Upcoming Speaker Meetings

Thursday, February 5th from 12-1:30pm
Topic: Career Services for Peers, presented by Community Connection
​Wednesday, March 25th from 6-7:30pm
Topic: Special Needs Trusts, presented by Proxy Parent Foundation
Have you attended a NAMISCC Speaker Meeting? Please fill out our survey to let us know what you thought, and what other topics you would like to hear about in the future: ​https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5TVR9MK

PAST SPEAKER MEETINGS

Medi-Cal Updates
Wednesday, October 15th 2025 via Zoom
Presented by: 
Disability Rights California
In this presentation, Disability Rights California will be speaking about the latest updates on federal cuts to Medi-Cal, and how families and individuals can advocate for themselves and their loved ones.
Fact Sheet - English
File Size: 274 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Hoja Informativa - Español
File Size: 293 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Bullying Prevention Workshop for Parents and Caregivers
Wednesday, September 10th 2025 via Zoom
Presented by: 
Kidpower International
In this adults-only online workshop, participants learned how to help children and youth be safe from bullying and other harm.

Together we will learn and practice ways to:
Use boundary & consent principles
Deal with relational aggression -including shunning and exclusion
Reduce ‘tattling’ and increasing ‘telling’- & how to tell the difference!
Assess whether & when to intervene in issues between children and youth
Get help for your kids - and teach them age-appropriate ways to get help too!
Kidpower Resources/Recursos de Kidpower
Face Bullying With Confidence: 8 Kidpower Skills We Can Use Right Away:
https://www.kidpower.org/library/article/prevent-bullying/
Afronta el bullying con confianza: 8 habilidades de Kidpower que podemos usar de manera inmediata: https://www.kidpower.org/library/article/resiste-bullying-confianza/
Turning Bullying Prevention Policies Into Powerful Action:
https://www.kidpower.org/library/article/bullying-prevention-powerful-action/
Cómo convertir las políticas de prevención de bullying en acciones poderosas: https://www.kidpower.org/library/article/prevencion-bullying-acciones-poderosas/​
Kidpower Motto: https://www.kidpower.org/motto/
Póster del lema de Kidpower para prevenir el bullying: 
https://www.kidpower.org/espanol/posters/lema/

Kidpower Protection Promise: https://www.kidpower.org/library/kidpower-protection-promise/
Compromiso de Kidpower de poner la seguridad de los niños ante todo: https://www.kidpower.org/espanol/promesa-de-proteccion/

Acting Friendly – or Truly Being Your Friend: https://www.kidpower.org/library/article/acting-friendly/
¿Actúa de manera amigable o es realmente tu amigo?: https://www.kidpower.org/library/article/actua-amigable/
Mental Health in Santa Cruz County
Wednesday, April 30th 2025 via Zoom
Presented by: 
Karen Kern, MPA, Deputy Director, County of Santa Cruz Behavioral Health
Lisa Gutiérrez Wang, PhD, Director, County of Santa Cruz Children's Behavioral Health
Chris Clark, Santa Cruz County Sheriff
Heather Rogers, Santa Cruz County Public Defender
​A panel of speakers from Santa Cruz County's Behavioral Health Division, Public Defender's Office, and Sheriff's Office will speak about current initiatives and developments regarding mental health. Panelists will also answer questions from participants!
CLICK HERE to view the Powerpoint presentations shared during this meeting.
​
Serving Special Needs Students Better
Zoom
Presented by: Dr. Kathryn Keithly, MA, Psy.D.
In this presentation, Dr. Kathryn Keithly, licensed Educational Psychologist, joins NAMI-SCC via Zoom to speak about understanding and accessing special education services for students. She shares her expertise on a variety of topics including special education planning, assessment, and common learning differences.

CLICK HERE to view the Powerpoint in English
HAGA CLIC AQUÍ para ver la presentación en Español

Dr. Keithly can be contacted via her website: http://www.kmkpsych.com/

Resources Mentioned:
Pajaro Valley Unified School District Special Services
https://www.pvusd.net/Special-Services/

Special Parents Information Network (SPIN)
https://www.spinsc.org/

Santa Cruz County Office of Education Special Education
https://santacruzcoe.org/student-services/special-education/

Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health
Wednesday, August 21st 2024
Zoom
Presented by: Stanislava Matejin, MD, MPH
In this presentation, Dr. Stanislava Matejin discusses Substance Use Disorders (SUDs), their causes, symptoms, treatments, and how they intersect with mental health conditions.

CLICK HERE to view the Powerpoint in English
HAGA CLIC AQUÍ para ver la presentación en Español
Special Needs Trusts Planning
Wednesday, March 20th 2024
Zoom
Presented by: Ellen Cookman, JD, LL.M
In this presentation, Ellen Cookman of Cookman Law in Palo Alto, California will  delve into trust planning for people with disabilities so you can feel confident providing for your family's future.
CLICK HERE to view the Powerpoint in English
HAGA CLIC AQUÍ para ver la presentación en Español

Resources Mentioned
Ellen Cookman's Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqbqkvMjclxeAA2s7HPaWuA

Cookman Law
(650)-690-2571
[email protected]
www.cookmanlaw.com

*Cookman Law will make a $300 donation to NAMI Santa Cruz County for each new flat fee client!*
Bipolar Disorders Research and Ask the Doctor
Wednesday, January 17th 2024
Zoom
Presented by: Po Wang, M.D.
In this presentation, Dr. Wang discusses the course of illness for Bipolar Disorders as well as medication options. He also answers questions from those who joined live. 

Ver la grabación en español: https://youtu.be/L4-bA6tnNT8
Presentación de diapositivas en español
File Size: 4819 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Understanding SOGIE: Promoting Inclusivity and Respect
Wednesday, November 1st 2023
Zoom
Presented by:
The Diversity Center of Santa Cruz County
Meggie Pina and Nic Laflin
This presentation recording is not available because it was conducted as a training. "Understanding SOGIE" is for anyone who works with the public, and especially with members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Visit Diversity Center's website to schedule an "Understanding SOGIE" training for your staff: ​https://www.diversitycenter.org/
Crisis Response Town Hall
Wednesday, March 31st 2023
Zoom
Presented by:
Telecare Psychiatric Health Facility
Santa Cruz County Children's Behavioral Health Department
Resources Mentioned
Telecare Psychiatric Health Facility
https://www.telecarecorp.com/santa-cruz-psychiatric-health-facility
831-600-2801

SCC Children's Behavioral Health Services
https://www.santacruzhealth.org/HSAHome/HSADivisions/BehavioralHealth/ChildandAdolescentBehavioralHealthServices.aspx​
24-Hour Access Line: (800) 952-2335 
How to Support a Loved One with Mental Illness
Wednesday, March 15th 2023
​Zoom
Presented By:
David Dicken, Crisis Counselor
Resources Mentioned
https://www.makesomeonegreattoday.com/​
​Enlace a la presentación en español:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=x7HQ7lhdOac
Nutrition and the Brain
Wednesday, February 15th
Zoom
Presented by:
​Maria Jose Hummel, PhD, MPH, MS
Disability Rights California
Wednesday, November 30th
Zoom
Presented by:
Maria Garcia and Rosy T
Resources Mentioned
[email protected]
www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-departments/planning-and-community-development/

​Health Services Agency (HSA) County of Santa Cruz
www.santacruzhealth.org

Confidential Intake Phone Number
(800) 776-5746  TTY (800) 719-5798
www.disabilityrightsca.org
Peer Self Advocacy Program Email
[email protected]

For future/past trainings visit
www.disabilityrightsca.org/events

Community Care Licensing            (916) 657-2592
Adult Protective Services            (866) 580-4357
SC County Patients’ Rights Office    (831) 429-1913
Long-term Care Ombudsman        (831) 429-1913
Jail and Court Family Support
Wednesday, October 19th, 2022
Zoom
Presented by:
Carol DeCarvalho, Heidi Alexander, Hugh McCormick, and Reverend Beverly Brook
Housing Matters: Resolving Homelessness Together
Wednesday, June 8, 2022
Zoom
Presented by:
Evyn Simpson, Associate Director of Programs at Housing Matters
Stella Lauerman, Interpreter

A recording of this meeting is not available. However, you are welcome to download the slideshow that was used during the presentation.
NAMISCC Speaker Meeting Slideshow: Housing Matters (BILINGUAL)
File Size: 10367 kb
File Type: pptx
Download File
Community Connection: Wellness Connect Program
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Zoom
Presented by:
Kayla Olinger, Genesis Cantu, and Shawn Peterson of Community Connection
Celebrating Carol Williamson: Courage and Love in Action
Wednesday, Feb 16, 2022
Zoom
Continue Carol's work with us!
​Interested in working with NAMI Santa Cruz to continue Carol's legacy? SIGN UP HERE!

Carol's Kudoboard
Share your experiences, love, testimonials directly with Carol through our Kudoboard!

Jamboard
What do you wish for people with mental health conditions and their families? Tell us on our Jamboard!

First Psychotic Break & Early Intervention
December 15, 2021
Zoom
Presented by
Dr. Stanley Einhorn, Santa Cruz County Behavioral Health Dept.
​Shawn Peterson, Community Connection
Resources
Wellness Connect Website: https://scvolunteercenter.org/programs/community-connection/wellness-connect-program/
Wellness Connect Model: https://scvolunteercenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Wellness-Connect-Model-10.19.21.pdf
Radio Segment on Wellness Connect: https://ksqd.org/responding-to-a-generation-in-crisis/ 
Wellness Connect Blog Post: https://scvolunteercenter.org/listening-to-a-generation-in-crisis/
Schizophrenia: Positive and Negative Symptoms
File Size: 72 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Santa Cruz County Behavioral Health Crisis Services
File Size: 142 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Suicide Prevention Service of the Central Coast
September 22, 2021
Zoom
Presented by
Carly Memoli
​Celeste Cisneros
Resources
www.suicidepreventionservice.org
Local Number: 1-877-663-5433
National Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Facebook: @877onelife
Instagram: @suicide.prevention.service.cc
Virtual Town Hall for Families/Junta Comunitaria Virtual para Familias
Jun 23, 2021
Zoom
Presented by: Erica Padilla, Pajaro Valley Parent and Student Assistance (PVPSA)
Dr. Lisa Gutierrez Wang, Santa Cruz County Children's Behavioral Health
Belinda Ledesma-Pena, Santa Cruz County Behavioral Health
Grace Saldivar-Napoles, Santa Cruz County Behavioral Health
Reina Valencia, Watsonville Police
Office Gombos, Watsonville Police
Elizabeth Gonzalez-Jaskulak, Salud Para la Gente
Maria Sanchez, Community Connection
Resources Mentioned

Pajaro Valley Parent and Student Assistance (PVPSA)
831-728-6445
411 East Lake Watsonville
www.pvpsa.org

Santa Cruz County Behavioral Health (Children & Adults)
800-925-2335
www.santacruzhealth.org
Servicios para Adultos (Flyer)

Salud Para La Gente
831-728-0222
www.splg.org
Flyer (English/Spanish)


​Community Connection
Santa Cruz: 831-424-8132
Watsonville: 831-768-8132
www.scvolunteercenter.org/programs/community-connection/

Reina Valencia (Mental Health Specialist, Watsonville Police Department)
831-768-3316
Dr. Alex Threlfall, Understanding Trauma
May 26, 2021
Zoom
Presented by: Dr. Alex Threlfall, Chief of Psychiatry at Santa Cruz County Behavioral Health
Dr. Threlfall Powerpoint
File Size: 4429 kb
File Type: pptx
Download File
Envisioning the Future with NAMI-SCC
March 18, 2021
Zoom
Presented by: NAMI Santa Cruz County
Finding Light in the Darkness, Even if Just a Nightlight
November 18, 2020
Zoom
Presented by: Maggie Newcomb Raine
Coping with COVID-19
September 16, 2020
Zoom
Presented by: Dr. Allyson Mayo 
Contact info: Behavioral Fitness, LLC - https://www.behavioralfitnesstoday.com

MORE RESOURCES, INCLUDING CONTACT INFO AND SLIDES FROM THIS PRESENTATION COMING SOON

Check out some feelings and communication tools from Dr. Allyson Mayo below!
Feelings Inventory
File Size: 256 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Feelings Communication Prompts
File Size: 2057 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Special Needs Trusts
July 15, 2020
Zoom
Presented by: Ellen Cookman, J.D., L.L.M, Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law
Contact Info: Cookman Law - (650)-690-2571 - [email protected] - www.cookmanlaw.com
Mental Health First Aid for COVID-19
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Zoom
Presented by: Debra Sloss, LMFT and host of KSQD's State of Mind, Kara Bowman, LMFT, and Anastasia Baboulevitch, NAMI-SCC's Program Manager
You can find the resources mentioned here:
https://ksqd.org/state-of-mind-state-of-mind-mental-health-first-aid-for-covid-19-17/

Find more episodes of State of Mind here:
https://ksqd.org/state-of-mind/

Check out these DBT skills handouts, recommended by Debra Sloss:
DBT ACCEPTS Skills
File Size: 1103 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
DBT IMPROVE Skills
File Size: 537 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Ask the Pharmacist
​Presented by: Azita Alipour, PharmD, BCPP, BCGP, Assistant Professor of Psychiatric Pharmacy at Marshall B. Ketchum University, College of Pharmacy
Wednesday, January 15, 2020
Live Oak Senior Center, 1777 Capitola Rd

​Check out the Video and slides here: ​
psychiatric_medication_review_nami_santa_cruz_meeting_aa_final.pdf
File Size: 1417 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Talk with the Mental Health Advisor for California
​Presented by: Dr. Thomas Insel,  Mental Health Advisor to Governor Newsom 
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
Peace United Church, 900 High St

​Check out the Video here: ​
Ask the Doctor: Updates on Schizophrenia
​Presented by: Dr. Matthew Lilly, Lead Psychiatrist for Psynergy Programs, Inc.
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
Live Oak Senior Center, 1777 Capitola Rd

​Check out the slideshow here: 
Schizophrenia Slideshow
File Size: 14097 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
The State of Suicide Prevention: Local resources and strategies to support ourselves and one another
Presented by: Carly Memoli, Program Director, Suicide Prevention Service and 
Molly Touse, Program Coordinator, Suicide Prevention Service
Wednesday, July 17, 2019
Simpkins Swim Center, 979 17th Ave, Santa Cruz

Learn more at: https://fsa-cc.org/suicide-prevention-service/
Advances in Depression Treatment
Presented by Dr. Saad Shakir, Psychiatrist
Wednesday, May 15, 2019
​Simpkins Center, 979 17th Ave, Santa Cruz

​Learn more at: www.siliconvalleytms.com
Ending the Silence: Youth and Mental Health
Presented by: NAMI-SCC
Wednesday, March 20th, 2019
Live Oak Senior Center
1777 Capitola Rd.

Learn more at: ​https://www.namiscc.org/school-presentations.html
Special Needs Trusts
​Presented by Barbara Loebner, Certified Specialist in Estate Planning
January 16th, 2019, 7:00pm

PLEASE NOTE: This video is from NAMI Santa Clara County's General Meeting in September 2018 and can also be found at 
namisantaclara.org/2018/08/general-meeting-tuesday-sept11/

NAMI Santa Cruz hosted the same presentation from Barbara Loebner in January 2019, but it was not recorded. 

Recording of: DUAL DIAGNOSIS

​Recording of:  BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER CRISIS
​January 2017

Presented by:
​Pam Rogers-Wyman, Adult Chief of Services, Santa Cruz County Behavioral Health