The Mary Jo Rolli Codey Center
Our History
Caldwell University has been training clinical mental health counselors with art therapy concentration for over 20 years. The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Program (CACREP) and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Our graduates are prepared to pursue licensure in New Jersey as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Professional Art Therapist (LPAT).
In 2017 a dedicated space featuring a dynamic learning environment with workshop and classroom spaces equipped with state of the art technology, such as digital smartboards, computers and collaborative office and art display areas was unveiled. Caldwell student interns have provided over 9,500 hours annually at sites ranging from physical rehabilitation to pediatric units to schools and programs that serve those facing mental health problems. The new space allowed Caldwell to reach more sites and the most vulnerable populations who may not have the language to express themselves in words.
In 2022, through a generous grant from the State, Caldwell University expanded the purpose and the scope of this space to provide Community Wellness Services to the local public: starting with adults, and now serving children as well. The Center is a training facility partnered with the Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Art Therapy concentration program, providing confidential, quality clinical services utilizing verbal processing and offering nonverbal processing and creativity. Services are provided by advanced master’s students under the supervision of licensed and credentialed clinical mental health counselors with art therapy expertise and program faculty.
With the expanded service in 2022 to provide treatment to the public, Caldwell University seeks to impact the field of mental wellness. Caldwell is dedicated to serving the local community beyond the campus with new innovative academic programming that fills societal gaps.
In 2023 Caldwell proudly named the The Center for Mary Jo Rolli Codey.
Mary Jo Rolli Codey ’77
Mary Jo Rolli Codey is a widely-recognized and admired figure in New Jersey, after serving as First Lady from November 2004 to January 2006. During that time, she welcomed the opportunity to advocate on behalf of the governor’s newly-created Task Force on Mental Health. Having suffered from postpartum depression with both her pregnancies, Mary Jo helped to launch a statewide campaign offering evidence-based data, as well as local screening and medical resources for women, their families, and health care professionals. The campaign – “Recognizing Postpartum Depression: Speak Up When You’re Down” – featured Mary Jo in radio and TV PSAs. As a result, New Jersey became the first state to commit resources to uninsured new mothers for postpartum depression screenings and treatment, and the groundbreaking Postpartum Depression Screening and Education law was passed in 2006.
Mary Jo has been tireless in sharing her story through interviews, public appearances, and trips to Capitol Hill to raise awareness about PPD, encourage other women to seek treatment, and help secure passage of a national law. In 2008, her efforts were recognized with the Welcome Back Lifetime Achievement Award from Eli Lilly.
As a breast cancer survivor who lost her mother to the disease, Mary Jo helped launch a statewide fund-raising campaign in support of breast cancer awareness and has actively stressed the importance of early detection. She also assumed the role of ambassador to the Governor’s Book Club, which encouraged reading and literacy skills among elementary school children.
Mary Jo has been a member of the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), the board of directors of the Mental Health Association of Essex County, and the President’s Advisory Council of Postpartum Support International. In 1994, she pioneered and was the first facilitator for a PPD support group that began at Saint Barnabas Medical Center and continues to operate today.
After receiving her B.A. in Elementary Education from Caldwell College, Mary Jo earned an M.A. in Elementary Education with certification as a learning disabilities teacher consultant (LDTC) from Seton Hall University.