Panelists
Gabriel R. Fries, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. His research program focuses on identifying the neurobiological basis of mood disorders, particularly bipolar disorder, using translational approaches to understand the biological mechanisms driving cognitive decline, premature biological aging, and elevated suicide risk in individuals living with these conditions. By integrating molecular biomarkers, in vitro models, and clinical studies, Dr. Fries’ work aims to identify biologically informed targets for personalized and preventive interventions in depression and bipolar disorder.
Nina Hotkowski, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker with experience working in a diverse range of roles in the mental health field. Nina is a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)-Linehan Board of Certification Certified Clinician and supports adults and teens who struggle with emotional dysregulation, suicidality, traumatic stress, mood disorders, and borderline personality disorder. She is a professional advisor to the parent/caregiver support group facilitators through Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. Nina is passionate about collaborating with other clinicians, healthcare providers, and social service organizations. She has experience teaching at the graduate and undergraduate levels and has developed and provided numerous lectures, workshops, and trainings on a variety of mental health topics.
Jerry Pavlon-Blum, Ed.M. is an education leader in NYC, and consults for the Robert Louis Stevenson School, a therapeutic college prep, assisting parents raising children with mood dysregulation— there, and nationally. For a decade prior, in senior roles at RLS he served as Director of Program Innovation & External Affairs, and Admissions Director. Jerry served for seven years on the Board of DBSA National, and for six years on the Data Safety & Monitoring Board of a longitudinal study at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s Bipolar Services. He is currently on the Board of Fanisi Tanzania, an NGO in Mwanza, TZ, serving at-risk families; on the Advisory Board of Advance Psychology Foundation, in CT, dedicated to underserved families and young clinicians; and he maintains a private practice coaching adults, who benefit from executive functioning and career support. Jerry holds advanced degrees from Columbia University, Bank Street College of Education and a CAS from Harvard University. A former columnist for BP Magazine’s Family Matters, he’s published in psychiatric journals on subjects of child & adolescent mental health, and parenting skills.
Suzanne Bergoffen has been a board member of DBSA for over 12 years and resides in the NYC area. She is a retired retail and wholesale executive. Although she has chaired various committees, she considers her biggest contribution being one of the original and current moderators of the weekly online “HeyPeers” support groups. Her specialty is assisting and supporting parents of children 18 and older.
Moderator
DBSA CEO Suzanne Baber has held leadership positions in finance, fundraising, and program development, driving impact across community-based and healthcare organizations. She is passionate about person-centered care, equitable access to mental health support, and delivering outcome-driven services that improve well-being. Drawing on her extensive experience guiding organizations through strategic initiatives and evidence-based practices, Suzanne combines clinical insight with operational effectiveness to achieve meaningful impact.
If you are having thoughts of death or suicide, call 988 or text DBSA to 741-741. If you need immediate assistance, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
