Speaker Series

November 19, 2025

November Speaker Series & Annual General Meeting: Estate Planning for Families with Mental Health Challenges with Ellen Cookman

In our hybrid November Speaker Series & Annual General Meeting we were joined Ellen Cookman from Cookman Law who dove into special needs planning options for families with loved ones with mental health conditions. Ellen covered trusts, ABLE accounts, successors, public benefits and much more!

We also heard from our Board President, Lisa Fuchs, and Executive Director, Laura Parmer-Lohan, who led our Annual General Meeting sharing updates about NAMI and goals for 2026.

Listen to the recording to learn more!

Learn more about our speaker:

Ellen Cookman is the principal attorney of Cookman Law and a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law from the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. She received her J.D. from UC Berkeley School of Law and her LL.M. in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate from Golden Gate University. Ellen lives in East Palo Alto with her husband and their two boys (her older son has high-functioning autism), a Siberian husky mix named Rosie, and a kitty named Skittles.

Slides:
https://namisanmateo.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/NAMI-SMC-Special-Needs-Planning-for-Mental-Health-FINAL.pdf

YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@ellencookman-EstatePlanningSNT

Contact our Speaker:

Ellen Cookman: ellen@cookmanlaw.com
www.cookmanlaw.com

September 16, 2025

Building Hope Together: Community Conversations on Suicide Prevention & Mental Health with Walter Ng

In our hybrid September Speaker Series, we were joined by Walter Ng from Felton Institute’s San Mateo Suicide Prevention Program for Suicide Prevention Month. Walter led us in a conversation that equipped participants with essential knowledge and tools for mental health support and suicide prevention. Attendees walked away having a better sense of how to recognize warning signs, create a safe and inclusive environment, and encourage open discussions.

Listen to the recording to learn more!

Learn more about our speaker:

Walter Ng is the Community Engagement Supervisor of Felton Institutes’ San Mateo Suicide Prevention. As a part of his role, he works to build strong and lasting relationships between Felton and communities throughout San Mateo County through mental health and suicide prevention presentations, trainings, and outreach.

Contact our Speaker:

Walter Ng: wng@felton.org

July 22nd, 2025

Navigating a Crisis – Understanding Levels of Care and Treatment Options with Annie DiTiberio

In our hybrid July Speaker Series, we were joined by Annie DiTiberio for an impactful and educational session on how to support your loved one through a crisis and understand the different levels of care. Annie walked us through the various treatment levels, sharing the benefits and drawl backs from each. She also helped us see them from the perspectives of insurance, accessibility, and priority. Attendees left with a clearer sense of how to navigate the healthcare system and what steps they can take to advocate for their loved one.

Listen to the recording to learn more!

Learn more about our speaker:

Annie DiTiberio is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice in Los Altos, CA. After receiving her MSW in Community Mental Health from UC Berkeley, she has worked in almost every level of care, both public and private, in Santa Clara County. She now focuses on helping families navigate the mental health system as well their own relationships with their loved ones, striving to include families in the important treatment of those with significant mental health issues. In addition to offering Family Coaching & Consultation, she also offers Family Support Groups, and is launching a series of online courses for family members in late summer 2025.

Check out the slides: Slides

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Contact our Speaker: 

Annie DiTiberio: anned.lcsw@gmail.com
Facebook: You Need a Social Worker
Instagram: @youneedasocialworker

May 20th, 2025

Parenting with Cultural Wisdom with Ed Center

In our hybrid May Speaker Series, educator and founder of The Village Well, Ed Center, helped us explore how family values and cultural roots shape the way we show up in relationships. Ed guided us in understanding how generational wounds can sometimes get in the way, especially when supporting children with mental health challenges. It was a powerful blend of culture, parenting, and healing that left community members with deeper insights into their upbringing, tools for identifying emotional triggers, and ways to honor their families’ traditions.

Listen to the recording to learn more!

Learn more about our speaker:

Ed Center, founder of The Village Well, empowers BIPOC parents and educators to build calm and connection. Drawing from 30 years in education and his own experience as a child with “big feelings,” he offers culturally-responsive support, including Triple P™ coaching. A queer, brown, adoptive dad with roots in Hawaii and the Philippines, Ed focuses on healing intergenerational pain through cultural wisdom. Ed participates in NAMI support groups to help his child navigate mental health challenges.

Check out the slides: Slides

View The Village Well Newsletter: Newsletter

Sign up for The Village Well Newsletter: Sign Up

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Contact our Speaker: 

Ed Center: ed@villagewellparenting.com

March 25th, 2025

From Stress to Serenity – The Power of Plants in Anxiety Treatment

In our in-person March Speaker Series, we looked at natural ways to reduce stress and boost well-being. April Ellis from Ellie Mental Health explored the incredible power of plants in anxiety treatment through the research-backed approach of horticulture. In this interactive presentation, we got to experience first hand the power of combining mindfulness and plant therapy to reduce anxiety, lower cortisol levels, and improve mood.

Plus, April helped us gain new perspectives on mental health through understanding how there are many ways we are not too different from plants. We encourage you to listen to this recording to learn more!

Learn more about our speaker:

April Ellis, LCSW, HTR, is the Clinic Director at Ellie Mental Health in Redwood City. She has over 20 years of experience in hospitals and outpatient settings, she is a dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Horticultural Therapist specializing in the well-being of adults and seniors.

April provides compassionate, client-centered care for individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, and acute psychiatric conditions. She is known for her ability to create holistic, personalized treatment plans in collaboration with psychiatrists, nurses, and other professionals. A standout in her field, April integrates horticultural therapy into her practice, using nature-based interventions to promote relaxation, sensory engagement, and emotional well-being. She is also an active mental health advocate, frequently speaking at workshops and support groups to share her expertise.

Beyond her work, April finds joy in gardening, meditation, and caring for her pet ducks. She embodies her belief in the healing power of nature—helping others cultivate resilience, purpose, and a renewed sense of vitality.

Ellie Mental Health is a welcoming outpatient therapy clinic offering in-person and telehealth services. With a team of 12 dedicated clinicians, we provide individual, couples, and family therapy for clients ages 4 and up. Our beautiful office creates a comfortable space for healing, growth, and support.

Contact our Speaker: 

April Ellis: aellis@elliementalhealth.com

November 19th, 2024

Understanding Psychosis and Schizophrenia with Dr. Andrew Kami and Dr. Rimal Bera

In our November Speaker Series, we explored psychosis and schizophrenia with Dr. Andrew Kami and Dr. Rimal Bera. Through their engaging and interactive presentation, we gained a clear understanding of what psychosis is and learned how to recognize its signs and behaviors.

Our expert speakers discussed how to approach conversations with someone showing signs of psychosis, as well as current medications and treatments in development.

Learn more about our speakers:

Dr. Andrew Kami, LMFT,is a military veteran, Honorably Discharged from the United States Marine Corps.  He is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the State of California and New Mexico and has completed his requirements toward Prescription Rights.  He is also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, maintaining 12 separate clinical certificates and 6 separate memberships in a variety of orientations and treatment modalities, including being an Official LEAP Institute Instructor. He served for over a decade as the Clinical Director for a facility working with Schizophrenia Spectrum Illnesses and is currently a Core Faculty/Professor of Psychology teaching on Psychopathology, Psychopharmacology and Clinical Practicum courses.

Dr. Rimal Bera, MD, is Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California, Irvine Department of Psychiatry. Dr. Bera earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from the University of California, Irvine in 1983, and a medical degree from the University of California, Irvine in 1987. He completed his Psychiatry Residency at the University of California, Irvine in 1991. He has been a Full Time Faculty at the University of California, Irvine since 1991. His primary area of specialty is adult psychiatry with a focus on schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, memory disorders and health care policy.
Dr. Bera is a distinguished life fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. He serves as Medical Director for Universal Care Behavioral Health for California and as Medical Director at the John Henry Foundation in Santa Ana, a high-level center for the treatment of Schizophrenia. At the John Henry Foundation, 4th year psychiatry residents from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California, Irvine receive state of the art clinical training. He formally was chairman of the Public Affairs Committee of the Orange County Psychiatric Society from 1991 to 2016. He was been on the Board of Directors of the Mental Health Association of Orange County from 1991 to 2012 and served as a past President of the Board. He is the President of the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine Alumni. In 2014 Dr. Bera was the recipient of the Orange County Medical Association Physician of the Year Award. He has regularly been chosen as a Physician of Excellence for Orange County since 2012.

Dr. Bera has been a principal investigator and co-investigator in over 180 clinical trials over the last 30 years. Dr. Bera has lectured extensively in the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia about the major mental illnesses and their latest treatments. More recently, over the past 8 years, his interest has evolved into health care policy, looking at models of care that combine the highest level care with economic viability for both physical and mental disorders with an emphasis on health outcomes economic research. Today he works regularly with physicians of all specialties helping them incorporate mental health evaluations and treatments into their practices.

Presentation Slides: Slides

LEAP Institute: https://leapinstitute.org/

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Contact our Speakers: 

Dr. Andrew Kami: akami@johnhenry.org

Dr. Rimal Bera: rbera@hs.uci.edu

September 24th, 2024

Metabolic Mind with the Baszucki Group & Voting on NAMI SMC’s Bylaws

In our September Speaker Series, we were joined by the Baszucki Group, a leader in addressing mental health conditions, specially Bipolar Disorder, through innovative approaches. Speakers Julie Milder and Hannah Warren discussed their work with Metabolic Mind, focusing on the connection between metabolism and brain health—an emerging area in mental health treatment. Listen in to learn more about the role a ketogenic diet can play in treatment and to hear Hannah Warren share her personal experience with it.

After the presentation, NAMI SMC Executive Director Robert Taylor and Board President Chris Rasmussen introduced the new proposed bylaws for a vote by the members. The vote was unanimous, passing our new bylaws so we can stay up to date with the latest needs of San Mateo County.

Learn more about the Baszucki Group’s presentation:

Baszucki Group directs resources toward the greater good through mission-driven investments that improve human health, governance and the health of our planet. A primary objective of Baszucki Group is to transform mental health outcomes, beginning with bipolar disorder, by supporting initiatives at the intersection of metabolism, psychiatry, and neuroscience.

Julie Milder, PhD, Director of Neuroscience, will present an overview of the organization and its work, focusing on Metabolic Mind, an education, advocacy, and awareness initiative. Hannah Warren, Mental Health Communications and Advocacy Manager, will discuss her personal journey of adopting metabolic therapies and how it has become her passion to share this knowledge and advocate for greater clinical implementation.

Learn more about our speakers:

Julie Milder, PhD is currently Director of Neuroscience for Baszucki Group. She studied biology and neuroscience at Washington University in St. Louis before obtaining a PhD in neuroscience from the University of Colorado, Denver. The focus of her PhD work was understanding some of the mechanisms by which the ketogenic diet works as an anticonvulsant therapy in pediatric epilepsy. This work ignited a passion for epilepsy which she followed for nearly 17 years across various roles. Following graduate school, Dr. Milder relocated to Chicago and worked for nearly 6 years as a research director for the largest private funder of epilepsy research, CURE Epilepsy. She joined Greenwich Biosciences (now Jazz Pharmaceuticals) in 2017, as a member of the company’s first US medical science liaison team as they were preparing to launch a new product for rare pediatric onset epilepsies. While at Jazz, she became a medical trainer and stayed there until late 2022, when she joined Baszucki Group as the first scientist on staff.

Hannah Warren is the Mental Health Communications and Advocacy Manager at Metabolic Mind and Baszucki Group. In July 2021, she implemented ketogenic therapy and ultimately put her bipolar 1 disorder into complete remission. She now devotes her career to disseminating the science of metabolic therapies and working to make them a first-line treatment option. Previously, Hannah served as Marketing and Development Director at Serenity Hospice and Home, a nonprofit serving terminally ill patients and their loved ones. She also founded Jhoole, an eco-fashion social enterprise that employs women in India. Hannah has an MA in Fashion Entrepreneurship from London College of Fashion and a BA in South Asian studies and linguistics from the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies.

Baszucki Group: www.baszuckigroup.com

Metabolic Mind: www.metabolicmind.org

Metabolic Mind Resources: Families and Peers

YouTube Channel: @MetabolicMind

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Contact our Speakers: 

Julie Milder: julie@baszuckigroup.org

Hannah Warren: hannah@baszuckigroup.org

July 23, 2024

Building a New Normal: Understanding the Fundamentals of Grief

In our July Speaker Series we were joined by Selina Sanchez Cristobal from Kara. Selina shared the fundamentals of grief and discussed how to identify and support others through grief using a non-pathologized lens.

What is Kara?
https://kara-grief.org/
Kara’s mission is to provide grief support for children, teens, families, and adults. Their guiding values are empathy and compassion. Every day, they provide caring support to children and adults affected by loss and grief. Their vision is to see people of all ages compassionately supported on their journey through grief so they can move toward renewed hope and meaning. They serve individuals who are grieving a death as well as those managing a terminal illness (their own or another’s).

Meet our Guest Speaker Selina Sanchez Cristobal:
Selina Sanchez Cristobal is the Community Outreach & Crisis Response Coordinator at Kara, where she is able to provide grief support to communities of all backgrounds through debriefs, training, and outreach. Prior to working with Kara, Selina was a defensive paralegal at a small immigration law firm. She has interned with the Coalición de Derechos Humanos and No More Deaths/ No Mas Muertes’ Missing Migrant Hotline in Arizona before managing a Missing Migrant Hotline in South Texas. While working on both these hotlines, she advocated for families searching for their loved ones who disappeared crossing the US-Mexico border.

Kara Information Brochure: Kara Brochure

Powerpoint Slides: Slides

Website to locate organizations near you that provide grief support: Eluna

Grief Resources:

• Comforting a Grieving Individual
• Realistic Expectations During Grief
• Process Model of Recovery After Loss

Grief Resources in Spanish:

• Apoyo a Niños y Adultos en situaciones de Sufrimiento
• Expectativas Realisticas
• Palabras que no ayudan y sugerencias de frases alternas

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Contact Selina Sanchez Cristobal: selina@kara-grief.org or (650) 313-2495

May 28, 2024

CARE Court & Tardive Dyskinesia (TD)

In our May Speaker Series we were joined by Ally Hoppis, LMFT, from BHRS, who discussed California’s new CARE Court and Kelli Lozano, DNP, AGPCNP-BC, who presented on Tardive Dyskinesia (TD).

What is Care Court? CARE Court is a proposed framework to deliver mental health and substance use disorder services to the most severely impaired Californians who too often languish – suffering in homelessness or incarceration – without the treatment they desperately need. It connects a person in crisis with a court-ordered CARE Plan for up to 12 months, with the possibility to extend for an additional 12 months. The framework provides individuals with a clinically appropriate, community-based set of services and supports that are culturally and linguistically competent. This includes court-ordered stabilization medications, wellness and recovery supports, and connection to social services and housing.

What is Tardive Dyskinesia? Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) is a persistent, involuntary movement disorder characterized by uncontrollable, abnormal and repetitive movements of the face, torso, limbs and fingers/toes.  TD is associated with prolonged use of anti-psychotic medication used to treat mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder and schizophrenia.  About 600,000 people in the U.S. are living with TD and estimated 65% have not yet been diagnosed.

Meet our Guest Speaker Ally Hoppis, LMFT: Ally Hoppis, LMFT, is a Clinical Services Manager with the County of San Mateo Behavioral Health and Recovery Services. She oversees the future CARE Court program; Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT); Conservatorship Investigations; Service Connect, a realignment program for the recently incarcerated; and Pathways, a mental health-related court program for a variety of populations. In the past 14 years with San Mateo County, she has worked in both juvenile and adult corrections as well as crisis and outreach services.

Meet our Guest Speaker Kelli Lozano, DNP, AGPCNP-BC: Kelli Lozano, DNP, AGPCHP-BC, is a board-certified adult geriatric primary care nurse practitioner with a diverse clinical background in internal medicine, nephrology and providing primary care to patients in the long-term care setting. She was also a lead inpatient consultant in managing geriatric patients with acute hospital induced delirium. During her clinical practice career, she became an advocate for managing mental health conditions in the underserved geriatric population. While still serving patients in clinical practice Kelli mentored nurse practitioner students and was the lead advanced practice provider for the division of geriatric medicine. She continues to remain involved in regional and national nurse practitioner organizations including the Upstate Nurse Practitioner Association (UNPA), the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA) and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Kelli received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Florida. She completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at Wake Forest University. Outside of work she enjoys hiking, traveling, spending time with her husband and volunteering with Meals on Wheels. Kelli resides in Greenville, South Carolina and serves the southeast region.

CARE Court Presentation Slides: CARE Court

Contact Ally Hoppis on CARE Court: ahoppis@smcgov.org

Learn more about CARE Court: https://care-act.org/

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Contact Kelli Lozano on TD: klozano@neurocrine.com or (864)749-5553.

March 26, 2024

Maríluisa Diaz from CORA (Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse)

In our March Speaker Series we delve into the multifaceted dynamics of domestic abuse and the rise of tech-enabled abuse in today’s digital age. Domestic abuse remains a pervasive issue affecting individuals across all walks of life, regardless of gender, age, or socioeconomic status. Topics will included statistics that highlight the impact of abuse in our society today. We explored how to identify red flags, barriers to leaving, cultural norms, beliefs and practices that impact survivors. By covering these important areas, attendees gained knowledge, insights and tools to navigate the complexities of domestic and tech-enabled abuse with sensitivity, awareness and empathy to further support those experiencing abusive relationships.

More about Maríluisa Diaz:

Our guest speaker was Maríluisa Diaz. Maríluisa joined the CORA team in April 2017 with over 14 years of experience in the domestic violence field. Highlights of Mariluisa’s experience includes work with DV agencies and police departments, working in DV clinics, providing court accompaniment, advocacy, crisis counseling, and outreach. As the Education Manager at CORA, Maríluisa continues that passion and commitment by working with the community to increase public awareness of domestic abuse. She believes in the importance of educating the public on the risk factors of abuse and strengthening community engagement in healthy and safe relationships. Maríluisa holds a B.A. in Politics from the University of San Francisco. She has also received Cultural Humility facilitator training under by Melanie Tervalon M.D., M.P.H and Jann Murray- García M.D., M.P.H.

CORA (Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse): https://www.corasupport.org/

Helpful documents: 

How to Support a Friend:
https://namisanmateo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/How-to-Support-a-Friend.pdf

Characteristics of Healthy vs Abusive Relationship:
https://namisanmateo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Characteristics-of-Healthy-vs-Abusive-Relationship.pdf

Characteristics of Healthy vs Abusive Relationship (Spanish):
https://namisanmateo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Characteristics-of-Healthy-vs-Abusive-Relationship-Spanish.pdf

DATING BILL OF RIGHTS:
https://namisanmateo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DATING-BILL-OF-RIGHTS.pdf

Healthy Relationship Checklist:
https://namisanmateo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Healthy-Relationship-Checklist-flyer.pdf

Healthy Relationship Checklist (Spanish):
https://namisanmateo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Healthy-Relationship-Checklist-Spanish.pdf

Links for Tech Abuse: 

https://nnedv.org/content/technology-safety/
https://cybercivilrights.org/
https://9to5google.com/2023/07/27/android-airtag-tracker-alerts/

January 23, 2024

Ian Adamson from Mateo Lodge

In our January Speaker Series we heard from Mateo Lodge’s Executive Director, Ian Adamson. Ian Adamson spoke about the impactful work he has been doing in San Mateo County, such as the Support Team and FAST Team. He also spoke on important issues such as why critically ill patients are being released from hospitals too early and what effect that has on the individual and our county. Watch the recording to learn more about these topics and more.

More about Ian Adamson:

Ian has been working in San Mateo for 46 years. He was trained as a Psych nurse in the UK and did rehab work there. He has been CEO of Mateo Lodge for about 43 years and in that time started Cassia House, The Support Team, Case Management, opened Humboldt House, opened Wally’s Place and started the FAST team and other programs. In the last tree years he has been operating his retreat center at “Small Voice Farm” in beautiful Pescadero. He is a devoted family man with his gorgeous wife, going on 46 years. He and his wife have travelled all over the US teaching and leading retreats that focus on love and healing. They are both Presbyterian elders. In addition, they also have three spectacular kids and four stunning grandchildren.

Contact Ian Adamson: (650) 371-7416 or iadamson@cruzio.com.

November 28, 2023

Enhancing Emotional Intelligence in Children and Adults

Presented by Dr. Neil Nedley, MD

People are being managed by their emotions in record numbers. However, the most successful and happy people understand and manage their emotions. Can emotional intelligence be taught and if so, how? During our General Meeting on November 28th, 2023 Dr. Neil Nedley explained what emotional intelligence is and how it is vital to achieving happiness, success, and fulfillment. He also discussed how emotional intelligence can be learned in adults, as well as how a children and adolescent curriculum in emotional intelligence is transforming these youth in over 30 public schools that it has been piloted in. Dr. Nedley further touched on how we can even improve our emotional intelligence over the holidays and gain insights into how improving emotional intelligence can aid in the prevention and treatment of various mental illnesses and addictions.

More about Dr. Neil Nedley:

Neil Nedley, MD, is founder and medical director of the community based and residential Nedley Depression and Anxiety Recovery Programs™. He is an award-winning, practicing internal medicine physician who is well known as an author, public speaker, and teacher throughout the world.

Explore Dr. Nedley’s Book: “The Lost Art of Thinking”

Access the Slide Show Presentation: Slides

Email: nnedley@yahoo.com

Website: www.nedleyhealth.com

September 26, 2023

Latest Legal Developments in Special Needs Planning

Presented by Ellen Cookman

Attorney Ellen Cookman of Cookman Law in Palo Alto, CA covered the following topics about the latest legal developments in Special Needs Planning (among others):

• What are the best ways to make gifts to special needs beneficiaries?
• Should I have a stand-alone or testamentary special needs trust?
• What is the difference between a first-party and third-party special needs trust?
• When and how should I transfer assets into (i.e. “fund”) the trust?
• What is an ABLE account and how can we use it?
• How should the trust be drafted so that pre-tax retirement accounts can be “rolled over” into the trust?

More about Ellen:

Ellen Cookman is the principal of Cookman Law in Palo Alto, California. She is passionate about helping families of all shapes and sizes plan for the future and utilize available resources. Ellen is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law from the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. She received her J.D. from UC Berkeley School of Law and her LL.M. in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate from Golden Gate University. Ellen lives in East Palo Alto with her husband, two cute and very active boys (her older son has high-functioning autism), a puppy named Rosie, and a kitty named Skittles.

Access the Slide Show Presentation: Slides

YouTube Channel: Ellen Cookman – Special Needs Trust Attorney

Phone: (650) 690-2571

Email: info@cookmanlaw.com

Website: www.cookmanlaw.com

July 25, 2023

Befriending Your Inner Critic

Presented by Brinn Langdale, LMFT

Brinn Langdale is a licensed psychotherapist who specializes in helping young adults and adults heal from sibling sexual abuse and other traumas. Over the last two decades, she has also served as a school-based mental health specialist and has operated a private online therapy practice. In 2015, Brinn hosted teen leadership conferences in Northern California focused on mental, physical and nutritional health. In 2020, she developed the Youth Rising Together curriculum which teaches wellness tools to middle and high school students. Brinn lives in Sacramento and enjoys yoga, going for runs and cold plunging in the American River.

In this General Meeting Brinn Langdale shares with us the value of the inner critic and the steps we can take to befriend it. Listen to this powerful and insightful presentation done by Brinn by clicking the link below.

Learn more about Brinn:
https://www.brinnlangdale.com/

Befriending Your Inner Critic PDF:
brinnlangdale.com/freeguidecritic

Contact Information:

Brinn Langdale: brinnlangdale@gmail.com

Thank you for your continued support and for being a part of this community.

May 23, 2023

“Doctoral Students from USF working on “The Invisible Population” Project.

Presented by Kristin Moser, BSN, RN and Solutions for Supportive Homes.

Solutions for Supportive Homes is a Bay Area group of committed parents & community professionals working to increase the supply and the quality of permanent, affordable, health-supporting homes where adults living with long term special mental health needs,  They are united by two searing questions:  Where will my adult child live?  And who will help them when I am gone?

PRE-survey Link:
https://usfca.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ezCIM447zEt0Tqe

POST- Survey link:
https://usfca.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8v0RF4I7LHUDEuW

Contact Information:

Kristin Moser: kemoser2@dons.usfca.edu

Thank you for your continued support and for being a part of this community.

January 24, 2023

Special Guest Speaker – Ian Adamson

Ian Adamson was born in London and came to America in 1978 when he began working for Mateo Lodge. He started out as a counselor and became Executive Director around 1980. Ian has started several mental health programs such as Cassia House in 1986, Support Team in 1986, Humboldt House in 2000, FAST Team in 2018, Wally’s Place, and Case Management.

Password Required:   .1uXgnvk
View the ZOOM video of the meeting

September 8, 2021

Reimagining Crisis Response for San Mateo County

This is a joint presentation by William Elting, Board Treasurer, and representatives from San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS), and StarVista.

For Additional Resources check out our Reimagined Crisis Response page.

  View the ZOOM video of the meeting

May 27, 2021

Getting to Calm, A Personal Story of Health and Healing From Depression

Our speaker: Ingrid Peterson

Ingrid Peterson is from Kailua, Hawaii. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Stanford, with a concentration in Developmental Psychology. Ingrid has dedicated much of her professional career to education, teaching from preschool through high school levels, first as an educator at Bing Nursery School, Laboratory Preschool of the Psychology Department at Stanford University. In recent years, she taught primarily at the middle and high school levels, working in both special education and general education classes.

  View the ZOOM video of the meeting

February 25, 2021

The role that family members can take to support a loved one with Mental Health Challenges

Our panel of mental health professionals included:

Rick Cicinelli: a psychiatrist in private practice in Redwood City. He serves as a staff psychiatrist with Bay Area Community Services and works with The Meadows of Arizona that recently opened an intensive outpatient program in Sunnyvale, and is the Medical Director of Embodied Recovery in Los Gatos.

Dr. Jennifer Harrison: a Board Certified Licensed Clinical Psychologist and a Board Certified Art Therapist. She holds diplomate distinction at the National Center for Crisis Management and with the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress.

Connie Swanson, MA, MFT: an associate at the Menlo Park Addictions Institute and a therapist in private practice. Connie is passionate about treatment of addiction and trauma. As a relationship builder she works with individuals, couples and families to advocate for recovery of family life.

PANEL: Rick Cicinelli, Dr. Jennifer Harrison, Connie Swanson

FACILITATED BY: Carrie Du Bois, NAMI SMC Board Member

  View the ZOOM video of the meeting