Breaking the Stigma: How One VP is Revolutionizing Pediatric Behavioral Health in New Jersey

What this episode covers

What happens when a clinical mental health professional trades direct patient care for executive leadership—and discovers she can make an even bigger impact? In this powerful conversation, Caitlin Summers-Motta, VP of Business Development at First Children's Services, reveals the raw truth about mission-driven leadership in behavioral health.In This Episode:Why waking up at 5:30 AM became Caitlin's secret weapon for maintaining balance between three kids and leading organizational growthThe unexpected journey from clinical mental health counselor to executive strategist—and the imposter syndrome that came with itHow COVID-19 changed the conversation around mental health (and why we still have work to do)The adoption story that transformed how Caitlin approaches family servicesWhy she tells parents: "Put your oxygen mask on first" isn't just airplane advice—it's survivalThe truth about burnout in behavioral health that nobody talks about in job interviewsHow First Children's Services is tackling New Jersey's massive waitlists with innovative programs like "Bridge" for students with Level 2-3 autismKey Insights: ✅ The mental health workforce crisis: Why talented professionals are leaving the field—and what organizations can do to stop the exodus ✅ Seasonal Affective Disorder is real: How weather impacts mental health and why it's okay to say "today's not a good day" ✅ The power of saying "I'm not okay": Breaking down the walls that keep people from asking for help ✅ AI in behavioral health: When ChatGPT can help—and when you absolutely need a human professional ✅ Collaboration over competition: Why behavioral health organizations need to work together, not against each otherPerfect For: Nonprofit leaders, behavioral health professionals, parents navigating special needs services, anyone interested in mission-driven innovation, and leaders struggling with imposter syndrome.Guest Bio: Caitlin Summers-Motta is the VP of Business Development at First Children's Services, where she's spent nearly 10 years building programs that serve youth and families across New Jersey and Pennsylvania. From autism clinics to school refusal programs, Caitlin bridges the gap between clinical excellence and strategic growth—proving you can be both a mission-driven professional and an exceptional parent.🎧 Subscribe to Hart & Hustle for more conversations with mission-based leaders who are transforming how nonprofits and healthcare organizations serve their communities.Topics: #BehavioralHealth #MentalHealth #NonprofitLeadership #AutismServices #MissionDriven #WorkLifeBalance #ImposterSyndrome #PediatricCare #NewJersey #ExecutiveLeadershipEpisode Length: ~45 minutesHart & Hustle is hosted by Efrain Lozada and explores the intersection of leadership, innovation, and human-centered technology in mission-based organizations.

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