February 2026
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SHE'S ROCKING IT in NEWARK, NEW JERSEY!
Alicia Cook
Award-Winning Writer/Poet and Addiction & Mental Health Advocate Photo Credit: Kamelia DeSoucey 
More Stuff I've Been Feeling Lately is a companion to Alicia Cook's bestselling and widely beloved poetry collection Stuff I've Been Feeling Lately, released for its ten-year anniversary. Returning to the original mixtape-inspired format that first connected with readers, this collection features sixty pieces in total: thirty poems written between 2014 and 2016 during the creation of the original book, and thirty new blackout poems created from those same works a decade later.
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How did your writing guide you in your personal healing process after you lost your beloved cousin to a heroin overdose?
When I lost my cousin Jess to a heroin overdose in 2006, I was a junior in college. I wrote sporadically at first, but in 2015 I began writing fully about addiction’s impact on entire families. An essay I published in a local paper went viral, signaling to me that people were hurting and searching for language around this experience. Over the next year, I wrote 50 essays about addiction, grief and family. The work gave my grief purpose — and helped others, too — by breaking stigma, releasing shame, and creating a sense of community at a time when those conversations were still rare. As a mental health and addiction awareness advocate, what are some of the ways you’ve been able to reach and help others? I don’t really think about it in a strategic way — I just do the work without ulterior motives, if that makes sense. I write what’s honest and true for me, and then I let it go. But when I pause and reflect, I realize how far that honesty has traveled. For years now, I’ve received daily messages from strangers all over the world thanking me for words they’ve come across — words that helped them articulate feelings they didn’t yet have language for. People tell me my work made them feel seen, less alone, or brave enough to start difficult but necessary conversations. That, to me, is where the real impact lives. I’ve also received messages from people who were considering suicide and found one of my books in that moment. That’s a heavy thing to hold, but also an incredible reminder of why visibility and vulnerability matter. If my work can help someone stay, even briefly, then it’s doing something meaningful. Beyond the page, I show up where I can — speaking at schools, joining panels and podcasts, and engaging in conversations that continue to dismantle stigma around mental health and addiction. I’ve also been fortunate in my career to give back philanthropically, whether that’s donating to organizations that support families, providing resources to schools, or supporting community-based initiatives. I’m just one small part of a much larger movement, one that so many people are contributing to in their own ways. I’m deeply grateful to be able to do my small part — and to keep showing up, honestly, as I am. Alicia Shares Her Story
Slideshow Photo Courtesy: Alicia Cook |
What piece of advice would you give someone who has recently lost a loved one to addiction?
Oh, this is such a nuanced question because every single loss is unique, like a ‘griefy’ snowflake. But I will say, I’m often messaged by people who just lost a loved one, and I do my best to respond based on what they share with me…I tell them that ‘addiction is a monster.’ I try not to say ‘sorry for your loss’ because I personally hate that phrase. And I would NEVER say, ‘They’re in a better place now.’ What is your proudest moment? There are many moments that stand out — delivering a commencement speech, winning my first poetry prize, seeing my books in a store for the first time, having my debut poetry book adapted into an operatic song cycle. Each of those experiences felt surreal in their own way. But when I think about what I’m most proud of, it’s less about a single moment and more about the through-line. Since I was a child, all I’ve ever wanted to do was be a writer. None of those milestones would have happened without years of showing up consistently, and often without external validation. I’m proud of the longevity of my career; the fact that I’ve continued to write, publish, and put work into the world over time. I’m proud of the five books I’ve released, and of all the writing that exists beyond them. Most of all, I’m proud that I kept going. That I trusted the work enough to stay with it. About Alicia:
Alicia Cook is a multi-award-winning writer, and mental health and addiction awareness advocate based in Newark, New Jersey. Her work explores addiction, hope and grief, often at their intersections. She is the author of four popular poetry collections (Andrews McMeel Publishing), including More Stuff I’ve Been Feeling Lately (just released), Stuff I’ve Been Feeling Lately and The Music Was Just Getting Good. In 2025, her writing was adapted into both an operatic song cycle and a contemporary dance work. Her advocacy grew from personal loss and has reached a global audience through publications, speaking and PBS. She holds degrees from Saint Peter’s University and Georgian Court University.
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TIPS & TALES
The Benefits of Yoga for Women in Midlife and Beyond
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Amy Reed and Joyce San Pedro Explain how Yoga Helps Women Transitioning to Perimenopause/Menopause with Flexibility, Balance, Bone Health, Strength, Stress Management, Mindfulness, and More
Video Courtesy: Amy Reed & Joyce San Pedro |
The Yoga House was founded in 2011 in Kingston, New York, with a foundational belief that the practice of yoga should be enjoyable and foster community. The staff believes that the practice should meet you where you are. Their motto: Yoga for every body! No prior experience necessary.
All teachers offer options and variations for everyone to explore, enabling a practice that suits every individual. The Yoga House is a BIPOC/LGBTQIA+ owned business providing access to teachers who are diverse and welcoming to all. Locations:
Kingston, New York 785 Broadway Highland, New York 1 Main Street Poughkeepsie, New York 2623 South Road |
About Amy & Joyce
Amy Reed, co-owner of The Yoga House, is an experienced yoga and movement instructor and wellness coach specializing in holistic, whole-self development. Her integrative approach blends Yoga, Pilates, meditation, breathwork, sound healing, Barre, TRX, and Reiki to support functional and sustainable balance and inspire personalized growth and resiliency.
Originally from Queens, New York, and a first-generation Filipino American, Joyce San Pedro has practiced yoga for nearly 20 years. With 200- and 500-hour training, she teaches accessible, all-level classes that honor change, mindful movement, and curiosity. Her goal is to create a welcoming space where every body feels supported and included. |
WHERE IS SHE NOW?
A Piece of this Doctor's Heart Remains with the Haitian People
Mary Ann LoFrumento, M.D., FAAP
Photo Courtesy: Mary Ann LoFrumento About Mary Ann
Mary Ann LoFrumento, M.D., FAAP, is currently an Assistant Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University and a newborn hospitalist at the Children’s Hospital of New York, formerly known as Babies Hospital, where she completed her pediatric residency. Over the years, Mary Ann has been active with the American Academy of Pediatrics, serving on the Section on International Child Health, and the Academic Pediatric Association, where she participated in various committees related to education and advocacy. She is also the author and producer of the award-winning Simply Parenting series of books and videos for new parents. Her involvement in global health began after the devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010, when she co-founded Hands Up for Haiti (HUFH), a medical humanitarian organization. In 2019, she received the New Jersey State Governor’s Jefferson Award for her volunteer work with HUFH. Her current focus is on training the next generation of pediatricians through curriculum development and mentoring.
Generally speaking, how has your work with Haitian communities shaped your perspective and work here in the U.S.?
It has had a profound effect on me as a pediatrician and as a human being. I have described this as my personal “earthquake” that woke me up to the reality of the world outside the comfort of a suburban practice. It transformed how I view the world, and my approach to patients here changed forever. There are millions of babies around the world who are born into unspeakable poverty and violence. I speak up for those children. My resolve, although shaken, is strong. I teach these lessons to my trainees so they can carry the message into the future. |
In your interview from 10 years ago, we talked about your role as co-founder of Hands Up for Haiti (HUFH), a medical humanitarian organization dedicated to supporting Haitian women throughout their pregnancies and treating childhood malnutrition in Northern Haiti. Last year, this organization merged into a partnership with Second Mile Haiti. Please share the latest.
I reread that interview, and it brought back many emotions about our early years in Haiti and how impactful HUFH was for the people of northern Haiti. At that time, we had multiple clinic sites in the area, in and around Cap Haitien, and we were sending four to five medical teams a year. These teams did not just provide medical care; they were actively training and working side by side with Haitian doctors, nurses, and community health workers. Our clinics evolved into programs that operated when our teams were not there: pediatric preventative care for children to receive checkups and vaccinations; treatment for moderately to severely malnourished children; prenatal care for women; and more. Then the world changed, and HUFH was forced to adapt. February 2020 marked our last mission in Haiti, though we didn’t realize it at the time. It was a Global Health trip with residents. I took many photos and videos. I didn’t know that would be the last time I would see my staff and our wonderful Haitian community. Slideshow Photo Courtesy: Mary Ann LoFrumento
The following month, the pandemic hit, and everything came to a stop. That same year, I also lost my partner in the Global Child Health Program, who had co-led our final trip. Dr. Hemant Kairam died of heart failure in November 2020. I was devastated by his passing. He was an incredible pediatrician and humanitarian.
But for Haiti, the worst was yet to come when the President was assassinated, and chaos erupted across the country. In the leadership vacuum, gangs violently took over Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, and other parts in the south of the country. The medical infrastructure in southern Haiti has been devastated, and many aid groups abandoned the country amid the chaos. Travel to Haiti became impossible. It marked the end of our teams' medical missions. However, our Haitian staff on the ground continued the work. They managed the clinics, and thanks to Zoom, we could consult remotely. HUFH kept supporting our clinics financially, and although we had to reduce some programs, we preserved the most vital ones. |
Although Cap Haitien and the north have remained gang-free, food insecurity has increased, and accessing medication and supplies has been difficult. Many people were fleeing the violence in the south, and this led to more children needing immediate care. We established the Kairam WellBaby program to honor the memory of our board member. It was his dream to create a pediatric follow-up program for babies that would include check-ups, vaccinations, and education for parents from birth through age 2. This became one of our most successful programs.
Eventually, our fundraising faltered. Without trips to motivate new volunteers and the loss of donors and supporters who had given up on Haiti, we realized we couldn't go on as we had hoped. This is where our partnership with Second Mile Haiti (SMH) started. We had previously met the founders, Jenn Schenk and Amy Syre, as they were establishing a residential treatment center for malnourished children. Their innovative approach involved housing both mothers and their children together, treating the severely malnourished child, and teaching the mother about nutrition. Several of us assisted with pediatric consults, and we maintained a relationship. This past year, the HUFH board made the difficult decision to dissolve our nonprofit, and Second Mile Haiti was thriving. Jenn and Amy live on-site in Haiti and provide excellent management and oversight. SMH expanded the residential treatment center for malnutrition and developed an innovative outpatient malnutrition program that treats the entire family. They built two maternity centers and were preparing to open a third. However, they lacked sufficient follow-up for the babies who were just receiving vaccinations through the Ministry of Health, so we initiated a dialogue. This was an ideal match. In January 2025, HUFH introduced our Kairam WellBaby program to their center, and all newborns were enrolled in the follow-up program. SMH also enrolled all of our prenatal mothers and took over our malnutrition treatment program as well. Our goal is to ensure safe delivery and provide follow-up care for the babies, so we can prevent malnutrition and reduce illnesses among children. I joined their board in the spring of 2025 and created a Pediatric Advisory Committee. My current project is to create a field nursery to provide postnatal care for babies who just need a little extra care after birth. SMH’s first field nursery will open next month, and I will be able to share my knowledge as a newborn hospitalist and train the staff there. The legacy of Hands Up for Haiti will live on within SMH and the Kairam WellBaby program will continue to honor my dear friend and colleague. |
ASK THE AUTHOR
Caring for the Caregiver with Lisa Braxton
Lisa Braxton
Photo Courtesy: Lisa Braxton About Lisa
Lisa Braxton’s mother passed away in 2020 at the age of 83 from ovarian cancer and her father, two years later, at 90 from prostate cancer. He also suffered from dementia. During her mother’s illness, Lisa was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. Needless to say, being a caregiver while addressing her own illness was stressful and challenging. She’s written about this journey in her memoir: Dancing Between the Raindrops: A Daughter’s Reflections on Love and Loss (excerpted in Sanctuary). She is a facilitator for GriefShare, a grief and loss support group, and gives presentations on the topic “Caring for the Caregiver.”
Click Cover for Excerpt in Sanctuary.
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What are some ways loved ones and close friends can help a primary caregiver in terms of daily responsibilities or emotional support?
Helping with daily tasks, like meals, errands, cleaning, yardwork, and emotional support, such as listening and being there to give the caregiver a break. ‘Let me know if you need anything,’ is a common statement made to loved ones who are caregiving. I suggest replacing that with, ‘I want to help. What can I do specifically to help.’ My parents had an active worship life and had been members of their church for more than five decades. The outreach from church members, friends, and Mom’s sorority sisters helped immeasurably. One church member regularly brought boxes of food to the house from the food pantry. I was able to prepare nutritious meals from fresh potatoes, carrots, and other produce. I was encouraged to sign up for Meals on Wheels. Receiving the already prepared meals meant that I was able to keep cooking for Mom and Dad to a minimum. A church deacon made a strawberry cake from scratch, brought it over and sat and chatted with my mother for hours. This allowed me and my sister, who shared in caregiving responsibilities, to rest, run errands, or simply get outside for fresh air. One day Mom’s sorority came by to sing to her. We helped Mom into a comfortable chair by the front door. Her sorority sisters formed a circle in the front yard and sang to Mom. The singing didn’t stop there. The church pastor came by several times to see Mom and Dad, and on one visit, the pastor sang to Mom. How can a loved one offer support without being intrusive, particularly for caregivers who view support as a statement of their own failure or those who are hesitant to ask for help because they don’t want to be a burden to others? Figuring out how to help a caregiver, especially one hesitant to ask for help for various reasons, can be challenging. One way to offer support is to be a good listener. Allow them to share their frustrations, sadness or concerns. Listening and allowing them to vent can be the first step in getting them to open up and be willing to receive support from you. Visit them if you can. Look around and identify ways you can help them in the home if they don’t mention areas where they need help — then offer to pitch in. |
During my parents’ illnesses one of my cousins came by the house with her daughter. She asked me if she could water the plants. I was thrilled. I was so focused on caregiving and anticipatory grief that I hadn’t noticed how wilted they were. She had her daughter vacuumed during the same visit, taking care of a chore I was too emotionally exhausted to address. I got phone calls from several friends, asking how I was doing, allowing me to vent. They were all good listeners which was emotionally therapeutic for me.
What are some signs that a primary caregiver is exhausted or reaching their limit? Some signs include: Snapping at others or the person they’re giving care to; feeling sad, hopeless and empty; loss of interest in friends, family, and social activities; expressing feelings of being trapped; difficulty concentrating; sleep problems; appetite changes. And there are many more. I was continuously frustrated with my father because of his bizarre and dangerous decision making due to dementia. For instance, he would wander all over the city, which included crossing a highway ramp, unsteady on his cane. He wouldn’t stop driving even though he was a danger to himself and anyone who happened to be on the road. He’d gotten into at least four accidents and totaled one car. We’d hide the keys from him, but he would always find them. The morning after my mother’s funeral, we had hidden them in a place where he couldn’t find them. He demanded that we hand them over. When we refused, he called the police on us. This was highly upsetting to me, and I had to do deep breathing exercises to keep from losing my temper with him. Throughout my mother’s illness I was eating less and less. I lost the desire to eat. I had to safety pin the waist on all of my pants. This may sound strange, but I didn’t know until I went to a routine doctor’s appointment months after my mother’s death that I had lost any weight, which turned out to be about 25 pounds. I was in a mental fog. |
STUDIO SPOTLIGHT
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Follow Zahra on:
About Zahra
Zahra Jlayer is a multifaceted visionary who stands at the intersection of art and science. As the founder and curator of Vanda Gallery, Zahra has become a driving force behind the local art scene, creating a haven for artists and art enthusiasts alike. Zahra’s artistic pursuits have not been without challenges. Balancing the demands of medical school and a burgeoning career in pathology, she tenaciously clung to her love for painting. Even during the busiest times, her desire for artistic expression remained alive. In curating exhibitions for her father, she found a way to feed her craving for art while nurturing a space for the creative voices of others. Zahra’s journey is a testament to the belief that art, in all its forms, has the power to heal, inspire and unite communities.
"Reunion" (Inner Journey Series)
28" Round © Zahra Jlayer |
In our October 2025 Community Compass, readers learned about the inspiration behind the founding of Vanda Gallery. This time around, Myrna Haskell asked Zahra about her personal work and artist studio located at the same location in New Rochelle, New York.
What are the benefits of having your studio in the same building as your gallery? Of course, it’s convenient. But it also helps me make an important connection with my community. My assistants can find me if an artist arrives with work for a show and is interested in seeing what I’m working on. I believe in supporting other artists. By building a community through the gallery, it helps me learn others’ [perspectives.] We share our approaches, our inspirations, our mistakes. We learn from one another. All human beings learn from one another. In your opinion, how are the sciences and the arts linked? I don’t see that they are separate at all. Both help us understand the world around us. They both push the boundaries of consciousness and expand understanding. Knowledge is power. What was the inspiration behind your “Inner Journey” series? I had recently lost my dad. I was recovering and still grieving from his death. This was a time of introspection for me. I was reading books and educating myself on human behavior and psychology. I was connecting with what I was feeling and processing that. And art is a catalyst toward healing. Oh yes. Artist statement about Zahra’s “Inner Journey” series [truncated/paraphrased]: This collection is inspired by the book The Power of Now written by Eckhart Tolle, a guide for day-to-day living that emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment, rather than being stuck in the past or spending time and energy trying to figure out the future. |
What attracted you to “fluid art” painting?
I believe it’s important to show who I am and my personal experiences through my work. An artist is unique by what she brings to a piece. Philosophically, [the application of this medium] parallels my life. I had always examined every point in my life with lots of energy put into it — my education to become a medical examiner and pathologist took a lot of time, preparation and focus. This is similar to the time and energy I put into these fluid pieces — the careful choosing of colors, the planning of what the work will represent. Like my personal journey, after all the work and preparation, I’m surprised by the outcome of each piece. And none of my paintings look alike. Generally, you never know where your plans will take you. My philosophy in life is that no matter how much you prepare for something, things might not turn out [the way you initially imagined.] Embrace this. Surrender. Are you working on a new series of work? I’ve just started a series titled “Focus.” The idea is a circle within a circle, focusing on a logo or dot. I’ll be developing this. Current Exhibition:
Rye Arts Center "For the Love of Art" 51 Milton Rd. Rye, New York On View: February 5–14 Reception: February 6, 5–7 PM Vendor Market Pop-Up: February 13th @ 12-6 p.m. February 14th @ 9-3 p.m. Zahra's Work as Part of the
"For the Love of Art" Exhibition |
OUT & ABOUT
Exploring the Amazing Cultural Aspects of Japan
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Slideshow Photos: Jenipher Cornelius
Find more photos:
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"This year's ‘Culture for Christmas’ took us to Japan for two weeks. We started our trip in Tokyo, then headed to Nagano — home of the 1998 Winter Olympics— where we spent Christmas with the snow monkeys. We headed to Kyoto after that, and we finished the trip back in Tokyo.
This trip hit the spot when it comes to culture! We got to experience so much, from sushi making, to sumo wrestling, to a traditional tea ceremony, where we got to make our own Matcha tea (a green tea that is made by grinding shade-cultivated tea leaves into a fine powder).
While I enjoyed the whole trip, my favorite location was Kyoto because it felt like another world. The traditional Japanese culture I imagined was brought to life in Kyoto. It was also a much slower pace there, which felt like a nice reprieve from our time in Tokyo. Nora’s favorite part was the sushi, and Lincoln loved the wagyu beef from the street food vendors. Dan loved all the street food, but he found himself drawn to the squid. Japan had been on my bucket list since my first Japanese class in the 7th grade. This was truly a dream vacation and a location I would certainly return to." ~ Jenipher Cornelius, Business & Leadership Editor, Reports
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More About the Places Jenipher Visited:
Tokyo
Japan’s capital is a mix of ultra-modern skyscrapers and historic temples. Visitors will find The Imperial Palace many museums. Kyoto Former capital of Japan famous for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses. Nagano Host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, Nagano is famous for its views of the stunning Japanese Alps and historic sites, as well as unique attractions (hot spring-bathing, snow monkeys, and delicious regional cuisine, such as soba noodles, apples, and wasabi). Osaka This is a large port city known for its hearty street food and nightlife. |
Exhibition Brings The Diary of Anne Frank to Life
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Slideshow Photos: Myrna & Kirk Haskell
Exhibit Information:
The exhibit is a 7,500-square-foot, multimedia, and immersive experience. It features the first-ever full-scale, furnished replica of the Secret Annex, alongside over 100 original artifacts, including her first photo album and handwritten, rarely seen, or never-before-displayed items. The New York City exhibition occupied over 7,500 square feet of gallery space. |
"It was a cold day in New York City when I finally made it to 'Anne Frank: The Exhibit,' just a couple of days before its close at the Center for Jewish History on 16th Street. I had high expectations, and this exhibit met them. As a young girl, I read Anne’s diary at least three times. I was fascinated by her infinite courage and optimism during incredibly difficult circumstances and daily fear of discovery. I connected with her, and her diary encouraged me to explore the history of the Holocaust further.
Visitors experience a chronological walk-through — first exploring Anne’s childhood and the changing political climate, then being immersed in a full-scale recreation of the Annex, where Anne Frank, her parents and sister, the Pels family, and later Fritz Pfeffer, spent two years hiding to evade Nazi capture, followed by the darkest period (the moments and years after their capture) where the exhibit ceases to accompany Anne’s words. The finale of the exhibit documents the publication of her diary and the universal response to it. The recreation of the annex and the accompanying historical video and photo montages were excellent. But it was the section with the see-through floor that I found to be the most moving. I didn’t notice it at first, even though it was lit, but I soon realized the red flags marked the locations of the Nazi concentration camps across Europe. So many flags…so much suffering. Since you walk on top of this display, I couldn’t help but think it was a statement about the world at that time, moving about without recognizing the reality — unfettered, widespread genocide. It’s a powerful visual reminder of the scale of the Holocaust. ~ Myrna Beth Haskell, Executive Editor, Reports
The exhibition opened on January 27, 2025, and was originally planned to be a three-month long exhibit. Due to high demand, it was extended multiple times. Before leaving the exhibition on the afternoon of January 28th, I was told by staff that the exhibition was slated to travel to other locations. Interested readers should check the The Center for Jewish History website for updates.
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Timeline:
1925: Anne Frank was born. 1933: Hitler/Nazis come to power in Germany. 1934: Anne Frank's family emigrates to Amsterdam. 1939: WWII begins: Germany invades Poland. 1940: Germany bombs Rotterdam. Netherlands surrender to Germany. 1941: Raids in Amsterdam. The first deportation of Dutch Jews. 1941: Jews must carry identification cards. Germany invades Soviet Union. 1941: Japan bombs Pearl Harbor. U.S. declares war on Japan. 1942: Introduction of yellow badge in the Netherlands. Anne receives her diary this year, and the Frank family goes into hiding. 1944: Anne and her family are discovered. 1945: Anne and her sister, Margot, die in the Bergen-Belsen. From The Diary of Anne Frank: "In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart." ~ Anne Frank |
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ANNUAL COMMUNITY PROJECT
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Our 2026 Community Project: We are looking for photos depicting your "sanctuary."
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