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2025 Conference Agenda

Digital Program
DAY ONE

Thursday, Oct. 16 - Morning Sessions: 9:00 AM - 11: 00 AM, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Speaker

Drew Robinson is a former Major League Baseball player, mental health advocate, and co-founder of the Better Universe Foundation who is using his platform to advocate for mental health and end the stigma surrounding it.

Session Description

This former SF Giants player will share his story of overcoming mental health struggles and suicide attempt and transitioning to now working as the team’s mental health advocate.

Speaker

Ms. Welch has been the Deputy Secretary of Behavioral Health for the California Health and Human Services (CalHHS) Agency since 2020. She serves as the senior advisor to the Secretary of CalHHS and other state departments on behavioral health policy and builds bridges across diverse government sectors and stakeholders. She has twenty-five years of experience in behavioral health policy, program administration, and advocacy at both the state and county level.

Session Description

Join Stephanie Welch, Deputy Secretary of Behavioral Health for the State of California, for an overview of the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) and the significant policy shifts currently shaping California’s mental health system. This session will explain recent updates to the BHSA, outline the role and impact of CARE Court, and discuss how Proposition 1 is influencing services and funding across the state. Participants will gain a clear understanding of these changes and what they mean for communities, providers, and individuals seeking behavioral health support.

Speaker

Tricia Creason-Valencia is an Emmy-nominated filmmaker, motivational speaker, educator, and co-founder of PowerHouse, a creative workspace for women+ entrepreneurs. With over 20 years of experience in filmmaking, teaching, and community building, she uses storytelling as a tool for resilience, connection, and social change. Her award-winning films, including Stable Life (Best Documentary, Cinequest Film Festival), have been featured at festivals and on public television, sparking dialogue and action. A passionate mentor and advocate, Tricia has taught filmmaking at Santa Clara University, UC Santa Cruz, San Francisco State, and within grassroots organizations, empowering women, youth, and people of color to amplify their voices through creative expression. She holds a BA from UC Berkeley and an MFA in Cinema from San Francisco State University.

Session Description

This session is a message of hope, strength, and unwavering love for any parent, caregiver, or advocate who has ever felt lost in the storm. You will walk away with tools to navigate life’s hardest moments and a roadmap for reclaiming joy.

Speaker

La doctora Emma Zavala-Suárez se graduó de la facultad de medicina de la Universidad de Washington en Seattle en el 2021. Después mudó a Sacramento, CA para comenzar su residencia en el departamento de psiquiatría de la Universidad de California Davis. Durante su residencia, la doctora a tratado condiciones de salud mental de niños, adolescentes y adultos en el departamento de urgencias, en la clínica de psicosis y el hospital de UC Davis; además de trabajar en el hospital y la clínica psiquiátrica del condado de Sacramento. En este momento, la Dra. Zavala-Suárez está completando su último año de especialización en psiquiatría de niños y adolescentes en UC Davis. Además de la salud mental de niños y adolescentes, también le interesa la salud mental de la mujer durante el embarazo, psiquiatría comunitaria, y psiquiatría forense, ya que también es abogada en derecho.  

Speakers

Jack Yatsko has been with Clubhouse International since 2002, and his career in mental health spans 30 years. He began his Clubhouse career in Hawaii in 1989 at Friendship House, the first Clubhouse program in Hawaii. Jack works closely with our Training Bases and Faculty for Clubhouse development; helps develop new Clubhouses; and provides technical assistance to many existing Clubhouses and groups or individuals seeking to learn more about the Clubhouse Model. Jack continues to reside in Hawaii although his travels take him across the globe. He has a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Hawaii.

With 17 years in behavioral health, Yan has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings, with a deep passion for the Clubhouse Model. He has held roles at Fountain House in New York City and Connections House in Contra Costa, and now leads Clubhouse El Dorado, serving over 170 members since its opening in 2024.

Tamara has dedicated over 20 years to advancing the Clubhouse Model, playing a key role in establishing Connections House. She also serves as Faculty with Clubhouse International and on the Board of the Clubhouse Coalition California, leading statewide advocacy for mental health recovery.

John Coombs grew up in Danville and has served as a school teacher in the U.S. and abroad as a Peace Corps volunteer. His journey with mental illness began while living overseas, eventually leading him to Connections House, where he found purpose and community in recovery. Starting as a member, he now works part time with Mental Health Connections and serves on the Faculty of Clubhouse International. John lives independently in Concord and enjoys reading, sports, and the outdoors, and strives to live with kindness and compassion.

Session Description

This panel will give a brief history of the Clubhouse movement; describe the benefits of Clubhouse for families and individuals impacted by Severe Mental Illness; and describe the steps they took in starting our Clubhouse in El Dorado County. Learn about how Clubhouse Coalition California can help your loved one find a local Clubhouse, resources in your community to develop start-up groups and support from the Coalition.

Speakers

The mission of the Foothill Technology High School Wellness Peers Program is to train and empower a core group of students in specific communication and helping skills so they can educate and support the physical, emotional, and social well-being of other students, fostering a healthy school community. The Wellness Program Counselor is Rebecca Wulff. Foothill Technology High School is part of Ventura Unified School District. 

Session Description

This youth panel will use the process of baking and decorating a cake as a metaphor for integrating wellness-promoting activities into a school through collaboration with ASB, student clubs, parent groups, staff, and more. They will provide examples of how they run as a wellness center, have partnered with various local programs and aligned with national awareness months to increase the efficacy of their message.

Thursday, Oct. 16 - Afternoon Sessions: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Speakers

Brandi Alden is an entrepreneur, performing arts instructor, and sketch comedy creator with over 7 million social media followers, as well as a licensed brain health trainer pursuing a neuroscience degree. With 20+ years in pageantry, five years of teaching, and national recognition in public speaking, she has shared the importance of mental health in schools, programs, and large-scale events while also performing in venues from the Charlotte Hornets and Charleston Pops to local theaters and festivals. Now serving as head of PR/Outreach for the National PANS/PANDAS Youth Alliance, Brandi draws on her 11-year journey with the condition to amplify patient voices, spread awareness, and advocate for earlier diagnosis and better care nationwide.

Kirk Lord is a freshman at Pitzer College studying economics, politics, and neuroimmunology, and competes in cross country and track for Pomona-Pitzer. A former high school team captain, he led his teams to state and national success while also championing advocacy for PANS/PANDAS, a disorder he has personally faced. From pogo-sticking across the Golden Gate Bridge to raise $6,000 for research, to founding the National PANDAS/PANS Youth Alliance and appearing on national broadcasts to push for federal legislation, Kirk has consistently used his platform to raise awareness and inspire change. He also served as vice president of his school’s Social Justice Club and founded its Neuroscience Club, reflecting his passion for education, advocacy, and leadership at the intersection of health, equity, and community.

Session Description

Children with PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections) can experience a sudden onset of OCD, anxiety, depression, psychosis, or other psychiatric symptoms that, if left untreated, may escalate into seizures, tics, developmental regression, and severe fatigue. This workshop will shed light on these often-overlooked neuroimmune disorders, examining how gaps in the medical system impact care, why awareness of PANS/PANDAS is critical, and what we can do to create environments where these conditions are recognized and treated with the urgency they require.

Speaker

Five years ago, Sinclair Ceasar III faced a life-altering mental health challenge that nearly cost him everything, but through community, support, and unlearning shame, he rebuilt his life and found purpose in helping others do the same. Now a TEDx speaker, Mental Health First Aid instructor, and founder of Sinclairity Consulting, he has partnered with over 30 organizations since 2012 to champion workplace mental health. Through training, consulting, and keynotes, Sinclair empowers companies to reduce stigma, retain talent, boost productivity, and build psychologically safe cultures where people can thrive.

Session Description

Often, men only receive support for mental health after experiencing a major crisis or loss. I know because I’ve been there. We need more preventative approaches. Participants in this session will learn about the Healing Fathers Program, based in San Antonio, Texas, and how it is providing accessible opportunities for Dads to learn, heal, and develop in community.

Speaker

Five years ago, Sinclair Ceasar III faced a life-altering mental health challenge that nearly cost him everything, but through community, support, and unlearning shame, he rebuilt his life and found purpose in helping others do the same. Now a TEDx speaker, Mental Health First Aid instructor, and founder of Sinclairity Consulting, he has partnered with over 30 organizations since 2012 to champion workplace mental health. Through training, consulting, and keynotes, Sinclair empowers companies to reduce stigma, retain talent, boost productivity, and build psychologically safe cultures where people can thrive.

Speaker

Erik Nasarenko is the elected District Attorney of Ventura County, California’s 13th largest county. In this capacity, he started the County’s first-ever Mental Health Unit in the DA’s office, which consists of four dedicated prosecutors who assist with civil commitments and mental health diversion cases. Prior to becoming District Attorney, he served as a trial prosecutor for 13 years. He also was elected twice to the Ventura City Council and served two years as mayor. He is a graduate of University of California, Irvine and Loyola Law School. Erik is a proud board member of the NAMI California Board of Directors. 

Session Description

This workshop will provide an overview of key mental health laws in criminal court, including diversion programs, competency to stand trial, and mental health courts. Participants will gain practical insights into how these laws impact individuals and families navigating the justice system.

Speakers

Patricia Wentzel is the Helpline Coordinator for NAMI Sacramento, and is a facilitator for Family Support Groups and a Family to Family teacher. She has also been a Connections Support Group facilitator and filled a variety of other volunteer roles since she became a NAMI Sacramento volunteer in 2012. Patricia has been active as a mental health advocate in Sacramento County for several years. She currently serves as the Secretary of the Sacramento County Mental Health Board and chairs its Adult System of Care Committee. In addition, she serves on the Executive Committee of the Sacramento County Mental Health Services Act Steering Committee, and will be involved in the coming efforts to craft a comprehensive integrated County plan to conform to the requirements of the Behavioral Health Services Act. Patricia sits on a total of six Boards and committees to do with Behavioral Health in Sacramento County and regularly presents public comment at Board of Supervisors meetings, along with other local boards and committees. She is also active with the League of Women Voters Criminal Justice Committee. She is a published author, artist, and musician.

Elizabeth Kaino Hopper has engaged in grassroots advocacy methods since 2014 in Sacramento County as a form of self-care. When her daughter kept falling through the cracks of mental health services due to severe, persistent symptoms that often interrupted the action of voluntarily seeking services, “Kaino” stepped up her advocacy beyond the personal level, and into local county actions. Through these efforts, based on the alternate ending of the Serenity Prayer: Lord help me accept the things I cannot change… And Change the Things I cannot Accept, she became instrumental in the development of the Community Wellness Response Team, Sacramento County’s alternative response program. As Kaino took small actions at local behavioral health board meetings she discovered others who shared her objectives. Over the years, others ready for Advocacy as self-care banned together and formed a grassroots group called FAiSMI (“phase-me”), a group dedicated to supporting each other through advocacy to change the “rules” that created the most distress and barriers to our loved ones receiving care. Her grassroots members have been interviewed by CalMatters, CBS news, KCRA, Spectrum TV, LA Times, and SF Chronicle.

Session Description

This presentation will cover ways that the public can get involved in advocacy in their local community. It will cover how to get appointed to a Board/Commission, Committee, or Liaison position. We will talk about offering to hold ex officio positions with local Boards, Commissions and Committees, tips on researching local Behavioral Health Department programs, budgets and personnel, how/when/why to make public comment in person or in writing at public meetings, and some tips on forming a local advocacy group like FAiSMI (Families Advocating for Individuals with Serious Mental Illness) which is active in Sacramento County. There will be a brief discussion of the Brown Act and Form 700 requirements to disclose financial conflicts. While the examples will be based on the presenters’ experiences in Sacramento County, they are applicable to other communities, too.

Speakers

Dr. Luis Carvajal-Carmona es Vicecanciller Asociado y Profesor de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular en la Universidad de California, Davis. Especialista en genética del cáncer, epidemiología y disparidades en salud, ha publicado más de 100 artículos científicos y descubierto varios genes relacionados con el cáncer. Su trabajo ha sido reconocido por instituciones como la Universidad de Oxford, la Asociación Europea para la Investigación del Cáncer y la Fundación V. Además, forma parte de consejos asesores de organismos como los NIH, la AACR y el Registro de Cáncer de California. Comprometido con la mentoría, ha guiado a decenas de estudiantes de primera generación, quienes han recibido más de 60 becas y premios. Ha sido distinguido con el Premio del Rector de UC Davis a la Excelencia en Mentoría y el Premio ADVANCE Scholar.

Guadalupe M. Carvajal, MS, CGC, es consejera genética certificada, bilingüe y bicultural, con más de 20 años de experiencia internacional en genética del cáncer, investigación genómica y consejería clínica. Actualmente trabaja en el Centro Integral de Cáncer de la Universidad de California, Davis, donde lidera iniciativas enfocadas en mejorar el acceso a servicios genéticos para comunidades latinas y desatendidas. Su trayectoria incluye colaboraciones con instituciones como la Universidad de Oxford y Queen Mary University of London, y cuenta con múltiples publicaciones científicas en el área de síndromes hereditarios de cáncer y disparidades en salud.

Session Description

Un análisis de los desafíos de salud mental únicos que enfrentan los inmigrantes y refugiados, incluido el estrés aculturativo, la separación familiar y la discriminación.

Speaker

Dr. George Woods is a neuropsychiatrist with nearly four decades of experience in clinical care, forensic psychiatry, and global trauma work. He specializes in neurodevelopmental disabilities, acquired neurocognitive disorders, psychiatric manifestations of medical illness, and ethnopsychopharmacology. As Chief of Clinical Innovation at Felton Institute and Chief Scientific Officer at Crestwood Behavioral Health, he oversees large-scale, trauma-informed recovery programs. His international work spans post-conflict trauma interventions in Africa, prison mental health reforms, and human rights advocacy. A Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, he has taught at UC Davis, Morehouse School of Medicine, and UC Berkeley School of Law. 

Speaker

Dr. Outlaw is a licensed psychologist (CA#:PSY23676) and Clinical Director of Journey of Life Psychological, Inc. Dr. Outlaw received his Doctoral training at Arizona State University where he researched academic identification and factors of academic persistence. He completed his Pre-Doctoral Internship at Butler University & BehaviorCorp, and his Post-Doctoral Fellowship (Clinical Assessment) at University of Houston’s Counseling & Psychological Services.  Dr. Outlaw previously chaired the Alameda County Mental Health Board (District 5) and was vice-chair of  the Alameda County Measure A Oversight Committee.  Dr. Outlaw is currently an item writer for the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (national examination) domain 6, through the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB).

Speakers

Julia Egan, Psy.D., is a California-licensed psychologist and Director of Telehealth and Clinician Services at Telecare Corporation. With over a decade of experience across outpatient, residential, and inpatient settings, she has led initiatives to expand access to care, strengthen clinical services, and promote recovery-centered leadership. Since joining Telecare in 2014, Julia has played a key role in launching innovative programs like New Compass, the organization’s first telehealth-only program for early psychosis in underserved communities. She is passionate about equity, empowerment, and collaboration, and has presented nationally on hybrid care, leadership, and the use of technology to improve behavioral health access and outcomes.

Dr. Raksmey Tiano brings deep expertise in program development, implementation, and strategic operations to drive clinical effectiveness and access. As Chair of Telecare’s Cultural Humility, Equity, and Inclusion (CHAI) Committee, she plays a vital role in advancing culturally responsive care across the organization. Her purpose and passion lie in promoting health equity and ensuring that mental health systems are inclusive, empowering, and rooted in the voices of the communities they serve. She has been a powerful advocate for integrating peer and family perspectives, engaging underserved populations, and leading teams to deliver services that reflect the values of recovery and inclusion. Raksmey’s work embodies the belief that healing happens in community and that equitable care must be a foundation—not an afterthought—of mental health service delivery.

Session Description

Early intervention can dramatically change the trajectory of a young person’s life—but accessing timely, comprehensive mental health services remains a major challenge in rural and underserved areas. This session explores the launch of New Compass, a hybrid care program developed by Telecare in partnership with Nevada County to bring Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) to youth and young adults experiencing early psychosis.Through a creative blend of telehealth and in-person support, New Compass delivers comprehensive, recovery-oriented services—including psychotherapy, case management, psychiatry, substance use support, peer and family services, and career/education counseling—to individuals who would otherwise face significant barriers to care. This model meets the unique needs of rural communities by offering flexibility, maintaining close collaboration with families and caregivers, and fostering continuity even when geography or staffing would traditionally limit access. Presenters will share practical insights from the first year of implementation, including strategies for building strong county-provider partnerships, adapting the CSC model for a hybrid setting, and embedding cultural humility and equity into service design. The session will also highlight how early outcomes are teaching us about effective engagement in rural systems of care.
DAY TWO

Friday, Oct. 17 - Morning Sessions: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Speaker

Dr. Helen Kales is Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UC Davis and a board-certified geriatric psychiatrist. Previously at the University of Michigan, she founded the Program for Positive Aging, now based at UC Davis. Her internationally recognized research focuses on improving care for older adults with mental health conditions and dementia, with an emphasis on real-world, person- and family-centered approaches. She has led 13 federally funded grants, mentored numerous early-career researchers, and was appointed to the Lancet Global Commission on Dementia Care in 2015.

Speaker

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Speaker

Dr. Randhawa is a leading specialist in internal medicine, pediatrics, immunology, allergy medicine, and pulmonology with more than two decades of experience. He serves as Medical Director of Pediatric Pulmonology, Clinical Immunology & Allergy at Miller Children’s Hospital. He is also the Program Director of the Pediatric Pulmonology Fellowship at University of California, Irvine and Miller’s Children’s Hospital. Over his decade of leadership at Miller’s, he has spearheaded nationally recognized initiatives, including the Sickle Cell Pulmonary Center, JCAHO Asthma Center of Excellence, and Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia Center. His research focuses on ‘orphan’ diseases, advancing treatment through data analytics, biomarker development, and artificial intelligence. He is also Founder and CEO of the Translational Pulmonary & Immunology Research Center and the Southern California Food Allergy Institute, which has successfully induced remission in over 10,000 patients with life-threatening food anaphylaxis.

Session Description

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we understand and manage health conditions, including food allergies. In this workshop, Dr. Inderpal Randhawa of the Food Allergy Institute will explore the evolving intersection of AI, food allergy treatment, and mental health. Participants will learn how advanced data-driven tools are being used to improve diagnosis, personalize treatment plans, and enhance patient safety. The session will also highlight the often-overlooked mental health impacts of living with food allergies, including anxiety and stress, and how innovative approaches can support both physical and emotional well-being. Attendees will gain insight into cutting-edge research and practical strategies for integrating technology into patient-centered care.

Speakers

Janae Schallert is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience in crisis intervention, co-response, and behavioral threat assessment. She has served on Crisis Intervention, Human Trafficking, and Hostage Negotiation Teams, bringing trauma-informed care and clinical expertise to law enforcement operations and high-risk field responses. As the founder of Schallert Consulting LLC, Janae provides national training and consultation on co-response program development, crisis systems, and high-stakes communication. She is dedicated to advancing collaborative, safety-focused approaches that center compassion, coordination, and community impact.

Session Description

This interactive session explores the power of co-response teams—partnerships between mental health professionals and law enforcement—in addressing mental health crises in the community. Attendees will learn how embedding clinicians in police response units reduces harm, builds trust, and improves outcomes for individuals experiencing psychiatric emergencies. Drawing from real-life field stories and lessons learned, the session will highlight key strategies for building collaboration, navigating cultural differences between disciplines, and empowering families and peers to support de-escalation. Participants will leave with practical tools, language for field use, and a deeper understanding of how empathy and tactical communication can align in moments of crisis. The session will also include case examples of successful interventions and opportunities to reflect on barriers and opportunities in attendees’ local systems. Whether you’re a peer advocate, caregiver, clinician, or community stakeholder, this session offers concrete takeaways and renewed hope for compassionate crisis response.

Speaker

David Woods Bartley is an internationally recognized mental health advocate, three-time TEDx speaker, and survivor of childhood trauma and a suicide attempt. He has delivered over 900 talks worldwide, sharing his journey from “mental hellness” to wellness and addressing deeply stigmatized topics like suicide, male sexual trauma, and chronic mental illness. Known for his powerful storytelling and message of hope, David has received numerous awards, including being named a Mental Health Champion by the Steinberg Institute and 2025 Speaker of the Year for Mental Health and Suicide by the Excellence Awards.

Session Description

For years, the vital work of addressing suicide has centered on the idea of “prevention.” While this framework has saved lives, it may be time to ask a deeper question: What lies beyond prevention? This workshop offers a reframed perspective on suicide—one that shifts the focus from simply preventing loss to actively cultivating conditions that sustain life. Participants will explore practical, actionable methods for influencing outcomes and discover how each of us, regardless of role or background, can play a meaningful part in creating a world where life feels livable.

Speaker

Gigi Crowder, is the Chief Executive Officer for NAMI Contra Costa, having accepted this position as Executive Director in January 2018, after serving in a consultant role as their Fund Developer. Gigi, is the mother of two biological children; 33 years old twin sons and has served as a foster mom and mentor to many more through divine interventions. Gigi served for over 9 years as the Ethnic Services Manager for Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services and has worked in the field for more than 33 years after completing her studies at the University of California, Berkeley. As a family member of several loved ones who have received private and public mental health services she is a strong advocate for promoting culturally responsive behavioral health services that embrace community defined strategies and value lived experience. She is a woman of great faith and has develop a faith-based curriculum, Mental Health Friendly Communities which is designed to train Faith Leaders of the important role they play as the most preferred first responders to those experiencing mental health challenges. Gigi is unapologetic about her efforts to address the needs of African Americans impacted by mental illness who she deems as the most harmed and neglected due to systemic racism. She has received several awards for her work. Highlights of her career are being inducted in the Alameda County Women Hall of Fame for her work in developing programs to enhance employment opportunities for individuals with living with mental illness. In March 2025 she was named California Woman of the Year for California Assembly District 15.

Session Description

This workshop will identify the mental health and systemic needs of African-American men, who are disproportionately harmed by their overrepresentation in the criminal justice system. It will cover solutions and strategies for amplifying their voices on decision-making bodies where they are often most impacted yet silenced. This workshop presentation team will include NAMI Contra Costa staff members who are also involved with their affiliate’s “40 Voices Campaign”, which successfully launched the effort to gain funding for an African American Holistic Wellness and Resource Hub in Contra Costa County.

Friday, Oct. 17 - Afternoon Sessions: 1:15 PM - 2:15 PM, 2:15 PM -3:15 PM

Speaker

Cami Nelsen, NAMI CA Youth Advisory Council

Session Description

This workshop will explore practical ways to support individuals receiving treatment for eating disorders. Participants will learn strategies to foster understanding, encouragement, and resilience throughout the recovery process. The session will also highlight the non-profit organization the speaker started that was inspired by her own journey through treatment.

Speakers

NAMI Mendocino

Dorothy “Pokie” Dunlap – Board Member
Gabe Ray
Annette V. Campbell
Nancy Burke
Cynthia Johnson
Tasheena Sloan

Session Description

This panel presentation highlights how members of local Native American tribes partnered with NAMI Mendocino and were able to accomplish what once felt impossible—engaging active leaders and participants from Native American communities in discussions about mental health. Ther speakers will share how this work has positively impacted their lives, families, and communities, and why these approaches have been so effective, even in isolated settings. While rooted in Native American experiences, the strategies discussed are adaptable and relevant to other ethnic, racial, and cultural populations.

Speaker

David Morin – Spoken Word Poet, Death Doula

Session Description

Caregivers of loved ones with mental health conditions often carry complex grief—mourning changed relationships, unmet expectations, and ongoing losses while rarely receiving space to process their own emotions. This interactive workshop uses poetry as a gateway to explore avoidance, name the inexpressible, and reconnect with our shared humanity. Through guided reflection, partner exercises, and personal writing, participants will practice giving language to grief and discover how to embrace “pockets of joy” without denying ongoing challenges. Drawing on the presenter’s experience as a poet, death doula, and prison rehabilitation facilitator, the session offers a unique and inclusive path toward emotional self-care, resilience, and renewed permission to acknowledge one’s needs while supporting others.

Speakers

Mykel Gayent – SouthSac Wellness and NAMI Sacramento
Ronnie Cobb – Director of Employer Relations – Search Pros Staffing
Mia’sha Helton – Owner – It’s MY Hair Salon

Session Description

This session will explore two innovative community-based programs designed to normalize conversations about mental health and reduce stigma among African Americans and others who may be hesitant to seek support.
 
Cut to the Chase is a monthly meet-up created specifically for Black men to gather and openly discuss the everyday challenges they face. The program addresses stigma around Black men and therapy by providing culturally specific resources and support uniquely tailored for men of color.
 
Building on its success, Cut to the Chase: Crown Edition was launched to provide a similar safe space for Black women. This monthly gathering centers on celebrating resilience and sharing life experiences while offering encouragement, counseling, and professional support in a small-group setting with licensed mental health practitioners.
 
Together, these programs highlight the power of culturally responsive approaches in fostering open dialogue, building community, and expanding access to mental health resources.

Speakers

Noheli Ugo, LEP, NCSP
Nicole Steward, MSW

CA Association of School Psychologists

Session Description

Academic success is deeply connected to students’ ability to manage their social and emotional well-being. In today’s schools, many students are navigating stress, anxiety, trauma, and social pressures that make it difficult to fully engage in learning. These challenges were already increasing prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and have since intensified, contributing to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and school disengagement. At the same time, educators are balancing heavy responsibilities and often feel stretched thin as they work to meet students’ emotional needs alongside academic demands. This growing reality highlights the urgent need for schools to implement proactive supports that address both learning and wellness.
 
This presentation will explore how a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework, combined with the implementation of school-based wellness centers, can effectively respond to these needs. Wellness Rooms, designed as supportive and trauma-informed spaces, provide students with opportunities to regulate emotions, practice coping strategies, and return to class ready to focus and learn. Aligned with all three tiers of MTSS, wellness initiatives not only improve individual student outcomes but also promote safe, inclusive, and equitable learning environments. Attendees will gain an understanding of how these approaches strengthen resilience, reduce behavioral disruptions, extend support to families and staff, and ultimately enhance both student well-being and academic achievement. Participants will hear from a school district Social Worker and a school psychologist who have been actively enhancing district practices, prioritizing student mental health, and collaborating closely with community-based organizations to provide comprehensive support in the school setting.

Speaker

Lea Nagy – President – NAMI Humboldt

Session Description

Families in Focus will be a workshop that will illustrate family involvement in systems of care and with lived experience show the huge difference it can make to have influence in the various systems of care in a rural community. Practical ideas, suggestions, and skills to implement the family voice in services will be discussed and provided

Speaker

Oshri Hakak – Youth Programs Coordinator – NAMI Westside LA

Session Description

Phoney Baloney is a book written by Oshri to bring awareness to our cellphone use. The book helps us with understanding how we can best tend to our mental health in the era of cellphones, including tools and prompts to inspire shifts of habit around phone use.

Speaker

Jeannie Mecorney – Mental Health Liaison, GraphicMedicine.org

Session Description

 Join this hands-on, creative workshop where you’ll learn how to make your own zine and explore Graphic Medicine—the intersection of art, storytelling, and mental health. Through simple drawing prompts and shared examples, you’ll discover how art can help you express and process your own story.
Jeannie grew up in a family affected by trauma and mental illness. After retiring, she began illustrating her experiences as a way to heal and reflect on how systems like schools, police, and healthcare often fall short. She is the Graphic Medicine and Mental Health Liaison for graphicmedicine.org and presented this workshop at the 2024 National NAMI Conference in Denver and is excited to share it again. No art experience needed—she invites you to tap into your innate creativity, share your story, and help destigmatize mental illness—one story at a time. A quick one-minute video of her graphic memoir can be found here:www.mecorney.com/memoirmecorney.mov

Speakers

Elaine Peng worked as a Chinese teacher for more than 10 years, but since 2013, she has been a dedicated mental health advocate and educator providing education to reduce public prejudice against mental illness, as well as decreasing stigma among caregivers. She has started five Chinese support groups and developed the first NAMI Chinese website http://www.namichinese.org in the United States. Elaine is a leader and developer of multiple mental health programs for the Chinese community. As a consumer and family member, she helps to promote mental health services and provide peer support to the underserved Chinese community.Her only purpose was to help those who desperately need help; hoping that through programs what the MHACC provide, they do not have to experience the despair she went through. She was the recipient of the 2016 NAMI National’s Multicultural Outreach Award, and the 2017 NAMI California’s Multicultural Outreach Award.

Session Description

Mental Health Association for Chinese Communities (MHACC) has pioneered the use of technology and AI to improve access to mental health resources for both individuals living with mental illness and their caregivers. Through the development of mobile applications like UrSpace and MiSunshine, MHACC offers multilingual, culturally competent tools including mood tracking, guided meditations, and “Sunshai,” an AI-powered chatbot that provides emotional support. These innovations not only enhance self-care and emotional resilience but also offer caregivers tailored resources to better support their loved ones. This workshop highlights practical strategies for other organizations seeking to expand their reach and impact through digital solutions.

Speaker

Dr. Vernita Black, President, NAMI Western Riverside

Session Description

Dr. Vernita Black, a military veteran, will be discussing how stress affects everyone on the inside and out. She will be revealing what is behind the walls of stress and mental illness and discuss ways stress can affect our mind and body.
 

NAMI CA Office Closure

NAMI California will be closed
December 22–January 2.
We will return on January 5.

NAMI HelpLine is available M-F 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET.
Connect by phone 800-950-6264 or text “Helpline” to 62640, or chat.

In a crisis, call or text 988.

Thank you for your understanding.