Workgroup Acknowledgements
The Chancellor’s Office would like to recognize and thank the following Mental Health Action Week workgroup members for their commitment to California Community Colleges, its students, and their efforts to raise awareness in the areas of mental health and wellness. We thank you for your continued service, partnership, and support. Without your contributions this webinar series would not be possible.
Series Description
Mental Health Action Week was a statewide effort to strengthen support for student mental health and well-being across California Community Colleges. This three-part webinar series was designed for faculty, classified professionals, administrators, and mental health providers who are working to create more connected and compassionate campus environments.
Each session offered tools, strategies, and peer insights to help you build trust, reduce stigma, and expand your ability to support students in meaningful ways.
Tuesday, May 6, 2025 | From Student to Support Staff: Building Capacity Through Mental Health Internships
1.5-hour Webinar: Watch Recording | Presentation Slides PDF
Explored how campuses like Moreno Valley College are strengthening campus mental health services by hiring former students as paid interns. Learned how strategic partnerships with local behavioral health agencies can help expand capacity while offering professional growth opportunities for students.
Presented by Lynette Sullivan-Navarro, DSW, LMFT, LPCC & Moreno Valley College Partners
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 | Making Help Feel Safe: Reducing Stigma & Reaching Students
1.5-hour Webinar: Watch Recording | Presentation Slides PDF
Gained practical strategies to reduce stigma rooted in cultural and familial beliefs. This session highlighted how to craft outreach that resonates with students and normalizes help-seeking behavior, particularly among populations that may be hesitant to engage with services.
Presented by Gabrielle Ridley, MS, SHIFT Strategies
Thursday, May 8, 2025 | Beyond Crisis: Supporting Students with Suicidal Ideation in Everyday Conversations
1.5-hour Webinar: Watch Recording | Presentation Slides PDF
This session offered guidance for faculty and staff on how to compassionately support students experiencing suicidal thoughts. Learned how to engage in non-clinical conversations that offer connection and care—without overwhelming your campus’s crisis response systems.
Presented by Monique Mendoza, PhD, MM Psychology and Solutions, Inc.
Monique Mendoza, PhD, (she/her) is a licensed psychologist who supports high-risk settings and provides training to redefine workplace violence prevention. She offers consulting services to help campuses prioritize well-being through inclusive services that inspire confidence and resilience while rejecting scare tactics. Dr. Mendoza received her Bachelor of Arts in Cognitive Science from the University of California Irvine and her Doctorate of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology from the University of Missouri.