Shanita Alvarez-Crawley
Shanita Alvarez-Crawley is a licensed clinical social worker and certified mental health provider from New Jersey. She holds a Master of Social Work from Rutgers University and has had a rewarding career that spans over 21 years working in various helping professions supporting vulnerable women, children and families in New Jersey holding positions within government, nonprofit, higher education, and healthcare organizations. In 2021, she served as a member and thought partner joining a multi-disciplinary hospital based team to develop, provide oversight, and implement a comprehensive prevention program in response to the alarming numbers of black and brown maternal and infant mortalities and morbidities during pregnancy and postpartum within her community, highlighting the importance of maternal mental health supports during this period. She successfully developed an infrastructure to provide immediate screening and support for birthing persons during the perinatal and postpartum period and supported medical teams with education and resources. She is known for her passion and commitment, strategic planning and relationship building to advance initiatives that support vulnerable communities. In addition to her professional achievements, she serves as a volunteer member of the Postpartum Support International NJ Chapter Alliance for People of Color Chair and has served as a volunteer in multiple capacities within the Alliance. Shanita is a dedicated educator and mentor for the next generation of social workers and helping professionals, teaching courses and serving as a Field Instructor for Stockton University and Rowan College students. When she is not working or dreaming up ways to save the world, Shanita enjoys travel, reading a good fiction book, and spending time with her husband and children.
