BHEC THE SUMMIT Behavioral Health Equity Committee
SHAPING THE FUTURE, TOGETHER
September 24, 2026
Behavioral Health Training Center Map Suite 130 Room B
Room C
Room A
Room D
Room E
Suite 100 Room N
Room M
Room I
Room H
Room G
Room F
Room L Room K
Room J
Schedule September 24, 2026 8:30 am – 9:15 am
Registration & Morning Refreshments
9:15 am – 10:45 am
Welcome: Dr. Deana Helmy Opening Remarks: Deputy Director Michelle Smith Keynote Speaker: Dr. Miguel Gallardo
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Breakout Session I LatinX Workgroup
Room A
LGBTQ+ Workgroup
Room D & E
Spirituality Workgroup
Room C
Deaf & Hard of Hearing (D/HH) Workgroup
Room G & F
Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Workgroup
Room I & H
12:10 pm – 1:00 pm
Lunch (Room A & B)
1:15 pm – 2:15 pm
Breakout Session II
2:20 pm – 4:00 pm
LGBTQ+ Workgroup
Room D & E
Indigenous/Native (I/N) Workgroup
Room C
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Workgroup
Room G & F
Black & African-American (B/AA) Workgroup
Room I & H
Closing Spotlight Speaker: Dr. Micheall Rose, Networking & Resources (Room A & B)
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Workgroup Presentations Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Workgroup Beyond the Surface: Culturally Responsive Approaches to SUD & Mental Health with AsianAmerican Clients This session offers a culturally grounded exploration of substance use and mental health, highlighting how core cultural values—such as face, filial piety, and stoicism—shape presentation, family dynamics, and engagement in care. Participants will examine real-world data, work through a case vignette, and gain role-specific takeaways they can apply immediately across clinical, community, and systems-level settings. The session also addresses significant gaps in treatment access and practice insights, providing evidence-based, culturally specific guidance that providers, community members, and county staff rarely receive together. Attendees will leave with practical tools and at least one clear action they can implement in their work right away.
Black/African-American Workgroup The Fourth Trimester: When Black Mothers Need Us Most This session examines disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes affecting Black mothers and their babies, including maternal and infant mortality, premature birth, NICU admissions, and complications during the postpartum period. Participants will also explore inequities in maternal mental health care and how symptoms of postpartum depression and other conditions may be recognized, evaluated, or treated differently for Black mothers. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the systemic factors that contribute to these disparities and actionable insights to better support Black mothers during the fourth trimester—when meaningful, culturally informed care matters most.
Deaf & Hard of Hearing (D/HH) Workgroup Seeing Beyond Sound: A Lens on Deaf Culture This engaging and interactive workshop invites participants to experience Deaf culture and explore key aspects of Deaf identity, language, communication, and cultural values. Attendees will look beyond common assumptions and gain a deeper understanding of inclusive and culturally responsive practices. Participants will leave with a fresh lens that recognizes the unique culture, strengths, perspectives, and experiences that can be overlooked when the focus is solely on sound.
Indigenous/Native Workgroup Building a System of Care for OC Native Families This session highlights how Sacred Path has used a community‑driven, relationship‑based approach to build a culturally grounded System of Care for American Indian and Alaska Native children, youth, and families in Orange County. Participants will explore key findings from this work and learn how trust-building, community engagement, and collective voice helped increase visibility and advance systems change for Native communities. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the challenges Native families face when accessing support and practical insights on how culturally responsive, community-guided strategies can strengthen care across the county.
LatinX Workgroup Holding On to Hope: The Power of Storytelling in Times of Fear and Family Separation This session explores how storytelling fosters connection, healing, and resilience during times of heightened immigration enforcement and family separation. Participants will hear lived experiences from impacted community members and consider how hope and strength endure even in uncertainty. The session highlights ways we can support healing, deepen understanding, and help create environments where individuals and families facing instability feel seen, supported, and valued.
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LGBTQ+ Workgroup Affirming Connections: How Supportive Adults Can Make a Difference for LGBTQ+ Youth This session introduces evidence‑based, culturally grounded approaches that help professionals and families strengthen supportive behaviors for LGBTQ+ youth. Participants will learn practical allyship strategies, understand key protective factors, and explore resources that help create more affirming environments. With clear guidance and real examples, this session highlights how supportive adults can have a powerful and lasting impact on young people’s well‑being and resilience.
Spirituality Workgroup Engaging Spirituality: Living within a Spiritual Worldview for Coping, Resilience and Connection This session explores how incorporating a client’s religious and spiritual worldview can strengthen coping, resilience, connection, and hope. Participants will learn about key research on the relationship between spirituality, religion, and mental health, and hear personal recovery stories illustrating how these frameworks support psychological growth. The session also introduces the Spirituality Workgroup, includes a brief mindfulness activity, and reviews best practices for meaningfully engaging a client’s spiritual perspective in treatment. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how “Engaging Spirituality” can enhance clinical practice and help foster greater support and connection for clients.
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Workgroup Opioid Overdose Prevention Training This comprehensive session offers a clear and practical introduction to the opioid crisis, with an emphasis on fentanyl, its risks, and current data shaping today’s prevention efforts. Participants will learn essential strategies for recognizing and responding to an overdose, including detailed instruction on how and when to administer naloxone. Through hands‑on practice, attendees will gain confidence in using this lifesaving medication and will receive a box of naloxone to take with them, empowering them to act quickly and effectively in an emergency.
Get Involved! Equity Exchange Newsletter
Community Program Planning (CPP) Demographic Survey
Event Evaluation Survey
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Speakers Welcome Message
Deana Helmy, EdD, MBA, LMFT OC Health Care Agency
Dr. Deana Helmy serves as the Behavioral Health Equity Committee (BHEC) Co-Chair and the Equity Services Manager for Behavioral Health Services (BHS). With more than 25 years of experience in the behavioral health field, and a decade of dedicated service with the County, Dr. Helmy leads system-wide efforts to advance equity, culturally responsive care, and access to quality behavioral health services. She is deeply engaged in community partnerships, collaborating with local organizations, faith leaders, and cultural groups to strengthen trust, elevate diverse voices, improve access, and ensure that services align with community needs.
Opening Remarks
Michelle Smith
OC Health Care Agency Michelle Smith serves as Deputy Director of Behavioral Health Services for the Orange County Health Care Agency, overseeing BHS Operations. She brings more than 27 years of leadership and service experience in health and human services, with expertise in behavioral health operations, strategic planning, policy implementation, and system transformation. Michelle has played a key leadership role in advancing major statewide and local behavioral health initiatives, including implementation of the Behavioral Health Services Act. She works closely with County leadership, healthcare partners, community-based organizations, and state and local stakeholders to strengthen access, integration, accountability, and service delivery. Her leadership is grounded in collaboration, responsible stewardship, operational excellence, and a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and representation, ensuring behavioral health systems are responsive to the needs of the diverse communities they serve.
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Opening Session Keynote Speaker
Miguel Gallardo, Psy.D.
Professor of Psychology, Pepperdine University Director, Aliento: The Center of Latinx Communities Dr. Gallardo is a licensed clinical psychologist and a Professor of Psychology and Director of Aliento, The Center for Latinx Communities at Pepperdine University. Dr. Gallardo has published in the areas of multicultural psychology, Latinx psychology, ethics and evidence-based practices, cultural humility, and racial color-limited perspectives. He is currently a Series Editor for Cognella Academic Press’ Advances in Culture, Race, and Ethnicity book series. Dr. Gallardo is past-president of the California Psychological Association and past chair of the Committee on Ethnic Minority Affairs of the American Psychological Association. Dr. Gallardo was appointed by Governor’s Schwarzenegger and Brown to serve two consecutive terms on the California Board of Psychology, which oversees the ethical and legal mandates and requirements for all licensed psychologists in the state of California, and where he served as Vice-President of the Board during his second term. Dr. Gallardo is currently serving on the Clergy Misconduct Oversight Board for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles (ADLA) and the Roman Catholic Diocese Orange Anti-Racism Committee. Dr. Gallardo is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association. Dr. Gallardo also has a master’s degree in theology with an emphasis in spirituality and ethics from Xavier University.
Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Workgroup
Luna Lu, Psy.D.
Asian American Senior Citizens Service Center (AASCSC) Dr. Luna is a behavioral health leader and mental health clinician dedicated to building culturally responsive systems of care and expanding equitable access to behavioral health services. She serves as Clinical Director at the Asian American Senior Citizens Service Center (AASCSC), where she leads integrated behavioral health initiatives, workforce development, and cross-sector partnerships that improve care for historically underserved communities. Beyond her organizational leadership, Dr. Luna serves on the Board of Directors for the Leon Institute and is Co-Chair of the Orange County Behavioral Health Equity Collaborative (BHEC), where she helps advance regional behavioral health equity initiatives and community collaboration. Her professional interests include addiction and recovery, culturally responsive behavioral health care, integrated care, and workforce development. Her doctoral research explored the relationship between Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) and Substance Use Disorders, and she has presented this work at regional and national professional conferences. Dr. Luna is a frequent continuing education presenter, professional speaker, and community educator who is passionate about translating research into practical strategies that strengthen clinicians, organizations, and communities.
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Black/African-American Workgroup
Keisha Harris, MSSA Doula
Keisha Harris is a social work professional with more than 10 years of experience supporting children, families, and communities in child welfare and behavioral health. She holds a Master of Science in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University and a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Development from San Diego State University. Her experience includes child welfare, foster care, family assessment, and behavioral health. Through her work with BreastfeedLA/Cradle to Community, Keisha advocates for equitable care and greater awareness of Black mothers’ maternal and behavioral health needs.
Deaf & Hard of Hearing (D/HH) Workgroup
Belinda McCleese, LMFT OC Health Care Agency
Belinda McCleese, a native American Sign Language (ASL) user born to Deaf parents, serves as the Deaf Services Coordinator on the Office of Equity and Inclusion Team at the OC Health Care Agency’s Behavioral Health Services. She has worked in the mental health field for 24 years. She also co-facilitates the Deaf & Hard of Hearing workgroup under BHEC, with a focus on collaboration with community service providers.
Indigenous/Native Workgroup
Virginia Arvizu-Sanchez Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Virginia Arvizu-Sanchez is Tongva, Kumeyaay, Apache, and Nauha. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a deep understanding of Native relationships, community, and culturally relevant practices in Southern California. She has worked in the Native community for over 25 years in several capacities, including education, advocacy, cultural support, the 2010 Census, facilitation, technical assistance, and as a mental health provider. Virginia has and continues to participate in advisory boards to increase the visibility of her community. Some of her work involves working with a research team on the MICUNAY and TACUNA Projects. Projects have been noted to support prevention work with Urban Native Youth. In her spare time, she participates in activities that ensure her cultural traditions and traditional values will continue through her parenting, community involvement, beading, and basketry.
Daniel Dickerson, D.O., M.P.H. (Inupiaq)
Integrated Substance Use and Addiction Programs (ISAP), UCLA Dr. Daniel Dickerson is an addiction psychiatrist and Associate Research Psychiatrist at UCLA, Integrated Substance Use and Addiction Programs (ISAP). His research focuses on the development and analysis of culturally grounded substance use treatment and prevention programs that integrate traditional practices for American Indian/Alaska Native youth and adults. He is Co-Founder of Sacred Path Indigenous Wellness Center and has been Principal Investigator or Multiple Principal Investigator on various National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded studies. He is also on the National Advisory Council for Complementary and Integrative Health.
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LatinX Workgroup
José A. Serrano
OC Social Services Agency José Serrano serves as the Director of Orange County’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA), bringing more than twelve years of experience in immigration law and refugee resettlement. In his role, he leads efforts to strengthen service infrastructure, advance equity, and foster belonging for immigrant and refugee communities throughout Orange County. José is a dedicated advocate who collaborates with immigrant and refugee task forces across California. He serves on the boards of the Arab American Civic Council and MIX Academy and is a Co-Facilitator and member of the leadership team of the Refugee Highway Partnership of North America. José’s commitment to this work is deeply personal. Having immigrated to the United States as a child and lived without legal status for nearly twenty years, he understands firsthand the barriers many immigrant families face. His experiences navigating complex systems with his family and community have shaped his lifelong commitment to advocacy, service, and systems change.
LGBTQ+ Workgroup
Donnie Pugliese, LMFT (He/Him) Shanti Orange County
Donnie has lived experience as a trans man with autism, which allows him to provide a safe space where clients can feel understood by someone living with similar or other marginalized identities. He provides unconditional positive regard and empathy as a basis for building a collaborative relationship in a space that is inclusive of all intersections of clients’ identities.
Stephanie Camacho-Van Dyke, MA (she/ella) LGBTQ Center
Stephanie advances LGBTQIA+ advocacy, behavioral health, and educational equity through collaboration with youth, educators, behavioral health professionals, schools, and community partners across Orange County and California. Her work focuses on expanding access, advancing inclusive policies and practices, and promoting culturally responsive approaches that reflect the diverse experiences of sexuality, gender identity, and gender expression.
Adrianne Alpern (she/her) Rady Children’s Health
Adrianne provides clinical care to families with transgender and gender diverse children, as well as children with chronic health conditions. She is chair and co-founder of the Rainbow Alliance employee resource group. Adrianne collaborates in national research and advocacy efforts related to LGBTQIA+ health with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Family Acceptance Project. She is highly engaged in LGBTQ+ education, program development, health equity research, and outreach. Dr. Alpern is part of the LGBTQIA+ community and is deeply passionate about culturally competent care.
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Spirituality Workgroup
Mike Mullard, Ph.D., LMFT OC Health Care Agency
Dr. Mike Mullard is the Continuing Education and Continuing Medical Education Coordinator for the OC Health Care Agency. He is also the chief clinical supervisor for the agency and facilitates individual, triadic, and group clinical supervision as well as facilitating a clinical consultation group for other clinical supervisors. He has been practicing mindfulness for nearly 50 years and is certified as a facilitator in two different styles or lineages of mindfulness. He is currently spearheading the rollout of mindfulness trainings for clinicians across BHS for the purpose of reducing secondary traumatization as well as being able to teach mindfulness to clients. As part of the trauma-informed care initiative, he has taken the lead in introducing trauma-sensitive mindfulness to the agency.
Daniel Gibbs
OC Health Care Agency Daniel Gibbs is a Peer Support Specialist with the County of Orange Health Care Agency in Behavioral Health Services. He has been a county employee for over seventeen years using lived experience to support individuals, create recovery-based programs, and advocate for the mental health community. After realizing recovery from his own mental health condition, he became very involved in a non-profit called the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), was trained to do multiple programs there, and joined the Board of Directors for the Orange County Affiliate. He started out working for the county in Therapeutic Behavioral Health Services as a behavioral coach and then provided Peer-based services to youth resources in the community. He spent five years working for CYBH PACT where he counseled youth using his lived experience, facilitated creative arts workgroups, and ran a sibling educational support Group. He has spent the last four years working in BHSA Innovations, helping them to build and learn from programs using his personal experiences to guide a recovery-based product.
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Workgroup
Sherryl Ramos, MPH OC Health Care Agency
I am a health educator with the OC Health Care Agency’s Alcohol Drug Education & Prevention Team (ADEPT). I have been with the County for 26 years, focusing on various prevention initiatives, including tobacco prevention and cessation, breast cancer detection, and now alcohol and drug education/prevention. I hold a bachelor’s degree in health science and a Masters of Public Health, both from California State University, Long Beach.
Closing Spotlight Speaker
Michaell Rose, DrPH, LCSW
Chief Health Equity Officer, Cal Optima Health As Chief Health Equity Officer, Dr. Michaell Silva Rose, DrPH, LCSW, leads the Community Health team and oversees CalOptima Health’s key health equity initiatives, benefits, policies, and procedures, with a focus on better identifying and addressing health inequities and social determinants of health to improve member health outcomes. Dr. Rose is a bilingual (Spanish) and culturally sensitive leader with expertise in public and mental health. She has more than 25 years of leadership experience in advocacy, strategic direction, program development, and advancing health equity and improved health outcomes for vulnerable populations. Prior to CalOptima Health, Dr. Rose served as Director of Community Health at Hoag Health System, where she has held various community health leadership roles since 1998. Dr. Rose earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Master of Social Work from California State University, Long Beach, and a Doctor of Public Health from Loma Linda University School of Public Health.
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A Special Thanks to the BHEC Summit Taskforce Taskforce Lead:
Behavioral Health Training Services:
Wesley Shain
Alex Merritt Brittany Whetsell
BHEC Steering Committee: Dr. Deana Helmy (Co-Chair) Dr. Luna Lu (Co-Chair) April Thornton Belinda McCleese Claudia Gonzalez de Griese Duan Tran
Giselle Rocha Jessie Shin Jillian O’Sullivan Noshin Kohzad Sophia Valdez Stella Dang
Johnice Williams
BHSA Administration:
Mario Ortega
Brad Hutchins
Nichole Duplesse
Flor Yousefian-Tehrani
Omar Guzman
Lesa Weinart
Virginia (Gina) Arvizu-Sanchez
Min Suh
Wesley Shain
Negar Doroudian
Office of Equity and Inclusion:
HCA Communications:
Belinda McCleese
Jonathan Paniagua
Deana Helmy
Roxanne Bandy
Hannah Ngo Lloraley Anguiano Nikki Nguyen Wesley Shain
Planning & Grants: Karla Perez Xyanya Garza Gabriela Saldana
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