Robin Sakina Mama, Ph.D., dean of the School of Social Work, has been appointed to the board of directors of Shore House, a Long Branch-based nonprofit organization devoted to empowering and restoring hope, independence, and self-worth for people living with a mental illness.
Shore House is not a treatment program or mental health service, but rather a place where members can learn new skills, develop new relationships, and explore new opportunities. It is the first and only accredited clubhouse for people living with mental illness in New Jersey, and one of only 320 clubhouses worldwide accredited by Clubhouse International.
Peder Hagberg, president of the Shore House Board, said that Mama brings an extensive background in the social work field and will help guide Shore House member programming and outreach with her experience.
Her appointment to the board comes on the heels of an extensive period of expansion for Shore House, which named Rich Ambrosino as executive director in July. In addition to navigating mental health care and providing continuous services to members throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Shore House purchased and opened a new clubhouse, and introduced a new transportation program.
In addition to her duties as dean at Monmouth, Mama is also a full professor, teaching in the international and community development concentration of the University’s Master of Social Work program.
Mama holds several other professional leadership roles, including serving as a representative of the International Federation of Social Workers to the United Nations in New York City, chair of the International Committee for the National Association of Social Workers, and as an executive board member of the International Organization for Women and Development (IOWD).
Mama earned her Ph.D. in social work and social research as well as dual master’s degrees in social service and law and policy from Bryn Mawr College. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from College Misericorida.