About Us
Start Healing Together began at a high school in Southern NJ. It is comprised of 20 staff members, so this organization is one by teachers for teachers. Some members have personally experienced infertility or pregnancy loss, which has impacted their personal relationships, and others simply want to offer their support. Regardless, our members are meant to serve as liaisons and advocates for whomever needs support: parents, grandparents, friends, family members, coworkers, etc.
Start Healing Together began at a high school in Southern NJ. It is comprised of 20 staff members, so this organization is one by teachers for teachers. Some members have personally experienced infertility or pregnancy loss, which has impacted their personal relationships, and others simply want to offer their support. Regardless, our members are meant to serve as liaisons and advocates for whomever needs support: parents, grandparents, friends, family members, coworkers, etc.
Jackie Mancinelli, Founder and Senior Advocate, is an English and ESL teacher. She and her husband suffered a missed miscarriage in 2014 and then lost their son, Richard, in 2016 after an emergency delivery. They now have two "rainbow" daughters. Part of Jackie's grieving process focuses on finding a way to honor her son in a way that helps other loss families. She hopes to support other educators like herself while helping to break the stigmas surrounding loss and infertility. Additionally, Jackie is the New Jersey Ambassador for Count the Kicks, a non-profit focused on ending preventable stillbirth by educating healthcare providers and expecting parents about accurate kick counting.
Jackie Mancinelli, Founder and Senior Advocate, is an English and ESL teacher. She and her husband suffered a missed miscarriage in 2014 and then lost their son, Richard, in 2016 after an emergency delivery. They now have two "rainbow" daughters. Part of Jackie's grieving process focuses on finding a way to honor her son in a way that helps other loss families. She hopes to support other educators like herself while helping to break the stigmas surrounding loss and infertility. Additionally, Jackie is the New Jersey Ambassador for Count the Kicks, a non-profit focused on ending preventable stillbirth by educating healthcare providers and expecting parents about accurate kick counting.
George Kemery, V.P. and Senior Advocate, is a teacher of English, Creative Writing, Debate and Journalism. His background in non-profit board development, government relations and advocacy makes him a perfect fit for our initiatives at Start Healing Together. George has helped several friends and family cope with stresses and stigmas of pregnancy loss and fertility issues at home and at work. His passion to inform and empower those struggling with the issues at the core of our mission only complements Jackie’s inspiring story, her dedication and her drive to promote Start Healing Together to be accessible for anyone who may need it for themselves, their friends, or their family.
George Kemery, V.P. and Senior Advocate, is a teacher of English, Creative Writing, Debate and Journalism. His background in non-profit board development, government relations and advocacy makes him a perfect fit for our initiatives at Start Healing Together. George has helped several friends and family cope with stresses and stigmas of pregnancy loss and fertility issues at home and at work. His passion to inform and empower those struggling with the issues at the core of our mission only complements Jackie’s inspiring story, her dedication and her drive to promote Start Healing Together to be accessible for anyone who may need it for themselves, their friends, or their family.
Start Healing Together aims to establish chapters in schools in NJ and across the country. If you are interested in starting a chapter at your school, contact Jackie Mancinelli at jackie@starthealingtogether.com or George Kemery at george@starthealingtogether.com.
Start Healing Together aims to establish chapters in schools in NJ and across the country. If you are interested in starting a chapter at your school, contact Jackie Mancinelli at jackie@starthealingtogether.com or George Kemery at george@starthealingtogether.com.
Jackie's son's plaque in
Jackie's son's plaque in
Virtua's Angel Garden
Virtua's Angel Garden
Jackie Mancinelli
Jackie Mancinelli
SHT Founder / Senior Advocate
Photo credit: Apiary Photography
George Kemery
George Kemery
SHT Vice President / Senior Advocate
