L-R Natalia Valdes, Animal Caretaker, Andrus; Dr. Debra Argentina, Ecology Teacher, Andrus; Nate Hill, Executive Director, Metropolitan New York Library Council; Chef Ariela St. Vill, Private Chef; Meg Cardi, LMSW, Andrus; Jessica Amato, Recreational Therapist, Andrus; Stacey Roberts, LCSW, Greater Mental Health of New York; Dave Early, Andrus Board Member & Licensed Mental Health Provider; Dr. Corine E. Lurry-Mabin, President & CEO, Andrus
The Andrus Insight Breakfast Series was held on May 27 at the organization’s Yonkers campus in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month.
The gathering brought together local public officials, community leaders, partners, board members, staff, and neighbors for an engaging and interactive morning centered on the theme “One Health, One Community,” exploring how mental health is strengthened through relationships, movement, nourishment, nature, empathy, and shared responsibility.
“At Andrus, we believe healing is not one thing, healing is an ecosystem,” said Corine E. Lurry-Mabin, PhD, President and CEO at Andrus. “One Health invites us to look at the whole child and the environments that shape wellbeing: relationships, movement, nourishment, nature, animals, and community. This work reflects our commitment to helping children and families heal, grow, and thrive.”
The program stood out for its energy, with each speaker bringing a distinct lens to the conversation, creating a dynamic and engaging experience that felt both informative and deeply human. From movement and food to animals, nature, and storytelling, each segment offered a different perspective, making the morning feel participatory and collaborative.
Featured speakers included:
- Dr. Corine E. Lurry-Mabin, President & CEO, Andrus – Welcome & Closing Reflection
- Mary Grace Pagaduan, AVP Institutional Advancement, Andrus – Opening Reflection / Moderator
- Dave Early, Board Member & Licensed Mental Health Provider – Mental Health Is Whole-Body Health
- Stacey Roberts, LCSW, CEO, Greater Mental Health of New York – What the Body Remembers
- Jessica Amato, Recreational Therapist, Andrus – Movement as Regulation, Confidence, and Joy
- Chef Ariela St. Vill, Private Chef – Food as Medicine, Food as Care
- Dr. Debra Argentina, Ecology Teacher, Andrus – Growing Well-Being
- Meg Cardi, LMSW, Andrus & Natalia Valdes, Animal Caretaker, Andrus – Animals, Empathy, and Healing Relationships
- Nate Hill, Executive Director, Metropolitan New York Library Council – The Places That Hold Us
Together, the conversation reinforced Andrus’ commitment to exploring a whole-person, trauma-responsive approaches to mental health and well-being, highlighting the many factors that contribute to stronger, healthier communities.
The breakfast also underscored opportunities for philanthropic and community partnership. Future One Health priorities include expanding access to therapeutic outdoor spaces, nourishing food experiences, sensory gardens, animal-assisted supports, and hands-on learning opportunities such as Meals that Heal, the Sensory Garden, Teaching Barn, Sensory Dog Park, FootGolf course, and Farm Stand.
Community members, funders, and partners interested in learning more about or supporting the One Health Initiative may contact Mary Grace Pagaduan, Associate Vice President of Advancement, at mpagaduan@jdam.org.
