PPAL in Print
July 2022
Welcome Pam!
PPAL Is Thrilled to Welcome Our New Executive Director, Pam Sager!
Pam is a longtime PPAL parent. She is the proud mother of two children, ages 24 and 20, who have had their own mental health journeys. Pam first turned to PPAL for support when her children began struggling, and attended as many PPAL events, meetings, and groups as possible. She credits connections she made and information she learned at PPAL for helping her along the journey. “As a parent,” she says, “I am eternally thankful to PPAL.”

Pam’s experience as a parent led to her commitment to fostering change in the mental health system, and she began to get involved in as many ways as she could. Among other things, she became a member of the Department of Mental Health (DMH) Central Massachusetts Area Board. She participated as a parent rep on the DMH Metro Boston Review Committee and Central Area Review Committee. Pam also joined PPAL’s Board of Directors.

Pam has an extensive background in leadership roles and in working with diverse groups of people. She was Senior Class President in college, and a director at Edward Street Day Care Center in Worcester (a culturally and racially diverse early childhood educational nonprofit) in her early career. She created the Corridor Nine Area Chamber of Commerce as a nonprofit and served as its president. She was Chair/Director of the WPI Venture Forum, an officer of the Westborough Public Schools Special Education Parent Advisory Council, founder and partner at SagerLegal LLP, and founder and owner at Pam Sager Law. 

Pam is passionate about providing education, advocacy, outreach, and support to and for children and youth with mental health needs and their families. She believes that “ALL of our children deserve the help and support they need, And ALL of our families do, too.” She is excited to step into her new role at PPAL, and we are beyond excited to have her!
Thank You, Lisa!
PPAL Says Goodbye to Lisa Lambert
Last month we said goodbye to Lisa Lambert, longtime executive director at PPAL. 

During Lisa’s many years at PPAL, thousands of people were impacted by her work. Lisa started a parent support group in her community prior to applying to PPAL as a member of the policy staff. She was quick to join in with the then-executive director to lead conversations on what families of children with mental health challenges needed in the state. Lisa taught families about legislative matters, insurance and even media advocacy to make needed changes in state policy and law.

It wasn't long before Lisa took on the executive director role at PPAL. PPAL became a critical voice in the Commonwealth due to many projects that Lisa began, including family-driven research, joining both co-occurring and mental health conversations, and even talking about how quality matters to all families. Lisa testified in the Rosie D lawsuit and consistently had conversations to make supports and services better. After the tragedy in Newtown, Lisa was tapped by the White House and included in conversations on safe schools and mental health. In the year that the pandemic started, Lisa continued to work as the organization was involved in many supportive roles and work to help communities and parents.

PPAL will miss Lisa greatly, and wishes her luck as she retires to do more writing and traveling.

Youth MOVE Hosts Internship Program
Join Us for Upcoming Groups + Trainings!
In June, Youth MOVE Massachusetts held a two-week, hybrid internship. Four days out of each week were virtual, and both Fridays were in-person. We hired three out of the twelve participants to come aboard YMM as youth advocates. Some topics discussed were basic life skills like applying for jobs. We also completed trainings during the program, including Strategic Sharing. Overall, it was very successful, fun, and informative. Youth MOVE will also be conducting a Strategic Sharing part 2 training in person in August. We also had our virtual youth group where we bonded over games and team-building exercises.
PPAL Is Hiring!
Apply Today for One of Several Open Positions
Do you have lived experience with mental health? Do you want to make things better for children and youth with emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs and their families? If so, consider working for PPAL!

PPAL is currently hiring both family support specialists and family support coordinators in several regions across the state. Want to join a passionate, mission-driven team in advocating for children with mental health needs? Learn more and apply for a position here.

PPAL values those who have direct lived experience raising a child with significant mental and behavioral health challenges and gives hiring preference to individuals who have this direct lived experience.
New Tip Sheet Available
Download Our Tips on Talking to Providers Today
When we need help supporting our children with mental health needs, we often turn to providers like pediatricians, therapists, psychiatrists, and so on. But sometimes talking to providers can be tough - especially if we feel that we're not being taken seriously, or that our concerns are being dismissed. Check out our new tip sheet for some suggestions for talking with providers so they will listen - and for building a strong working relationship that will benefit both you and your children.
PPAL Adds New Spanish Language Facebook Group
Check It Out Today!
Estamos muy emocionados de compartir con ustedes que PPAL ha iniciado una página de Facebook para Familias de habla hispana. Vimos la necesidad de que las familias se conectaran y se sintieran libres de hablar sobre temas relacionados con la salud mental, Nosotros ACTUAMOS y creamos este espacio, si usted es una familia que cría a un niño con problemas de salud mental únase a nuestro grupo, el grupo está bien monitoreado, es un lugar seguro para compartir tu historia sin sentirte juzgado. El siguiente es nuestro enlace: PPAL en Español

Cualquier duda por favor contacte a los Moderadores/Administradores de la Página: Irelsa Oliveras y Johana Rodríguez


We are excited to share that PPAL has initiated a Facebook group for Spanish-speaking families. We saw a need for our Spanish-speaking families to connect and talk about topics regarding mental health, and we acted! If you are a parent or caregiver of a child with mental health challenges, please join our group. It is a well-monitored, safe place to share your story without feeling judged. Find the new Facebook group here.
 
If you have any questions, please contact the Moderators/Administrators of the group: Irelsa Oliveras and/or Johana Rodriguez.
PPAL's Question of the Month
Visit Our Website to Answer the Latest Questions
Every month, PPAL asks those raising a child or supporting a young adult with behavioral health needs, or working closely with someone who is, how things are going in a particular area.

In July, we asked you “How does parenting a child with behavioral health needs impact your work day?”


Here’s what you had to say!
In August, we are asking, “How confident are you about school for your child this year?”

Be sure to visit our website to answer August's question!

Parent/Professional Advocacy League