Parsippany, N.J. — December 17, 2025 — The New Jersey Policy Institute (NJPI) is proud to announce the appointment of Kristen Cobo, LCSW, to its Board of Directors. A respected clinical social worker, child-wellness specialist, and statewide leader in parental rights advocacy, Kristen brings a powerful blend of professional expertise and real-world experience to NJPI’s growing commitment to improve education, strengthen families, and advance policies that put children first.

Kristen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience supporting the mental health and developmental needs of children and families across New Jersey. She has worked in both public school settings and major hospital systems, partnering directly with students, educators, and families to address emotional and behavioral challenges. She now owns and operates a private therapy practice focused on supporting the wellness of working women and mothers.

Beyond her clinical practice, Kristen has emerged as a prominent voice for parents’ rights and transparency in education. She was named one of Save Jersey’s 2024 “Right Women to Watch”, where she was recognized as a “fierce parental rights advocate and super mom.”

Kristen’s leadership gained national attention following a widely publicized defamation lawsuit filed in 2023 against her and several other Roxbury parents after they raised concerns at a Board of Education meeting regarding sexually explicit materials in school libraries. After two and a half years of litigation, Superior Court Judge Hon. Jonathan Romankow dismissed all claims with prejudice on October 3, 2025—an important legal victory affirming that parents have the constitutional right to speak out on behalf of their children.

“Kristen’s courage, conviction, and deep commitment to children’s well-being embody the values that guide NJPI’s work,” said Rosemary Becchi, President and Founder of NJPI. “Her professional insight and lived experience will strengthen our mission and help ensure parents and families have a meaningful voice in shaping New Jersey's education system.”

Board Chairman Andy Mulvihill added, “Kristen has demonstrated remarkable leadership—both as a practitioner working with children and as a parent standing up for what’s right. We are thrilled to welcome her to the board and look forward to her contributions.”

“I’m honored to join the NJPI Board of Directors,” Cobo said. “New Jersey families are facing unprecedented challenges, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help advance policies that support children’s success and protect parents’ rights.”

Kristen joins NJPI at a time of significant organizational growth, as the Institute expands its work in education reform, school choice, academic achievement, and government accountability.

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