We are always seeking additional judges to help us select winning films. We welcome individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and encourage any with an interest in youth mental health, suicide prevention, filmmaking, art, writing, journalism, and/or public service announcements to sign up. Annual Contest judging represents a time commitment of about 2 hours per year and the entire process can be completed online from home. (Please note that you cannot judge if you are part of or otherwise associated with a youth team that has submitted an entry to our contest).
Submit an application to become a judge today!
A Big Thank You to Our 2024 Judges!
Regional Judges
Acacia Smith has lived experience with mental health, as do 9 of her family members. Acacia is also a survivor of suicide loss and Directing Change’s work touches her heart deeply.
Adam Lopez has been a recipient of a microgrant for youth contests and projects. Adam fully supports and advocates for teens and young adults to better their lives and aspire to higher education.
Adrian Guerra works for Blue Shield of California.
Aisha Edilby has been supporting efforts to reduce stigma around mental illness since high school. Aisha believes it is vital to educate oneself and others about mental health and to foster a culture of support, understanding, and acceptance.
Alain Kerfs is a fiction writer, writing mentor for incarcerated individuals, and frequent judge of young adult short story writing contests; Alain has also been a volunteer at a local crisis and suicide prevention hotline for many years.
Alaina Jones is a senior executive assistant with the California Mental Health Services Authority.
Ale Griffo believes people who are dealing with mental health can receive a powerful message of support from any kind of art that helps them feel included in this world.
Alejandra Valencia is a program manager with Idea Engineering who works with youth, county offices of education, and Ventura County Behavioral Health in providing support for young people and communities in reducing stigma and offering health equity education for marginalized populations.
Aleta Smith is a licensed esthetician with her own skincare business and a strategic advisor the nonprofit Fostering Promise, the goal of which is to ensure all foster youth who exit the foster system have a stable place to live.
Alex Lu is a student with a fierce passion for film, having studied it since the 8th grade and competed in several film events, including Directing Change (placing 3rd Statewide in 2023). Alex is an Eagle Scout and has had intensive training in leadership and effective communication which frequently delves into the well-being of others (both mentally and physically).
Alex Phuong loves helping positive causes.
Alexander Salomon is a student filmmaker and advocate for mental health issues, especially the fight against depression and suicide prevention. Directing Change combines Alexander’s two passions, film and mental health awareness.
Alexandria Brooks is an Afro-Latinx woman who has had her own struggles with mental illness and suicide and has been tackling them through the proper channels. Alexandria has also worked closely with at-risk youth at a community center and during volunteer activities.
Ali Borowsky is the Founder and CEO of Find Your Anchor – a grassroots suicide prevention movement aiming to inspire and support individuals in a creative and engaging way while growing a community of encouragement and hope.
Ali Conte is a training supervisor at Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services in Los Angeles with a passion for helping individuals build greater connections within their homes, schools, and communities. A former crisis counselor volunteer, Ali now supports the Training Team in facilitating classes, mentoring new counselors, and supervising counselors on the Suicide Prevention Center’s 24/7 Crisis Line.
Alisa Huntington enjoys seeing the talent of youth filmmakers and artists.
Allie Mink is the president of NAMI San Bernardino Area. As the mother of a young adult who struggled with mental health during high school and college, as well as a NAMI Ending the Silence lead presenter, she is acutely aware of the importance of reducing the stigma and normalizing conversations surrounding mental health conditions.
Amanda Lance-Sexton is an administrator working in Behavioral Health Services for the County of San Diego. She also has a small therapy practice where she supports teens and adults seeking to find balance in their lives, often through art modality.
Amanda Lasik is the senior manager of social impact for Blue Shield of California.
Amanda Lipp has directed over 80 short documentary films about mental health, and her films have been utilized in stigma-reduction research papers and statewide awareness campaigns in New York.
Amber Dyson is a musical theatre and improv educator committed to helping students express themselves by finding their artistic voice.
Anabel Kuykendall conducts trainings and provides/distributes valuable resources to the community. Alex’s responsibilities fall under prevention and early intervention focusing on mental health awareness and stigma reduction.
Anabel Rodriguez is program manager III for the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. Anabel oversees countywide mental health programs for the child welfare population.
Andrea Schulz is a retired social worker, foster parent, adoptive parent, peer, and family support volunteer.
Andy Cu is a college student majoring in psychology who hopes to contribute to a future wherein all people – regardless of age, race, gender, etc. – can receive the mental and emotional help that should be entitled to all.
Angelica Galicia-Rodriguez has lived experience with health and believes art can help people to express themselves and prevent suicide.
Angelica Muñoz is a member of the Directing Change Youth Council.
Anita Kostas is a school psychologist currently working with high school students and is passionate about mental health education and support.
Ann Truong-Ong Ta is a mental health clinician who considers art a strong tool for healing, as well as a creative. She is passionate about culture and mental health, has been working in the field of mental health for years, and is an advocate for equality and fighting mental health stigma.
Annie Henry is a mother, nurse, veteran, and Ms. of Central CA 2024; as such, she is on a mission to build bridges and spread hope through mental health education and awareness.
Anu Chandrasekera has been mentoring at-risk youth for over 15 years across immigrant, first generation, and low-income populations and is eager to integrate this work with the creative dialog on mental health awareness this program encourages.
Aparna Kollipara works for Blue Shield of California.
April DeCastro is a registered nurse and a volunteer facilitator for KP’S MindfulHub group. April focuses on positive affirmations, incorporating positive energy, mindful manifestation, and awareness to help fellow peers manage stress, both mentally and emotionally.
Arcadia is a research team at NYU that focuses on suicide prevention in adolescents. ARCADIA concentrates their work on the places where adolescents already are, such as in schools.
Ariel Bustamante is a multi-racial, queer, femme professional with over a decade of experience working in the nonprofit sector, both with and in service of low-income, LGBTQ+ youth of color. As the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s training and coaching manager, she is tasked with empowering professionals in systems of care to reduce some of the disparities this population faces.
Arielle Lugn has been supporting and working with children and adolescents in the school setting for 20 years. Arielle is committed to helping students feel empowered and finding strategies to support their mental health.
Arissa Tischman works in the mental health field and enjoys media presentations that help convey messages regarding mental health awareness.
Armae Dilan is interested in collective healing and believes that addressing mental health issues through the mediums of film and art can help the collective visualize and normalize spectrums of success and struggle.
Ashley Overton is a strong advocate for teen mental health awareness. Ashley is grateful for the awareness that saved her in her youth and appreciates the increasing accessibility of resources making it easier for today’s youth to openly discuss mental health.
Austin Geidt was an executive in the tech industry where she was public about her previous struggles with mental health and her battles with addiction. She is now 18 years sober is and passionate about destigmatizing mental health issues.
Avery Vilche is a health educator at Tehama County Health Services Agency. Her desire is that all people feel as comfortable reaching out for help for their mental health as they do for their physical health. She also believes that we can all play a role in keeping our communities safe from suicide.
Avian Anderson is a storyboard artist who has worked for multiple studios and has lived experience of past mental health struggles.
Ayanna Wade is an intern for San Mateo Country Behavior Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE), focusing on suicide prevention and mental health stigma reduction. Ayanna plans to use the internship as the first step towards helping youth and giving back to the community in hopes of turning the opportunity into a lifelong career pathway.
Barbara Blue English is a social service practitioner.
Belinda Vea is always inspired by the amount of knowledge and compassion the students are able to illustrate through their work.
Bella Ho is a teen author with an interest in anime art and animated film. Bella has been writing and drawing since childhood and sees volunteering as a way to help others while also learning more about art.
Benita Robledo has worked in the film industry for over 15 years and strongly believes in the power of art to help youths navigate and process mental health issues.
Beth Bythrow spent 40 years supporting LAUSD students and continues to support youth through her work with NAMI Greater Los Angeles County.
Bethany Bodenhamer is the dean of student engagement at Dos Pueblos High School in Goleta, CA where she supports the student body in mental health, attendance, and conduct. Her passion is that all students are seen and heard and have a safe and trusted adult while on campus; Bethany is also spearheading the creation and foundation of the school’s first ever Mental Wellness Center on campus.
Beverly “BJ” Rouse
Bhavini Feldman is psychologist working in a K-12 setting. Bhavini supports students with learning disabilities and mental health concerns, providing crisis intervention, risk assessments, and counseling to students.
Bhuvana Rao oversees prevention programs for Orange County residents and has done so for over 10 years. She is passionate about shifting perceptions and negative stereotypes about mental health and believes that programs such as Directing Change have a real impact in stigma reduction and raising awareness for mental health topics in the community.
Bill Pacheco has over 30 years of experience as a multimedia professional and currently serves as a multimedia specialist for San Diego Miramar College in the San Diego Community College District. Bill is the faculty trainer for multimedia technologies and holds a Master of Science degree in instructional design and technology as well as a Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law.
Bobby (Bojidar) Marinov learned to appreciate short films and motion pictures in college and has developed a passion for the artform. He also leads Recovery International, a self-help group centered on better mental health.
Brenda Scott is executive director at a local NAMI affiliate and a mental health advocate. She is a two-time suicide loss survivor and cares deeply about a healing mental health system that is recovery-focused.
Brian Bishop is the communication coordinator for the Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health. Brian coordinates communication efforts with local media and handles the marketing around a number of mental health and substance use disorder campaigns.
Brianna Cuffney is a member of the Directing Change Youth Council
Brittney Clark is a high School library/media clerk and NAMI on Campus Club advisor for Orestimba High School. She is also currently in a master’s degree program focusing on gaining her marriage, child, and family therapy license.
Brook Price is a wife, mom, educator, and suicide loss survivor living in San Diego, CA. After losing her son to suicide, Brook has worked to educate herself, becoming an advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention and serving as a support group facilitator for Survivors of Suicide Loss San Diego.
Bryanna Hayden has supported and worked on mental health outreach programs in the California Community College system for the past few years.
Buffy Bowers-Woods is a school social worker working specifically with suicide prevention. Buffy looks forward to the day when all young people can openly share their truth about mental illness without shame, fear, stigma, or roadblocks to treatment.
Caitlin Boyd is a former educator and curriculum writer who is passionate about dismantling the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Candice Robinson is a practice administrator, psychometrist, and case manager located in Durham, NC. She has specialized in leading thriving private behavioral wellness practices for more than 8 years.
Carenina Magsano is a recent graduate from UC Santa Barbara with a B.A. in communication and in film and media studies. Carenina hopes to utilize her expertise to uplift youth, the next generation of storytellers and advocates for mental health and social justice.
Carinne Brody is a professor of public health at Touro University California and the director of the SolanoConnex mental health project that connects people to mental health services through a localized app and an outreach campaign funded by the Solano County Board of Supervisors. Carinne has also conducted mental health research internationally for over 15 years.
Carlos Lamadrid is honored to experience the talent and perspectives the youth participants bring to social and mental health issues. Carlos also has experience working with diverse ethnic and cultural communities as outreach and engagement coordinator for Riverside University Health Systems.
Carly Memoli has been engaged in suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention training, outreach, and other activities in the Central Coast for 20 years. She is also a parent of two school-aged children and enjoys supporting programs that increase collective mental health literacy, reduce stigma, and encourage (and normalize) help-seeking.
Carmen Wong is very passionate and has been working with organizations and businesses supporting mental and emotional health education since 2012.
Carolyn L. Kaneko, LCSW is a mental health program manager with the Hollywood Mental Health Center. Carolyn is also an active member of the Los Angeles County Suicide Prevention Network (LASPN) and is a co-chair of the LASPN Youth Advisory Board.
Cassandra Cotton brings more than a than a decade of experience in policy advocacy, civic organizations, and nonprofit organizations and is dedicated to creating pathways for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. As founder of 92130 Connects, Cassandra provides mentorship and promotes a culture of learning driven by diversity initiatives.
Catalina Coz is part of the Latinx community; as a trainer, she loves the educational material created by Directing Change. Catalina also looks forward to breaking the stigma around mental health in her community.
Cathy Blackstone is an interested citizen who values staying informed regarding what future generations are doing and creating.
Cathy Bowman is a teaching artist and visual arts specialist with Youth in Arts, an education nonprofit. She has worked in many schools and believes the arts are vital to mental health, especially since the pandemic. Her passion is working with students experiencing disabilities and supporting all students in sharing their voice through art.
Catrina Jones works for Blue Shield of California.
Celesta Bates has first-hand experience with mental health struggles and loves films that spread mental health awareness.
Celeste McDonald is a student at California State University San Bernardino majoring in communication-public relations and media studies. Celeste believes everyone has a story that should be heard.
Chandrakala Ganesh has been a faculty of public health at California State University, East Bay since 2012 and is a certified mental health first aid instructor with expertise in mental health policy.
Charity Rimel is a social worker with Blue Shield CA Health Plan with 25 years of prior experience working in health care, including 13 years working with youth in a mental health capacity in California and Hawaii. Charity’s experience also includes working with children and adolescents in the private school and biopsychosocial rebab in-patient hospital setting (leading groups and 1:1 counseling), as a clinician working with Children and Family services in Hawaii, and working as a residential counselor in Watsonville, CA for wards of the state.
Che Hernandez currently serves as San Diego Chapter Board of Directors Chairman for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and delivers a wide variety of AFSP-supported programs to the community. Che is also a trainer of suicide prevention/intervention gatekeeper workshops for both ASIST and safeTALK.
Chela Fielding is a behavioral health clinician and artist who works with youth in the foster system. Chela also has filmmaking experience and believes it is critical to use creative outlets to destigmatize mental health.
Cherie Foraker supports and empowers students through her work as a high school counselor and advocates for mental health awareness and trauma-informed practices in schools.
Cheryl August
Cheryl Eskin is the senior director of Teen Line, a Program of Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services and teen-to-teen hotline where teens can call, text, or email about any struggles they are experiencing (800-852-8336 6-10 PM PST, text “teen” to 839863, or visit teenline.org).
Chloe Rowshani is a counseling psychology graduate student on the path to becoming a marriage and family therapist. Chloe also currently leads global product marketing at a mental health tech start-up.
Chris Rosskopf taught digital video to high school students for 18 years – first at High Tech High, and then for the San Dieguito District – with his students winning several awards, including IVIE and Indie Spirit awards. Now retired, Chris is a freelance video editor.
Chris Takahashi has previously worked in mental health services (case management) and has lived experience with mental health conditions.
Christel Reyna has been providing resilience life coaching to teens and young adults and producing bullying awareness and suicide prevention assembly programs for middle and high schools nationally for over 15 years. Christel’s mission is to create safe and supportive spaces for people of all genders, sexual orientations, races, and religions to seek mental health support and guidance to overcome life challenges.
Christian Alan is a communications and film student attending the University of California, Los Angeles. As former Directing Change participant, Christian realizes the need for more philanthropic filmmaking and has since founded the UCLA student-fellowship Believe You Are The Best, a network of young filmmakers creating content for nonprofit organizations while perfecting their craft.
Christina Dale finds the creativity and depth of feeling in Directing Change submissions to be inspiring, providing one clear message in many voices: don’t give up on life.
Christina Mainero is a senior manager at Blue Shield of California; she also serves on the board of Elevate Theatre Company, which seeks to fuse public health and theatre.
Christine Chai works in healthcare.
Christine Mariano works in Los Angeles supporting the mental health of middle and high school students.
Cianna DeGuire is a full-time student at San Diego State University majoring in psychology with a focus on child and adult development. Cianna hopes to pursue a career in psychiatry and wants to bring awareness to mental health and normalize conversations about the true effects of it.
Cindy Hicks is prevention coordinator for the Poway Unified School District where she works in the Student Support Services Department coordinating student services specialists and assistants. Cindy also coordinates the suicide training program, school safety trainings, and various social-emotional activities and prevention programs to ensure all students reach their maximum potential.
Claire Clarke is a nursing student in the Bay Area who is passionate about advocating for mental health patients and adolescents.
Claudia Boles, LCSW is a clinical social worker at Children’s Hospital Los Angles, as well as contracted therapist providing teletherapy to adolescents and adults. A wellness and mental health advocate, she also serves as a community advisor for the local nonprofit Partnership for Awareness and is a participant in suicide prevention groups, including ICAN’s Inter-Agency Child and Adolescent Suicide Review Team.
Claudia Avalos-Garcia has been working with adolescents ages 16 and older for the past 12+ years in a community-based setting. Claudia supports youth in overcoming obstacles as well as in gaining awareness of their own mental health by identifying triggers and implementing adaptive coping.
Claudia Crespo is a bilingual senior prevention specialist at Mentis and the lead for the parent wellness cafes. Claudia is also the wellness advisor for the Out Teens Connect program. Claudia and her team present at Positivity Project (a Napa Valley middle school a program) and also do QPR trainings for the community of Napa.
Corinne Whitsitt works with the Boys and Girls Club of San Franciso to provide a safe environment for youth and teach them about social-emotional wellbeing.
Cristina Rita has worked in the suicide prevention and mental health field for the last 17+ years and provides information to community members on how to prevent suicide.
Curtis Lelash is interested in supporting young people in animation and the use of animation to express complex and important subject matter.
Cynthia Guitierrez is an advocate with the Office of Consumer and Family Affairs, San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health. Cynthia works closely with clients and family members helping to reduce mental health stigma through training, outreach, and education. Having trained for suicide prevention, Cynthia’s goal is to help those at risk understand they are not alone and there is help available.
Cynthia Metler is VP and managing partner at Media Solutions where she has worked on programs involving mental health awareness among all Californians for several years. In addition, both of Cynthia’s daughters struggled with their mental health as teens and she is committed both personally and professionally to breaking the stigma.
Cynthia Muñoz is a pediatric psychologist who specializes in the mental health care of children and youth from diverse backgrounds with complex health conditions.
Daisy Bateman is a member of the Directing Change Youth Council
Daisy Gomez is both professionally and personally passionate about elevating culturally affirming practices in populations that exhibit the highest risk of trauma to provide healing pathways that work. She also specializes in working with youth and young adults involved in systems of care.
Dana Johnson is a juvenile justice counselor, health equity PRIDE initiative chair, and LGBTQ commissioner for San Mateo County. Dana counsels and provides evidence-bases services to at-risk youth, LGBTQ+ health equity services, LGBTQ+ advisory to SMC Board of Supervisors.
Danielle Segal is a social worker with a passion for ending suicide in both her professional and personal life. Danielle currently works with the unhoused in Truckee, CA and organizes an annual Hike for Hope through AFSP.
Danyte Mockus-Valenzuela is a health planning and program specialist with the prevention and support Services Unit at BHS and has over 10 years of experience in mental health prevention and early intervention and SUD prevention.
Dave Jones is a suicide loss survivor who speaks to philanthropic and civic groups, using his compelling personal story to change how people look at mental health.
David Giammona strives to foster inclusion and belonging in tech to create new opportunities for all.
David Rogers has been supporting the de-stigmatization of mental health his whole life, starting with volunteering for a suicide hotline and continuing through his psychology training, actively encouraging openness and expression of emotions for a more whole self and positive healing.
Dayna Li is a film director and actor who recently graduated from Chapman’s directing MFA program. Having experienced her own mental health struggles, Dayna values the opportunity to contribute to mental health awareness.
Dean Petrakis is a writer/actor and entrepreneur who has published a book of poetry entitled Sweeping Up Stardust. Dean has raised two children, one of whom is no longer with us; his early death, after a long struggle with mental health, changed Dean as a human and as an artist in profound ways, and he wants to use his experience and talent to support and empower youth in the never-ending struggle to grow and create fulfilling and meaningful life of purpose.
Denise Gosdinski-Espinoza is a filmmaker in the Los Angeles/Long Beach area, has worked at Mental Health America of Los Angeles for over 10 years, and is drawn to films that share stories of hope and perseverance to connect and empower people.
Denisse Montes is a mental health case manager for Family Health Centers of San Diego. She holds a degree in psychology and has always been passionate about mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
Deric Metzger is a support group facilitator for Survivors of Suicide Loss San Diego, and a loss and attempt survivor himself, specializing in serving the LGBTQIA community.
Diana Porter is a strong believer in the impact and power of art to transcend barriers and help people make sense of the world.
Dmitriy Usov has had a lot of mentors who have guided him and inspired him to be a filmmaker. Dmitriy wants to pay back to the community by helping and educating the younger generation of filmmakers.
Donna Cederlund does community outreach, education, and advocacy for mental health organizations – such as CHADD, NAMI, and The TLC Foundation – in an ongoing effort to end stigma so more people can get the help they need.
Donna Thayer is a passionate retired high school administrator, teacher, and journalist who cares deeply about the academic success and social-emotional health of our youth.
Edeny Tran is a video editor with nearly 10 years of experience working in television, digital media, and VR. Edeny looks forward to engaging with her community to raise awareness about mental health.
Edwin Yau is mental health coordinator for the Los Angeles County Office of Education. Edwin provides technical assistance and support to districts within Los Angeles County and is a part of various groups that support suicide prevention and positive mental wellness.
Elke Petras judges films to better help schools develop quality films in the future.
Emily Bender is a consultant with The Social Changery, whose mission is to ensure that all people, regardless of circumstance or background, have equitable opportunities for educational, health, and economic success. Emily is also a native Spanish speaker with 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, bringing an awareness of cultural differences and intersectionality to a wide array of public health and social justice issues.
Emily Gaines is a behavioral health program coordinator for the County of San Diego. She has worked in the children’s mental health field for over 15 years and has a strong commitment to bringing awareness to mental health issues.
Emma Scholes is a pharmacy school student aiming to become a psychiatric pharmacist and is passionate about mental health care and suicide prevention.
Erica Mafnas is a past K-12 educator with personal experience in the mental health struggles of loved ones and friends. She also has an arts background.
Erin Ramirez is a school psychologist with 20 years of K-12 experience serving students with special needs. Erin currently works in a high school and provides counseling and mental health support as part of her position.
Erin Weaver loves seeing students empowered to make real impact and find their voices through filmmaking. Her previous work on impact campaigns for documentaries about mental health and education led to her working more closely with school districts on youth mental health services from the private sector.
Ethan Dumper is an award-winning youth filmmaker from the Los Angeles area. Ethan also sits on the Giving Spirit Youth Council which serves the homeless population of Los Angeles and creates change.
Evelyn Kolander has empowered others in their mental health journey by being vulnerable through her photographs and connecting with others at various health and mind events.
Farheen Saleen is a program manager at Blue Shield of California. Farheen has a keen interest in growing her knowledge about the field of mental health and raising awareness through volunteer work and community involvement.
Farida Nizamuddin has lived experience with overcoming depression, and her journey has equipped her with valuable perspectives. Farida’s passion for performance arts drives her desire to contribute wherever possible.
Fazila Shirinzada is a biology student and healthcare worker at UC David Medical Center. Fazila has been involved in various youth empowerment programs, including as Vice President for the Link Crew Club in her high school. Fazila is a believer that the arts – regardless of their form – have more power in creating real change than many realize.
Floyd Strayer is a filmmaker, suicide prevention advocate, and group facilitator for Survivors of Suicide Loss San Diego.
Frankie Campisano is a writer and comedian whose work focuses on women and queer leads. Their calling card pilot, Drop Dead, is a dark comedy satirizing the intersection of mental health, suicide awareness, and the entertainment industry.
Gen Medina does youth advocacy for unhoused youth in Sonoma County, helping connect them to resources, housing, school support, and financial assistance. Gen believes art and film are great outlets.
Geneva Amas is a mental health clinician working with the challenges surrounding suicidality every day. Geneva hopes to help make mental health more inclusive and part of overall wellness for the generations to come.
Geovanni Cajucom is a registered nurse at Blue Shield of California. Geovanni understands the importance of mental health and supports all efforts to prevent suicide, reduce stigma and discrimination related to mental illness, and promote mental health and wellness.
Gianna Gianna is a musician, writer, and filmmaker with a background in early childhood education. She has been empowering youth in schools for 10 years, is a big advocate for arts in education, and looks forward to the day when mental health issues are no longer stigmatized.
Gina Marchese and her family place a high value on mental health awareness, having lost a family member in 2014 due to mental health issues.
Gloria Holmes has seen mental health impact young people in her family and simply wants to help.
Gloria So works for Blue Shield of California.
Grace Park is a social worker (MSW) by training with an undergraduate degree in film studies. Grace has a keen eye for storytelling using the medium of film that has the power to educate, inform, and change lives.
Gracie Robles
Graham Wiseman co-founded BeingwellCA after the loss of his son to suicide; the nonprofit is dedicated to improving student mental health in California and beyond.
Greg Damewood is a suicide loss survivor and parent to a developmentally disabled child. A dedicated advocate, Greg has been volunteering in support of mental health for over 20 years.
Heather Hale enjoys seeing the creativity of the youth participants and connecting with the community. Heather has also studied instructional design, business, and organizational leadership.
Heather Rudynski is currently the program director of Active Imaginations, a community-based arts program in Riverside County, California. She previously lived for over a decade working in photography and film in Toronto, Canada, as well as in Orlando, Florida, and Los Angeles.
Héctor Manuel Ramírez is a lifelong disability rights advocate who is autistic, hard of hearing, and has lived experience with a psychiatric disability (bipolar 1). Hector advances disability rights through inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility
Helen Han is an avid participant in the arts.
Hilva Chan directs state-level mental health projects and has been working to address and promote youth wellness for over 25 years.
Himabindu Karepey loves how creators bring life to small experiences, as well as seeing how various student creators are striving to bring change.
Holly Pederson has completed research projects looking into youth mental health technologies and diagnostics. She is passionate about opening the discussion around mental illness and addressing any stigma, especially that experienced by youth and adolescents.
Holly Vugia is a professor of social work at California State University, East Bay. She holds her California clinical social work license and her school social work credential. She teaches future MSWs to provide compassionate, evidence-based, and trauma-informed behavioral health services.
Honey Leigh Aguilar is a member of the Directing Change Youth Council
Howard Somers lost his veteran son to suicide in 2019 and has since been dedicated to advocacy and nonprofit work aiding veterans and service members.
Hyonok Oyama supports creative methods in educating and supporting the community in the issues of mental health and child welfare.
Isabella Quezada is a member of the Directing Change Youth Council
Ivan Varela has been a trainer for suicide risk screening for Bellflower USD for the past 7 years.
Jackie Ungarino is a young professional who has worked in the healthcare/pharmaceutical space for 9 years. Jackie has a strong passion for and genuine interest in mental health. Jackie empathizes deeply with those who undergo mental health struggles and the stigmas attached to them and is looking forward to supporting this cause and giving back to the community.
Jacqueline Martinez strongly believes mental health should be a top priority.
Jacquelinne Avena has been working with students in K-12 education for over a decade. Jacqueline is also pursuing an MSW to be better equipped to help students with mental health needs.
Jafar Nadeali is an applied behavioral analyst (ABA) focused on children with special needs and is fluent in German and Farsi.
Jairaju Sam Gorlla is president of international friendship center, developing communities for the better.
James Coomes is the program manager of the Olive View Community Mental Health Urgent Care Center, a program of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. James is located in the San Fernando Valley and is also a member of Los Angeles Suicide Prevention Network.
Jamie Allen
Jamie Moran, LCSW, CGP is in private practice in San Francisco focusing on group therapy and group training for mental health clinicians. Working with adults, Jamie witnesses the many ruptures of childhood experiences and desires to be part of community efforts to rectify these injuries.
Jamie Rae Gurevich is a California Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) of over 13 years and is an advocate for mental health awareness, education, and resources. She has a deep passion for identifying resources and creating pathways for the growing rates of children/adolescents with known and undiagnosed mental health conditions. Jamie also has a passion for creating and refining change in the area of adults who have experienced the circular patterns of incarceration due to mental health conditions.
Jamie Rempis is a volunteer with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, serving on the board for the Inland Empire and Desert Cities chapter. Jamie is passionate about community outreach and being a voice at the state and national levels for suicide prevention, survivors of suicide loss, and those struggling.
Janet Borrus has co-written and co-produced a feature film about teen parenthood (Bellyfruit). She was also a high school theatre teacher and has recently returned to acting.
Jas Nilhani has 2 teenagers of her own and knows that mental health in this age group is a very important topic.
Javier Blas is a licensed clinical social worker, provides direct services to youth in a high school setting, and is part of CHOC Children’s School mental health program team.
Jayne Reinhardt is recently retired from San Diego County’s Health and Human Services agency where she held various health education and community organizing positions for nearly 30 years.
Jeanette Cruz is a senior outreach community manager for Blue Shield Promise.
Jennifer Brenner is passionate about ACE and youth mental health advocacy. Jennifer knows how vital it is to ensure mental health is a topic people visit early and often and sees unmanaged mental health issues as a global crisis.
Jennifer Johal is healthcare engagement program coordinator at Crisis Support Services of Alameda County. She provides education to the community on how to recognize and support someone experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Jenny Chen has been supporting family and friends with mental health issues for over a year and is passionate about helping more people who are struggling.
Jeremy Aguilera-Gaudette has volunteered with youth for many years through after-school tutoring programs and has programmed for a variety of film festivals in Southern California.
Jessica Gonzalez-Arias leads marketing and communications for Blue Shield of CA, where she manages clinical digital lifestyle and mental health programs. She has a passion for mental health awareness and is a champion for healthcare equity and cultural inclusiveness. With her 15 years of experience leading marketing for Disney and Warner Bros, she uses storytelling as a tool to create awareness around health equity, mental health, and lifestyle medicine.
Jill Newman is a program coordinator for the Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services Suicide Prevention Center. Jill oversees the crisis line with counselors that are both volunteers and staff. Thousands of callers and chatters are helped daily due to the efforts of the staff and volunteers.
Jim Wainwright is a senior clinical director for pacific clinics. He oversees operation of the HOPE Drop-In Center in the San Gabriel Valley and is part of the Pacific Clinics Suicide Prevention Initiative where he presents workshops on safety planning and crisis intervention.
Joanne Rubino is a TV and film producer with a long career telling true stories and supporting new talent in their efforts to share their stories and narratives with the world. Joanne values the opportunity to use her expertise to help young film makers and shed light on subjects that are too often kept in the dark.
John Dent has been advising in media for the past 15 years at Dos Pueblos High School in Goleta, CA, where his teams have won regional and national awards for their videos and publications. John loves to help students become journalists and storytellers using a visual medium.
John Mackenzie is responsible for managing one of the largest telebehavioral health programs in the country.
Jonathan Adams has a BA in English and an MA in film theory. For the last six years, he has been a board member of Auburn Community Television. Currently, he teaches film at Placer High School and Sierra College.
Jose Luis Aguirre is the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office CARON program manager, supporting efforts to build trust between the community and law enforcement through educational activities, including academies and workshops focused on well-being, mental health, and drug prevention. Jose is also a journalist and a professional photographer.
Jose Murillo has been working in the mental health field for over 10 years, utilizing his expertise to assist future peers in the community. He also volunteers his time as the board of directors for his local NAMI affiliate, with a focus on the local Spanish-speaking community.
Joseph De Los Santos is an aspiring healthcare executive who is passionate about finding innovative ways to improve the patient experience, equity, healthcare delivery, and quality of care. He currently works as a payment innovation program manager at Blue Shield of California to find ways to improve the quality of care in partnership with providers.
Joseph Newfield is an advertising writer and owner of Most Likely To, an ad agency committed to driving social change.
Juan Garcia is a US VETS Peer Outreach suicide awareness and mental health advocate, whose background as a young Latino migrant worker informs his approach to art and advocacy. Juan also regards the arts as an invaluable resource for safeguarding his own mental health.
Judith Miller Thomas cherishes the opportunity to support mental health education and awareness by volunteering for Directing Change. Judith also values efforts to reduce stigma surrounding mental illness.
Judy Mahmalji is a second-year psychology master’s student at San Diego State University studying disorders of development. Judy is also involved in several campus initiatives supporting student mental health and wellbeing.
Juleen Lam is an associate professor in the Department of Public Health at Cal State East Bay and the executive director of Project Rebound, a student services support program that supports the success of students with prior experience being formerly incarcerated. Juleen is dedicated to issues related to health and social justice and is a strong supporter of community outreach and education through art, media, and other creative outlets.
Kalyn Jones is an assistant manager on the CA Peer Run Warm Line and a youth mental health advocate. Kalyn looks to where she can support impactful storytelling that promotes understanding and empathy and is committed to destigmatizing mental health issues and amplifying youth voices.
Karen Crookes has been working in the film/production industry for many years both in the UK and US. She is currently a mentor for students at BayCat, an academy in San Francisco that gives media training, mentorships, and employment to diverse young adult interns, ages 18-25. Karen has also personally supported a few people through severe mental health issues and is passionate about there being more support and conversations around mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
Karen Crouch is a proud volunteer; she also works for the UPS Store, Inc. in San Diego.
Karen George is a retired teacher who spent 25 years in homeless education and working with local MHSA planning committees.
Karen Soares is a member of the Directing Change Youth Council.
Karla Duarte is a San Diego-based filmmaker, creative content producer, and expressive arts therapist with roots in the US/Mexico border of Tijuana. Karla has received both national and local filmmaking grants to create social change from funders including the Latino Public Broadcasting Digital Media Public Fund, YAB State Farm®, Boys and Girls Foundation, and Gould Foundation. She focuses her lens on social justice, creating contemplative and poetic narratives.
Karla Quinones is looking forward to bringing about change where mental health is no longer stigmatized and there can be open discussion related to mental health. Karla also seeks to bring social awareness about suicides and cyberbullying, as well as how to effectively manage social media.
Karli Tucker finds that mental health impacts every aspect of our lives. Having struggled with her own mental health, Karli hopes to help provide opportunities to normalize discussion and destigmatize awareness.
Karyn Meyer is a senior account executive at Media Solutions, a Sacramento-based media planning and buying agency. Karyn has worked on several public awareness campaigns promoting mental health services, including the CalHOPE campaign, which has a partnership with Directing Change.
Kaser Winn is a member of the Directing Change Youth Council
Kathleen Brady has been a medical assistant for 20 years and encourages patients to talk about mental health issues like they would discuss any health issue. Kathleen finds it easier to express mental health issues through poetry and art.
Kathleen Derby is a patients’ rights advocate at Jewish Family Service, with 40 years of lived experience, who advocates for the rights of people in mental health facilities throughout San Diego County.
Kathleen Green-Martins has been coordinating the Central Valley film festival for over 10 years and looks forward to seeing youth-created work focused on reducing mental health issues.
Kathy Cromwell, LCSW is an executive director at Hinds Hospice and oversees Fresno Survivors of Suicide Loss and the Local Outreach to Survivors of Suicide (LOSS) team.
Katie Ferguson has a bachelor’s degree in cinema and television arts and plans on pursuing a career teaching high school and college-level film studies courses.
Katie Kaufman is a mental health and suicide prevention specialist and advocate, currently working as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and therapist who shares how she survived suicide and took charge of her mental health – and now helps others do the same. Katie is both a clinician and a survivor and has over 13 years of experience contributing toward the promotion, advocacy, and implementation of mental health education and suicide prevention.
Kaylee Vidrio is a mental health advocate.
Kenneth Tong is a licensed mental health worker with experience providing mental health services in both public and private school environments. As a first generation southeast Asian male, he brings a different perspective into counseling and welcomes the opportunity to support sensitive and culturally appropriate therapy for underserved communities.
Kevin Hannahoe finds the youth films created for Directing Change to be both enlightening and heartwarming.
Kevin Manh is an independent filmmaker based out of La Puente, CA whose writing/directing credits include Free Your Mind, Sasa the Sunflower, and They May Be.
Kim Kartinen works to prevent suicides – both professionally and personally – through enhancing lives and loves promoting new, engaging ways to support such efforts.
Kim Yaged is a writer with a background in TV, film, theater, and animation. Kim has had work in film festivals and has also been a judge.
Kima Russell is director of operations for Black & Brown Opportunities Program. She coordinates efforts to help women of color become entrepreneurs and leads efforts to promote mental health awareness within the community.
Kimberle Taitano is a suicide attempt and suicide loss survivor, passionate about dispelling stigma and prejudice surrounding these issues, and is an undergraduate psychology major. Kimberle’s goal is to attain her graduate degree in marriage & family therapy with provision of therapy to children, adolescents, and families so she can offer tools and guidance to younger generations, help prevent suicide, and provide hope.
Kirstin Bach has served as an arts administrator for museums and nonprofits for over 25 years, including over 10 years at the Exploratorium. Kirstin’s area of specialty is contemporary visual arts, and she is currently the program director for the Bay Area Creative Foundation, which celebrates the accomplishments of creative youth through their annual awards program, the Creative Youth Awards.
Kong Vang has participated in multiple film festivals as a top competitor and values the efforts of youth to tell their stories while destigmatizing mental health.
Kristie Lui coordinates mental health programming for San Mateo County’s Behavioral Health and Recovery Services. As someone who works in the behavioral health field and is a dancer, Kristie loves to see the intersectionality of art as a tool for mental health.
Kyle Banta spent his younger years afraid to be open and vulnerable with his emotions and is excited to see the stigma changed through art and open communication.
Kylie Reynolds is an attorney in Los Angeles and a former journalist.
Laura Fox works for Blue Shield of California.
Dr. Laurel Brow has counseled and advocated for youth and young adults in schools and community mental health centers. She holds a doctorate in clinical psychology and completed her dissertation on social support for young adults who use self-injury as a coping mechanism.
Lauren Fein is the director of behavioral health at the Santa Cruz County Office of Education. Lauren is a licensed marriage and family therapist and has been providing therapeutic services to students and families for the last 10 years.
Lauren Gallegos is prevention director of the Wellness & Prevention Center based in San Clemente. Lauren coordinates substance use and prevention programming for youth and families in south Orange County and has been working with youth since 2014. Lauren has both professional and personal experience with mental health and has been a longtime advocate for mental health education and support for youth.
Lauren Levine is an experienced TV producer and filmmaker. Lauren has also worked for a large CA school district for over 7 years, making story-driven professional development content around bullying, DEI, MTSS, PBIS, FACE, and foster youth.
Lauren Worona is a recent graduate of Loyola Marymount University’s program in film and television production; as such, she is interested in uplifting the voices of young filmmakers, especially their art pertaining to the difficult conversations surrounding mental health and other critical social justice issues.
Lawrence Weisberg is a former production manager/supervisor for feature animation projects including How to Train Your Dragon and Bee Movie at DreamWorks and Wish Dragon for Base FX/Sony, with over 20 years of entertainment experience.
Leilani Singh has been dealing with a variety of mental health difficulties all her life. Through art, Leilani has transformed these difficulties into a superpower instead of a weakness.
Lesley Zhao hopes that one day youths can speak about their mental wellbeing without fear of being disregarded and can get the support they deserve.
Linda Boyd
Linda Glass-Frederick has knowledge and experience as a long-term high school teacher and counselor. As someone with particular art/media-sensitivity, she looks forward to judging and promoting student art projects about mental health and suicide prevention and believes this is an impactful way to make a difference to a growing at-risk audience.
Lindsay Rucker is a student of sociology at SF State, pursuing a master’s in social work. Lindsay is also active in her recovery community and has an interest in working with the youth in probation (or other ways where mental health should be a part of the conversation).
Lindsey Ma has worked to support the full implementation of school based mental health services, K-12. Lindsey trains staff to facilitate programs that address suicide prevention and postvention in the Alhambra Unified School District.
Lisa Schoyer has over 60 art exhibitions under her belt, with 12 of those being solo exhibitions. Lisa also holds an MFA from CalArts and has 6 years of studio art teaching experience at UCI and Occidental in subjects including visual culture, drawing, sculpture, and installations.
Lissa Thomson believes that empowering and supporting youth should be a high priority. Lissa seeks to help youth openly examine and find productive responses and solutions to mental health challenges and looks forward to the day when open discussions and community solutions are commonplace.
Lorena Rey has worked as an ESL teacher, as well as a university teacher in Colombia. Lorena has a master´s degree in communication and education and a bachelor´s degree in social communication. Lorena currently works as media coordinator at Media Solutions agency.
Dr. Lorry Leigh Belhumeur is a licensed psychologist and has served as the CEO of Western Youth Services for over 20 years. She believes that the foundation of positive mental health in children and youth is having a caring dependable adult who believes in them, uncovering their strengths and using them to heal, and helping them become their most confident and resilient selves.
Luz Pinto is director of peer services at NAMI San Diego and Imperial Counties, where she supports several amazing programs including the Hey Café! Clubhouse for teens and young adults in Imperial County.
Lynn Khuu is a Mesa College student interested in visual art and film, as well as increasing awareness for suicide prevention and mental health.
Lynn Marsh is a published author and a creative writer. Lynn sheds light on mental health and social issues through writing and art while working with non-governmental organizations to help make a difference.
M. Jami Macleod holds a BA in media studies and believes in the mission of Directing Change.
Madalyn Brion-Reed has been a school counselor in Cajon Valley Union School District since 2006 and is passionate about students being agents of change in their communities.
Madison Perry was diagnosed with anxiety, depression, inattentive ADHD, and dyslexia at a young age; Madison uses personal experiences to help others who may be struggling with mental health.
Magdalena Garcia looks forward to the day when youth mental health is truly recognized as a public health issue. As a survivor of suicide loss, Magdalena works tirelessly to destigmatize mental health issues in young people.
Magdalena Victoria Leon-Bianchi is a 30-year dental healthcare provider, as well as a CEO of a nonprofit supporting at-risk youth in Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. She finds working with youth and supporting their creativity to be one of life’s most rewarding experiences.
Marcel Harris is the project manager for CA4Health and Center for Wellness and Nutrition, programs of the Public Health Institute. Marcel has coordinated various advocacy days around access to mental health services, utilizing lived experience to inform policy change.
Marcelle Pratt is a a psychotherapist actively engaged in and supportive of the Fresno art community, where she advocates for and encourages individuals to explore creativity as a powerful means of self-expression and emotional well-being.
Marcia Robertson is in the film music industry and reads, writes, and plays music, as well as a 2 -time felon and a certified engineer using Pro Tools and Logic. Marcia has been in several plays and also teaches music to young adults and tutors them in their academics.
Dr. Margaret A. Sedor is the district suicide prevention and wellbeing coordinator for the Sweetwater Union High School District. Dr. Sedor has partnered with students, staff, parents, and community members for over 30 years to foster an equitable systemic framework for suicide prevention, mental health, and wellbeing.
Margaret Weakley is a mental health advocate and is inspired by the creativity and energy of the Directing Change Program.
Maria Chairez is deeply committed to helping youth in crisis get resources to address their needs. As a school principal, Maria seeks to understand the needs of students and to do her part to help create media tools to reach all youth.
María Elizalde has been working with youth for the past 10 years providing mental health services.
Marissa McGilllick has a degree in psychology and is currently working on a master’s in mental health and wellness with an emphasis in grief and bereavement. She has been working with children with behavioral health and mental health issues over the past year and looks forward to when mental health is no longer stigmatized.
Maritza Ramirez is a film major whose goal is to create stories that will cause a positive impact within her community. Maritza also believes in the importance of making those with mental health issues feel supported and heard.
Marjorie (Marjie) Biller believes in educating youth in emotional intelligence and in giving them skills early on through schools, family programs, and community organizations (using many alternative education programs, including meditation).
Marlowe Stone is the co-owner and co-founder of 336 Productions, an Orange County based video production company specializing in producing client-branded video content for marketing and advertising purposes.
Mary E. Gaukel Foster is a former high school principal and an Ending the Silence for Staff presenter; as such, she deeply believes in the power of student-created messages supporting mental health.
Maya Dalati is currently a psychology major in community college. Maya is interested in doing volunteer work to give back to the community.
Maya Yatsko has always been interested in mental health issues since many members of her family are neurodivergent. Maya volunteers at programs that help kids with special needs, and sometimes kids with mental disorders also get involved. She also feels mental health is an essential topic for students and adults to engage with in their day-to-day lives.
Meagan O’Malley trains school psychologists at CSU Sacramento. Meagan’s research focuses on school mental health and wellbeing, and she is especially interested in student voice projects for improving mental health among young people.
Melissa Cairo, outreach programs manager at Wellness Together, plays a pivotal role in advancing school mental health nationwide. With a focus on student mental health advocacy, awareness, and access, Melissa passionately oversees programs dedicated to ensuring that students receive the support necessary for leading fulfilling lives. As a dedicated professional, she brings her expertise to the task of judging youth films, contributing to the crucial effort of preventing student suicide.
Melissa Ruiz is an advocate for youth in her community. She would like to help the future of tomorrow by working with the youth of today.
Melissa Soo Hoo is a licensed adult clinical and health psychologist in private practice. In her spare time, she enjoys supporting leadership and community program development as a volunteer with Enhearten Unseen Leaders, a nonprofit organization.
Mercedes Moreno is a psychology major currently pursuing her undergraduate degree. In addition to her academic endeavors, Mercedes actively engages in various extracurricular activities and seeks opportunities to expand my knowledge in the field.
Mia Kuo values mental health awareness and many of her peers struggle from the harmful stigmas related to mental health. Mia wants to gain experience in helping more people increase their awareness.
Michael Paraskevas is always trying to push young people to expand their dreams and firmly believes we all have something to say. Michael is also the creator of Maggie and the Ferocious Beast for NickJr. and is a well-known illustrator of children’s books.
Michelle Brown was a public elementary educator and administrator for 16 years and is now a health benefits administrator. Michelle is a passionate advocate for all youth, but especially those with mental health divergences.
Michelle Downs, LMFT is a staff development officer in the Prevention and Early Intervention unit at Riverside University Health System Department of Behavioral Health (RUHS-BH). Michelle is part of the coordinating team that leads May is Mental Health Awareness Month, September is Suicide Prevention activities, and other outreach and educational efforts in the community to reduce menta health stigma and prevent suicide.
Dr. Michelle Fortunado-Kewin, DSW, LCSW, PPS is a Filipino-American social worker in the San Francisco Bay Area with experience working in various nonprofits and educational settings in California. She is also a part-time school social worker and an adjunct instructor/lecturer at San Francisco State University and SUNY University at Buffalo.
Michelle Soto-Melgar has focused her career on supporting and empowering urban-city youth and underrepresented populations through advocacy work in community and educational settings.
Michelle Wright is father to a son who died by suicide, as well as co-founder of Choose2LiveUnlimited, and organization building bridges of communication between government agencies, mental health workers and organizations, faith-based organization, and those in need of their services.
Mika Liu
Milena Hambardzumyan has a great passion for improving mental health in society through small, generous acts. She supports fighting mental health stigma and encouraging positive mindsets.
Mimi Kramer is a survivor of the loss of her brother to suicide. Mimi also brings experience as a performing artist and holds a bachelor’s in dramatic arts and dance.
Minda Harts is the bestselling, award-winning author of The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table, Right Within: How to Heal from Racial Trauma in the Workplace, and her first YA book, You Are More Than Magic. Minda is a highly sought-after speaker and thought-leader, frequently presenting on the topics of advancing women of color, leadership, diversity, and management, as well as the founder of The Memo LLC, a career development company.
MiRi Frasier was elected director of mental wellbeing for her sorority in college and served 2 years on the executive board of the university’s chapter of Active Minds, a club dedicated to destigmatizing conversations about mental health.
Monica Fuentes is a dedicated psychiatric technology professor committed to community empowerment and fostering success in others through education and support.
Moses Farrow has worked in the mental health field for over 20 years as a therapist serving the underprivileged, marginalized, and survivorship populations. He is the founder of the #truthislouder social media movement, which focuses on saving adoptee lives from adoption trafficking and raising awareness of the suicide crisis among adopted youth and young adults.
Moses Fleischman is a student with an affinity for video and filmmaking courses. Moses has a passion for filmmaking and working with other youth to make films.
Muskan Agrawal is a psychology student currently finishing up the last year of a bachelor’s degree program. Muskan also seeks ways to volunteer and get involved within the mental health community.
Myla Pitzer is a member of the Directing Change Youth Council.
Nanci Carol Ruby is a college professor in theatre and screen arts; as such, Nanci works to empower students to tell impactful stories.
Dr. Nancy N. Doi is a clinical psychologist dividing her time between private practice in downtown Reedley, California and at Adventist Health Behavioral Health in Selma. Dr. Doi enjoys working with teenagers and would like to encourage their creative process. She is also interested in the latest research involving trauma and utilizing movement, drama, and art to help the healing process.
Natalia Puerta has been working with children and elder adults with mental health pathologies. Natalia also used her research to write a book for children to prevent mental health pathologies.
Natalie Saragosa-Harris is a PhD student studying brain development and mental health in adolescents.
Natasha Ellis is a person in long-term recovery from mental health. Natasha is also a certified mental health and addiction counselor who has worked with youth and school-aged children, supporting them and educating them on mental health.
Nathan Ho is a senior tech consultant by day and film enthusiast by night. Nathan is dedicated to portraying mental health themes authentically through cinematic storytelling, advocating for greater awareness and destigmatization.
Nathan Lichtman works to recruit and train volunteers for a crisis line. Nathan finds encouragement in Directing Change’s efforts to help youth gain filmmaking skills and learn about suicide prevention at the same time.
Naya Winn is a member of the Directing Change Youth Council.
Nick Maricle is a creative, as well as a fierce advocate for mental health awareness and the empowering nature of media that addresses mental health with nuance and care.
Nicole Arra is a scientist whose work involves mental health research, especially regarding adolescent neurodevelopment and sleep.
Nicole Banglorioso works for Blue Shield of California.
Dr. Nicole Stelter is an industrial/organizational psychologist as well as a licensed clinical psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience working in behavioral healthcare and with employers for psychologically healthy workplaces.
Nina Birnbaum is a family physician and the medical director for innovation acceleration at Blue Shield of California. Nina’s work is focused around supporting high-functioning, multi-disciplinary teams and amplifying the joy of work in clinical practice. In her free time, she enjoys rambling through the hills and beaches of the Bay Area with her family, friends and very active canine companion.
Noha Elshamy
Nohelia Villareal has been a school counselor for the past 17 years and supports students who have crisis concerns.
Norman Cohen is a father of teens with previous experience as a professional photographer; currently, he works with Blue Shield of California supporting behavioral health and is pursuing a Master of Public Health degree.
Ola Jimoh supports youth mental health community investments and partnerships as a part of Blue Shield’s BlueSky initiative. Ola believes youth hold much power around the state of the world and that we all have much to learn from them.
Olga Jurado has been supporting suicide prevention and awareness policies in her district by educating and training staff and students on knowing the signs. Olga believes we all play an important role in the lives of others and is passionate about the work she does to serve others, especially those in need.
Olleanna Stahler is an artist who works primarily with mental health themes. It is extremely important to Olleanna that these subjects are approached with the care and nuance they deserve.
Omar Carrillo is venturing into the exciting realm of combining the craft beverages industry, inclusivity, and mental health awareness. Omar also holds a certification in mental health and is currently working toward a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
Otto Wahl has been working toward improved public understanding of mental health conditions for several decades.
P. Garcia-Silva is a first-generation immigrant and college graduate with a diverse volunteer background in the central valley of California. After gaining their degree in animation, they went on to further pursue their education at Bay Valley Tech as a digital design intern. As a non-binary, queer, Latine person, they have also faced stumbling blocks in the pursuit of their education and career and want to be an encouraging voice in the community for those who have multiple identities and struggle with their mental health.
Padmaja Dronamraju
Paige Brogan works for Blue Shield of California.
Pamela Washington works for Blue Shield of California.
Patricia Saldana is a psychiatric social worker in the Department of Crisis Counseling and Intervention Services at Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Patricia has worked with youth for over 15 years, addressing various mental health issues and providing support and resources to students and families in need.
Paula Hall is a school board trustee for the largest secondary school district in California and has been a strong advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention for students, teachers, and staff – as well as for her community at large.
Pedro Cebreros is a creative individual who has struggled with his own mental health challenges in the past and now understands the crucial role art and self-expression play in processing emotions, communicating struggles, and overall healing.
Peggy Geier is a health technician in a high school health office, where she encounters mental health issues daily.
Phrani Diksa is a school social worker and has worked in various capacities with youth of all ages for over 30 years. Phrani is excited and relieved to see mental health taking a more prominent position culturally.
Preston Ma has a strong interest in fostering resilient youth and helping families learn about how their child thinks and learns best.
Priyanka Purkayastha is a storyteller working in tech with a background in film studies and advertising. Priyanka has written poems, worked on television commercials, and made documentary films – most importantly, she is also deeply passionate about the art of storytelling as a way of healing and self-care.
Quinn Ayala is a member of the Directing Change Youth Council. Quinn cares a lot about youth mental health issues and wants to make sure that students have the right idea about depression and other mental illnesses.
Rachel S. Park is an undergraduate senior at the University of California, San Diego. She specializes in the fields of international studies and communication and enjoys partaking in activities to highlight the importance of finding community.
Rakel Delevi
Ramneet Khera is a UC Davis graduate who majored in biological psychology. Ramneet is pre-med, as well as a huge advocate for mental health awareness, always looking for ways she can contribute to help reduce the stigma around mental health conditions.
Ramona Rogers has worked with students and families for 16 years, providing assistance with the navigation of the mental health support system.
Rebekah Lee is a program manager on the payment innovation team at Blue Shield of California.
Reya Siddharth is a college student looking to expand her passion in the film industry, with a bit of experience being part of a film crew on set. She is interested in advocating for mental health through unique storytelling lenses.
Rhiannon Shires has been practicing as a clinical and educational psychologist for over 30 years working with children, adolescents, and young adults. Rhiannon is presently a Contra Costa County mental health commissioner and serves on the Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board. She has also served on the SRVUSD Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Steering Committee and has worked in hospitals, schools, and various social service agencies.
Ricardo Pina is an individual with a multi-lensed perspective, who has lived experience in mental health, suicide prevention, and social justice. Ricardo views analysis and rhetoric through writing as one of the most liberating forms of self-expression.
Richard Tiland is a producer and CEO at New Evolution Video, a video production company in San Diego. Richard is an advocate for mental health awareness and with 16 years of experience in media.
Rick Newmyer is a senior lecturer with the USC Suzanne-Dworak Peck School of Social Work. Prior to joining USC, he spent two decades developing and administering programs for children, youth, and families.
Rita Tanos lost her daughter to suicide; afterwards, Rita used her grief to help others with deep listening and encouragement, by connecting emotionally and spiritually, and in sharing their feelings and voice through art and self-expression.
Robert Mansfield finds volunteering with Directing Change and seeing the hard work and diligence of students to be important and rewarding. He also values how the program celebrates youth for their important messaging.
Robyn Gantsweg is the peer self-advocacy program manager at Disability Rights California. As a person with lived experience, she is passionate and always on the lookout for creative ways to eliminate mental health stigma and discrimination.
Robynleigh Olson has assisted many organizations in various ways for a lifetime and has also judged for an adolescent writing contest.
Ron Shaw values the opportunity to experience the creativity and quality of contest entries. Ron also enjoys seeing the diversity of California youth and the vibrant prevention messages they share.
Rosa C. Lopez is a southern California creative who has illustrated children’s books, designed journals, and now makes new art creations to express her thoughts for her small business. Rosa finds inspiration in life’s daily moments and has a deep admiration for the film industry. Rosa finds that we are all living out our stories, so being able to relate through art forms, such as film, allows us to connect in a unique way.
Rosalie Valles works as a paraprofessional in an elementary school and wishes to promote this healthy outlet for youths to express themselves on such a heavy topic that impacts their daily lives.
Rosemary Rubin is the co-chair of the Los Angeles County Child and Adolescent Suicide Review Team and is on the board of the California Association of School Counselors Emeriti Executive Committee.
Ruben Sanchez is the workgroup chair for the Napa County Suicide Prevention Council, a prevention specialist at Mentis, and a youth mentor for Teens Connect where he helps lead conversations around mental health and wellness, plans monthly wellness events, and connects teens to volunteer opportunities in Napa County.
Ruby Schultz is a member of the Directing Change Youth Council.
Rupa Doshi works for Blue Shield of California.
Ruth Cañas has been working in the field of mental health for over 25 years and is now the director of a community mental health agency. Her focus is on children and adolescents.
Samantha Mar is a member of the Directing Change Youth Council.
Samantha Olson has had the pleasure of working alongside youth for the past 17+ years in a K-12 setting and looks forward to many more years as hope and healing become more available to all people.
Sandri Kramer is the projects and grants manager for the Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Center. She is also a suicide prevention specialist and has worked in the field for over 25 years.
Sandy Young is an inpatient psychiatric case manager for Kaiser Permanente and wants to do everything she can to support youth in speaking up about mental health.
Sanjai Chandrasekaran is a filmmaker and director working in the Tamil film industry.
Sarah Hoeven is one of the creators of Bunny King Productions, home of Zoom’s Fairy Tales and Group Chat; Sarah contributes as a writer, actor, video editor, and producer. The focus of Sarah’s work is to bring artistic visions to life on stage and screen. She also creates instructional videos for oncology massage education.
Saryna Konczey has been involved in the mental health field in various ways for over 15 years and would love to see healthier and more accurate representations of mental health and the interpersonal and intrapersonal struggles folks face when navigating mental health issues.
Scott Dudley
Sean Maulding has personal experience with mental health challenges and supports efforts to reduce stigma.
Shannon Rice has been affected by personal mental health issues and by suicide in family and friends. Shannon’s husband is a photographer and taught high school for 10 years, and she believes it is critical to support young people – especially through these traumatic times. Shannon also regards art as a great healer with the ability to express every emotion and feeling possible.
Shelley Singleton is a brand strategist and copywriter who spent more than a decade working in the entertainment industry – from production to post-production to film marketing. She also served as membership director for The American Pavilion, a hospitality center on the Cote d’Azur at the Cannes International Film Festival.
Shelly-Ann Dewsbury has been working and supporting emerging adults as they navigate the complexities and challenges that come with balancing university and college. As a social work educator, Shelley-Ann requires students to create a PSA addressing a topic connected to diversity and inclusion. She also works with students to get support managing their mental health.
Sheri Hanni has worked with Butte County Office of Education for over 30 years serving multiple roles related to student attendance, mental wellness, supportive student discipline, engagement integration, and multi-tiered system of support implementation. She is dedicated to supporting students in a positive, compassionate manner that enhances meaningful engagement and capacity for lifelong learning.
Dr. Sheri Stevens-Parker is a counseling therapist supervisor for the Val Verde Unified School District. Dr. Parker is a mental health advocate with a special interest in increasing awareness and decreasing stigma and shame regarding mental illness in Black and Brown communities.
Shoko Glover is a parent of two adult children, hold a special place for youth mental health (having seen the difficulties that today’s youth must overcome). Shoko’s passion is changing how society views mental health and meeting young people’s needs for more constant support.
Skylar Sanders has an educational and workplace background in film production and is looking for a way to give back to young filmmakers.
Sly Espinoza loves when young filmmakers have an idea in their head and can make it into a reality.
Soheil Mojtahedian has been a volunteer at the Victory Wellness Center for several years and is excited to gain experience evaluating films.
Staci Schultz has worked in the early childhood education sector (0-5yr) for over 5 years. She is extremely passionate about forming community partnerships, engaging, and advocating in the community, and she is always looking for new opportunities to help support the needs of the community and the families she works with on a day-to-day basis.
Stephanie Artis has been teaching and working with youth to cultivate their creativity and educate them about self-sustainability in arts, agriculture and environmental awareness, and thriving to create a new version of common sense for 14 years.
Stephanie Chito is an academic counselor for California State University, Dominguez Hills where she helps undergraduate students fulfill their dreams of earning a college degree by overcoming both personal and academic challenges. Stephanie is also an aspiring filmmaker with a passion for telling stories with themes exploring healing, identity, and self-discovery.
Stephanie Loscko is a program specialist for the Student Advocates for Mental Health (SAMH) program at the Orange County Department of Education. SAMH supports youth-led mental health awareness campaigns, activities, and Directing Change projects on school campuses across Orange County.
Stephanie Murray has been a school psychologist for the Whittier Union High School District for 27 years and is active in the district’s suicide prevention program. She is also a co-chair of the LA County Child and Adolescent Suicide Review Team, a member of the Los Angeles Suicide Prevention Network, and is involved with the LA County Office of Education CDOL division as part of the SPORT 2 (Suicide Prevention Ongoing Resiliency Training) program.
Steven Abramowitz is an account supervisor at Sacramento-based media planning and buying agency M&M Media Solutions, where he works primarily on the CalHOPE campaign, a California statewide effort partnering with Directing Change to spread awareness, resources, and services for mental health support.
Steven Cathy is a college graduate and a legal videographer who has lived experience with mental illness. Steven is always interested in and touched by the films created for Directing Change.
Susan Abito embarked on her professional journey with San Bernardino County 23 years ago and presently serves as a staff training Instructor within the Department of Behavioral Health. Possessing a deep sense of compassion and empathy, Susan is dedicated to supporting individuals affected by mental illness and is a staunch advocate for the importance of community awareness and education regarding mental health, holding firm to the conviction that hope and mental wellness are attainable for all.
Susan Klos is a mother to two adult children with SMI, schizophrenia.
Susan Light is a pediatrician and parent; as such, she knows how important supporting youth through mental health challenges can be in helping to achieve a positive outcome.
Susan McLennan is an Emmy and Anthem Webby Award-winning writer and producer of digital and television projects. She is also the co-founder of Welfie, a health equity platform whose signature product, The Well, features mental health resources sourced and/or created by youth for youth. Susan runs Welfie’s intern programs, helping youth connect with others through expression and creativity, especially around mental health.
Suzanne Joyal believes that art is communication and uses pages from discarded books in her paintings and sculptures (telling her own story in the process). While Suzanne is new to the field of neuroarts, she believes wholeheartedly in the power of the arts to improve our physical and emotional wellbeing. Whether it’s working with families in Zambia, children with disabilities, or newcomers building new communities, Suzanne has seen first-hand how the arts help us speak a common language.
Suzanne Skees has dedicated her career to equal opportunity for all, in education and jobs to end poverty worldwide; as a woman, her life-dream to be a mother has been impacted by depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, estrangement, and suicide in 3 of her 4 sons. Suzanne wants to put her empathy, experience, and strength into supporting youth as they are – unique and beautiful individuals who deserve to thrive and realize their dreams.
Sweta Patel works for Blue Shield of California.
Sydnie Pitzer is a high school senior who believes in the extraordinary power of creativity, especially when it is used to begin conversations, promote international awareness, and destigmatize stereotypes surrounding mental health.
Tanya Mason is looking to help students navigate difficult situations that they may be facing.
Tatiana Wilson is a psychiatric nurse working with children and adolescents who wants to make a difference.
Tawny Crane is a senior social services supervisor for the Orange County Social Services Agency, Children and Family Services and has worked for over 25 years advocating for the mental health needs of children and youth at risk of abuse and/or neglect.
Terence O’kane volunteers as a judge to do what he can to help suicidal teens and brings lived experience of youth mental health struggles to his evaluation of Directing Change films.
Thomas Birbeck taught in the public school system for 18 years and has recently retired. Thomas feels that Directing Change is essential for assisting students to manage their mental health.
Tia Shipman is a yoga instructor who focuses primarily on mental health awareness. Additionally, LA City College’s newspaper, Collegian, recently featured Tia’s op-ed article centered on mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
Tiana Ni is a passionate production designer with a keen eye for visual storytelling. She holds an MFA in film production from Emerson College in Boston, is the fellow of Berlinale Talents 2024, and is an alumni of BIFFxAFA (Busan International Film Festival x Asian Film Academy).
Tiffany Hollis is an advocate for mental health awareness and wants to support young artists’ voices in this space. Tiffany also has experience with cinematography and film analysis.
Tim Garman
Tina Ryder is senior programmer for the Newport Beach Film Festival and has been reviewing short and feature films for the festival for 12 years. Tina also served as a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) in Orange County, which included holding education rights for a CASA child from the ages of 13-18. As the mother of 4 grown children, she has a strong interest in supporting youth as individuals, meeting them where they are, and encouraging their passions and interests.
Tom Buratovich has worked with homeless and at-risk youth, understands suffering from mental health challenges, and has a good eye for film and how effectively it communicates the messages it seeks to convey, both implicitly and explicitly.
Tom Norton once found the hope and motivation he needed to pull his life together in a short film and understands the power of storytelling to show people they are not alone.
Tonya Ross is coordinator for health services for the Division of Pupil Services at Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE). Tonya coordinates suicide prevention training for all Pupil Services staff and oversees policy and procedures for the suicide prevention awareness program.
Tottanica Phifer is a student pursing a BA in psychology with a concentration in child and adolescent development. Tottanica has a strong passion for empowering and supporting youth and helping reduce mental health stigma.
Traci Barker-Ball retired after working as a high school teacher and counselor for 35 years. In her work, she created the Student Services Office, which helped teens deal with mental health issues.
Tracie Andrews works for Department of Mental Health for Los Angeles County and is co-chair for the LA Suicide Prevention Network.
Troy Underwood is a producer/creative executive/consultant and storyteller with 15 years+ of high-quality scripted producing experience on award-winning, critically acclaimed programming including Emmy-nominated Star Wars Rebels and Star Wars Resistance; Emmy-winning TRON: Uprising; as well as Star Vs. The Forces of Evil, Big City Greens, Pupstruction, and SuperKitties. Underwood served as a Television Academy Governor for 5 years in the Children’s Programming Peer Group and was a member of the TV Academy Executive Committee for 2023.
Tynisha Dones has spent 20 years building soldiers to be leaders while growing as a person and dedicating her life to service.
Vanessa Best works for Blue Shield of California.
Vanessa Hernandez is a licensed marriage and family therapist, currently working in emergency services providing immediate support to those experiencing mental health emergencies. Her background includes working with children and adults on the autism spectrum, co-ocurring treatment for justice involved adults, moderate to severe mental health in a children’s program, urgent care clinic for emergency psychiatric medication, and other roles within the mental health community.
Vanessa Ramos is part of the Directing Change Youth Council and has previously competed in the annual film contest. Vanessa looks forward to learning more about mental health through the thought-provoking videos created by youth.
Veronica Lopez is a fourth-year college student at California State University, Fullerton, studying public health with an emphasis in health education and promotion.
Veronica Scarpelli has been an advocate and educator in suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention since 2005; after losing her husband to suicide in 2002, Veronica became part of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Didi Hirsch, and SAMHSA communities, serving millions of people throughout California (as well as throughout the United States).
Vianca Terriquez is part of the Directing Change Youth Council and wants to help increase awareness surrounding mental health issues.
Vicki Nissen has been a clinical social worker for over 30 years, working with families to improve their mental health. Vicki is inspired by the creative ways young people communicate and connect with each other.
Victor Yates is a writer, storyteller, performance artist, video editor, and filmmaker. His work includes the Black Lives Matter video project Death Sentence, and he has received grants from the cities of West Hollywood and Glendale to produce.
Victoria Merk seeks to give back to those facing challenges.
Victoria Smith is a community health advocate helping people get connected to mental health services and empowering them to advocate for themselves.
Vidhya Mohan has experience judging speech and debate competitions for their kid’s school team, in addition to previous experience evaluating Directing Change films.
Vince Brown supports everyone’s efforts to better their mental health and hopes this helps all generations.
Virginia Kuhn is a film professor; most of Virginia’s work centers on media for social change by pairing the personal with the structural as the Directing Change program does.
Whitney Wilson is a patient rights advocate in San Diego County.
William Johnson
William Kilby looks forward to when mental health is not stigmatized and speaking about mental health is normalized.
Yayi Chen has been drawn to psychology since childhood and wants to help raise mental health awareness through art and film. Filmmaking has been Yayi’s hobby and passion for over 5 years.
Ylberina Cuni is a mental health advocate, executive assistant, and owner of GoToRecruiter, who is dedicated to promoting mental wellness in schools and beyond. With a passion for supporting students, faculty, and staff, Ylberina works tirelessly to raise awareness about mental health and provide resources to those in need by combining expertise in executive assistance and recruitment with a commitment to mental health advocacy.
Yunyi Zhu is a director/producer/filmmaker based in LA with a degree in directing from Loyola Marymount University. She has accumulated a broad spectrum of experience working in prominent international film companies, including Warner Brothers, Mei Ah Entertainment (Hong Kong), and Vanishing Angle. Her previous work has screened at top-notch film festivals worldwide, including festivals that qualified for the Oscars and BAFTA recognition.
Yuriko Curiel is a program coordinator for The Foundation for California Community Colleges, where she works closely with community college students to train them around basic needs and mental health resources. Yuriko is also a first-generation Latina in the mental health field, an intern in San Bernardino County helping adults with mental health concerns, and a graduate student at California State University of San Bernardino pursuing a degree in psychology.
Yvette Estrada graduated from Mills College in Oakland, California with a BA in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies in 2021. Her academic work and training experiences have prepared her to pursue graduate studies in clinical mental health counseling by giving her the ability to look through the various lenses of her past college courses in psychology, sociology, gender/sexuality, critical race theory, and social justice, along with her past and ongoing crisis care digital counseling volunteer work.
Zeynep Yeldan is a theatre-maker, photographer, and animator from Los Angeles. Her material interweaves various disciplines to create work on themes such as identity, belonging, alienation and the space between the individual and society.
