2 0 2 5 L A S P N S u m m i t
September
12&13
TransformingPain intoPurpose
Building Communities ofHope
Welcometothe2025 LosAngelesSuicidePrevention NetworkSummit
Co-Chair Message.
Wearetrulygratefulthatyou’vejoinedusforthisimportantSummit.Asco-chairs,we believethatsuicidepreventionisasharedresponsibility—onethattouchesevery community,everyprofession,andeveryindividual.Together,wehavethepowertobreak downstigma,promotesafeandcompassionatemessaging,andensurethatnoonefeels aloneintheirpain.
Ourworkisgroundedinthebeliefthatpreventionsaveslives andthathumanconnection isapowerfulforceforhealing.Healingbeginsinourcommunities,wheresupport, compassion,andunderstandingcanempowerindividualstoseekhelpwithoutfearof shameorjudgment Throughconnection,wecantransformhowpeopleaccesssupport, howcrisislinesareused,andhowprovidersrespondwithempathyandcollaboration
InitiativeslikethisSummithelpstrengthenthementalhealthandwell-beingofallpeople. Overthenexttwodays,you’llhearfrompassionateleaders,gainpracticaltools,and connectwithotherswhocaredeeplyaboutpreventingsuicideinourcommunities.
Ourhopeisthatyouleavenotonlyinformedbutalsoinspired andthateachofuscarries theseinsightsbackintoourcommunities,workplaces,andrelationships.
Thankyoufortakingthetimetobehere Whilethetopicwefaceisheavy,theconnection, hope,andsharedpurposewefosterheretodayiswhatsustainsthisimportantwork
WelcometotheLosAngelesSuicidePreventionSummit andtoourgrowingnetworkof changemakers.
Warmly,
LosAngelesSuicidePreventionNetworkCo-Chairs
Cheryl Eskin, Tracie Andrews, Franklin Romero
PleasenotethatthisSummitwilldiscusssuicide,self-harm,andloss.Weknowand understandthatthesecanbedifficulttopicswhichimpacteachofusonbotha professionalandpersonallevel.
Inorderforustoaddresssuicideasacommunity,weneedtotakecareofourselvesfirst. Ifyoufindthatyouneedtostepawayforamoment,pleasefeelfreetofindasupportive staffmembertotalkwith(wearingtealshirts)orvisitthecalmspaceforgrounding resources.
Ifatanytimemessagesorconversationsfeelactivating,wehaveaspacebuiltoutfor self-care ourWellnestPodCenter.Thiscalmingspaceoffersavarietyofactivities designedtohelpupliftandrecharge.PleaseconnectwithanyLASPNstaffmemberfor additionalresourcesordirectionstotheWellnest
Weseeyouandwecareaboutyou.Thankyouforbeingherewithus!
LosAngelesCountyLandAcknowledgment.
The County of Los Angeles recognizes that we occupy land originally and still inhabited and cared for by the Tongva, Tataviam, Serrano, Kizh, and Chumash Peoples. We honor and pay respect to their elders and descendants past, present, and emerging as they continue their stewardshipoftheselandsandwaters.
Weacknowledgethatsettlercolonizationresultedinlandseizure,disease,subjugation,slavery, relocation, broken promises, genocide, and multigenerational trauma This acknowledgment demonstrates our responsibility and commitment to truth, healing, and reconciliation and to elevatingthestories,culture,andcommunityoftheoriginalinhabitantsofLosAngelesCounty.
We are grateful to have the opportunity to live and work on these ancestral lands. We are dedicated to growing and sustaining relationships with Native peoples and local tribal governments,including(innoparticularorder):
FernandeñoTataviamBandofMissionIndians
GabrielinoTongvaIndiansofCaliforniaTribalCouncil
Gabrieleno/TongvaSanGabrielBandofMissionIndians
GabrieleñoBandofMissionIndians–KizhNation
SanManuelBandofMissionIndians
SanFernandoBandofMissionIndians
To learn more about the First Peoples of Los Angeles County please visit the Los Angeles City/County Native American Indian Commission website (lanaic.lacounty.gov).
Feeling Heavy?
Friday, September12 & Saturday, September13
Community Healing.
CommonGroundGriefwillleadarestorative,hands-onactivity designedforindividualsandfamilies.Thisexperiencewillguide participantsthroughasupportivegriefcircletohonorand acknowledgelossthroughsharedstoriesandembodiedreflection. Whileincorporatingameaningfulwateringritualthatnurtures boththeplantsandtheirongoingjourneyofhealing.Thisactivity createsasafespacetoacknowledgegrief,cultivatehope,and fosterconnectionthroughcollectiveremembranceandrenewal.
THANK YOU
Thank you to our Lunch Sponsors: Care4LA
Greater Los Angeles
Education Foundation
First City Credit Union
Didi Hirsch
2025 LASPNSummit
Schedule.
7:30AM8:00AM
NetworkingBreakfast
8:00AM8:25AM Welcome+Land Acknowledgement
TiaChucha’s CentroCultural
8:25AM8:45AM
OpeningRemarks
AltonWang
Dr.ChristinaGhaly
8:45AM10:15AM 10:15AM10:50AM 10:50AM11:05AM
KeynoteSession
Dr.MichaelAnestis
TED-StyleTalks
JasirFranklin
SeralunaSanchez Break+ WellnessSession “Nest&Sound”-Wellnest Friday,Sept12
Friday,Sept12
11:05AM12:10PM
BreakoutSessions
RiseTogether:TransformingPainInto CollectivePower
ThePowerofPERMA+toInstillHopein IndividualsWithDevelopmental Disabilities:APathwaytoSuicide Prevention
WorkplaceWellnessasSuicide Prevention
FromSuicidetoWellbeing:Buddhist Psychological,andHolistic ApproachestoEnhanceResilience andWellbeing
ImplementingaFamily-Based, Trauma-InformedSuicidePrevention InterventioninLow-Resourced Schools
GunViolenceRestrainingOrders-A littleknowntooltohelppreventsuicide
TransformingPainintoPurpose: StrengtheningtheEcosystemof SupportforMilitary-Connected Communities
12:10PM12:45PM Lunch
12:45PM1:00PM
CreativeWellbeing AfricanSoulInternational
2025 LASPNSummit
Friday,Sept12
1:00PM1:55PM
PLENARY:ResilienceThrough Kindness
MargaritaIvanova
1:55PM3:00PM BreakoutSessions
ExploringtheNatureofSuicide:Howis itUnderstood,Experienced,Judged andTreated?
TurningStrugglesIntoStrength:How Music,Culture,andCoachingSupport MentalHealth
TurningWoundsintoWords:Healing throughCommunityWriting
HealingThroughConnection:A12WeekGroupTherapyModelforSuicide LossSurvivorsFacingProlongedGrief
Strategicdeploymentofgatekeeper training:Organizingaroundanew conceptof"IndustriesofDisruption"
3:00PM3:20PM
ClosingEvent-CommunityTime
TheInvisibleWoundsofHeroism:New FrontiersinFirstResponderSupport ArtsforHealingandJusticeNetwork/ ProjectKnucklehead(Amphitheatre)
EndofDayOne-ThankYou!
8:30AM9:00AM
9:00AM9:10AM
9:10AM9:25AM
9:25AM10:55AM
10:55AM12:00PM
12:00PM12:45PM
12:45PM1:00PM
1:00PM1:40PM
NetworkingBreakfast
Welcome+Land
Acknowledgement TiaChucha’s CentroCultural
OpeningRemarks SandriKramer AltonWang
KeynoteSession
Dr.StaceyFreedenthal
SurvivorsPanel
RickMogil,Introduction
MiaLivasPorter,Moderator
JeVondaBroussard
JacquelineDiaz-Fontana IsaKujawski
Lunch Saturday,Sept13
CreativeWellbeing AfricanSoulInternational
PLENARY:Breakingthe FamilySilence
RuthGolden
Saturday,Sept13
1:40PM1:55PM Break+ WellnessSession “Nest&Sound”-Wellnest
1:55PM3:00PM
3:05PM3:20PM
BreakoutSessions
PhysicalBarrier&Community-Based SolutionstoTransportation InfrastructureRelatedSuicides
RootedinTraditions,GrowingThrough Connections:Trauma,Healing,and WellnessWorkshop
FindingHope:GuidanceforSupporting ThoseatRisk
SuicideandtheChurch:Facilitating HonestandHealingConversations
WeNeedtoTalk:Navigatingthe StigmaandAnguishofSuicideLoss
MusicTherapy(Healing)
CatharsisTheater:ACommunal HealingModelforSuicideGriefand Suffering
ClosingEvent-CommunityTime ArtsforHealingandJusticeNetwork/ ProjectKnucklehead EndofConference-ThankYou!
EMCEE2025:
CarolynKaneko(she/her)
CarolynL Kaneko,LCSW(she/her)isaProgramManagerwiththeLos AngelesCountyDepartmentofMentalHealthattheHollywoodMentalHealth CooperativeClinic.Withextensiveexperienceservingdiverse,underserved communities,shehasheldleadershiprolesoverseeingintensivemental healthprogramsforchildren,adults,andfamiliesacrossLosAngelesand VenturaCounties ShehasalsoledPreventionandEarlyIntervention Programs,countywideAnti-StigmaandSuicidePreventionefforts,and cross-sectorprojectswithArtsandCulture,Education,ParksandRecreation, andPublicLibraries Carolynnowfocusesonbuildingcommunity engagementandsupportfortheHollywood20PilotProject,LosAngeles County’sfinalInnovationProject
MeettheKeynote Speakers.
Dr.MichaelAnestis,PhD(he/him)
MichaelAnestis,PhD.,isaclinicalpsychologist,theexecutivedirectorof theNewJerseyGunViolenceResearchCenter,andaprofessoratthe RutgersSchoolofPublicHealth Hisresearchfocusesonfirearmsuicide prevention,withaparticularemphasisonmilitaryandveteran communities.Heistheauthorofover250peerreviewedscientific articlesaswellasabook,entitledGunsandSuicide:AnAmerican Epidemic.Hewasthe2018recipientoftheEdwinShneidmanAwardfrom theAmericanAssociationofSuicidologyinrecognitionofhisearly careerachievementinsuicideresearch
Dr.StaceyFreedenthal(she/her)
StaceyFreedenthal,PhD,LCSW,isapsychotherapist,educator,and writerspecializinginhelpingpeoplewhoexperiencesuicidalthoughts orbehavior She’sauthoredtwobooks:HelpingtheSuicidalPerson: TipsandTechniquesforProfessionals(Routledge;2018)andLoving SomeonewithSuicidalThoughts:WhatFamily,Friends,andPartners CanSayandDo(NewHarbinger;2023).Dr.Freedenthalalsocreated andmaintainsthewebsiteSpeakingofSuicide,andshehasauthored orco-authoredmorethan35peer-reviewedarticlesandbook chaptersaboutsuicidalityandrelatedtopics.
MeettheSpeakers. (A-Z)
AnaAmador(she/her)
AnaAmador,LCSW,isabilinguallicensedclinicalsocialworker specializinginevidence-basedmentalhealthservicesforchildren, teens,andfamilies.Sheishighlyskilledinaddressingseveretrauma andsupportingindividualswithintellectualanddevelopmental disabilities,usingaperson-centered,present-focusedapproach groundedinCognitiveBehavioralTherapy,Acceptanceand CommitmentTherapy,andDialecticalBehaviorTherapy
Dr.MichaelAnestis (he/him)
MichaelAnestis,PhD,isaclinicalpsychologist,theexecutivedirector oftheNewJerseyGunViolenceResearchCenter,andaprofessorat theRutgersSchoolofPublicHealth.Hisresearchfocusesonfirearm suicideprevention,withaparticularemphasisonmilitaryand veterancommunities.Heistheauthorofover250peerreviewed scientificarticlesaswellasabook,entitledGunsandSuicide:An AmericanEpidemic Hewasthe2018recipientoftheEdwin ShneidmanAwardfromtheAmericanAssociationofSuicidologyin recognitionofhisearlycareerachievementinsuicideresearch.
AnneMarieAnkers(she/her)
AnneMarieisalosssurvivor,havinglostherbrothertosuicidemore than30yearsago Overthelast10years,shehasbeenactivein workingtobringhopetothoseaffectedbysuicide.Sheisanactive AFSPvolunteer,havingbeenanAFSPBoardMember,SantaMonica OutoftheDarknessWalkChair,AFSP FieldAdvocate,andHealing Conversationsfacilitator.In2018sheandafewotherAFSPvolunteers organizedtoformtheSOLACESupportGroupforsuicideloss survivors AnneMarieisaneducatorwholivesandworksintheLos Angelesarea
MeettheSpeakers.
TinaAtherall(she/her)
Dr TinaAtherallisasocialinnovationstrategistspecializingin nonprofitandeducationalleadership SheistheCEOofPsychArmor, anonprofitdedicatedtoeducatingandadvocatingforessential supportservicesformilitary,Veteransandtheirfamilies.Shehas embeddedhercareerinthefieldofsocialworkleadershipand obtainedherDoctorofSocialWork(DSW)fromtheUniversityof SouthernCalifornia Herrecentworkfocusesonthe13Grand ChallengesforSocialWorktoeradicatethepublichealthcrisisof socialisolation SheservesinanappointedroleontheSAMHSA NationalAdvisoryCouncil.
AdrianaAvila (she/her)
AdrianaAvilaisacompassionateandempoweringprofessionalwho helpspeopletapintotheirstrengthsandresourcesattheirownpace, withkindnessandunderstanding.Shevaluesandencouragesselfcareandself-love,findingjoyinworkingout,reading,spendingtime withherdog,andrunning AsafirstgenerationMexicanAmerican, Adriana'sworkreflectstheimportanceofcommunityandbringing peopletogether,usingherexpertisetoguideclientstowardmore empoweredlives.Adedicatedadvocateformentalhealthand suicideprevention,Adrianaisactivelyinvolvedinseveral organizations.
Dr.LaurelBear (she/her)
Dr Bearhasspent40yearswithintheAlhambraSchoolDistrict, retiringasanAssistantSuperintendentofStudent,EmployeeWelfare. ShecreatedandbuiltAUSD’sGatewaytoSuccessprogram.Aheadof hertime,Dr.BearenvisionedGatewayasawaytodeliverlifeline school-basedmentalhealthassessments,education,andservicesto K-12studentson19campuses,togetherwiththevitalsafety component Thishasbeenanationallyrecognizedmodelof combinedstudentmentalhealthandschoolsafetyapproachwhich everyschooldistrictinthenationneedsinthiseraoftheunthinkable. Thiswasaccomplishedasapioneeringachievement,workingwith richlyculturallydiversestudentpopulations
MeettheSpeakers.
JohnR.Blosnich(he/him)
nR.Blosnich,PhD,MPH,isanAssociateProfessoratUSC’sSuzanneDworakkSchoolofSocialWorkandDirectoroftheUSCCenterforLGBTQ+Health ity Hisresearchcentersonsuicideprevention,emphasizingsocial erminants,vulnerablepopulations,andpublichealthstrategies Previously, spentnearlyadecadewiththeUS DepartmentofVeteransAffairs,wherehe pioneeringstudiesonhowfactorslikeadversechildhoodexperiencesand portivehousinginfluencesuicideriskamongveterans.Currently,with portfromanNIHNewInnovatorAward,heinvestigateslifedisruptions(eg, orce,foreclosure,unemployment)andcollaborateswithnon-medical torsthatoftenencounterpeopleincrisis Outsideacademia,heenjoys eyball,collectingvintagebooks,andexploringgenealogy.
JeVondaBroussard(he/him)
JeVondaBroussardisa39-year-oldmother journeyreflectsstrength,survival,andperse hardship evenbeforeherfirstbreath she fatherlessness,hermother’sstruggleswitha experiencesoftraumaandabuse.Thesech marks,includingdepression,buttheyalsore resilienceanddetermination Today,shecon embracingthetruththatherpastdoesnotd committedtoturningpainintopurpose,rew showingthathealingandhopearealwaysp
Gina Capobi
GinaCapobiancoha NAMIvolunteerhavin Voicepresentationsa leadsaWritingasaHealingToolWriters GroupforNAMIGlendale. WritinghasbeenahealingtoolforGinasinceshewasyoung.She haswrittenfourpoetrybooksincludingpoemsdescribingherjourney withmentalillnessandamemoirsharingthehopeshehasfoundon thatjourney Ginaalsowritesablogtitled,Bent,NotBroken:Living withDepression ShehaspublishedarticlesonRecoverycomand NAMIGlendale’swebsite.Writinghasbeeninstrumentalinallowing Ginatolivewithmentalillness.Shecreditsherwritingpracticewith helpinghercopewithdepression,anxiety,andsuicidalideation.
MeettheSpeakers.
MichelleCarlson(she/her)
Michellehasbeenworkinginthementalhealthfieldforover20years,from preventionandcrisisworktopolicyandadvocacy Shemostrecentlyservedasthe DirectorofYoungMen’sHealthforNorthAmericaforMovember,wheresheled developmentandimplementationofastrategyfocusedonimprovingthemental healthofyouth,youngmenandtheircommunitiesthroughcommunitycentered programdevelopment,researchandadvocacy–prioritizingsettingssuchassport, gamingandonline ShehasservedontheLA CountyChild&AdolescentDeath ReviewTeamandwasCo-ChairoftheLA CountySuicidePreventionNetworkYouth Workgroup,whereshehelpedleadthedevelopmentofthecountywideYouth AdvisoryBoard.Michellehasastrongcommitmenttosuicideprevention,after losing4lovedones,includingherfather,amentalhealthprofessional,tosuicide.
CarlAndrewCastro(he/him)
CarlCastro,PhD,isaprofessoranddirectorofMilitaryandVeteranProgramsat USC’sSuzanneDworak-PeckSchoolofSocialWork,aswellasdirectoroftheUSCRANDEpsteinFamilyFoundationCenterforVeteransPolicyResearch AUS Army veteranwhoretiredasacolonelaftermorethan30yearsofservice,Dr Castro deployedtoBosniaandHerzegovina,Kosovo,OperationNorthernWatch,andthe IraqWar.Hisresearchfocusesonmilitaryculture,theimpactoftraumaandstress onservicemembersandfamilies,suicideandviolenceprevention,andtransitions intoandoutofmilitaryservice AFellowoftheAmericanPsychologicalAssociation andtheNationalAcademyofSocialWorkandSocialWelfare,healsoserveson severalnationalcommitteesandboards Heistheco-authorofBoysinthe Barracks,thefirstinathree-volumeseriesonlifeintheU.S.Army.
MoniqueCastro(she/her)
MoniqueCastroisaLicensedMarriageandFamilyTherapist,certified professionalcoach,andfounderofIndigenousCircleofWellnessand MoniqueCastroCoaching&Consulting.Withover17yearsofexperience inmentalhealth,leadershipdevelopment,andcommunitywellness,she isdedicatedtosupportingIndigenous,Black,andPeopleofColorthrough culturallyrootedcare AproudDiné(Navajo)andXicanawoman, MoniqueintegratesIndigenouswisdom,somatichealing,and sustainableleadershiptocreatespacesfortransformationandgrowth. Sheisalsotheco-founderoftheCaliforniaNativeVoteProjectandthe So’oh-ShinálíSisterProject.Herlife’sworkiscenteredonbuildingafuture wherewellnessisaccessible,leadershipissustainable,andIndigenous voicesareupliftedineveryspaceofinfluence
MeettheSpeakers.
CristinaCoria(she/her)
CristinaCoriaservednearly15yearsasapoliceofficerwiththeSantaMonicaPolice Department,wheresheworkedinpatrol,vice,gangs,narcotics,crisisnegotiation, andasaschoolresourceofficer Hercareerwasmarkedbyresilienceandsacrifice, survivingtwonear-deathincidentsinthelineofduty includingbeingshotduringa hostagesituationandstruckbyaDUIdriverearlyinhercareer Thoughherinjuries eventuallyledtomedicalretirement,Cristinahastransformedherexperiencesinto advocacyforinjuredofficersandmentalhealthawareness.Shepartnerswith organizationslikeExclusivelyFirstResponderstoprovidepeersupport,develop wellnessprograms,andbuildnetworksofcare Dedicatedtopreventingcrisis pointsandsavingthelivesoffirstresponders,Cristinaiscommittedtoensuring thatthosewhosacrificeforothersneverfacetheirstrugglesalone.
JacquelineDiaz-Fontana(she/her)
JacquelineDiaz-Fontanaisamother,advocate,andcommunityleaderwho transformedthelossofher20-year-oldson,ErickA.Garcia,tosuicideintoa missionofhope.In2018,shefoundedtheErickA.Garcia“YouAreEnough” Foundation,whichhasgrownintoamovementforsuicidepreventionandmental healthawarenessintheAntelopeValley Throughthefoundation,Jacqueline organizescommunityevents,griefsupportgroups,postventioncare,youth workshops,andfreetherapypartnerships,whilealsoleadingtheAVSuicide PreventionCoalition Hereffortshavebeenrecognizedwidely,includingbeing named“WomanoftheYear”in2024byAssemblymanJuanCarrillo With compassionanddedication,shecarriesforwardamessageofhealing:Youare notalone.Youareloved.Youareenough.
o(she/her)
meamothertoababywithseriousmedical olwhileworkingatKFC Despitethese toschool,earnedanMA inSocialWorkfrom eadershiproles,includingdirectorofdropout andexecutivedirectorofhealthandhuman esUnifiedSchoolDistrict.NowaPh.D.candidate olofEducationandInformationStudies,shewas Luskin’sDepartmentofSocialWelfareJoseph ar
MeettheSpeakers.
CherylKarpEskin(she/her)
CherylKarpEskinistheSeniorDirectoratTeenLine,aprogramofDidi HirschMentalHealthServices.TeenLineisateentoteenhotlinewhere teenagerscantalktoatrainedteenlisteneraboutanyproblem,no matterhowbigorsmall Cherylisalsotheco-chairoftheLosAngeles SuicidePreventionNetwork.Cherylstartedhermentalhealthcareerat theageof14asaTeenLinelistener.Shehasbeenlicensedasamarriage andfamilytherapistsince2003.Shehasworkedwithadolescentsina varietyofsettings,includingnonpublicschool,privatepractice,and communitymentalhealth Cherylispassionateaboutdecreasingthe stigmaaroundsuicideanddepressionaswellasthepowerofteens helpingteens
DanielFong(he/him)
DanielFonghasover13yearsofexperienceincommunityorganizing,mobilization, andimplementingaccessiblehealthprogrammingacrosstheSanGabrielValley.He hasworkedwithorganizationsincludingLeadershipPasadena,ActiveSGV,DayOne, andnowservesintheLosAngelesCountyDepartmentofPublicHealth’sOfficeof ViolencePrevention Daniel’sworkcentersoncommunitysafety rangingfrom shapingpoliciesforlarge-scaleeventsandlocalgovernmentstoleadingcoalitions thatreduceviolenceandhostingtheSGVSafetySummitwiththeElMontePolice Department.Mostrecently,hehasadvancedtheCounty’sGunViolencePrevention Platform,trainingmorethan500policeofficers,mentalhealthprofessionals,and communitymembersonGunViolenceRestrainingOrders Guidedbyhisbeliefin buildingvibrant,healthycities,Danielisdedicatedtoadvancingpublichealth, empoweringcommunities,andignitingmeaningfulchange.
andaFagan(she/her)
daFaganhasservedastheDirectorofPlanningandSustainabilityforthe raCountyTransportationCommission(VCTC)since2019,wheresheoversees rogramareasincludingRegionalTransportationPlanning,AirportLandUse mission,MotoristAidServices,andtheSantaPaulaBranchLinerailroad.Priorto gVCTC,AmandaservedastheCommunityPlanningLiaisonOfficerforNaval VenturaCountyandasaProjectManagerfortheDepartmentofDefense ofEconomicAdjustment Amandaholdsamaster’sdegreeinresources andbehaviorfromtheSchoolofNaturalResourcesandEnvironmentatthe UniversityofMichigan,andabachelor’sdegreeinpoliticalscienceandsociology fromTulaneUniversity
MeettheSpeakers.
DanielFong(he/him)
ielFonghasover13yearsofexperienceincommunityorganizing,mobilization, implementingaccessiblehealthprogrammingacrosstheSanGabrielValley.He workedwithorganizationsincludingLeadershipPasadena,ActiveSGV,DayOne, nowservesintheLosAngelesCountyDepartmentofPublicHealth’sOfficeof encePrevention Daniel’sworkcentersoncommunitysafety rangingfrom pingpoliciesforlarge-scaleeventsandlocalgovernmentstoleadingcoalitions treduceviolenceandhostingtheSGVSafetySummitwiththeElMontePolice artment Mostrecently,hehasadvancedtheCounty’sGunViolencePrevention form,trainingmorethan500policeofficers,mentalhealthprofessionals,and mmunitymembersonGunViolenceRestrainingOrders Guidedbyhisbeliefin dingvibrant,healthycities,Danielisdedicatedtoadvancingpublichealth, poweringcommunities,andignitingmeaningfulchange.
JasirFranklin (he/him)
JasirFranklinisaSpiritualCoach,OriPractitioner,andthevisionary founderofHealPTHD.com.AnativeofSouthCentralLosAngeles,he developedtheRewireAcademytohelpindividualsuproothood-based trauma,cultivatestrongcharacter,andharvestpurposethrougha uniqueagronomistlens.
Dr.StaceyFreedenthal(she/her)
StaceyFreedenthal,PhD,LCSW,isapsychotherapist,educator,and writerspecializinginhelpingpeoplewhoexperiencesuicidalthoughts orbehavior.She’sauthoredtwobooks:HelpingtheSuicidalPerson: TipsandTechniquesforProfessionals(Routledge;2018)andLoving SomeonewithSuicidalThoughts:WhatFamily,Friends,andPartners CanSayandDo(NewHarbinger;2023) Dr Freedenthalalsocreated andmaintainsthewebsiteSpeakingofSuicide,andshehasauthored orco-authoredmorethan35peer-reviewedarticlesandbook chaptersaboutsuicidalityandrelatedtopics.
MeettheSpeakers.
PJGagajena (he/him)
PJGagajenaservesasCityManagerfortheCityofMoorpark,whereheleadsastaff of78employeesandoverseesanannualbudgetof$81million.Priortohispromotion oCityManagerinJune2025,GagajenaservedasMoorpark’sAssistantCityManager, whereheinstitutedemployeeengagementinitiativestotransformworkculture, advancednewmentalhealthservicesandprograms,andguidedstaffandthe communitythroughtheunprecedentedchallengesoftheCOVID-19pandemic. Gagajenahasover25yearsoflocalgovernmentexperienceworkingforthecitiesof ndio,LosAngeles,NewYork,andTorrance.Gagajenaholdsmaster’sdegreesinpublic policyandurbanplanningfromHarvardUniversity,abachelor’sdegreeinpolitical ciencefromUCLA
DanielleGautt(she/her)
DanielleGautt,LCSW,istheDirectorofEquity,Diversity,Inclusion,andA (EDIA)fortheLosAngelesCountyDepartmentofHealthServices,then largestmunicipalhealthsystem.Withover19yearsofexperienceasa socialworker,shehasdedicatedhercareertosuicideprevention,crisi expandingequitablementalhealthservices Daniellebeganherworka DepartmentofMentalHealth,wheresheprovidedcrisiscareandledy programs,andlateradvancedequityandaccessinitiativesinhighere Stanford,UW–Madison,andUSC.Herworkemphasizesaddressingstru socialdeterminantsofmentalhealth includingracism,poverty,ands discrimination andsheremainsapassionateadvocateforculturally identity-affirmingcare Danielleholdsmaster’sdegreesinPublicAdmi (CSUN)andSocialWelfarewithafocusonCommunityMentalHealth( aswellasabachelor’sinUrbanStudies(LMU).
ChristinaGhaly(she/her)
Dr.ChristinaGhalyhasservedasDirectoroftheLosAngelesCountyDepartment ofHealthServices(DHS)since2018,wheresheoverseesfourpublichospitals,24 outpatientclinics,theOfficeofDiversionandRe-entry,HousingforHealth, CorrectionalHealthServices,andtheCounty’sEmergencyMedicalServices Agency.Sheleadsstrategic,operational,andclinicalinitiativestoensureDHS meetstheneedsofLosAngelesCounty’smostvulnerablepopulations. Previously,shewasDHSChiefOperationsOfficerandalsoservedasDeputy DirectorforStrategyandOperations,aswellasInterimCEOofOliveView–UCLA MedicalCenterandLAGeneralMedicalCenter.AgraduateofHarvardMedical SchoolwithresidencytrainingininternalmedicineatUCSF,Dr.Ghalycontinues toprovidepatientcareinurgentcareatLAGeneral.
MeettheSpeakers.
RuthGolden (she/her)
RuthGoldenisatelevisionproduceranddocumentaryfilmmakerwhohasmadeLos AngelesherhomeaftergrowingupinTexasandattendingCarletonCollegein Minnesota.Shebuiltasuccessfulcareerproducingdocumentary,live,studio,and ealityprogrammingformajorcablenetworksbeforecombiningherproductionskills andpersonaljourneyintoherdocumentaryTheSilentGoldens Thefilmcapturesthe irstconversationswithherfamilyabouthermother’s1985suicideandtheirshared experienceaslosssurvivors.After30yearsofsilence,Ruthbeganherownhealing hroughinvolvementwiththeAmericanFoundationforSuicidePreventionandDidi Hirsch’sSurvivorsAfterSuicideprogram,whereshediscoveredthepowerof conversationinbreakingstigmaandfosteringhealing Throughherfilmand advocacy,sheseekstosupportlosssurvivors,encouragedialogue,andraise awarenessaboutthelastingimpactofsuicide.
KenziiRoseGraves(she/her)
Kenziiwasforcedtofacethetragiclossofher29yearoldbrother,Jontosuicide inJanuary2020.Allshewantedwasfortheworldtostopspinning,shethought howcouldeverythingkeepgoingonasifnothinghappened?Thatwasuntilshe foundtheloveandsupportofSuicidelossgriefgroup,SOLACE.Laterthatyearher friendReek,alsotookhislife Butsheknewwheretogoandhowtoaskforhelp AftersometimeregularlyattendingSOLACEshewasaskedtoco-facilitate,which shestillcontinuesalongwithvolunteeringwithHealingConversations.Shehas foundbyhelpingothersshecanunlocknewpartsofherownhealingjourney. Shecontinuestobeanavidlearnerofthegriefspaceandapassionate advocate
DorothyGoulah(she/her)
Dorothyisagriefeducator,lifecoach,andfacilitatordedicatedtosupporting survivorsofsuicideloss.Atage62,shebecamethefirstinherextendedfamilyto graduatefromcollege,earningaBAandlateranMAinSociologyfromCalifornia StateUniversity,Northridge Heraward-winningthesisonsuicidelosssurvivors waspublishedintheOMEGA:JournalofDeathandDying,andherpersonalessay onsuicideappearedinQualitativeInquiry Dorothyfacilitatespeer-ledsupport groupsatSolaceinLosAngeles,chairstheGreaterLosAngelesandCentral CoastchapteroftheAmericanFoundationforSuicidePrevention,and coordinatesitsHealingConversationprogramofferingone-on-onesupport She isalsotrainedasamediator,crisisresponder,andrestorativejusticevolunteer, bringingextensiveexperienceandcompassiontoherworkwithindividuals navigatinggriefandloss.
MeettheSpeakers.
NinaGutin(she/her)
NinaJ Gutin,PhD isaClinicalPsychologistinPasadena,California Sheconducts trainingsinSuicideAssessment,InterventionandPostvention,isontheAdvisoryBoard andfacilitates“SurvivorsAfterSuicide”groupsfortheDidiHirschSuicidePrevention CenterandisamemberoftheLosAngelesSuicidePreventionNetwork.Sheisonthe BoardofAustenRiggsCenter,anopenresidentialtreatmentfacilityinStockbridge, MA Sheisco-chairoftheCoalitionofClinician-Survivors(whichsupportsclinicians afterpersonalandprofessionalsuicidelosses)andhaspublishedseveralarticles aboutSuicideLossandPostvention Sincethelossofherbrothertosuicidein1995,she hasworkedwithmanyorganizationsthataimtopromotecomprehensiveresponses totheneedsforeffectivesuicidereduction,interventionandpostvention.Sheisalso involvedwithseveralorganizationswhichaimtochallengethewaysinwhichsuicidal experiencesareconventionallyunderstoodandtreated
DerekHsieh(he/him)
DerekK.Hsieh,LCSW,Ph.D.istheMentalHealthClinicalProgramHeadatthe AngelesCountyDepartmentofMentalHealth’sLongBeachAsianPacificIsla FamilyMentalHealthCenter HehasextensiveexperienceleadingPsychiatri ResponseTeams(PMRT)incrisissituationsandconsultingwithlawenforcem negotiations Adedicatedadvocateforsuicideprevention,Dr Hsiehisanau AMSRtrainerwiththeSuicidePreventionResourceCentersince2014andhas disastermentalhealthservicesinternationallywiththeRedCrossandTzuC Foundation Hehaspublishedwidelyonadolescentbehavior,diagnosis,and judgment Outsideofwork,heenjoysoceanswimming,yoga,hiking,andtra friends
MargaritaIvanova(she/her)
Dr MargaritaIvanovaisanattendingphysicianincombinedinternalmedicine andpediatricsatLAGeneralMedicalCenter,whereshealsocompletedher residency.OriginallyfromSofia,Bulgaria,shehaslivedinCaliforniasinceher teensandpreviouslytaughtthroughTeachforAmericaandinLosAngelespublic schools,whereshefoundedalastinghealthsciencesmentorshipprogram In additiontoprovidingprimarycare,sheteachesresidentsandmedicalstudents andhasbeenrecognizedbytheKeckSchoolofMedicineforoutstanding instruction.Dr.Ivanovaisdedicatedtoempoweringpatientstoreceivethesame high-qualitycareshewouldwantforherownfamily
MeettheSpeakers.
KatishaJallow(she/her)
KatishaJallowisaretiredUS Armyveteranwith23yearsofserviceandtheExecutive DirectoroftheCaliforniaSuicidePreventionNetwork(CALISPN).Drawingonher militarybackgroundandpersonalexperiences,sheadvocatesformentalwellness throughculturallyrelevant,creativeapproaches,includingmusicandcoaching Katisharegularlyfacilitatesworkshopssuchashersignatureprogram,Turning StrugglesIntoStrength,andalsoservesasaVocationalRehabilitationSpecialistfor theVA.Sheisdedicatedtoempoweringindividualstoheal,thrive,andfindstrength throughidentity,purpose,andcommunity.
IsaKujawski(she/her)
IsaKujawskiisatwo-timesuicidelosssurvivor,Navyveteran,andLieutenant CommanderintheNavyReserveswhoselife’sworkcentersonsuicidepreventionand mentalresilience.Aftermorethanadecadeofactiveduty,includingdeploymentsto IraqandAfghanistan,Isaturnedherlivedexperienceintoamissiontotransformhow weapproachmentalhealth AsthefounderofMeaNutrition,sheintegratesherclinic expertiseasafunctionalRegisteredDietitianwithtrauma-informedstrategiesto addresstherootcausesofmentaldistress FormerlyattheIntrepidSpiritCenteratFt BelvoirsupportingveteranswithPTSDandTraumaticBrainInjury,Isanowspeaks nationwideatmilitaryinstallationsandleadershipevents.Shebringsadeeply personalandpracticalperspectivetotheLASPNSurvivorsPanel,emphasizingthat healingisnotjustcrisisintervention it’sbuildingdailysystemsofsupportthatmake lifefeelworthliving
SandriKramer(she/her)
SandriKramerservesastheDirectorofCommunityRelationsforDidiHirschMental HealthServices-SuicidePreventionCenter DidiHirschMentalHealthServiceshas providedmentalhealth,substanceusedisorderandsuicidepreventionservicessince 1942.DidiHirschprovidescompassionatewhole-personcaretomorethan233,000 peopleannuallyacrossitsprograms DidiHirschishometothenation’sfirstand largestSuicidePreventionCenter,whichservedandtrainedmorethan226,000 individualsin2023.
MeettheSpeakers.
ArvisJones(she/her)
Jones,BAMT,MA,PhD,isapioneeringAfricanAmericanMusicTherapist griefspecialist ShewasamongthefirstAfricanAmericanMusic apistsatArts&ServicesfortheDisabledandservedasthefirstMusic apistatLosAngelesChildGuidanceCenter.AformerAssistantDirectorof CenterforGriefandLossforChildren,Arvishassupportedchildren,youth, ors,andfamiliesimpactedbygrief,trauma,andawiderangeof noses.Followingthetragiclossofhersonin2008,shecreatedagriefand programforLAUSD,sponsoredbytheLACityAttorney’sOffice,andhas ortedvictimsalongsidetheLAMayor’sCrisisResponseTeamandLAPD oredwithnumerousawards,Arviscontinuestotrainandinspire essionalsnationwidethroughherexpertiseingrief,loss,trauma,and ng.
JosephKibe(he/him)
JosephKibeisaSeniorProjectManagerattheCaliforniaDepartmentof Transportation(Caltrans),whereheleadscomplextransportationprojects acrossLosAngelesandVenturaCounties.Josephguidesmultidisciplinaryteams througheveryphaseofdevelopmentfrominitialplanningandcoordinationto executionandcompletionensuringprojectsmeetbothtechnicalstandardsand communityneeds Beforesteppingintohiscurrentrole,Josephservedin Caltrans’OfficeofSafety,conductingsafetyandoperationalstudieson California’sstatehighwaysystem.HisearlierworkintheOfficeofDesigninvolved theengineeringanddesignofhighwayinfrastructure,givinghimastrong foundationinbothtechnicalexecutionandpolicy-drivenplanning Josephbringsaholisticunderstandingoftransportationsystems,combining fieldexpertisewithacommitmenttopublicserviceandsustainablemobility.
AnaLeiva,MPA(she/her)
AnaLeiva,MPAisapublichealthandsocialservicesprofessionalwithover18 yearsofexperienceservingLosAngelesCounty’snonprofitandpublicsectors. SheiscurrentlyaSeniorHealthProgramAnalystwiththeOfficeofViolence Prevention,wheresheleadsyouthsuicidepreventioninitiativesandcare coordinationinhighlyimpactedcommunities Previously,shemanagedthe CalWORKsHomeVisitingProgramandheldleadershiprolesatMaternaland ChildHealthAccess,expandingoutreachandstrengtheninghomevisitation services.BorninElSalvadorandraisedinMetroLosAngeles,Anabringsboth livedandprofessionalexperiencetoherequity-driven,community-centered work
MeettheSpeakers.
Linder(she/her)
eristheFounderofExclusivelyFirstResponders(EFR),anonprofitdedicated healthandaddictionsupportforfirstresponders Withover30yearsof einrecoveryandbehavioralhealth andasarecoveredalcoholicherself gsbothprofessionalexpertiseandlivedexperiencetoherworkaddressing ction,andsuicideinhigh-stressprofessions Underherleadership,EFRhas trustedresourcenationwide,andthroughpartnershipsliketheinnovative StayWellplatform,shecontinuestobreakdownstigmaandprovidelifepportforfirstrespondersandveterans.
ZacMartin(he/him)
Pastor,faithrootedandcommunityorganizer,activistPastorZacMartinhasbeena pastorinvariouscapacitiespredominantlyworkingwithmarginalizedcommunities forthelast10+years.Zacrecentlysteppedintotheroleasdirectorofworkforceand education,attheAnti-RecidivismCoalition,providingeconomicandeducational opportunitiesforfolksimpactedbythecriminallegalsystem Heisalsotheexecutive directorandleadorganizerforTrellis,acommunitydevelopmentnonprofitthatbuilds purposefulcollaborationstoaddressinjusticewithafocusoneconomic,housing, criminallegalandfoodinjustice.
Dr.KelliMcSwan(she/her)
Dr.KelliMcSwanisalicensedclinicalpsychologistwithover25yearsof experienceinassessment,psychotherapy,andneuropsychology.Shehasheld leadershipandclinicalrolesatRanchoLosAmigosNationalRehabilitation Center,theVAMedicalCenterinLomaLinda,andCasaColinaCentersfor Rehabilitation,whereshedirectedprogramsaddressingworkplaceviolence, peersupport,andtraumaticbraininjuryrehabilitation.Dr.McSwaniscurrentlya WellnessPsychologistwiththeDepartmentofHealthServices,dedicatedto fosteringresilienceandadvancingmentalhealthinhigh-stressenvironments
MeettheSpeakers.
RickMogil(he/him)
RickisasuicidelosssurvivorandCoordinatorofSuicideBereavementProgramsat DidiHirschMentalHealthServices SincelosinghisyoungerbrotherEdin2003,hehas dedicatedhisworktosupportingsurvivorsthroughtheSurvivorsAfterSuicidegroups andleadingdebriefingsforfamilies,schools,andorganizationsafterasuicide Rick hasprovidedsuicidepreventiontrainingsince2005tolawenforcement,educators, faithleaders,andcommunitygroups.AgraduateofCSUDominguezHills,healso servesontheLosAngelesSuicidePreventionNetwork
ElisabethNails(she/her)
ElisabethNails,MSW,PPSC(she/her)isadedicatedprogramspecialistattheLos AngelesCountyDepartmentofArtsandCulture,wheresheleadsCreativeWellbein aninitiativethatintegratesculturallyresponsive,healing-centeredartsandmenta healthstrategiestofostersocial-emotionaldevelopment,resilience,andhealingfo youngpeopleimpactedbythechildwelfareandfostercaresystem.Priortoearnin herMaster’sdegreeinSocialWelfarefromtheUCLALuskinSchoolofPublicAffairs, ElisabethservedasassistantdirectorattheUCLAArt&GlobalHealthCenter,where sheco-producedtheglobalarts-basedpublichealthinterventionThroughPositive EyesincitiesincludingLosAngeles,Washington,D.C.,Durban,Port-au-Prince,Londo andBangkok.
WilliamOrtega(he/him)
WilliamOrtegahasservedLosAngelesCountyforover24years,including20withthe DepartmentofMentalHealth.HisexperiencespansroleswiththePublicGuardian’s Office,ServiceArea4AdultFullServicePartnership,andextensivecollaborationwith lawenforcement,courts,corrections,andstatehospitals WilliamiscurrentlyaGun ViolenceRestrainingOrder(GVRO)SystemsNavigatorwiththeOfficeofViolence Prevention,wherehetrainsandeducatesagenciesandcommunitiesacrossLA Countytohelpreducegunviolence.HeholdsaBAinSociology/CriminalJusticefrom CSULAandanMPAfromCSUN
MeettheSpeakers.
OurHouseGriefSupport
OurHouseGriefSupportCenterprovidesasafe,compassionatespacethathonors eachperson’suniquegriefjourney,withaspecialfocusonreducingthestigma surroundingsuicideloss Inadditiontodirectsupportservices,theSpanish CommunityProgramofferspsychoeducationintheLatinxcommunitytobuild understandingofsuicidality,promoteempatheticresponses,andconnectindividuals withappropriateresources.TheCenter’smissionistofosterhealing,confidence,and open,stigma-freeconversationsaroundgriefandmentalhealth.
JenniferPenalber(he/him)
JenifferPenalber,LCSWisalicensedclinicalsocialworkerandownerofResilient TherapyCenter,wheresheprovidesbilingual,evidence-basedmentalhealthservices forchildren,teens,andadults Specializingintrauma-focusedcare,sheincorporates CBT,DBT,TF-CBT,CPT,Narrative,andSolution-Focusedtherapiestosupporthealing andresilience Withextensiveexperienceincommunitymentalhealthandmedical socialwork,Jenifferpartnerswithchildwelfaresystemsandcommunityorganizations toaddresstheneedsofvulnerablepopulations.Sheisdedicatedtomakingculturally responsive,accessiblecareavailabletoallandempoweringindividualsandfamilies tobuildstrengthandhopeforthefuture MiaLivasPorter(she/her)
MiaLivasPorteristhePolicyAnalystandInterimLeadoftheGunViolencePrevention PlatformwiththeLACountyOfficeofViolencePrevention.Miaisagunviolence Survivor,along-timeMomsDemandActionvolunteer,andaformerCandidateforthe CaliforniaAssembly Shecreatedandledstate,regional,andnation-widetrainingson gunviolencepreventionwork(especiallyonsuicideprevention)andhassharedher survivorstoryontelevision,podcasts,panels,andonthestepsoftheUSCapitol.In addition,Miaisamomoftwoboys,whoare17and13.
MeettheSpeakers.
VenPyinnyardhikalinkara(he/him)
en Pyinnyardhikalinkara(Paññādhikālaṅkāra)isaTheravadaBuddhistmonk ndfounderofthePyinnyaryaungchiBuddhistEducationCentreinYangon, yanmar.HehasservedasRegistrarandAssociateProfessoratMahāvihāra hamma-VinayaUniversityandasamemberofMyanmar’sCentralExamination oardinAbhidhamma&Visuddhimagga Trainedinthetraditionalmonastic steminMandalay,heholdsmultipledistinguisheddegreesinBuddhiststudies ndearnedhisM.A.fromtheUniversityofPeradeniya,SriLanka.AteacherofPāli, bhidhamma,andmeditationforstudentsworldwide,heiscurrentlyaPh.D. andidateinBuddhistStudiesattheUniversityoftheWest
KenniaReyes(she/her)
KenniaiscurrentlyservingastheYoungAdultInstitute(YAI)CALantermanSTART ProgramDirectorinLosAngelesCounty Throughoutherprofessionalcareer,Kennia hasmadenotablecontributionstothefieldofmentalhealthworkingwithandon behalfofindividualsexperiencingco-occurringmentalhealthneeds.Havingbegun hercareerinsocialworkpractices,Kennia'sexperienceincludesdirectservices,case management,crisismanagement,communityadvocacyforvulnerablepopulations, andpolicywork.Currently,Kennialeadsasystemsbasedcrisispreventionand interventionprogramspecificallyservingindividualswithco-occurringID/MHneeds.
EricRice(he/him)
EricRiceisaprofessor,associatedeanforresearch,andfoundingco-directorofthe USCCenterforAIinSociety.WithabackgroundinsociologyfromtheUniversityof ChicagoandStanford,Ricespecializesinsocialnetworkscienceandcommunitybasedresearch Hisworkfocusesonyouthexperiencinghomelessness,exploringhow socialnetworksshaperiskandresilience,andleveragingAItodevelopinnovative solutionstochallengeslikehomelessnessandHIV.
MeettheSpeakers.
MercedesSantoro(she/her)
MercedesSantoroistheAssistantDirectorforLACountyParks’EastAgency,whereshe leadstheRecreation&CommunityServicesDivisionserving4,000squaremilesof unincorporatedcommunities WithpriorleadershiprolesinLACounty,theCityof Pasadena,andPasadenaUnified,sheco-foundedtheOurSPOTTeenCenterand servesasViceChairoftheLACountyChildren’sPolicyRoundtable.HoldinganEd.D.in OrganizationalLeadership,Mercedesisapublishedresearcherdedicatedtoequitydriven,community-basedprogramsforyouthandfamilies
KristenSakoda(she/her)
KristinSakodaisDirectoroftheLosAngelesCountyDepartmentofArtsandCulture, wheresheleadsprogramsadvancingarts,culture,andcreativitywithafocuson culturalequityandinclusion.Anartsexecutive,attorney,andperformingartistwith over25yearsofexperience,shehasappearedoninternationalstages,including BroadwayproductionsofRentandMammaMia! Previously,sheservedattheNew YorkCityDepartmentofCulturalAffairsoverseeinga$200Mportfolioofstrategicand equity-driveninitiatives.KristinholdsaJ.D.fromNYUSchoolofLawandaB.A.from StanfordUniversity.
SeralunaSanchez(she/her)
IamSeralunaSanchez,aproudmomoftwo,multimediaartist,environmental advocate,formersurvivalsexworker,aswellasamultiplesuicideattemptsurvivor, andapeersupportandsuicidepreventiontrainer.Ihaveconsultedonpeer support/crisisde-escalation/suicidepreventioncurriculumsuchastheDisaster DistressHelpline’sOnlinePeerSupportCommunitiesSurvivorsofMassViolenceand theLibraryAllyandPatronInteractionTrainingprogram.Iamaco-leadofLiving BeyondSuicide,aninitiativededicatedtoelevatingthevoicesofthemissingexperts insuicideprevention-thatis,theoneswhohavebeenthere. Myartcentersaround utilizingvisualmetaphorsinordertospirituallyimpacttheworld Asmybeloved professor,Radke,usedtotellme,“Idon’tknowifthegodsread,butIknowthatthey lookatpictures.”Mybeliefintheuseofarttochangeone’sworldishowIapproach mypartincommunityhealingandreducingmyownsuicidalintensity.
MeettheSpeakers.
SydneySeff(she/her)
SydneySeffisa17-year-oldsophomoreatSantaMonicaCollege,acompetitive gymnast,coach,crafter,anddedicatedTeenLineListener.ThroughTeenLine,she hasdevotedcountlesshourstosupportingpeersincrisis,learningthe importanceofempathy,patience,andconnection Outsideofhervolunteerwork, Sydneytrainsandcompetesingymnastics,coachesyoungathletes,and expresseshercreativitythroughembroidery,crochet,andpainting Shehopesto pursueacareerinmentalhealthandispassionateaboutadvocacy,awareness, andupliftingothers.
BrianStefan(he/him)
BrianStefan,LCSWisagrieftherapist,professor,andfounderoftheCaliforniaGrief Center.Aformernationalsecurityprofessionalturnedsocialworker,hespecializesin traumaticgrief,suicideprevention,andcollectivehealing.HecreatedCatharsis Theater,anexperientialmodelcombiningpsychodrama,storytelling,andcommunal witnessing,withover40eventssince2023 Formorethanadecade,Brianhasserved onthehotlineandsupervisoryteamatDidiHirsch’sSuicidePreventionCenterand teachesgriefandtraumacoursesatCalStateLA.
MadelineTrachtenberg(she/her)
MadelineTrachtenberg,MSW,ASWisamentalhealthprofessionalspecializingin prolongedgriefandsuicidebereavement.Shedevelopeda12-weekgrouptherapy curriculumforsurvivorsofsuicideloss,emphasizingtrauma-informedcare,selfcompassion,andpost-traumaticgrowth CurrentlyatherapistatDidiHirsch’s ExcelsiorHouseinLosAngeles,Madelinehasworkedextensivelywithveteransfacing homelessness,PTSD,andco-occurringdisorders.Hermissionistodestigmatize suicideandcreatespaceswheresurvivorscansharetheirstorieswithhonesty,hope, andhealing
MeettheSpeakers.
IsraelVargas(he/him)
IsraelVargasistheClinicalDirectorforLantermanSTART,whereheleadsclinical oversight,supervision,andconsultationtostrengthenmentalhealthservicesfor individualswithintellectualanddevelopmentaldisabilities(ID/DD) With expertiseinsystem-widecapacitybuilding,heguidesclinicaleducation,staff training,andprovidercollaborationtoensureeffectiveimplementationofthe STARTmodel anevidence-basedapproachpromotingindependenceand communityintegration.Passionateaboutempoweringindividualsandimproving servicesystems,Israelisdedicatedtoadvancingqualitycareandlastingimpact intheID/DDandmentalhealthfield
SylvannaVargas(she/her)
Dr.SylvannaM.VargasisaLicensedClinicalPsychologistandAssistantProfessorof PsychologyatSanDiegoStateUniversity,aswellasDirectorofCollectiveMental Health.Herresearchdevelopslarge-scale,culturallyresponsivesolutionstoreduce suicidedisparitiesamongunderservedyouth,particularlysexualminorityyouthof color Shefocusesontheroleofdiscriminationandsocialsupport,implementing evidence-basedinterventionsinschoolsandhelplines,andleveragingtechnologyto expandaccess.Dr.VargasearnedherMPHandPhDinClinicalSciencefromUSC, completedtrainingattheVAandUCLA,andhasreceivedsupportfromtheNIH,Ford Foundation,andotherleadingorganizations
MonicaVega(she/her)
MonicaVegaisProgramsManageratInsideOUTWriters,wheresheoverseesyouth diversioncasemanagersandfacilitatescreativewritingcirclesinjuvenilefacilities andthecommunity Withoversixyearsofexperiencesupportingsystem-impacted andformerlyincarceratedyouthandadults,shespecializesintrauma-informed, community-basedprogrammingandstrategicpartnershipdevelopment.Monica holdsaB.S.andM.S.inCriminalJusticeandCriminologyfromNortheasternUniversity andispursuingaDoctorateofSocialWorkatUSC,focusingonculturallyresponsive andequitablepreventionanddiversionprograms
MeettheSpeakers.
TristanWebster(he/him)
F.D.TristanWebster,Psy.D.isalicensedclinicalpsychologistwithabackgroundin neuropsychologyandextensiveexperienceinbothprofessionalandlived perspectivesofmentalhealth ThesonofanLCSW,hehasbeenimmersedin psychologysinceyouthandbringsinsightfromhisownexperiencesasa neurodivergent,mixed-raceindividualandmentalhealthservicesconsumer.Dr. Webstercurrentlyservesasawell-beingpsychologistwithLosAngelesCounty HealthServicesontheWorkforceWell-Beingteam,wherehesupportsresilience andgrowthinothers
AndreaWelsing,MPH(she/her)
AndreaWelsing,MPHistheDirectoroftheOfficeofViolencePrevention(OVP)atthe LosAngelesCountyDepartmentofPublicHealth,wheresheleadscountywide strategiesforviolenceprevention,intervention,andtrauma-informedcare.Herwork includesoversightoftheNationalViolentDeathReportingSysteminLACountyand theTraumaPreventionInitiative,whichadvancescommunityandhospital-based violenceinterventionandstreetoutreach Withabackgroundspanningpublichealth, nonprofitleadership,andhospital-baseddomesticandsexualviolenceresponse,she bringsmorethantwodecadesofexperiencetoherrole.AndreaisalsoactiveinLA County’sAnti-Racism,Diversity,andInclusioneffortsasamemberofthePublicHealth EquityActionTeam
DottiYsais(she/her)
DottiYsaisisProjectDirectorIIIfortheLosAngelesCountyOfficeofEducation’sCenter forDistanceandOnlineLearning(CDOL) WithovertwodecadesatLACOEand15 yearsofpriorK–8teachingandadministrativeexperience,shehaschampioned equitable,student-centerededucationthroughtechnology-enhancedlearning, culturallyrelevantartseducation,andsocial-emotionallearninginitiatives.Dotti spearheadedtheSuicidePreventionOngoingResiliencyTraining(SPORT)projectto strengthenmentalhealthandsuicidepreventioneffortsinunderservedcommunities Sheisatwo-timeALACOSAAdministratoroftheYearandrecipientoftheACSAFred KieselMemorialDistinguishedServiceAward.
Sessions. 2025
September12,2025
RiseTogether:TransformingPaininto CollectivePower
Presenters:AnaAmador,JenniferPenalber
Thisinteractive60-minuteworkshopoffersproviderstraumainformed,culturallyresponsivestrategiesforsuicideprevention, centeredonhealing,resilience,andcollectiveaccountability.Aligned withthetheme“TransformingPainintoPurpose,Buildinga CommunityofHope,”thesessionhighlightsbestpracticesfor supportingchildren,youth,andfamilies—particularlythosefrom BIPOC,LGBTQIA2-S+,immigrant,andrefugeecommunities
Participantswillexplorekeytopicsincludingacculturativestress, intergenerationalandracialtrauma,andtheimpactofstigmaon mentalhealth.RoomR304
ThePowerofPERMA+ToInstillHopeIn IndividualsWithDevelopmentalDisabilities: APathwayToSuicidePrevention
Presenters:KenniaReyesVargas,IsraelVargas
Thissessionexplorestheuniquementalhealthandsuicideprevention needsofindividualswithco-occurringintellectualanddevelopmental disabilities(IDD).UsingthePERMA+model PositiveEmotion,Engagement, Relationships,Meaning,Accomplishment,andHealth participantswill learnhowtofosterresilience,hope,andmentalwellness.Through evidence-basedstrategiesandreal-worldapplications,thispresentation highlightshowPERMA+canbeatransformative,strengths-based approachtosupportingindividualswithIDDinbuildinglivesfilledwith purposeandconnection.RoomR205
WorkplaceWellnessAsSuicidePrevention
Presenters:TristanWebster,KelliMcSwan
ThispresentationfromtheLACountyHealthServicesWorkforceWellbeingOfficeexploresstrategiestoaddressthecomplexwellness challengesfacingtoday’sworkforce.Focusingonissueslikemoral injury,trauma,andthesearchformeaninginwork,thesession highlightstheSurgeonGeneral’sWorkforceWell-beingFramework anditsconnectiontosuiciderisk.Throughresearchinsightsanda powerfullivedexperiencecasestudy,participantswillgainadeeper understandingofhowindividualandorganizationalsupportcan promoteresilienceandreducerisk andhowtheseapproachescan beappliedacrossdiverseworkplacesettings.RoomE320
Sessions. 2025
September12,2025
FromSuicideToWellbeing:Buddhist Psychological,&HolisticApproachesTo EnhanceResilience&Wellbeing
Presenters:VenPyinnyardhikalinkara,DerekHsieh
This90-minuteexperientialworkshopbeginswithanoverviewofkey suicidetheoriesandrisk/protectivefactors,layingthefoundationfor effectiveintervention.DrawingfromBuddhist,psychological,and holistictraditions,presenterswillintroduceevidence-informed practicesthatbuildresilienceandenhancewell-being.Participants willengageinguidedexercisessuchasLovingKindnessMeditation, self-compassion,mindfulness,acceptance,andgratitudepractices toolsthatcanbeintegratedintobothpersonalandprofessional settingstosupportsuicidepreventionandemotionalhealing. RoomC106
ImplementingAFamily-Based,TraumaInformedSuicidePreventionInterventionIn Low-ResourcedSchools
Presenters:LaurelBear,SylvannaVargas
Thissessionaddressesthepersistentdisparitiesinsuicidepreventionfor raciallyminoritizedyouthinunder-resourcedschools.Presenterswillshare findingsfromaRollOutImplementationOptimization(ROIO)trial evaluatingthefeasibilityofimplementingSAFETY-A,afamily-based, trauma-informedintervention,acrossfourSouthernCaliforniaschool districts.Thesessionwillhighlightbarriers,facilitators,andimplementation strategiesneededtoadaptevidence-basedpracticestodiverseschool settings advancingequitablementalhealthsupportforvulnerableyouth. SexsonAuditorium
GunViolenceRestrainingOrders-ALittle KnownToolToHelpPreventSuicide
Presenters:WilliamOrtega,DanielFong,AnaLeiva Agunviolencerestrainingorder(GVRO's)isalittleknownresource thatcanbeusedbybothlawenforcementandthepublictohelp preventgunviolencebysuicide.Educatingstakeholdersandthe communityatlarge,aboutthisavailableresourcecanprovide anotherpreventivemeasuretodeteranindividualfromhurting themselvesorothers.Inaddition,knowingthattheOfficeofViolence PreventionhastwoGVROnavigatorsthatareabletoassistduringthe GVRPprocess,fromstarttofinish,canhelpminimizethepainofa victimbyprovidingasupportsystem,ofguidanceandadvocacy. RoomsR309&R307
Sessions. 2025
September12,2025
TransformingPainIntoPurpose: StrengtheningTheEcosystemOfSupport ForMilitary-ConnectedCommunities
Presenters:TinaAtherall,EricRice,CarlCastro,John Blosnich
Thispanelexploresinnovative,community-centeredstrategiesfor suicidepreventionamongservicemembers,Veterans,andtheir families.FeaturingexpertsfromUSC’sCenterforArtificialIntelligence inSociety(CAIS)andPsychArmor,thesessionhighlightshowsocial networks,AI,andculturallyinformedtrainingcanempowertrusted individualsandequipcommunitiesnationwidetobuildproactive, compassionatesystemsofsupport RoomR518
ExploringTheNatureofSuicide:HowIsIt Understood,Experienced,Judged&Treated?
Presenters:NinaGutin
Inthisthought-provokingsession,Dr.Gutininvitesattendeestocritically examinehowsuicideiscommonlyunderstood,judged,andtreated especiallywithinpsychiatricandmentalhealthframeworks.Sheexplores howprevailingassumptionsandlanguagemayunintentionallycontribute tostigmaandoverlookthebroader,non-psychiatricdriversofsuicidal distress.Highlightingtheworkoflivedexperienceadvocatesandcritical suicidologists,Dr.Gutinencouragesamoreexpansive,compassionate viewofsuicide onethatdeepensunderstandingandleadstomore supportive,person-centeredcare.RoomC106
TurningStrugglesIntoStrength:How Music,Culture,&CoachingSupport MentalHealth
Presenters:KatishaJallow
JoinUS ArmyVeteranandCALISPNfounderKatishaJallowasshe sharesherpowerfuljourneyofhealingthroughmusic,culturalidentity, andlifecoaching Thisinspiringsessionexploreshowcreative expressionandstorytellingcanhelpprocessemotionalpainand navigatelifetransitions particularlyforunderservedcommunities, immigrants,andVeterans.Blendingpersonalinsightwithpractical tools,KatishahighlightshowCALISPNempowersindividualsthrough culturallyrespectfulcoaching,mentalhealthsupport,andaccessto vitalresources.RoomC333
Sessions. 2025
September12,2025
TurningWoundsIntoWords:Healing ThroughCommunityWriting
Presenters:MonicaVega
Thispowerfulworkshopexploresthehealingpotentialofcreative writingasatoolforself-expression,connection,andresilience.Ledby afacilitatorwithdeeplivedexperience,participantswillbeinvitedinto asupportivewritingcircletoreflectonthemesofcourage,strength, andemotionalhealing.Throughguidedpromptsandopensharing, communitymembersandorganizersalikewillusewritingtoprocess theirexperiences,buildmutualunderstanding,andtransformpain intoart.Nowritingexperienceisneeded justawillingnesstoshowup, share,andknowyou’renotalone.
RoomsR304&R305
HealingThroughConnection:A12-Week GroupTherapyModelForSuicideLoss SurvivorsFacingProlongedGrief
Presenters:MadelineTrachtenberg,BrianStefan
Thissessionintroducesa12-week,evidence-basedgrouptherapymodel designedtosupportsurvivorsofsuicidelossexperiencingProlongedGrief Disorder(PGD) Rootedincompassionandresearch,themodelguides participantsthroughprocessingguilt,shame,andstigmawhilefostering resilience,post-traumaticgrowth,andreconnectiontolife Attendeeswill gainpracticaltoolsforimplementingthemodelinclinicalorcommunity settingsandlearnhowstructuredgroupsupportcanhelptransformlongtermgriefintomeaningfulhealing oneconnectionatatime.RoomR518
Sessions. 2025
September12,2025
StrategicDeploymentOfGatekeeper Training:OrganizingAroundANew
ConceptOf“IndustriesofDisruption”
Presenters:JohnBlosnich Thissessionexamines“IndustriesofDisruption” non-clinical professionssuchasfamilylaw,bankruptcylaw,andself-storage servicesthatofteninteractwithindividualsincrisisbutlacksuicide preventiontraining.Drawingonsurveyandinterviewdata,ithighlights howtheseprofessionalsnavigateclientdistress,thebarrierstheyface, andtheurgentneedfortailoredgatekeepertraining.Attendeeswill learnhowempoweringtheseoverlookedprofessionscancreate criticalinterventionpoints,buildinghopeandpreventingsuicide duringmomentsofprofoundlifedisruption.
RoomsR306&R307
TheInvisibleWoundsOfHeroism:New FrontiersInFirstResponderSupport
Presenters:LauraLinder-Dockus,CristinaCoria
Thispowerfulsessionexplorestheoften-overlookedmentalhealth challengesfacedbyfirstresponders,whoregularlyconfronttrauma whileupholdingacultureofstrengthandsilence.Withelevatedrates ofPTSD,depression,andsuicide,thesessionaddressestheurgent needforearlyinterventionandcomprehensivesupport.Keythemes includetheimpactofunspokentrauma,theimportanceoffamilycenteredcare,andthepromiseofinnovativesolutions likeAI-driven tools tosupportwellness.Together,wecanensurefirstresponders andtheirfamiliesreceivethecaretheysodeeplydeserve.
RoomsR305&R309
EndOfDayOne-ThankYou!
Sessions. 2025
September13,2025
PhysicalBarrier&Community-Based SolutionsToTransportationInfrastructure RelatedSuicides
Presenters:AmandaFagan,SandriKramer,PJ Gagajena,JosephKibe
Thisinteractiveworkshopequipsproviderswithtrauma-informed, culturallyresponsivestrategiesforsuicideprevention,groundedin healing,resilience,andcollectiveaccountability.Participantswill exploretheimpactsofacculturativestress,intergenerationaland racialtrauma,andstigma,whileengaginginactivitiessuchasthe CulturalHealingMapandrole-playdemonstrations Attendeeswill practicecompassionatecommunicationandco-createaholistic, healing-informedapproachtoprevention RoomC106
RootedinTraditions,GrowingThrough Connections:Trauma,Healing,andWellness Workshop
Presenters:MoniqueCastro
Thisworkshopwillfocusonexplainingspecifictypesoftrauma.How traumamanifeststodaythroughvarioussymptomsandisliterallycarried, generation-to-generation,andbestpracticestoheal.Theparticipantswill learntounpackhowtraumaimpactsouridentityandself-esteem,our relationshipsandbehaviors Wewillthenfocusonbuildingresilienceby upliftingprotectivefactorssuchascommunityconnection,cultural identity,supportfromfamily,andabilitytoverbalizeprideincultureto focusonthestrengthsofourcommunitiestoday RoomR205
FindingHope:GuidanceforSupporting ThoseatRisk
Presenters:AdrianaAvila
Duringthisworkshoptheparticipantswillgainanunderstandingof theperspectiveofapersonwithsuicidalthoughts,learnhowto recognizewarningsigns,andexplorehowtostartaconversationwith someonethey’reconcernedabout.Thispresentationwillalsoprovide examplesofhowtosupportsomeonewithlivedexperience,along withguidanceonhowtosupporttheirtreatmentandsafetyplanning. RoomR102
Sessions. 2025
September13,2025
SuicideandtheChurch:Facilitating HonestandHealingConversations
Presenters: ZacMartin
Thegoalofthisworkshopistohelpfaithcommunitiesandleaders havemorehonest,open,andhealingconversationsaroundsuicidein thechurch.Thisworkshopwillprovideresourcesonhowtohavethese conversationsandwillprovideinformationandresourcesthatwill helptheirfaithcommunitiesdealingwiththestruggles,impacts,and therealityofsuicideandissuesofself-harminthefaithcommunity RoomC333
WeNeedtoTalk:NavigatingtheStigmaand AnguishofSuicideLoss
Presenters:GinaCapobianco,AnneMarieAnkers, DorothyGoulah;KenziiRoseGraves
Whilesuicideendsthelifeofoneindividual,thosewhosurvivethe decedentarethrownintochaos.Duetostigmasurroundingsuicide,loss survivorssufferfromfeelingsofabandonment,rejection,intenseselfblame,guilt,anddepression.Suddenshockandtraumamakesuicideloss survivors(SLS)thelargestgroupofvictimsatriskofphysicalandmental healthdeclines.Alienationcausedbythestigmatizationofsuicidelosscan bereversedwhensurvivors’experiencesareheardandcorroborated.The effectsofbeingasuicidelosssurvivorandthebestpracticestosupport suicidelosssurvivorswillbediscussedduringthisworkshop.RoomR122
Sessions. 2025
September13,2025
MusicTherapy(Healing)
Presenters:Dr.ArvisJones
Musicboostsendorphinreleasethatliftsspiritsandtriggerspositive emotionalresponsesandsensesofeuphoria.Inaddition,meditation usingmusicisaresearchedandproveninterventionforconditions likeinsomniaandtrauma.Theeffectsofnegativeemotionssuchas depression,andhopelessness,aresymptomsofvariousmental illnesseswhoseimprovementshavebeenlinkedtousingMusic Therapyinterventions.Thisworkshopwillalsoincorporateaholistic viewofhealingwithMusicTherapytechniques.SexsonAuditorium
CatharsisTheater:ACommunalHealing ModelforSuicideGriefandSuffering
Presenters:BrianStefan
CatharsisTheaterisagrief-soaked,soul-stirring,community-led gatheringwheresilencebreaksandsorrowspeaks.Itisnottherapy, butitisdeeplytherapeutic.Thisworkshopwillinvitetheparticipantsto witnessaliveenactmentblendingevidence-basedpsychodrama, somaticstorytelling,andsociometrytosupportsuicidepostvention (bereavement),whichisacrucialelementofsuicidepreventionand treatment Bornfromtheashesofloss,CatharsisTheaterisbothritual andrevelation.Ittransformspainnotthroughexplanation,butthrough embodiment.Participantswilllearnhowlarge-scale,in-person experiencescanserveasevidence-basedsuicideprevention interventions,especiallyinmarginalizedcommunitieswhere traditionaltherapymaynotreachorbetrusted.Amphitheatre
2025SummitPlanningTeam.
Tracie Andrews
LA County Department of Mental Health (she/hers)
Cheryl Eskin
Teen Line, a program of Didi Hirsch (she/hers)
Tiffany Buan
LA County Department of Mental Health (she/hers)
Franklin Romero
LA County Department of Mental Health (he/him)
Javelle Gray
LA County Department of Mental Health (he/him)
Mia Livas Porter
LA County Office of Violence Prevention (she/hers)
Carlos Alvarez
Los Angeles Right Brain Restorative Practice (he/him)
Daisy Gomez
UCLA Prevention Center of Excellence (she/her/ella)
Ana Verdín Hernandez
LA County Department of Mental Health (she/her/ella)
Sandri Kramer
Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Center (she/hers)
Nathan Lichtman
Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Center (he/him)
Jewel Forbes
Los Angeles County Office of Education (she/hers)
Alisha Manning
LA County Department of Mental Health (she/hers)
Richard Mogil
Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Center (he/him)
Nana Sarkodee-Adoo (she/hers)
Elisabeth Nails
LA County Department of Arts and Culture (she/hers)
Daphne Quick-Abdullah
LA County Justice Care and Opportunities (she/hers)
Maria Vargas
LA County Department of Mental Health (she/hers)
Lisa Schoyer
LA County Department of Mental Health (she/hers)
Charmaine Dorsey
Los Angeles County Health Services (she/hers)
LA County Department of Youth Development
LeadersinL.A.SuicidePrevention.
DebraDuardo,EdD,MSW Superintendent
L.A.CountyOfficeofEducation
DanielleGautt,LCSW,MPA DirectorofEDIA
L.A.CountyDepartmentofHealthServices
LynMorris,LMFT ChiefExecutiveOfficer DidiHirschMentalHealthServices
KristinSakoda,JD Director
L.A.CountyDepartmentofArts&Culture
MercedesSantoro,EdD DeputyDirector
L.A.CountyDepartmentofParks&Recreation
AndreaWelsing,MPH
Director,OfficeofViolencePrevention
L.A.CountyDepartmentofPublicHealth
LisaWong,PsyD Director
L.A.CountyDepartmentofMentalHealth
THANK
YOU
Our endless gratitude to all who made this year’s Summit possible, including:
Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Center
LA County Arts Education Collective
LA County Department of Arts and Culture
LA County Department of Health
Services
LA County Department of Mental Health
LA County Department of Public Health
LA County Office of Education
Hope - Animal Assisted Crisis Response
and the entire Los Angeles Suicide Prevention Network Summit Planning Committee
Additionally, thank you to our wonderful summit attendees, speakers, presenters and to our hosts at Pasadena City College
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LASPNPARTNERS:
