John Gonzalez

John is the Founder of Blue Healing Journeys and an AFSP-certified Bereavement Group practitioner dedicated to supporting suicide loss survivors. A lifelong Long Islander, he combines a passion for community advocacy with a deep belief in the restorative power of shared experience and creative expression.

His extensive background in local leadership includes serving as the former President of the North Shore Lacrosse Club and years of experience as a youth soccer and lacrosse coach. Additionally, John is the founder and past President of the Long Island Hispanic Business Roundtable.

An accomplished artist who paints on canvas and wood, John explores themes of heritage and nature through his work. He integrates this artistic vision into his mission of healing, helping others navigate their journeys through connection, movement, and the arts.

Chairman

Stacy Valentino is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, community organizer, and lived-experience leader specializing in youth suicide prevention. Her work is rooted in the values of dignity and hope, blending clinical expertise with a deep commitment to the Long Island community.

As a therapist at Right Path Counseling, Stacy specializes in trauma-informed care for children and adolescents, utilizing modalities such as DBT, ACT and narrative therapy. Her extensive background includes serving as a Suicide Prevention Program Manager and Clinical Consultant for the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, where she spearheaded Youth Wellness Summits and advised the Nassau County Teen Youth Wellness Council.

Stacy earned her Master’s in Social Work from Adelphi University, where she founded the Peer Mental Health Advocacy Program. She brings a wealth of specialized expertise in mental health advocacy, focusing on the critical continuum of suicide prevention and the compassionate delivery of postvention services for those affected by loss.

Elaine Anton-Lotruglio, MA, LMSW

Director

Elaine Anton-Lotruglio has enjoyed a 35-year career in education. She has experience at all levels, from early childhood to higher education. Elaine has worked in college student support services, admissions, athletics administration, and as a high school and college lacrosse coach. She also maintains a private practice as a college admission counselor and transition coach.

Elaine is currently a doctoral candidate at the State University of New York at Albany, pursuing a Ph.D. in Social Work in the College of Integrated Health Sciences. Her research focuses on suicide among adolescents, young adults, and student-athletes.

Elaine received an undergraduate degree in Creative Studies-Fine Arts from Hofstra University, where she earned a four-year starting position and served as a two-year captain of the Division I women’s lacrosse team. Additionally, she holds a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from Columbia University and a Master of Social Work from State University of New York at Albany.

Lara Gonzalez, Ed.D

Director

Lara is a passionate advocate for young people. For over 25 years, She has worked as a teacher and leader in a variety of educational settings in the U.S. and abroad, in urban and suburban public school districts, in affluent and under-resourced schools, and in English and Spanish classrooms. In each of those school systems, she has supported and challenged students of every background and ability level and cultivated teachers to do the same. In addition to serving several school boards as an employee, Lara also served in her home community as an elected board of education trustee.

Julie is a seasoned public servant and legal expert with over three decades of experience in New York City government. Currently serving as a Deputy Commissioner at the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), she leads critical initiatives in sustainability, program management, and environmental protection policy.

Throughout her distinguished career, Julie has held senior leadership roles across several key city agencies. Her expertise spans environmental regulation, land use, and legislative relations, including previous tenures as Executive Agency Counsel for the Department of Sanitation and General Counsel for the Land Use Division of the New York City Council. She has also served as Deputy General Counsel for the Department of City Planning and Senior Counsel at the NYC Economic Development Corporation (EDC).

Julie holds a Juris Doctor from Georgetown Law and is deeply committed to public service and environmental stewardship. Outside of her professional life, she is a dedicated practitioner of yoga and meditation and finds balance through hiking, the beach, and the arts. Her extensive background in policy implementation and administrative leadership brings a rigorous, compliance-focused perspective to her advocacy and community work.

Director

Julie Lubin

Martha Salavarrieta Mora

Director

Stacy Valentino, LCSW

Director

Martha is an accomplished author and mental health advocate, Martha is a Co-Founder of Blue Healing Journeys. She leverages her deep appreciation for literature and art to help shape the organization's compassionate mission. Now retired, Martha spends her time working on her next book and drawing inspiration from her grandchildren, embodying the spirit of renewal and family connection that drives our healing community.