The New Jersey Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association recently honored three SERV Centers of New Jersey employees who have demonstrated outstanding abilities, achievements and commitment to SERV.

Kathleen Karmazin, a residential program manager at the Mercer office; and Marasri Muthikul and Janice Rainford, coordinators of Passaic County’s residential services, each received a Certificate of Recognition at NJPRA’s Annual Recognition Dinner on June 9 at the Radisson Hotel in Freehold.

NJPRA promotes wellness and recovery for individuals living with mental illness through psychiatric rehabilitation, advocacy, and workforce development. In the nomination letters written by their supervisors at SERV, all three were acknowledged for embracing the Wellness & Recovery philosophy. “In the one year that Kathleen has been working for SERV, she has assisted seven of her consumers to a lesser level of care,” wrote Anne Comey. “She was also instrumental in assisting consumers in utilizing hospitalizations as learning experiences to strengthen their coping mechanisms and (to) increase their abilities to manage their mental and physical health needs.”

The nominations for Marasri and Janice, 10- and 11-year employees respectively, were written by Kim Budrewicz, Director of SERV Centers Passaic County. About Marasri, she wrote: “This past year, she assisted the SERV residents in developing a peer-run Double Trouble in Recovery group, which meets every Tuesday night. Furthermore, she has been an active member of the SERV team who has partnered with Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital in the pursuit dedicated to discharging their “difficult-to-place” individuals into the SERV/Passaic program.” An active member of SERV-Passaic’s Wellness Task Force, IMR Team and Training Committee, Marasri has “consistently demonstrated leadership, commitment and initiative throughout her years in the mental health field.”

Janice, also a member of the Wellness Task Force and IMR Team, is on the Recovery and Wellness Steering Committee. “This past year, Janice co-facilitated the Residential Housing meeting in Passaic County,” wrote Kim. “She (also) has worked diligently with Essex County Hospital, assisting with discharging those in need of housing. … She clearly proved herself as a true advocate for those who need to be placed.”

In addition, Kim acknowledged Marasri and Janice for their assistance in expanding SERV Passaic’s residential services, which included the acquisition of a new 12-bed A+ group home, two newly constructed replacement group homes, and eight supportive housing beds.