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
Insights is our digital magazine devoted to current trends in mindfulness, mental health, education, and social justice.
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 Projeects
Urban Pioneers Memorial Mural
Oakland Children’s Hospital
Precita Eyes Muralists
San Francisco
Boys & Girls Club
San Francisco
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.
- Art Therapy Memorial Mural – Urban Pioneers High School
- Violence Prevention Mural–Oakland Children’s Hospital
- Community Murals–Precita Eyes Muralists
- Poetry UP: 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.gov US government mental health information portal.
Teen & Youth Mental Health
Teen Mental Health Science-based info designed specifically for teens.
Child Mind Institute Expert 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 Canada Free tools including the MindShift CBT app for teens and adults.
ADHD & Neurodiversity
CHADD Support 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 Institute Traumatic stress education and advocacy.
Substance Use
SAMHSA National Helpline Free, confidential referral: 1-800-662-4357 (24/7)
NIDA for Teens Science-based drug education for teens, teachers & parents.
Al-Anon / Alateen Support for families and teens affected by alcoholism.
Mindfulness & Self-Help
Calm (App) Mindfulness, sleep, and meditation for all ages.
Headspace (App) Guided meditation for teens and adults.
DBT Self Help Free DBT skills worksheets for teens and adults.
School & SEL Support
CASEL — Social-Emotional Learning The leading SEL framework for schools.
American School Counselor Association Resources and support for school counseling.
LGBTQ+ Youth
The Trevor Project Crisis & suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth. TrevorLifeline: 1-866-488-7386.
PFLAG Support, education, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ people and families.
GLSENMaking schools safe for LGBTQ+ students.
Bay Area Local Resources
Edgewood Center for Children & Families Comprehensive mental health services for Bay Area youth.
Jewish Family & Community Services (JFCS) Bay Area counseling and family support services.
San Mateo County Behavioral Health Mental health services for San Mateo County residents.
Alameda County Behavioral Health County services for youth and families in Alameda County.