January 2021

January 20, 2021. Preferred Behavioral Health Group (PBHG) is pleased to announce that Sandra Grebel of Point Pleasant has been promoted to the position of Vice President of Mental Health Services for Youth and Families. Grebel has served as Director of Intensive Community Services for children and families since 2017 and held various positions at PBHG since 1996. Ms. Grebel will now oversee all the children and family programs, including the Preferred Center for Children and Families outpatient center in Brick, and intensive adolescent, family visitation, foster care, school-based mental health services, youth prevention, crisis intervention programs, and others.  “Sandy is a consummate, caring and dedicated professional who has received well-deserved awards and honors throughout her career. She is well respected by the staff and is, and will continue to be, a huge asset to this organization.” Mary Pat Angelini, CEO, Preferred Behavioral Health Group Ms. Grebel has also served as an adjunct professor in the Master of Social Work department at Monmouth University. Ms. Grebel holds an undergraduate degree in Music Therapy, is a Certified Addiction Specialist, attained a master’s degree in Social Work and is a licensed clinical social worker by the New Jersey Board of Social Work Examiners. Preferred Behavioral Health Group is a non-profit organization that has served the community for over 40 years.  PBHG provides mental health and substance abuse education, prevention, support, and treatment to over 30,000 children, adults, and seniors every year. For more information:  www.preferredbehavioral.org. 

January 5, 2020. Preferred Behavioral Health Group (PBHG) is pleased to announce that Tara Chalakani, PsyD, of Brick, has been selected to fill the new position of Chief of Quality and Health Integration. Dr. Chalakani has previously served as the organization’s Vice President of Mental Health Services for Youth and Families. Dr. Chalakani will now oversee PBHG’s quality initiatives and implement health integration throughout all its programs. “It is vitally important to provide services to people that incorporate both physical health and mental health. Dr. Chalakani successfully spearheaded our trauma-informed care approach and has the experience, the education, and most importantly, a great passion and commitment to improve the health and well-being of children, adults, and families.” Mary Pat Angelini, President and CEO Dr. Chalakani has served in leadership roles in the non-profit and for-profit sectors of behavioral health and has over 25 years working in healthcare. She has undergraduate degrees in Nursing and Psychology, a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling, and a Doctorate ofPsychology specializing in Behavioral Health Leadership. Preferred Behavioral Health Group is a non-profit organization that has served the community for over 40 years. PBHG provides mental health and substance abuse education, prevention, support, and treatment to over 30,000 children, adults, and seniors every year.