LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Dr. Vahid Najafi upon the occasion of
receiving the Joseph R. Bernstein Award from the Mental Health Associ-
ation of Rockland County

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Dr.
Vahid Najafi upon the occasion of receiving the Joseph R. Bernstein
Award from the Mental Health Association of Rockland County; and
WHEREAS, An advocate for children and families with mental health
issues, Dr. Vahid Najafi has been the program coordinator directing a
comprehensive preschool special education program for the Rockland Coun-
ty Department of Health since 2003; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Vahid Najafi previously worked as a clinical psychologist
for the Rockland Children's Psychiatric Center and a Senior Psychologist
and Supervisor of the Evaluation Unit for children birth to five years
for the Westchester County Department of Health Services for Children
with Disabilities; and
WHEREAS, During his 29-year career, Dr. Vahid Najafi has taught
psychology at several universities and colleges and conducted seminars
and lectures in the areas of clinical and developmental psychology for
professionals and paraprofessionals; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Dr. Vahid Najafi has worked closely with the
Mental Health Association of Rockland County, Intensive Day Treatment,
the Department of Health, the Department of Social Services, the PTA,
BOCES and various school districts throughout the region as part of
community service; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Vahid Najafi began his educational career in Tehran, Iran
and was awarded an academic scholarship for outstanding student in
psychology to continue his studies in the United States; he graduated
from St. John's University with a Master's degree in School Psychology
in 1980, was awarded a Ph.D. in Professional (Child) Psychology in 1985
and completed a post-doctoral degree in Behavior Therapy soon after; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dr. Vahid Najafi upon the occasion of receiving the Joseph R.
Bernstein Award from the Mental Health Association of Rockland County,
and to wish him continued success in all of his future endeavors; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. Vahid Najafi.