Service Program for Older People (SPOP)
Jessica Fertig, ATR-BC, LCAT has a diverse work experience. Jessica started their career in 2006 as an Art Assistant and Substitute Teacher at Manhattan Day School. From there, they worked as an Art Therapy Intern at Bronx Psychiatric Center and Hospital Audiences Inc. In 2008, they became an Art Therapy Intern at NYU Creative Aging Therapeutic Services. In 2009, they co-founded Baked From The Heart and served as a Co-Founder until 2011. Jessica then worked as an Art Therapist at Bronx Psychiatric Center from 2010 to 2013, specializing in working with children and trauma. Jessica then became a Senior Recreation Therapist (Art) and Trauma Program for Staff Coordinator at Bronx Psychiatric Center from 2014 to 2016. Following this, they worked as a Rehabilitation Counselor 2 at Bronx Psychiatric Center Transitional Living Residence from 2016 to 2018. Currently, Jessica holds various roles at the Service Program for Older People (SPOP), including Assistant Director PROS from 2018 to 2021, Director of PROS from 2022 to 2023, and Senior Vice President for PROS since 2023. Jessica'sextensive experience in art therapy and mental health services highlights their expertise in working with diverse populations and addressing complex psychological issues.
Jessica Fertig, ATR-BC, LCAT obtained their Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Arts from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where they studied from 2003 to 2007. Following this, they pursued a Masters Degree in Art Therapy from New York University, completing their studies from 2007 to 2009.
Service Program for Older People (SPOP)
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The mission of Service Program for Older People (SPOP) is to enhance the quality of life of older adults and to foster their independent living through the delivery of comprehensive mental health and supportive services, advocacy, and education. Founded in 1972, SPOP was one of the first agencies in the U.S. to focus on meeting the mental health needs of older adults living in the community. It has evolved from a neighborhood-based agency serving primarily Holocaust survivors to a borough-wide resource that works in partnership with hospitals, medical providers, and social service agencies. SPOP currently serves 1,000 adults annually; the majority of clients are low-income and 70% are over age 70. The centerpiece of SPOP is its geriatric mental health clinic, which provides over 10,000 professional visits annually. Other programs include: Specialized substance abuse counseling Integration of physical and behavioral health care Personalized Recovery Oriented Services for adults with serious and persistent mental illness Free bereavement support Outreach through designated senior centers and other programs Training and Education