Community & Advocacy
I believe in the power of community and am a strong advocate of social justice. Community projects I have been part of range from youth programs in New York City to Murals in San Francisco. I teach graduate courses on Community Mental Health & Social Justice, train professionals in community-based programs, and implement school-based programs.
Mindfulness in Action
I am trained in mindfulness-based therapies and practices (MBSR, DBT, Insight). Several books I have written aim at teaching mindfulness to youth. Mindfulness-based approaches are part of my courses and workshops.
SEL & Mindfulness in Schools
An action research study to implement social emotional learning (SEL) and mindfulness in schools. The school-based intervention will be adapted from Pause, Cope, and Connect Curriculum. This project will be a collaboration with the Cal State East Bay MFT Graduate Program.
Community Projects
Stop the Violence
Youth Mural – Oakland Children’s Hospital
Social Justice & Community Arts Projects
I have been involved in a broad range of community-based programs and projects. I am trained in Expressive Arts Therapy (CIIS) and have led several arts-based projects.
- Violence Prevention Mural–Oakland Children’s Hospital
- Youth Art Therapy Mural – Urban Pioneers
- Community Murals–Precita Eyes Muralists
- Community Arts Projects–Boys & Girls Club of San Francisco
- Youth Spoken Word & Photography Event–Glide Memorial
Resources
General Mental Health
National Institute of Mental Health Research and info on all mental health conditions.
NAMI — National Alliance on Mental Illness Education, advocacy, and peer support for individuals and families.
SAMHSA Treatment locator and mental health resources.
MentalHealth.govUS government mental health information portal.
Teen & Youth Mental Health
Teen Mental Health Science-based info designed specifically for teens.
Child Mind InstituteExpert guidance on child and teen mental health and learning.
Active Minds Student-driven mental health advocacy in schools.
YoungMinds Resources and support for young people’s mental health.
For Parents & Families
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry “Facts for Families” guides on child mental health.
NAMI Family Support Groups Free peer-led groups for family members.
Understood.org Support for parents of children with learning and attention issues.
Anxiety & Depression
Anxiety and Depression Association of America Find a therapist, self-help tools, and educational resources.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance Peer support and education for mood disorders.
Anxiety CanadaFree tools including the MindShift CBT app for teens and adults.
ADHD & Neurodiversity
CHADDSupport and resources for ADHD across the lifespan.
ADDitude Magazine Practical guidance for living with ADHD.
Autism Speaks Advocacy, resources, and tool kits for ASD families.
Trauma & PTSD
National Child Traumatic Stress Network Resources on trauma types, treatment, and finding help.
PTSD National Center (VA)Research and education on PTSD symptoms and treatment.
Sidran InstituteTraumatic stress education and advocacy.
Substance Use
SAMHSA National Helpline Free, confidential referral: 1-800-662-4357 (24/7)
NIDA for TeensScience-based drug education for teens, teachers & parents.
Al-Anon / AlateenSupport for families and teens affected by alcoholism.
Mindfulness & Self-Help
Calm Mindfulness, sleep, and meditation for all ages.
HeadspaceGuided meditation for teens and adults.
DBT Self HelpFree DBT skills worksheets for teens and adults.
School & SEL Support
CASEL — Social-Emotional Learning The leading SEL framework for schools.
American School Counselor AssociationResources and support for school counseling.
LGBTQ+ Youth
The Trevor ProjectCrisis & suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth. TrevorLifeline: 1-866-488-7386.
PFLAGSupport, education, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ people and families.
GLSENMaking schools safe for LGBTQ+ students.
Bay Area Local Resources
Edgewood Center for Children & FamiliesComprehensive mental health services for Bay Area youth.
Jewish Family & Community Services (JFCS)Bay Area counseling and family support services.
San Mateo County Behavioral HealthMental health services for San Mateo County residents.
Alameda County Behavioral HealthCounty services for youth and families in Alameda County.