Jen Rosati is the Office Manager and Intake Coordinator for Hartstein Psychological Services.
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m originally from Cleveland, and I moved to New York almost 8 years ago. I love theatre, singing, and pretending I do both well. I do crossword puzzles in my spare time and compare notes on the Sunday NY Times crossword with my Dad over the phone. I have a dog named Josie, she’s a wire haired fox terrier, and she truly brings me endless amounts of joy.
2. What’s your way to spend your time?
I love reading. I’ll venture into any genre: Historical Fiction, Biography, Sci-Fi, etc.
3. What is your general philosophy and approach to life?
“Fake it ‘til you make it”. This has brought me more courage in what initially felt to be insurmountable moments than I ever thought possible. It also allows me to step out of my comfort zone with a smile on my face and a fire in my heart and you’d be surprised how quickly you can fool yourself into confidence.
4. What’s your dream job?
I’d love to be a jazz singer in a speakeasy in Paris. That sounds exciting, doesn’t it?
5. What do you do as self-care? (Mindfulness practices, exercise, etc.)
In non-pandemic times I loved going to OrangeTheory. It really was a phenomenal outlet for me and made me feel powerful on a daily basis. Nowadays self-care looks more like taking a walk around the block, turning off my phone, not setting an alarm, or baking some cookies and watching The Bachelor.
6. What’s your favorite quote or mantra?
“She believed she could, so she did.”
7. What advice would you give your 16-year-old self?
Friendships don’t always last forever. Your chosen family will find you in the end. Keep dreaming and stay kind. Do not let your struggle define you.
8. If you could invite three famous people to dinner, alive or dead, who would they be?
Sara Bareilles, Robin Williams, and Terry Gross because I’d be so starstruck I’d need someone with expertise like Terry to ask excellent questions.
9. What’s something you are most proud of?
Living and thriving in New York as a kid from Ohio. My grandparents were New Yorkers and I feel immense pride to carry on their legacy and walk the same streets they did.
10. What do you wish other people knew about mental health?
That mental health encompasses many things and it changes on a daily basis. Whether it’s setting a boundary, going to therapy, practicing mindfulness, asking for help, journaling, going for a walk in nature, meditating, being intentional with your time: all of this can be essential to the care and keeping of your mental health. We are not one size fits all, and whatever works for you in the moment is right.