Wendy Sefcik

Wendy Sefcik is a dedicated mental health advocate who has committed herself to suicide prevention and mental health education since the tragic loss of her 16-year-old son, T.J., to suicide on December 1, 2010. Wendy serves as Co-Chair of the NJ Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory Council, a Board Member for the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County, Chair for the NJ Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and the Suicide Prevention Coordinator for Bergen County. She is a certified trainer for QPR and Vital Cog: Suicide Prevention in the Workplace.

Wendy, along with her husband Steve and son Matt, created “Remembering T.J.—A Story of Teen Depression, Lessons, and Hope,” which they have presented to over 35,000 people to raise awareness about teen depression and suicide risk. Wendy’s work extends to providing hope and support to those dealing with mental health issues and those who have suffered traumatic loss. She is a Lead Responder for the Traumatic Loss Coalition and a consultant for the HOPES Program.

Wendy’s dedication to mental health advocacy has been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2023 Mental Health Association of Monmouth County’s Child Advocacy Award, the 2022 CBH Care’s Spirit of Caring Award, and the 2018 Changing Minds Award by Minding Your Mind. She holds a BA in Communications from The Ohio State University and a JD from Seton Hall School of Law.