Mallon co-chairs NJAMHAA’s Human Resources Practice Group, serves as a mentor for the NJMHI Leadership Academy for Behavioral Healthcare Professionals and is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). “I like NJMHI’s mission and efforts in education, training and policy development, LearnMore about NJMHI at www.njmhi.org! NJMHI Welcomes New Board Members continued frompage 16 Darian Eletto, LPC, LCADC Chief Clinical Officer, Behavioral Health Services Bergen New Bridge Medical Center one another. Its ability to translate complex systemchallenges into actionable learning and collaboration is what makes it such a valuable asset to the state,” Darian Eletto said. “I bring a systems-level lens that balances clinical acumen, operational sustainability, workforce engagement and equity. I believe this perspective can support NJMHI by helping ensure its initiatives remain grounded in the real-world challenges faced by providers—such as staffing shortages, payer complexity, regulatory demands and increasing patient acuity—while also remaining aspirational and forward-looking. Ultimately, strengthening leadership and infrastructure across NJAMHAAmembers directly translates to improved access, quality and outcomes for the individuals and families we serve,” Darian Eletto added. Angela GarciaMallon Senior Vice President, Human Resources CarePlus NJ, Inc. as well as fighting stigma, and I’m excited to contribute withmy background in training and labor relations,” Angela Garcia Mallon said. “The better you are with people and prepare them for what they need to do, the more successful they’ll be.” “I’d love to see a better flow of information among employers, educational institutions and government. People who educate, people who regulate and people doing the work are not in sync when it comes to what is needed,” Angela Garcia Mallon added.” I want to be the part of NJMHI that provides additional resources for people working in the industry.” Read about NJMHI’s 25+ year history of achievements and positive impact —not only in New Jersey, but also across the nation and world— and discover the opportunities formentees, mentors and coaches in the NJMHI Leadership Academy for Behavioral Healthcare Professionals!