Kananelo Mokati, a Fulbright Scholar from Lesotho, will return home to work on maternal health policy after overcoming a critical funding challenge with the help of the Department of Public Health.

Kananelo Mokati: A Global Mission for Maternal Health

For Mokati, the journey to a��Master of Public Health��was fueled by a calling that transcends borders. A��Fulbright Scholar��and trained midwife, she traveled from her home country of Lesotho in South Africa to ����vlog to bridge the gap between clinical practice and systemic health policy.

Choosing Montclair was a strategic decision for Mokati, who sought the professional energy of the New York metropolitan area without the overwhelming “noise” of the city. At Montclair, she found her home in the Health Systems Administration and Policy concentration, where she could focus on the structural barriers facing health-care delivery.

However, her journey faced a critical challenge in 2025 when federal funding for her Fulbright program was unexpectedly eliminated. “At that point, it felt like all the hard work I had put in over the past year was about to go down the drain. It wasn’t a lack of support, but a moment where answers simply weren’t available,” Mokati recalls.

With help from her advisor, Professor Amanda Birnbaum, and Public Health Department Chair Lisa Lieberman, Mokati secured a summer internship with the��School of Nursing��which provided the vital bridge funding needed to keep her on track.

The internship gave her the opportunity to perform grant application work, do a poster presentation and coauthor a research manuscript on “county-level variations in risk-adjusted rates of preterm birth among young mothers in the United States,” the latter of which was accepted for publication in the��Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing.

“What began as one of the most challenging moments of my journey ultimately opened the door to some of the most meaningful opportunities I’ve had,” Mokati says.

Mokati’s passion for public health is rooted in her experience as a midwife – a career that began in her home country but quickly became her life’s work. She’d earned a BS in general nursing and midwifery, a requirement as part of the nursing curriculum, from the National University of Lesotho.
After receiving her MPH, she plans to return to Lesotho before heading back to the U.S. to obtain a doctorate on maternal health policy, “particularly on how health systems can better support women and improve maternal health outcomes.”

Abbigale Damiano, a first-generation graduate, provided life-saving support volunteering for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and will work at a substance use treatment center and join Montclair as an adjunct psychology professor.

Abbigale Damiano: A Local Anchor for Mental Health and Recovery

While Mokati focuses on global systems, Damiano has dedicated her graduate studies to the immediate needs of her local community. Graduating with a��Master of Arts in Counseling, with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, she has spent her time at Montclair diving into the front lines of the mental health crisis.

As a first-generation graduate, Damiano’s academic journey is a testament to perseverance. She graduated with a BA in��Psychology��in 2023 and immediately pursued her master’s program, during which she completed a rigorous clinical internship at a nonprofit substance use treatment center, providing support for individuals navigating recovery and co-occurring mental health challenges. She also worked as a teacher’s assistant for Associate Professor Ofelia Rodriguez for three years.

Her commitment to service extends beyond her formal requirements. Damiano also serves as a volunteer for the 988’s Crisis Text Line, providing real-time, life-saving support to individuals in moments of acute distress. For her, Montclair was the place where her innate desire to help was transformed into professional expertise.

“����vlog has been more than just a school for me,” Damiano reflects. “It is where I found my purpose, built my leadership skills, and discovered my passion for counseling, student support and community care.”

After graduation, the end of a seven-year student journey, Damiano has a job awaiting her at the crisis facility. She will also join Montclair as an adjunct psychology professor in the fall.

Had she not reached out to professors and department heads during her time at Montclair, she says, “I feel like I wouldn’t be as prepared now graduating or even being able to be an adjunct professor – at the age of 25.”

Reach out to the professors and to your department, they will help you and they will lead you to success.” – Abbigale Damiano

Fulfilling the Mission

Both Mokati and Damiano represent the core values of Montclair’s commitment to community service. Whether advocating for policy changes to protect mothers globally or providing a lifeline to those in crisis locally, these two graduates prove that a Montclair degree is a catalyst for meaningful change.

As they transition from students to alumni, their stories serve as an inspiration to the next generation of students.

Damiano says that as a first-generation college student she had to ask lots of questions in order not to be lost. She advises all students, including commuters like her, to spend time on campus and reach out to faculty. “They’re so many different opportunities on campus that I’m sure people aren’t even aware of,” she says. “Every professor has a different career and different connections, so you don’t know where you’ll end up if you keep up with what they’re offering you.”

“If you are looking for a school that will challenge you, open doors for you and support you – not just to do well academically but to be set up for success after graduation – ����vlog is the place for you,” says Mokati.

“As someone who moved thousands of miles with nothing but hope and a desire to better myself, I found more than an education here, I found a community that showed up for me when I needed it most. I built meaningful professional networks, and I am leaving as a better version of myself.”

This story is part of a series celebrating ����vlog’s graduates – students who embody the��University’s mission��to broaden access to��exceptional learning opportunities and contribute to the common good.

“This partnership reflects ����vlog’s deep commitment to serving the public good through impactful, community-based collaboration,” said President Jonathan Koppell. “We are proud to expand our myriad of partnerships with Essex County and grateful to County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo for recognizing what is possible when academic expertise of our Department of Public Health is aligned with Essex County’s forward-thinking leadership. Together, we are building a model for how universities and local governments can work together to strengthen public health infrastructure, train the next generation of professionals and improve the well-being of the communities we serve.”

Dean Ron Werner-Wilson of Montclair’s College for Community Health added, “We are committed to teaching, research and service that promotes equitable healthcare and wellbeing in New Jersey and beyond. As the Dean of the College, I am delighted that this Academic Health Department partnership with the Essex County Office of Public Health Management will enable us to join our individual commitments to public health, multiplying our impact on Essex County residents, while building our students’ skills and expertise.”

“Montclair State always has been a great partner with us and their involvement and presence in the community is second to none. Combining the talent and resources of both our institutions will enhance the outreach and service we provide to our residents, develop innovative approaches to enhance wellness and preparedness and create a pipeline to develop future public health officials,” DiVincenzo said.

“County Executive DiVincenzo understands the importance of public health and I appreciate the guidance and support he has given as we have worked to create a public health program that responds and can adapt to the needs of our diverse community. Joining with Montclair State brings two public health powerhouses together in a relationship that will benefit our residents,” said Maya Harlow, Essex County Public Health Officer and Director of the Essex County Office of Public Health Management.

The agreement formalizes an existing working relationship between the two entities and strengthens their shared commitment to serve the public, foster research initiatives and share resources when needed. By working more closely together, the County and University will be able to create a coordinated approach to preventing disease, promoting wellness and public health education and preparing for emergencies. The combination of practical experience by the County’s public health officials and academic insight from the University’s teachers and students is an opportunity to improve outcomes, create innovative approaches to promoting public health and serve as a model for community-centered public health practice.

In addition, the agreement creates a workforce development pathway for ����vlog students to gain real-world, research and data analysis experience by interning with the Essex County Office of Public Health Management. Interns would be involved in data collection and analysis, assist with existing public health programs and outreach initiatives, and participate in public advocacy and emergency preparedness in cooperation with Essex County. The University would ensure students meet academic requirements and understand the health department’s policies and procedures.

The Essex County Office of Public Health Management had a major role in organizing and administering Essex County’s highly successful COVID-19 testing and vaccination program during the pandemic. Through a partnership with RWJBarnabas Health, Essex County also has established a successful mobile outreach program and student vaccination clinic initiative.

The ����vlog Department of Public Health, in the College for Community Health, has worked for decades to train the public health workforce of NJ, with alumni in public health leadership roles across the state and the region, to address a wide range of public health needs. These have included responding to the Covid-19 pandemic, maternal and child health challenges in the state, tobacco and substance use reduction, and more.

Discover More at Montclair

Prospective Students and Parents:��Plan your visit��and��take your first step��in��. Learn more about the��Department of Public Health��in the��College for Community Health.
Journalists:��Contact��Media Relations��for assets or to schedule an interview on this topic.

“I couldn’t hear or see anything,” Eloy says. “I had no clue the photo was being taken. All I could feel – see, sense – was joy.”

Eloy earned her��Master of Public Health��degree and works as an Assistant Community Director at the Village Apartments. Her celebration on the Prudential Center floor marked more than just the end of a degree – it was the fulfillment of years of dedication, resilience and faith.

“In that moment, all of the hard work, prayers, trials and obstacles that I had overcome were brought to remembrance. This is a celebration of the journey ahead and the many more milestones I will accomplish.”

From Graduation to Global Impact

While pursuing her MPH, Eloy interned at Be Well Women’s Health, an OBGYN practice in Northfield, New Jersey, where she connected her coursework to clinical practice.

“In my time there, I worked on cultural competency, addressing health disparities, and ensuring quality patient care,” she says.

Eloy isn’t done yet. She plans to continue her education and attend medical school – driven by a lifelong passion for health care and a desire to give back.

“I spent much of my childhood in Haiti, and over the years I’ve witnessed the challenges many face due to a lack of medical resources,” she says. “A long-term goal is to open a clinic in Haiti and provide care to those who otherwise might go without.”

As she looks ahead, Eloy says she’s more confident than ever in her calling.

“I’ve grown to see the light that shines within me, and I can’t wait to let that light shine out into the world – a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden.”

This story is part of a series celebrating ����vlog’s Spring Commencement 2025 graduates��– students who embody the University’s mission to broaden access to exceptional learning and contribute to the common good.

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

• Prospective Students:��Learn more about��Montclair admissions, our��Graduate School, and the��College for Community Health.
• Journalists:��Contact our��Media Relations��team to request assets or schedule an interview with a member of the Class of 2025.

This first-of-its-kind initiative in the state connects Montclair students with real-world public health experiences, while the Township benefits from academic research and innovative health solutions. The new Department was recently celebrated by Montclair President Jonathan Koppell, Montclair Township Mayor Renee Baskerville and other University and Township officials at an on-campus event attended by faculty, students and community partners.

Led by Montclair Township Health Officer Amy Monaco and University Department of Public Health Chairperson Lisa Lieberman, officials said they were happy to see it come to fruition.

“This partnership represents a significant step forward in advancing public health education and community health initiatives,” said Koppell. “By aligning the strengths of our faculty and students with the real-world challenges faced by the Township’s Health Department, we can foster a more resilient, well-equipped public health workforce.”

Mayor Baskerville, a former physician who worked in public health, said she was thrilled to support the partnership, noting that it takes “special people” to work in the field, many of whom consider it a calling. “I’ve seen firsthand the critical role the Public Health Department plays in determining the well-being of its residents, especially those that are underserved,” she said. “I look forward to strengthening and expanding this initiative.”

How the Academic Health Department Partnership Will Work

The Academic Health Department model integrates academic research, service learning and community health efforts to��strengthen both organizations’ missions. Key components include:

• Student involvement in internships, service-learning projects and research initiatives.
• Joint research activities benefiting both the University and the Township.
• Continuing education programs for Township health officials.
• Seminars, symposia, and academic conferences to advance public health knowledge.
• Exchange of research and educational materials and best practices for ongoing health improvements.

“This experience was one of the most impactful course activities in really shaping my understanding of public health work.” ~ Master of Public Heath student Bhumi Patel

Public Health Students Making a Difference

Montclair students are already engaging in vital public health work. Bhumi Patel, a Public Health graduate student, said that she and fellow students were able to work with Montclair Township on two important projects:

• Aging in Place Initiative: During her internship, Public Health student Patel worked on developed outreach materials for seniors interested in fostering pets through a Better Cities for Pets grant titled Montclair Seniors and Pets Healthy Living Initiative awarded to the Township Animal Shelter. Current intern Veronica Paniagua is creating a formal volunteer program after developing materials, doing outreach, collecting data and researching hospital volunteer programs — all with the goal of promoting the many health benefits of keeping Montclair senior citizens in their communities and homes.
• Opioid Awareness Program: Patel and her peers surveyed local businesses about opioid misuse and provided life-saving Narcan education, sharing their findings with the Montclair Health Department and the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey.

“We were able to engage in an important public health partnership that would ensure that our data and our recommendations would be best used to benefit the community,” Patel said. “We hope that this new partnership will inspire more collaborations in the future because connecting academic institutions with local health departments is really the crux of the Academic Health Department concept, so that we can better address critical public health challenges.”

Montclair’s Growing Role in Community Health

The Academic Health Department is the latest in a series of ����vlog’s collaborative partnerships with Montclair Township, including:

• The School of Nursing’s partnership with Mountainside Medical Center.
• Student volunteer projects in local food pantries, Montclair Community Farms and other non-profit organizations.
• Initiatives at the Montclair Public Library and Montclair History Center.

Koppell said that success requires broad partnerships and that “public health and health administration have been popular degrees as the sector grows, and we are responsive to what students and employers are looking for.”

Formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding, the partnership further solidifies the University’s role as a public-serving institution.

“Serving our students cannot stop at the campus borders,” Koppell said. “We aim to provide transformational opportunities for our students, preparing them as leaders who serve the public interest. We can help develop innovative ways to contribute to the health and well-being of New Jersey and our local communities.”

Are you a student/parent…

Interested in public health? Learn more at����College for Community Health��or the��Department of Public Health. Become a Red Hawk,��apply now! Or submit��your deposit��today!

Journalist: Contact the��Media Relations team��for assets or to schedule an interview.

Public Health Professor Stephanie Silvera, an epidemiologist at ����vlog, explains how to stay healthy, recognize symptoms, and reduce your chances of getting sick this winter.

Vaccines Help Reduce Severe Illness

It’s easier to get vaccinated these days, as vaccines are widely available. However, while vaccines can reduce the risk of getting infected, “it’s not what they’re designed to do; their main purpose is to reduce the risk of severe illness. Severe illness is defined as sickness that requires hospitalization. “You can get COVID and feel absolutely awful and be in bed for days, but if you’re not in a hospital, that’s not a severe illness.”

Respiratory Illnesses Likely to Rise

Vaccine rates jumped during the COVID pandemic, resulting in far fewer cases of the flu, but that has since changed. Slightly more than half of New Jerseyans 6 months and older have received , according to the Center for Disease Control, down from previous years. Even fewer people are receiving a COVID booster, , according to USA Facts.

“Both flu and COVID booster rates are down,” Silvera says. “Thankfully right now, hospitalization rates are still low, but they will tick up after the holidays. It’s just a pattern we see. We need to encourage people at greater risk for severe illness to get vaccinated.” New Jersey is among 28 states where hospitalizations are expected to increase, as COVID-19 infections are “,” according to the CDC.

For older adults and people who have increased risk, however, things can be more serious. In addition, there’s been an uptick this year in the cases of walking pneumonia, particularly among young people, Silvera says. “I would like to see more people get vaccinated because you don’t know which one is going to get you.” This is especially important for those at increased risk for severe illness (people 60 years or older, who have asthma, diabetes, are undergoing cancer treatment, and smokers, for example) or for those who live with someone who is.”

Feeling Sick? Know the Symptoms

Knowing the distinct symptoms of colds, flu and COVID-19 can help people get tested and seek treatment quickly. Silvera breaks down the differences between common respiratory illnesses and how to identify them:

Cold and RSV

• Runny nose, sneezing, mild cough, and sore throat
• Gradual onset with no fever or deep fatigue

Flu

• Symptoms resemble a cold but hit quickly
• High fever, extreme fatigue, and possible shortness of breath

Walking Pneumonia

• Cold-like symptoms that persist
• Respiratory distress may develop

COVID-19
Flu-like symptoms with added:

• Loss of taste or smell
• Severe difficulty breathing
• Potential gastrointestinal distress

Silvera says it’s possible that many healthy adults have had RSV. “It’s very common but we don’t know it because we typically go, ‘Oh, it’s probably just a cold,’ and for the average person who’s not at increased risk, it probably feels like a really bad cold, and then you get over it.”

What to Do If You Get Sick

See a Doctor Early

• “If you can, see a healthcare provider and get tested so that you can get treatment,” Silvera advises.
• Antivirals like Paxlovid (for COVID) and others for flu are most effective within 24 to 48 hours.

Stay Home and Isolate

• Avoid work, school, and gatherings to prevent spreading illness.
• If you must interact with vulnerable people, wear a mask.“Masks are effective to prevent the spread of disease; they will reduce your risk but they’re better at reducing the risk of spreading what you have to others.

Be Compassionate

• Silvera advises students who may return to multi-generational homes during the holidays to get tested and take necessary precautions to reduce the risk of harming loved ones, such as infants and older adults. In short, she advises: “Be compassionate and caring for people who may be at greater risk than you are.”

Top Tips for Staying Healthy This Winter

Silvera suggests being mindful of crowds and clean air to avoid respiratory illnesses. “If we had high-grade, hospital-quality HEPA filters everywhere, that would dramatically reduce the risk,” she says, “but there are ways to manage without.”

Here, Silvera shares tips for a sick-free winter:

Get Vaccinated

• Vaccines for flu, COVID-19, and RSV are essential, especially for high-risk individuals (60+ years, smokers, diabetics, or those with asthma).
• When to get vaccinated: Peak months for these illnesses are December to February but Silvera says it’s never too late to get vaccinated. Vaccines take two weeks to offer full protection.

Wear a Mask, Respect Others

• KN-95 masks still are the most effective at preventing the spread of respiratory illnesses, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces.
• Silvera says to be mindful of others wearing masks, even if you opt not to, as people’s medical situations and needs vary.

Improve Air Circulation

• Use HEPA air purifiers or slightly open windows to reduce shared air particles. “That’s going to reduce the risk of inhaling other people’s exhaled particles,” Silvera explains.

Practice Good Hygiene

• Wash hands frequently
• Sneeze into your elbow, and maintain healthy habits:
• Manage Stress – Reducing stress — through physical activity, alone time or rest —can help support the immune system.

Take Care of Yourself — and Others

In a country where many lack paid sick leave, people often work while sick, spreading illness unintentionally. Silvera urges: “When you’re sick, the key is how to not spread it to others. We need to care about the impact we have on others. If we figure that out, we’ll be a healthier population overall.”

Stay vigilant, stay compassionate and prioritize health this winter.

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Prospective Student or Parent? Learn more about Public Health or other programs in the College for Community Health or plan a visit to our campus and take the first step in applying to become a Red Hawk!

Journalist? Contact the Media Relations team for assets or to schedule an interview with the researcher about this topic. See more Faculty Experts and hi-res media assets available for download.

Maternal health statistics

• With the in the country, New Jersey has placed a growing emphasis on maternal health.
• The numbers are higher for Black women who are three times more likely than white women to die from pregnancy-related complications.
• Up to 60 percent of these deaths are preventable, according to national data, says Montclair’s Assistant Director for Maternal-Infant Health Policy Jill Wodnick.

What Montclair experts say about maternal health

“The state of maternal health is in desperate need of transformation,” says Wodnick, a perinatal educator and doula mentor at Montclair and former member of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women’s Global Prenatal Initiative.

Whether looking at maternal morbidity and mortality rates or how many infants survive until their first birthday, “all of those indicators that are used by the CDC [Center for Disease Control] that are used by federal and state governments, the indicators for consumers show that maternity care is inequitable, unjust and unsafe.”

“Maternal health requires bigger structural changes that allow early, consistent access to prenatal care.”

–Stephanie Silvera, Professor, Department of Public Health

As a member of various federal and state task forces, Wodnick says she is fortunate to work on systems to improve maternity care in New Jersey. “Montclair brings to the table a diverse, inclusive, incredibly interdisciplinary approach to complex issues that we can’t be reductionist about, that we have to be thoughtful, intentional and collaborative about.”

Taking action on maternal and child health issues

To that end, Montclair’s Department of Public Health, part of the College for Community Health, has created the PHAST-Track Institute to focus on “building and supporting public health workforce capacity and capability.” PHAST stands for Public Health Advancement, Scholarship and Training.

Public Health Professor Stephanie Silvera is interviewed by NJ Spotlight News. (Photo by Erika Bleiberg)

The brainchild of Public Health Professor Stephanie Silvera, the Institute held its first conference this summer, convening state and community partners to discuss maternal and child health.

Such collaboration between institutions, community organizations, and professionals to address maternal and child health issues are necessary, says Silvera, adding that a more diverse healthcare workforce can better serve underserved communities, which is key to addressing health disparities. While the state now requires implicit bias training for all maternal healthcare workers, she says there’s more work to be done.

Among the topics covered during the Institute’s conference were bias training for health care workers, developed by the State’s Department of Health, and the role of fathers in maternal and child health outcomes.

Another benefit of working with community partners, Silvera says, is creating research, internship and employment opportunities for Montclair undergraduate and graduate students.

Workforce development for professionals will continue to be the focus of the PHAST-Track Institute, which will address an array of other critical public health topics, according to Professor and Chair of the Department of Public Health Lisa Lieberman.

As part of the PHAST-Track Institute, Montclair will offer asynchronous courses to those in the healthcare workforce. Silvera says she’s excited about making the courses accessible to people who have not had an opportunity to obtain a college degree.

I’m a ______, tell me more…

Prospective Student / Parent: Learn more about Public Health and other health programs, plan a visit to our campus and take the first step in applying to become a Red Hawk!

Media: Contact the Media Relations team for assets or to schedule an interview with our public health experts about this topic. See more Faculty Experts and hi-res media assets available for download.

Last year, the American Library Association documented nearly 730 attempts to censor library resources, targeting nearly 1,600 books. That’s the highest number of banning attempts since the organization began compiling records 20 years ago.

Dr. Eva Goldfarb, Professor in the Public Health Department, argues for access to books for children. She stated it’s important to examine where young children are getting their information about sex and sexuality, noting the internet, television, and peers are common sources.

“There is so much in culture that is teaching our young children about sex and sexuality, and I would argue, not necessarily in a healthy way,” Dr. Goldfarb said.

Dr. Goldfarb said when parents and educators don’t teach or talk about aspects of sex education — like anatomy, healthy relationships, and setting boundaries — it creates a culture of silence.

And she said that taboo and the shame that comes with it can harm children more than it can protect them.

“By taking books off shelves, and curriculum out of schools, you’re basically leaving it up to culture at large for kids to learn things,” Goldfarb said. “And it can lead to so much more confusion.”