Join Dr. Sohil R. Sud, Director of the Children & Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), as he shares how California is reimagining behavioral health systems to better serve children, youth, and families. Learn about the state's transformative investments and innovative approaches to building a more equitable, accessible, and youth-centered behavioral health system.

Dr. Sud serves as Director of the Children & Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, California’s multi-year multi-billion investment to transform the way children, youth, and families receive behavioral health services and supports. Prior to this role, he supported the California Department of Public Health and led Safe Schools for All, the state’s interagency team to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in TK-12 schools.

Allison Briscoe-Smith, Ph.D., is a senior fellow of the Greater Good Science Center and the co-instructor of the GGSC’s Bridging Differences online course. She is also the project lead on the GGSC’s Connecting Californians Through Service project, a partnership with California’s Office of the Governor to strengthen bonds between people engaged in public service in the state and the communities they serve. Previously she was an assistant professor and director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Wright Institute.

Randy Compton is the President and Co-Founder of Restorative Solutions, Inc.  His specialty is designing and implementing school-based restorative justice programs. He has a long history of working for children, youth and families and worked for years in the field of conflict resolution education. In 2003, he co-edited one of the leading books in the field of conflict resolution education, entitled Kids Working It Out: Stories and Strategies for Making Peace in Our Schools. During his time at the School Mediation Center, he coordinated the National Curriculum Integration Project, founded two major conferences, served on the Standards Committee for the Conflict Resolution Education Network, authored numerous articles, wrote and edited curricula and videos, and presented dozens of times at conferences throughout Colorado and the U.S. Since then, he has helped write the organization’s five training manuals and facilitates their Summer, Fall and Winter Training Institutes in Restorative Practices. He lives in Boulder, CO.

Jen has been practicing in special education for 25 years and is currently positioned at the Santa Clara County Office of Education as an occupational therapist. Her expertise extends to providing training for and mentorship to school-based practitioners using innovative methods and strategies. Jen has also graced state, national, and international conferences, sharing insights on supporting students with extensive support needs . Jen has recently obtained a CA State Certificate of Achievement as an Educational Technology Specialist and Makerspace Coordinator from the Krause Center for Innovation (KCI). In addition, she is a team chairperson on the Roster of Accreditation Evaluators for the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). Jen is also the co-owner and co-founder of JAE Learning LLC, a company dedicated to providing training and consultation services to educators and support to care providers of students with disabilities.

In her personal life, Jen embraces diverse interests and hobbies. From culinary adventures to globe-trotting, hiking, reading, crafting, photography and engaging in creative writing, she finds joy in every moment. Not just limited to her professional sphere, Jen is an active volunteer, generously contributing her time to her kids' school events and professional organizations.

Molly Anderson is a Program Specialist at the Santa Clara County Office of Education, supporting PBIS implementation locally and regionally. With experience as a founding MTSS Coordinator, national education consultant, and former teacher of grades 1–6 and 8th grade, she is passionate about building systems that support every student. Molly holds a Master’s in Administration and Policy Analysis from Stanford University and serves on the board of #ICANHELP Digital4Good, championing student voice.

Somayeh (SO-MAY-UH) Bolourchi, MPH – is the Program Manager II for the Santa Clara County Oral Health Program housed within the Clincs to Community Linkages team. She joined the Oral Health Program in 2019, following roles in Tobacco-Free Communities, Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention (NEOP), and Lead Poisoning Prevention, focused on upstream prevention strategies to improve children’s health. In her current role, Somayeh leads collaborations with community partners to build better oral health equity and awareness. Somayeh obtained her MPH in Research Epidemiology from Loma Linda University and completed her research project at UC Berkeley. In her free time, she enjoys playing outdoors with her 9-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter.

Kaytie Brissenden-Smith is a San Francisco native with a career spanning early learning education, administration, educational leadership coaching, educational mindfulness, and resiliency facilitation. She is the co-founder of Empowered Minds Collective and brings extensive experience in the educational non-profit landscape in the Bay Area and in supporting communities beyond. Kaytie holds a double major in Child Development and Afro Latin Studies from Mills College in Oakland. Her work is rooted in advancing equity and social justice through transformative practices in education.

Jimmie is a Lion Pride Leadership executive partner who has held his private practice for over 15 years. He is currently a clinical supervisor for the Oak Grove School District mental health support team. He is an established motivational and keynote speaker in San Jose, CA and South Bay area.

Megan has been a Registered Nurse for 22 years. Having spent the majority of her career caring for women and children, and always passionate about matters of public health and health care access, Megan found her home in School Nursing. She currently serves as Nurse Coordinator for Cupertino Union School District and also picks up clinical hours as a Nurse Practitioner at a clinic in San Jose. She is a champion for School-Based Health, especially to improve attendance and health outcomes for underserved students, and also enjoys a good Quality Improvement project. Megan's other interests include spending time with family and friends, exploring new places, and outdoor adventures.

With a career rooted in education and youth advocacy, Tanya Calabretta brings extensive experience supporting student mental health and wellness across school and county systems. A former secondary teacher and administrator, Tanya has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within school communities. She previously served as a SCCOE Social Emotional Wellness Coordinator, where she supported initiatives focused on building SEL practices and expanding access to mental health supports, including co-facilitating the county Student Wellness Advisory Group. Currently, Tanya serves as the Assistant Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Santa Clara County Office of Education, where she helps guide cross-agency collaborations and elevate student voice in the design and implementation of wellness programs. Tanya's work reflects a strong commitment to equity, youth empowerment, and creating systems where all students can thrive.

Mark Camilleri has been a dedicated leader with the Santa Clara County Office of Education for the past seven years. He currently serves as the South County Principal for the Alternative Education Department’s Court and Community School Programs. With extensive experience as a principal of both a comprehensive high school and middle school, Mark is a lifelong educator and coach committed to student success.

Throughout his career, Mark has held diverse roles including teacher, PBIS Coordinator, sports coach, Intervention and Restorative Practice Lead, and SST Coordinator. He is a passionate advocate for At-Promise Youth, dedicating his efforts to supporting their academic and personal growth.

A San Jose native, Mark’s children attend schools in the Gilroy Unified School District. He holds a Master’s Degree in Education and a Bachelor’s Degree in Movement and Sports Science, both from the University of La Verne. Mark is eager to continue collaborating with community partners to develop educational programs that provide meaningful support to students in small, non-traditional settings.

Alisa Campbell is a Program Manager at the Santa Clara County Public Health Department and has over 10 years of experience managing the implementation of Safe Routes to School programs throughout the county. She currently coordinates the Countywide Safe Routes to School Providers Group that meets quarterly. She has expertise in bicycle and pedestrian education and encouragement activities, walkability/bikeability assessments, development of suggested route to school maps, parent and youth-led Safe Routes to School projects. 

Alisa has a Master’s degree in Public Health from Columbia University and has over 17 years of experience in community engagement, program planning, and implementing public health programs through examining the school and neighborhood environments

Michelle Campusano - As a school counselor, I am dedicated to supporting marginalized and at-risk youth through trauma-informed, research-based practices. Having once been a Peer Counselor myself, I recognize the transformative power of peer-led support and have continued to elevate this approach in my professional work. My experience includes facilitating workshops on generational trauma, conducting capstone research on transitional programs for students with substance abuse challenges, and completing over 100 hours of specialized training in youth mental health, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and suicide prevention. Most recently, I have been co-creating a peer-to-peer program at Mountain View High School.  I am passionate about creating inclusive, student-centered environments that foster connection, healing, and growth.

Alex Coronel is the co-lead for Region 5 of CA PBIS. She is also the Manager of the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports Technical Assistance Center (PBIS TAC) and has worked with Santa Clara County Office of Education for six years, working alongside educators in creating inclusive systems of support. Prior to joining the SCCOE team, Alex worked at the Nevada Department of Education, Office of Student and School Supports, where she worked with district and school site leaders in building sustainable systems of equity for Nevadans. Her passion for supporting adults in creating the best outcomes for students was ignited in leading the statewide Leadership Network initiative. She is driven by her passion for supporting educators in working toward building efficient and effective systems to increase positive school climate. Alex graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno (go pack!). She is a SWIS Facilitator for PBIS Applications, certified ACER 2.0, and is also a certified trainer in the RISE Curriculum through the Los Angeles LGBT Center.

With 25 years of experience as a School Social Worker, April Crider brings a wealth of knowledge to her current role as District Wellness Coordinator for Campbell Union High School District. Over the past year and a half, April has led a significant shift in CUHSD's attendance policy, moving from a focus on strict compliance to a more empathetic, problem-solving model that addresses the root causes of student absence. Her previous work as a high school social worker in Chapel Hill, NC, where she primarily addressed attendance concerns, revealed the complex interplay of issues often disguised as truancy. This understanding has shaped her highly effective, consistent, and restorative approach to fostering student attendance and well-being.

Laura Cuadros serves as the Manager of School Health Systems at the Santa Clara County Office of Education. As the Manager of School Health Systems, she oversees the School Health Billing technical assistance program designed to maximize billing opportunities and enhance the sustainability of revenue streams for Local Educational Agencies across California. 

Drawing on more than two decades of hands‑on expertise in healthcare revenue cycle management, project management, and provider credentialing, Laura has transformed billing operations in both school‑based health centers and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). Laura demonstrates a steadfast commitment to revenue sustainability, operational program development, and the optimization of billing processes.

Laura has extensive experience working with a diverse range of payers, including Medi-Cal, Managed Medi-Cal, Medicare and third-party commercial payers, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of the industry. 

Laura’s leadership is marked by her success in guiding teams and organizations through complex projects and revenue programs, fostering an environment of excellence and innovation. Outside of her professional pursuits, she enjoys spending quality time with her family along the picturesque central coast and beaches.

Daniel Duarte brings a unique blend of lived mindfulness practice and educational experience to his role as Programs & Partnerships Manager at the Niroga Institute, where he oversees all programs and serves as the organization’s primary trainer. He leads Dynamic Mindfulness trainings, coaching, and direct services across California in schools, juvenile justice centers, and community organizations. With over a decade of experience in education, Daniel spent 2.5 years as a resident at a meditation center while working as a behaviorist in the Sunnyvale School District, where he witnessed firsthand the profound impact of unaddressed stress on both students and staff.

Throughout his career, he has supported students, educators, counselors, and administrators in developing the inner resources needed to navigate stress, prevent burnout, and respond to challenges with clarity and care. Through his work with Niroga, he helps educators bring research-backed Dynamic Mindfulness tools into school settings to foster resilience, emotional regulation, and more connected, healing-centered classroom communities.

Jenn Elenes currently serves as the Administrator of Continuous Improvement and Accountability with the Santa Clara County Office Education (SCCOE) supporting LCAP development, Differentiated Assistance, Williams Visits, MTSS implementation, and county-wide efforts to improve attendance and engagement and reduce chronic absenteeism. She hosts bi-monthly Attendance Collaboratives with a focus on sharing policy updates, best practices and resources, and collaborating with the county’s 31 districts and numerous charter school organizations on strategies to reduce chronic absenteeism. She also conducts the county’s annual training of Attendance Supervisors. 

In addition, Jenn is a Restorative Practices practitioner and trainer and, in her prior role as Coordinator of Attendance and Engagement, she supported the Community Schools initiative in Santa Clara County and beyond through the Community Schools Transformational Learning Community (TLC) as well as via technical assistance and support to both districts and charter schools. 

Prior to joining the SCCOE in 2021, Jenn’s 24 years in education ranged from high school English and English Language Development teacher, and instructional coach to assistant principal at both middle and high school levels and elementary school principal. 

Jenn is passionate about removing barriers to attendance and meeting student needs so they can thrive in learning. She works diligently to support LEAs in creating school environments in which every student comes to school feeling connected, supported, and engaged in their learning.

Ken Fitzgerald has more than 20 years of experience in program management in education and public health sectors. Ken has led regional training and technical assistance programs for school safety planning, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), the California K-12 Regional Student Mental Health Initiative, and the California Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Initiative. Additional areas of expertise include expanded learning, school climate, safety and crisis response, student mental wellness, educator wellbeing, and social and emotional learning. Ken holds a Master of Arts degree in Education with an emphasis in Social and Emotional Learning.  

Dr. Fojas has been a music educator for 30 years.  She has served as a district arts leader in San Francisco and Sacramento counties and is the Arts Coordinator for the Santa Clara County Office of Education. She continues to perform on the violin and viola in the Bay Area. Dr. Fojas has served on the board of the California Music Educators’ Association, the California chapter of the American String Teachers’ Association, the California Alliance for Arts Education, and the National Guild of Community Arts Education. She is currently on the board of Luna Dance and Creativity in Berkeley, CA.

Heather Fujita proudly serves as a Coordinator and Implementation Specialist for the California Coalition for Inclusive Learning (CCIL) at the Placer County Office of Education. She partners with educators across systems to promote equitable access to education for all learners through the effective implementation of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Her ultimate goal is to ensure every student has meaningful access to a high-quality, inclusive education.

With over 22 years of experience in special education, Heather has held roles as a special education teacher, instructional coach, professional development facilitator, curriculum support specialist, and special education administrator. She also served as the PBIS Coordinator at her school site for seven years, where she led efforts to build positive, proactive systems of support grounded in equity and student agency. Her work is driven by a passion for building sustainable educational systems, improving literacy outcomes, honoring learner variability, and designing inclusive environments that nurture the full potential of every student.

Kris Gallegos, RN, BSN, TCRN is the Trauma Program Manager at Stanford Health Care, a Level 1 Academic Center. She has 26 years of healthcare experience ranging from a rural area Paramedic, a clinical Trauma Nurse, an EMS Curriculum Developer and has found a true calling in Trauma Quality and Program Management for the past 13 years. She finds joy in working on trauma performance improvement projects, her dogs, the Golden State Valkyries and traveling the world with her partner.

Keonna is a PBIS Program Specialist at the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) with a passion in education. She has served in many developmental levels from PK-12 and adult education through various roles in teaching, school counseling, and building/district administration in both traditional public and charter schools. Keonna has a master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis in Trauma and Crisis from Walden University and an Ed.S. In Educational Leadership from Northcentral University. She is currently enrolled in the Certificate in School Management and Leadership program through Harvard University. 

Keonna loves to ensure all students achieve at high levels through vigorous, engaging, and culturally-sensitive academic programs that nurture and support the whole child. She leverages her special talents and training in Restorative Justice, DEI-J, PBIS, culturally responsive pedagogies, program development, and at-risk intervention. Her new passion is engaging adult learners through professional development opportunities focused on increasing capacity through social-emotional learning, social justice, and transformative leadership. Keonna's goal is to empower and inspire learners of all ages and backgrounds to reach their full potential and overcome any challenges they may face. Colleagues would describe Keonna as humorous, genuine, dynamic, and inspiring. She loves meeting new people and looks forward to working with you as a PBIS Coach.

For 30+ years, Mr. Gerbert has been an educator, serving as a teacher, district administrator, and county administrator, leading schools, districts, and county-wide programs around tobacco and cannabis prevention and interventions, along with other health and wellness topics. He has been involved in tobacco prevention efforts in California since 1997 and has been the chair or co-chair for the Alameda County Tobacco Control Coalition for the last 7 years. He joined the team at Stanford's REACH lab in 2022, working to find additional ways to empower and educate communities to combat the Triangulum of nicotine, vaping, and cannabis, along with other health disparities and health inequities. His work centers around improving health and wellness literacy and lifting up youth voice and agency, while decreasing health disparities and health inequities.

 Elena Harnish is a Clinical Research Manager with a master’s in clinical psychology from Towson University. She focuses on the psychological impacts and adaptation to illness and trauma among pediatric populations, as well as health literacy in underserved communities. In her role, Elena supports a multidisciplinary framework, providing essential oversight for effective project coordination and integration. In her free time, she enjoys exploring hole-in-the-wall bookstores, reading, and cooking.

Michael is a husband and father of three boys. He is Lion Pride Leadership executive partner with 20+ years of mental health experience in various organizational settings. He is currently a therapeutic counselor for San Jose Unified School District.  He is an Associated Clinical Social Worker servicing the Bay Area community as mental health consultant, counselor, coach, and workshop provider. 

Katie Kan, MD: Dr. Kan is an Assistant Professor of Urology at Stanford University and a fellowship-trained pediatric urologist. Her clinical practice includes general, endoscopic, and complex reconstructive urologic procedures, along with specialized counseling for kidney stone disease and differences in sexual differentiation. Dr. Kan’s research focuses on identifying the causes of newly emerging bladder and bowel problems in elementary school-aged children. She leads multiple studies supported by NIH and institutional grants, including school-based research aimed at improving bladder health through early identification and intervention. As a member of the Maternal & Child Health Research Institute (MCHRI), she is dedicated to advancing pediatric urologic care through translational and community-engaged research. Dr. Kan brings clinical and research expertise to ensure that strategies are evidence-based, developmentally appropriate, and designed to meet the real-world needs of children, educators, and families. 

Lauren La Plante, an Oakland resident and Bay Area native, has dedicated over 25 years to working with youth in Alameda County. She currently works as a Community Schools Coach with the Bay Area Regional Technical Assistance Team (RTAC) supporting the California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP), a statewide school transformation grant. She is a nationally certified school psychologist, Licensed Educational Psychologist, and experienced school administrator. Lauren has served as a School Psychologist, Behavioral Health Director, and Special Education Coordinator in multiple Alameda County districts. In addition to her public school experience, her background includes working in residential treatment centers, psychiatric hospitals, and non-profit mental health organizations. She has taught school nurses and served as the Community Education Coordinator for an education non-profit, organizing parent workshops and professional development. Lauren is passionate about community schools as an equity strategy, and was instrumental in establishing a full-service community school in Emeryville. She holds a BA in Psychology and an MS in Counseling/School Psychology.

Staci Ljepava is a Mental Health and Wellness Coordinator, in the Youth Health and Wellness Department at the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE)

She is dedicated to supporting the holistic health and well-being of all students and staff.

In her role at SCCOE, Staci provides technical assistance, education, and coordinates health and wellness services that meet the needs of students and families where they are.  She promotes partnership and collaboration between SCCOE, districts, schools, families and the community.  She oversees the staff supporting the wellness centers across 21 schools and alternative programs and coordinates the operational functions of the Wellness Centers.  Prior to her work at SCCOE, she served as a Student Services and Special Education Director, Mental Health Program Specialist, PBIS District Coach, SARB Chairperson, and Behavioral Specialist Supervisor.

Staci holds a master’s degree in Social Work and Pupil Personnel Services Credential from San Jose State University and is passionate about increasing awareness of factors that contribute to health and wellness and destigmatizing mental health.  She is a transformational leader that leads through an equity lens and strives to be culturally responsive to the needs of the communities she serves.  

Outside of work, she enjoys snowboarding, camping, outdoor hikes and family time.

Brandy Mattson, RDH, OMT, HPS III, is a Health Planning Specialist III for the Santa Clara County Oral Health Program housed within the Clincs to Community Linkages team. She is a Registered Dental Hygienist and Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist with nearly 30 years of experience working in various dentistry settings and currently serves as the team's lead education and communications specialist. She has degrees in both Health Care Management and Dental Hygiene, and has worked in private practices, public health clinics, periodontics, cosmetics, and university emergency dental services. She has spent her career advocating for both youth and older adults, addressing the needs of those with special circumstances and advancing gum disease. Brandy is currently a member of the Office of Oral Health State School Dental Workgroup and Resources Subcommittee, the Society for Health Communications, the American Association for Community Dental Programs, and the National Network of Healthcare Hygienists.

Jenelle McClenahen is an experienced educator with over a decade in elementary education, specializing as an inclusion teacher supporting diverse learners. She holds a Master’s in Education from Santa Clara University and is the proud mother of a child with autism—an experience that fuels her passion for making education more inclusive and accessible. Jenelle is also the Founder and CEO of SymplifyEd, an EdTech startup designed to help schools streamline behavior and academic data tracking to better support students and teachers.

Marissa McGee has spent her career in communities that have been historically underserved due to systemic inequities. She taught early childhood in Washington, D.C. While there, she also served as a Parent Advocate at DCSRN where she helped families identify schools that aligned with their wants and needs for their children. In 2016, she was featured in a special NPRed series that highlighted 50 great teachers.

Before serving as a Coordinator of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Marissa worked as a Program Consultant at New Teacher Center. Marissa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a focus on Social Stratification and Inequality, and a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from Stanford University, where she previously served as a lecturer. She is also the author of Free the Curls, a book that she hopes will inspire children to be changemakers.

Dr. Jaime Mendoza-Williams is a seasoned educational leader and clinical social worker with over two decades of experience in public education, school mental health, and systems transformation. He currently serves as a Community Schools & Engagement Coach at the Santa Clara County Office of Education, supporting California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP) implementation across San Francisco, San Mateo, and Contra Costa counties. Dr. Mendoza-Williams brings a trauma-informed, equity-driven lens to his work, specializing in sustainable wellness systems, MTSS alignment, and capacity-building for school leaders and communities.

Jenelle McClenahen is an experienced educator with over a decade in elementary education, specializing as an inclusion teacher supporting diverse learners. She holds a Master’s in Education from Santa Clara University and is the proud mother of a child with autism—an experience that fuels her passion for making education more inclusive and accessible. Jenelle is also the Founder and CEO of SymplifyEd, an EdTech startup designed to help schools streamline behavior and academic data tracking to better support students and teachers.

Afi Nkhume-Crecy (She/Her) is the Volunteer & Community Engagement Coordinator at Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence. With a deep commitment to public health awareness and survivor support, Afi manages volunteer programs and leads outreach initiatives that foster meaningful community connections. As an excellent public speaker passionate about educating and raising awareness, Afi has trained a wide range of direct service professionals and community groups—including healthcare providers, executive teams, educators, families, survivors, unhoused populations, donor networks, and prospective volunteers. Her work centers on highlighting the health impacts of intimate partner violence, the intersection of domestic violence and ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences), and strategies for prevention and community response. Through training, education, and collaborative events, Afi empowers individuals and communities to take informed action against domestic violence.

 Ashley Phord-Toy, MS, is a researcher in the Department of Pediatric Urology at the Stanford School of Medicine. Her research focuses on improving care for children with pediatric lower urinary tract symptoms (pLUTS), including painful urination, bedwetting, and urinary urgency or frequency. She is particularly interested in how these bladder issues impact children in school settings and in developing strategies to better support their well-being and daily functioning.

Alicia Pimentel is the Director of School Health Systems and Billing at the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE). She is responsible for leading the development and implementation of billing processes across the County and overseeing various grant programs. She has co-led the SCCOE implementation around ECM and is partnering with other Counties and districts to support their implementation of the CYBHI Fee Schedule. 

With an extensive background in Medi-Cal Managed Care, Alicia previously managed the Student Behavioral Health Program (SBHIP) across 28 counties. She built valuable relationships with county public and behavioral health departments during her tenure, showcasing her collaborative skills and strategic thinking. Alicia has also held roles within a Federally Qualified Health Center and a local health plan, where she managed provider contracts and grants. Her educational background includes a Master of Science in Healthcare Management from California State University, East Bay, and a Bachelor of Science in Health Education from San Francisco State University.

Jessica Progulske is the Bay Area Regional Technical Assistance Center Community Schools & Engagement Coach for Marin, Napa, and Sonoma County at the Santa Clara County Office of Education, where she endeavors to make certain all students have meaningful, engaging learning experiences that support their behavioral, social-emotional, and cognitive development. With a passion for educational equity, she works to disrupt traditional patterns of success and create opportunities for every student to thrive. Jessica is deeply committed to ensuring individuals get the support they need when they need it.

Jessica holds a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology from UCLA and an M.A. in Education from Pepperdine University. Before taking on her current role, she worked at the Sonoma County Office of Education for over a decade, most recently serving as its Director of Data & Engagement. Jessica currently resides in Petaluma, California with her partner and their often stinky basset hound. 

Daisy Ramos-Garcia is a Health Education Specialist at the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department. She currently provides specialized support to Safe Routes and School Providers who implement bicycle and pedestrian education and encouragement activities throughout Santa Clara County. Daisy has experience working with Spanish-speaking communities to address health and traffic safety issues through community engagement, program planning, and youth empowerment. Daisy was born and raised in San Jose, CA. She is a proud first-generation, queer daughter of Mexican immigrants. Daisy has a BA from Occidental College and an MPH from San Jose State University.

With over 15 years in education, Kristina has held various roles, including high school teacher, Activities Director, assistant principal, principal, district-level coordinator, and now the SCCOE Coordinator for History-Social Science and Civic Engagement. Kristina earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences and a Minor in English from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, followed by a teaching credential, administrative credential, and a Master's in Educational Leadership with a Social Justice focus from San Jose State University. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to equity and social justice, having focused her M​​aster's thesis on culturally sustaining pedagogy.

Passionate about fostering inclusive, responsive learning environments, Kristina brings a positive, empowering approach to education. She is dedicated to supporting educators, students, and community partners in creating effective and equitable history-social science and civics educational opportunities. Kristina has also completed the ACSA Equity and Personnel Administrators Institutes, was part of the inaugural Learning for Justice Critical Practices in Social Justice Education cohort, serves on the Santa Clara County Superior Court Community Outreach Committee, is a newly elected Regional Board Member for the California Council for the Social Studies, and continually seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge and practice in educational leadership.

Cynthia Rodriguez is an experienced Community Engagement Lead dedicated to connecting families and schools with essential behavioral and developmental health resources. With a strong background in family-centered outreach, program coordination, and cross-sector collaboration, she is committed to promoting student well-being and building meaningful partnerships that support mental, emotional, and physical health.

Dr. Tracy Rohlfing currently serves as the Administrator of State and Regional Projects with the Santa Clara County Office of Education and the Bay Area Geo Leads Consortium. Dr. Rohlfing has served in diverse leadership roles to include teacher, principal, and district and county administrator across California and in Illinois and St. Louis, MO. Dr. Rohlfing provides support for county-authorized charter schools in the Bay Area and leads the Improvement in Action: Sucess for African American/Black Students Networked Improvement Community. She also collaborates with state and regional partners within the CA State System of Support to implement policy and support initiatives. Dr. Rohlfing aspires to ensure that students are the primary focus of decision making through data analysis, partner engagement, and inquiry processes. 

Jackie Ruvalcaba currently serves as the Manager of Community Schools in the Youth Health & Wellness Department at the Santa Clara County Office of Education. In this role, she leads the county office’s efforts to support the implementation and transformation of community schools across Santa Clara County. A proud product of Santa Clara County schools herself, Jackie brings both personal and professional dedication to her work. With over 15 years of experience in education and in direct partnership with school. She has served as a Wellness Center Liaison and has a strong foundation in the Expanded Learning field. Jackie brings a deep commitment to supporting the whole child and fostering meaningful school-community partnerships.

Mr. David Salles, in his 29th year in K12 education, is passionate about his role working with students and their parents. David has been recognized for his style and methods of delivering classroom and academic discussions at home. David believes that maximizing student achievement and success requires a team approach with active input from parents. A proud father of 2, he is a beach and bike enthusiast, and cherishes swimming and succulents. His background in education began with his service in the U.S. Peace Corps (Lae, Papua New Guinea). Since then he has served as a M.S. Math, Science, ASB-Leadership Teacher; AP for K-8 & M.S.; H.S. CP-Honors-AP Chemistry & Biology teacher. He is an advisor for the Future Health Professionals Club and Chemical Society at his school site. He has received many awards, including GUSD’s Behind-The-Scenes All Star Teacher (2021), the Santa Clara County STEM Teacher of the Year Award (2022), and most recently the GUSD- Student Engagement-Explore Learning Award (2025). In addition to his work as a teacher, he currently serves as an elected state-council delegate for the California Teachers Association, Region G, where he sits on the Credentials and Professional Development Committee.

Alisha Schoen graduated from UCLA in 2005, after which she attended Stanford Law School, graduating in 2009.  Alisha has experience in both the private and international sectors: she practiced civil defense work for two years before working for the Office of the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court in the Hague.  Alisha has been a deputy district attorney at the Santa Clara District Attorney’s Office since 2012.  She has served the office on its Misdemeanor, North County, Law and Motions, Juvenile Crimes, and Community Prosecution Units.  She is currently the Truancy Abatement Team Lead.  In that role, she spearheaded the creation of California’s first truancy collaborative court. She is also a member of the California Department of Education’s State School Attendance Review Board and the Chair of the California District Attorney’s Association Truancy Workgroup Committee.

Leah Sheppard serves as the Lead Education Outreach Manager at Impact Teen Drivers (ITD), a nationally recognized nonprofit committed to preventing reckless and distracted driving through evidence-based education. In her role, Leah leads outreach efforts that empower teens, parents, and educators with the tools and knowledge to make safer choices on the road. 

With a background in social work, Leah brings a strong foundation in youth development and a passion for helping young people make positive, healthy decisions. She uses this experience to develop, promote, and facilitate impactful, interactive programs that engage teen audiences - whether they’re drivers, passengers, or other roadway users. 

Leah is a passionate advocate for changing the culture around reckless and distracted driving. She believes in the power of young leaders to shift social norms and inspire their peers to treat safe driving as a shared responsibility. Through her work with ITD, she is proud to support the next generation in becoming changemakers in their schools and communities. 

Dawnel Sonntag is an Assistant Principal at Milpitas High School. She brings 30 years of experience in education, including 20 years as a middle school administrator, 17 of which she served as principal. She is passionate about fostering collaboration, building positive school cultures, and supporting the academic success and well-being of all students and staff.

A strong believer in the power of partnership, Dawnel has led the development of successful Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) teams to address students’ academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs in equitable and comprehensive ways. Throughout her care, Dawnel has remained committed to advancing equity and inclusion, cultivating professional learning communities, and strengthening student and staff engagement. Her leadership focuses on empowering others, fostering collaboration, and developing systems that create meaningful and lasting change.

Outside of her professional life, Dawnel enjoys spending time with her family, reading, dancing, camping, traveling, and cooking. She is also a certified scuba diver and takes every opportunity to explore the underwater world.

Robyn Stone is an expert in early childhood education. She has been an adjunct faculty of UCSC Silicon Valley's Early Childhood Education Department since 2014. Prior to working in administration, Stone was an elementary classroom teacher and STEM Specialist for over a decade. Presently, she manages the SCCOE's Early Education Teacher Development Grant and is developing a PK-3 ECE Instruction Specialist Teaching Credential Program. Stone holds California credentials in Administrative Services; Multiple Subject Teaching; and Child Development Site Supervision.

Sowmya Sundar is a high school student and youth wellness advocate passionate about the intersection of mental health and art. As the founder of Healing Hues, she designed and led a series of art-based mental health workshops that reached dozens of students at her school, encouraging emotional expression and stress relief through hands-on activities. She hopes to expand her program to other campuses across the county, and help more students destress. Beyond her school, Sowmya actively contributes to state-wide wellness efforts. She serves as a youth leader on the Stanford Reach Lab Youth Action Board  and collaborates on sexual health curriculum initiatives in partnership with Stanford medical professionals. Sowmya also works with Megaminds to utilize AI in creating educational virtual rooms for students across the country. In her free time, she enjoys painting, playing piano, and playing video games with her older sister.

Carmen Torres is a Community Organizer and leads Comunidad SIREN – a group of community leaders and volunteers committed to providing Know Your Rights and Family Preparedness Workshops to the community as well as presence and support at many community events throughout the area.

SIREN (Services, Immigrant Rights and Education Network) has committed to the empowerment of low-income immigrants and refugees through community education and organizing, leadership development, policy advocacy, civic engagement, and legal services.  SIREN serves the Bay Area and the Central Valley with offices in San Jose and Fresno, CA.

Pranaya Venkatapuram, MBS, MPH: Pranaya is a public health researcher with a strong background in epidemiology, biomedical sciences, and health disparities research. She brings wide experience in community-based participatory research, coordination of pediatric clinical trials, and analysis of health claims data to inform preventive strategies and improve child health outcomes. She contributes to community-engaged bladder health research in the Kan Lab, including school-based work across the Bay Area. She assists with designing and conducting bladder health workshops and has experience leading community health education sessions and community advisory board meetings in both English and Spanish, ensuring accessibility and cultural responsiveness. 

Dr. Wan is an educational leader with extensive experience as a county office administrator. She has led equity-focused initiatives that enhance access and support for students and their families. Nationally recognized for spearheading the My Name, My Identity initiative, Dr. Wan has played a pivotal role in promoting inclusive school cultures across the country. 

In her current role with the Bay Area Geographic Leads Consortium, Dr. Wan leads systemic improvement efforts across county offices of education, school districts, and charter schools in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Solano counties. Her work is grounded in data-informed decision making and focused on transforming educational systems to improve student outcomes. 

Dr. Scott Wilbur is a District Improvement and Support Coordinator at the Santa Clara County Office of Education. Scott is an accomplished TK–12 educator known for advancing academic achievement and innovation. He has a proven track record of transforming underperforming schools into award-winning campuses by leveraging Improvement Science tools and a strong focus on instructional excellence, student voice, restorative practices, and community partnerships.

Scott’s educational leadership has resulted in multiple California Distinguished School Awards (2007, 2024), a U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Award (2019), and five Capturing Kids’ Hearts Showcase School Honors (2019–2024). Scott holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from UCLA.