THE PERFECT BALANCE, LLC
Joni Jones is a registered nurse board certified in psychiatric and mental health nursing and is also a certified anger management specialist (CAMS-ll). She has the unique combination of having vast experience in both ASD and mental health. She has previous certifications as a developmental disabilities’ nurse, mental health first aid instructor and nutritional consultant. She is a previous guardian ad litem appointed by the Ocean County superior court system in New Jersey; providing expert testimony (declared expert in autism, now referred to as ASD), and supplying reports and training to the (then) Division of Youth and Family Services. She has assisted in family law mediation by teaching attorneys and mediators techniques on managing clients with rising anxiety and anger responses and one simple “tip” to enhance clients to reach decision making capacity.
Joni is the founder/ executive director of The Perfect Balance LLC, providing trainings, speaking and consultations to organizations. Joni has adopted the concept of bringing mental health support to family law firms and mediation services and has spoken multiple times this past year on cultural competency and sensitivity where it relates to autism spectrum disorders. Joni is also the former founder of Baseball for Autism Awareness, and her son’s Emmy Award winning video can be viewed at www.autismandbaseball.com.
If interested in having Joni be part of your team or experience, she can be contacted at:
email JoniJonesRn@gmail.com – phone 908-783-5285
Qualifications/ Experience
Executive Director: Koala Cares LLC / The Perfect Balance LLC: (2013- present) : provided educational certified training on Mental Health First Aid USA and continues to provide mental health support in the mediation process. Joni has been in the role of a panelist as well as moderator in various educational webinars and continues to be available for speaking engagements as requested by various organizations.
Abbreviation Key
NJSBA: New Jersey State Bar Association
NJAPM: New Jersey Association of Professional Mediators
NJAJ: New Jersey Association for Justice
APFM: Association of Professional Family Mediators
2021 Active Committees
1) NJAPM Diversity/Inclusion Committee
2) APFM Conference Committee
Educational Programs (Presenter) / *(Moderator)
Date – Subject Hosting – Organization
12/8/21 Platonic Parenting: An Emerging Concept N.J.S.B.A *
10/14/21 Children with Autism: Mediating Issues Monmouth County Library
10/1/21 Platonic Parenting: An Emerging Concept N.J. State Library
6/29/21 Teenagers with Development Disabilities N.J.A.J (online)
4/27/21 Family Mediation and Autism Somerset Peer Group
4/21/21 Family Mediation and Autism Mercer Peer Group
4/20/21 Family Mediation and Autism Union Peer Group
4/29/21 Autism, Mental Health, & Cultural Competency: Ocean Cty Library
4/19/21 Autism and Divorce: How courts address issues involving children with special needs Ocean Cty Library
4/9/21 Autism and Divorce N.J. State Library
4/8/21 Family Mediation and Autism Burlington Peer Group
4/7/21 Family Mediation and Autism Bergen Peer Group
4/5/21 Family Mediation and Autism N.J.A.P.M.
4/1/21 Family Mediation and Autism Monmouth Peer Group
3/18/21 Autism and Divorce 2021 N.J.S.B.A
2/16/21 Cultural Competency in Mediation (Part 1) N.J.A.P.M.
2/10/21 Family Mediation and Autism (Part 1) A.P.F.M
6/25/18 Nobody’s Perfect: Mediator Self-Evaluation N.J.A.P.M
Educational Seminars, Presentations Conferences & Trainings
April 2018: Webinar Developer: Anger Management
January 2018: Webinar Developer How to Deal with Challenging Addictions
Oct 2017: Staff Training Anger Management Riverview Medical Center LL1
Oct 2015: DDNA NJ State Chapter Conference: Practicing Under Your NJ License
May 2015: National Conference Speaker Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association (DDNA): Anger Management
March 2015: Management of Anxiety, Introduction to MHFA, Panelist for Cultural Diversity Meridian Health: Jersey Shore University Medical Center
September 2014: Depression: Breaking the Sandy Cycle; Upper Shore Library Lafayette
July 2014: Certified Instructor Youth MHFA
December 2013: Harvard Law Students: Out of Classroom Into the Court Co-Presenter
October 2013: Certified Instructor MHFA Certification Training Program Ongoing Trainings
August 2013: Multiple In-Service Presentations NJ Easter Seals Organization
July 2013: Autism Society of America Annual Conference Presenter, Pittsburgh PA.
May 2013: Management of Anxiety; Meridian Health; Riverview Hospital
October 2012: Guest: Round Table Discussion Harvard Law Students: Guardian Ad Litem / Custody Cases / Support
June 9th 2012: AFCC 49th Annual Conference Chicago Illinois: “Implications of Divorce For Children With Autism and Related Disabilities”
Nov 15, 2011: Ocean / Monmouth Inns of Court: Special Considerations for Special Needs Children
2010: Repeat Presentations Capital Health Hospital Setting Introducing Group Homes Philosophy, Staff and Danielle’s Law.
2006/2008: Presentations on Developing Behavioral Plans, Collection of Objective Data, Problem Solving, Plans of Care to All Staff Members Crystal Lake. Facilitator: Multiple Themed Groups for Residents.
2005: Interview with NBC News on Autism (Aired Nationally).
2005: Week-Long In-Service to Dover Township Police Department on Nutrition.
2005: In-Service Nutritional Management with Disabilities to South Brunswick School District Support Group.
2005: Nutritional In-Service to the Silk Purse: An Organization Devoted Toward Rehabilitating Teenagers.
2005: FACES Conference: Speaker on Nutritional Management with Disabilities. Recipient of This Organization’s First Annual Award.
2005: Consultation to Children’s Specialized Hospital Task force on Autism Department.
2005: National Teleconference for Isagenix Nutritional Company on Biochemistry of the Body, Nutrition, and Developmental Disabilities.
2004: Consult with Executive Director Epilepsy Foundation on Autism Department.
2004: Conference Rutgers University: Legal Perspectives Both Sides: Parents and School Districts Working Together.
2004: Education Law Committee: Seminar on Autism Management to Attorneys Representing Both School Districts and Children.
2003: Speaker at Georgian Court College to Teachers Receiving Special Education Certification.
2003: Success in Autism Conference: Rutgers University
2003: Full Day Presentation, Daytona Beach Community College; Interactive Kids – Three Workshops
2002: Association of Schools and Agencies for the Handicapped (ASAH) at the Atlantic City Convention Center; NJ Inclusive Child Care Project @ State Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN); Ocean County Library System – Multiple Autism Seminars: FACES Jersey Shore Annual Conference; Children’s Center of Cedar Knolls; Autism Expert and Virtual Guest Speaker for TALK AUTISM, an International Organization.
2001: Co-Creator of “Public Forum for Local Families of Disabled Children”.
2001: Co-Creator and Nutritional Presenter “Senior Day” Ocean County College in Toms River. Initiated and Moderated Ocean County’s Largest One Day Public Education Seminar in Conjunction with Ocean County College, Featuring 20 Professionals in Medical, Legal and Financial Fields of Expertise.
2001 to 2005: Speaker on WOBM, WJRZ and WHTG Radio Stations; Guest: Edie Gordon Show on Comcast Cable.
2001 to 2002: Multiple Support Groups and National Teleconferences
2001: Speaker at Cell-Tech Annual Conference in Oregon
Author
2021: Author, Children’s Book: The Invisible Hurt: A Social Story About Mental Health From a Child’s View (anticipated release date May 2022)
2017: August Wellness.com Homepage: “Effective Communication in the Workplace”
2017: August Dr. Laura.com Homepage: “Stress and Anxiety in the Workplace”
2013: April 2014: HIBU Community Magazine Column Author
2011: “Developmental Disabilities Nurses: Consultants in Mental Health Settings” (Published Mental Health News Fall 2011 Vol. 13 No. 4)
2006: *Weekly Published Author (51) in the Toms River Times (Nutrition and Health)
2004: “Expert Witnesses in Special Education Cases” (published Aug. NJ Lawyer Magazine)
2003: “What Makes an Effective Special Education Attorney: A Parent’s View” (published NJ Lawyer Magazine, June)
Educational non-published articles
“Success in Autism: Filling in the Gaps”
“Nutritional Management in Autism”
“Nutrition and You – Basic Biochemistry of the Body”
“ADHD – Taking a Natural Approach”
Videos
Awards
Woman of Distinction Magazine Selected as Top 10 Distinguished Professional in Field of Health and Wellness Oct 2016
Meridian Orion Award: Collaboration September 2015
NY/NJ Regional Finalist nurse.com Gem Nurse Excellence Award; Leading the Profession 2015
National Association Professional Woman (NAPW) VIP Woman of the Year 2014-2015
C.A.R.E Clinical Ladder Advancement Clinical Scholar: Mental Health December 2014
Meridian Orion Award: December 2013
Humanitarian Recognition NJ State Council Columbiettes July 2013
Meridian Polaris award July 2013
Meridian Orion Award Galaxy Recognition Program October 2013
Recipient Elizabeth Kellogg Award; Excellence in Nursing RMC 2013
2013 Nursing Achievement Nomination May 2013
2009: Recipient Outstanding Boxing Judge Golden Gloves
2005: Faces of Hope Award from Faces for Outstanding Service to the Autism Community.
Multiple Nursing Awards Including Nurse of the Month and Nurse of the Year and “Impeccable” Evaluation from N.J. State Nursing Inspectors Meridian Home Care.
Proclamations
National Autism Society of America
Senator Jon Corzine for Outstanding Service to the Autism Community
Mayor John Russo (Dover Township) for Outstanding Services of Mayor’s Advisory Committee
Mayor Joseph Scarpelli (Brick Township) for Accomplishments of POAC (Parents of Autistic Children)
Professional Affiliations
Appointed member Ocean County Mental Health Awareness: Changing the Stigma Appointed Committee Member 7/2016-2020.
Member Governor’s Transition Team: 2017 Governor Elect Murphy Health Care Services; Mental health and Addiction
New Jersey State Board of Nursing: May 2008- March 2014 (Retired) Sitting Board Member, Rules and Regulation Committee, Investigations and Inquiries.
Member Governor Jon Corzine Transitional Advisory Team: 2006 Human Resources and Developmental Disabilities
Dover Township Mayor’s Advisory Board on Developmental Disabilities: 2003 to 2005 Co-Chairperson, appointed by the Mayor of New Jersey’s seventh largest municipality to coordinate public and professional educational conferences and workshops on special education and related needs of developmentally disabled individuals and their families. Nutritional Presentation on Nutrition for individuals with Disabilities at Series of Educational Seminars (2003).
School District (New Jersey): 2003 to 2004 school district in-service staff and child study team members on autism management.
American Association of Nutritional Consultants (AANC): 2002 to 2006 Professional/Diplomat Member
NJ Center for Outreach and Services to the Autism Community (COSAC): 2002 to 2005 Approved Agency Member, Parent Contact and stand-by facilitator at agency meetings. Autism Ambassador Award 2000. Member of Planning Committee for 2004 annual conference. Recipient along with husband for outstanding community service agency through the sport of baseball 2005.
Autism Awareness Day Co-Organizer: 2002 to 2007 Promotion of autism awareness through baseball on minor and national league levels. Stresses the importance of early diagnosis and intensive intervention for individuals affected with autism to achieve optimal levels of functioning. Coordinated Autism Awareness events with Lakewood BlueClaws yearly, New York Yankees, World Champion Florida Marlins, and the Expos at an international level in 2004.
Unlocking Autism: 2001 to 2002 New Jersey State Representative for national organization dealing with legislative issues affecting the autism community.
Cure Autism Now (C.A.N.): 2001 to 2002 Member of organization focused on finding a cure for autism.
Toms River Challenger Baseball League: 2001 As Assistant Coach, coached and shadowed disabled children of all ages in the sport of baseball.
New Jersey State Autistic Task Force: 2000 to 2005 Member of committee which submits recommendations on state level for management of autism at early intervention and preschool levels.
Parents of Autistic Children of Ocean County (POAC): 1999 to 2003 Vice President of C.E.U. accredited, non-profit organization that helped implement First Signs program to educate pediatricians on early warning signs of autism and established substantial special education training programs, workshops and conferences for teachers, paraprofessionals and parents.
NJ State Superior Court 1995-1998 Mediator (Judicial Volunteer)
NJ State Superior Court: Guardian ad litem for autistic individuals (includes DYFS and School District involvement).
Registered New Jersey Professional Development Provider (Registration #5280). Qualified by the State of New Jersey as autism expert (Docket #EDS05157-03N)
Jersey Shore Health and Weight Loss Center: 2004 to 2006 Founder and Director of a Center that focuses on educating the community on achieving optimal health and well-being by addressing foundational issues.
Autism Resources, LLC: 2002 to 2005 Founder of private practice educating parents and professionals on behavioral, sensory and nutritional management of autism spectrum disorders.
Certified Nutritional Consultant: 2002 to 2007 Provide counseling on cellular nutrition and its direct effect on health and well-being. Coordinated 2001 nutritional pilot study on autism for researchers and doctors in United States and Canada.
Additional Trainings
Additional Trainings From 1999 to 2005, trained with numerous recognized experts in the field of autism management, including: ABA Therapy and Autism Management Trainings Eden Institute (Dian Van Dreisen and Anne Holmes), Douglas (Julie Wolfe), COSAC: Series of Parent Training, Vincent Carbone Training Jed Baker (Social skills), Temple Grandin, GreenSpan, Ivar Lovaas, Andy Bondy (PECS), Vincent Carbone, Catherine Maurice, Carol Grey. Jerry Newport, COSAC’s Annual x 3 (functional assessments, data collection, managing difficult behaviors, activity schedules, sensory integration dysfunction, etc.), Wrightlaw’s Training: Certification in 2003, NJ Bar Association: Special education workshop Home Video Training Tony Attwood, Temple Grandin, Sensory integration dysfunction with Carol Stock Kranowitz, author of “The Out of Sync Child” Other Trainings Linda-Mood Bell, Home Life program – Tomatis therapy, Second Step program – Committee for Children violence prevention and anger management, Acting home therapist and paraprofessional at Goddard Pre-School.