Welcome to Finger Lakes Women in Transition – Navigating Separation and Divorce

The Finger Lakes Women in Transition (WIT) sponsored by the Mental Health Association in Tompkins County is an organization created by mental health professionals, educators and women who themselves have navigated the divorce process (see founding members below).  While divorce has become a choice, how to maneuver through the process remains challenging.  Our goal is to provide knowledge to facilitate a clear and compassionate journey.

Mission Statement of the Finger Lakes Women in Transition (WIT)

Most women facing the separation and divorce process are overcome with feelings of isolation and confusion.  The goal of WIT is to help women navigate through the difficult financial, emotional and lifestyle transitions that accompany separation and divorce.  WIT seeks to provide women in crisis with the necessary tools to make sensible, informed decisions, thus enabling them to successfully rebuild their lives and achieve a secure and stable outlook both during and after divorce.

In fulfilling the mission statement we have the following offerings:

DUE TO THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC: We have suspended our normal offerings.

Instead, we are now offering an ON-LINE SUPPORT GROUP. The group takes place (via Zoom) EVERY OTHER SATURDAY from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. The group is facilitated by Diane S. Jerdan, LCSW-R a therapist in private practice in Ithaca, NY and by Bonnie Miller-Ladds, LCSW,LISW a therapist in private practice and a Certified Divorce Coach, based in Cleveland, Ohio. 

We would love for you to join us! You can obtain the Zoom Link by contacting Diane S. Jerdan, LCSW-R, via e-mail at dianejerdan@yahoo.com.

The group brings together women at all stages of the divorce process. The group is an excellent resource to gain information and support during this difficult time.  

PLEASE NOTE:  Our Seminars, Social Gatherings, Monthly Hikes and Book Club have been suspended until further notice.

*SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE- A series of seminars designed to help women transitioning through the separation/divorce process.  The series, with a variety of topics, will be offered following an academic calendar—see “Events” tab and “Calendar” tab and “Seminars” tab.

*SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE – A monthly social gathering at Waffle Frolic helps to build relationships and create social networks so as to provide needed support and friendship—-see “Events” tab and “Calendar” tab and “Social” tab.

*SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE – Monthly Hike in the spring and fall on the Black Diamond Trail. Socialize with new friends and get exercise!

*SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE – Book Club—-Gather with other women to discuss books read for pleasure or for information.

*Information regarding resources available in our community to facilitate the divorce process—see “Resources” tab

Advisory Committee 2021/2022:
Diane Jerdan, LCSW-R & Bonnie Miller Ladds, LCSW,LISW

Former Advisory Committee Members

Darlene Kay, Michelle Candela-Jordan, Lisa Gorton, Sheila McCue, LMSW and
Tara Wilder

Founding Members:
Joyce Bennett, RN
Diane Jerdan, LCSW-R
Linda Majeroni
Sheila McCue, LMSW
Jessica Ross-Elbers
Melissa Whitehead Stucky

Logo created by RAE Ink