NJ OCF OFFICERS

Rachel, Allen, Judy, Ina and Julian

Ina Spero - President & Julian Spero - Treasurer

Julian Spero was a retail merchant for 35 years and was joined by his wife Ina for the last 15 years that the business was in operation.

They are the parents of an adult son who is an OCD sufferer.

Upon their retirement in 1995, they began working to form the NJ Affiliate of the National OCF. Finally, in 1998, their efforts came to fruition in incorporating the NJ Affiliate. When not involved in the Affiliate work, they continue to offer their volunteer services to the Trenton War Memorial and to Raritan Valley Community College.

Allen H. Weg. EdD - Vice President

Dr. Allen Weg is a New Jersey licensed psychologist. While employed for 14 years at a major Central New Jersey community mental health center, he worked with a large variety of clients, but found himself particularly interested in working with people suffering from anxiety disorders, and in particular, OCD.

Dr. Weg's independent practice, Stress and Anxiety Services of New Jersey, PA, is located in East Brunswick. He and his associates specialize in the cognitive behavioral treatment of anxiety disorders for children, adolescents and adults. They offer individual and group treatment. More than 3/4 of the clients seen have a primary diagnosis of OCD. You can find out more about Dr. Weg by going to his website at www.StressAndAnxiety.com.

Judy Cohen - Secretary

Who is Judy Cohen, you may ask? She is the new secretary of the NJ Affiliate of the OCF. Judy is married to Ed Cohen, an attorney. She has twin sons who are both married, two grandchildren whom she adores, and one more on the way. She retired three years ago; she was a full-time speech therapist at ECLC of NJ, a school for learning-disabled children in Chatham. When the boys were in junior high school, Judy went back to school and completed her M.S. in speech therapy. She was devoted to her job, but it was time to move in other directions.

Judy is an avid golfer, although she is a hacker. In the fall and spring, she eagerly signs up for classes in continuing education at Drew University and has taken classes in music, art, religion, and history. It's great when you are responsible for showing up and you don't have to write papers and take exams! She is finding more time to read the newspaper, books, travel in and out of the country, enjoy music, and babysit for her grandkids. Judy loves dogs and is hoping that her newest pooch will be ready to visit nursing homes and schools as a therapy dog in the near future.

Several years ago, while searching the web for resources for people with OCD (a family member was struggling with OCD), she came across the NJ Affiliate for OCF. The association has helped to make a dramatic

difference in this person's life. Now, it is time to give back!

Rachel Strohl, Psy.D. - Recording Secretary

If you have been to any of our conferences  or quarterly meetings over the last several years, you have probably seen   her. She can usually be seen taking photos or furiously taking notes on  the presentation being given. Dr. Rachel Strohl is a licensed  psychologist at Stress and Anxiety Services of NJ in East Brunswick. She  received her Masters of Psychology and Doctorate of Clinical Psychology at  Rutgers University, Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology  (GSAPP). Dr. Strohl received her Bachelors degree in Psychology from  George Washington University, Washington, DC. She graduated Summa Cum Laude  and earned many distinguished honors, such as induction in Phi Beta Kappa and  the Psychology Honors Program. She has developed a specialization in the  cognitive  behavioral treatment of anxiety disorders and works with  adults, adolescents, and children. She has experience working with  clients individually, in  families, and in groups. We consider Dr. Strohl  to be a great asset to our growing organization and feel very fortunate to  have her share with us her clinical skills and insight, as well as her  cheerful disposition!     

Nicole Torella - Newsletter Editor

"I became interested in OCD a few years ago when a family member and I were both diagnosed with OCD by two different doctors. I joined the affiliate so I could continually learn more about OCD and began to volunteer as the newsletter editor almost two years ago. I work full-time at a county college in central NJ in the Department of Marketing and College Communications as the Manager of Publications and Communications. In my responsibilities at work, I am an editor/writer and a desktop publisher, and thought it would be fun to volunteer my time and skills to help out the NJ OCF!!"