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Hello to all of our phenomenal viewers, listeners, and supporters. Welcome to another episode of CONNECTED, where we discuss all things mental health, recovery, education, employment,
and stories. In today episodes we have Charly Vera-Valle and Natasha Paulson talking about their experience In the clubhouse so far.

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Hello to all of our phenomenal viewers, listeners, and supporters. If you are a new audience member, we are so grateful to have you. Welcome to another episode of “CONNECTED,” where we discuss all things mental health, recovery, employment, and stories.

Today’s guest is a member of our clubhouse. She is someone who has faced some challenges head-on and turned them into a driving force for her creativity and activism. She is the CEO of SeePurE, a filmmaker, dancer, and passionate advocate for mental health awareness. But it’s not just her creative achievements that make her story remarkable. Our guest has schizoaffective disorder, a condition that has shaped both her personal life and her art.

She graduated from UCLA in 2015 with a Bachelor's in World Arts and Cultures, focusing on film, dance, and political economy. Her journey began with the creation of her short film A Ripple in Time, which was praised for its boldness, authenticity, and magical realism.

Coming from an immigrant family, she’s had to grapple with cultural stigma and the feeling of living two lives. One rooted in the traditions of her heritage and the other in her own path toward understanding and healing. Join us as we explore her incredible story, through struggles and triumphs, and how her experiences continue to shape her vision for the future. Welcome Mei Sze Phung!

Visit her website: 
https://www.seepure.info/ 

Visit our website:
https://mentalhealthconnectionsca.org/

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Hello to all of our phenomenal viewers, listeners, and supporters. If you are a new audience member, we are so grateful to have you. Welcome to another episode of “CONNECTED,” where we discuss all things mental health, recovery, employment, and stories.

Today, we’re honored to have a very special guest, who is no stranger to politics. He made history in 2022 as the first openly gay member of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, a milestone that reflects both his trailblazing spirit and deep commitment to public service.

He has spent decades serving the Contra Costa community, from his roots in Pleasant Hill, to his notable 29-year career as a Concord Police Officer. His grandfather also served on the Board of Supervisors as he is no stranger to politics. As a leader, he has worked tirelessly to create inclusive spaces, from establishing LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in Pleasant Hill to promoting social justice and human rights through his roles in various regional boards and nonprofits.

Join us as we talk about his own journey through mental health, his election cycle, and further initiatives shaping Contra Costa County. Please give a warm welcome to Ken Carlson!

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Born & raised in Pittsburg CA, Donald's always longed to be a star! Graduating from Fresno State with a Theater Degree, he has always been involved in theater work. He has also been apart of the Oakland Inner Faith Gospel Choir for the past 5 years. This really helped him ease the symptoms of his PTSD as singing allowed him to get his emotions out. 
On a path to recovery, he is no stranger to utilizing the mental health resources around him. This ultimately lead him to the Clubhouse where he is here to share his story. Welcome Donald Lang!

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Hello to all of our phenomenal viewers, listeners, and supporters. If you are a new audience member, we are so grateful to have you. Welcome to another episode of “CONNECTED,” where we discuss all things mental health, recovery, employment, and stories. Before we dive in, this show is sponsored by Contra Costa Health Services & John Muir Health Services.

In today’s episode, we’re talking about a critical issue that affects so many of us – workplace burnout. Whether it’s long hours, stress, or the pressures of balancing personal and professional life, burnout can have serious consequences on our mental and emotional health.

Joining us today is an extraordinary guest, the co-chair of Voter Services and Community Conversations for the League of Women Voters. Because of today’s political climate, she brings a unique perspective to the conversation. She’s a passionate advocate for community engagement, social justice, and her journey is deeply rooted in her personal story.

She is a proud daughter of a three-time war veteran. After earning her teaching credentials from Mills College and a Master’s degree from Sacramento State, she taught history at Antioch High School, inspiring young minds for years. Her father’s service and resilience were a huge influence on her life, and after his passing in 2016, she found a new calling in the League of Women Voters – an organization that has given her a fresh lens on advocacy, history, and leadership. She has seen firsthand how workplace pressures can negatively impact both individuals and organizations.

Today, we’ll explore how workplace burnout is impacting so many of us, especially in high-pressure fields, and discuss ways to manage the stress and find balance in our lives. Please welcome Shawn Gilbert!

Visit the League of Women Voters California:
https://lwvc.org/

Visit our website 
https://connectionshouseca.org/

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Hello to all of our phenomenal viewers, listeners, and supporters. If you are a new audience member, we are so grateful to have you. Welcome to another episode of “CONNECTED,” where we discuss all things mental health, recovery, employment, and stories. Before we dive in, this show is sponsored by Contra Costa Health Services & John Muir Health Services.

Today, we’re honored to have a truly inspiring guest with us, one of our Program Directors here at Mental Health Connections.
For over 30 years, she has dedicated herself to advocating for families and individuals facing complex challenges, particularly in the world of autism and mental health. She’s not only a seasoned professional in program development, curriculum design, and community engagement, but also someone who has lived this journey firsthand as a mother in Oakland, California.

In the 1980s, when autism awareness was far less developed, she was alone in navigating the healthcare and educational systems to find the right resources for her son. Through her perseverance, she built a network of support that has been transformative, both for her family and her community. Despite setbacks—including a significant injury to her son that has shaped his path—she continues to be a powerful advocate and role model for resilience.

Today, she’s here to talk about The Power of Vulnerability, a concept that has been integral not only to her own personal journey but also to her work as a leader and advocate. She’ll share how embracing vulnerability has helped her persevere through some of the toughest moments of her life and how it has shaped her work as a Board Member for the California Behavioral Health Planning Council, a former Commissioner for the Contra Costa County Women's Commission, and her various roles in education and nonprofit development.
Please welcome Lanita Mims!

Visit our website:
https://mentalhealthconnectionsca.org/

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Hello to all of our phenomenal viewers, listeners, and supporters. I am your host Brianna PodcastBri Harris and I am so excited to be here. If you are a new audience member, we are so grateful to have you. Welcome to another episode of “CONNECTED,” where we discuss all things mental health, recovery, employment, and stories. Before we dive in, this show is sponsored by Contra Costa Health Services & John Muir Health Services.

Today’s guest is our former program director who has since transitioned into her own private practice as a music therapist. She is board-certified with a Master of Arts in Music Therapy from the University of the Pacific. She also holds a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from the prestigious NYU. Having started playing the violin at the tender age of four, she grew up surrounded by music. Her late mother, an occupational therapist, played a crucial role in her musical development.

Although, after the passing of her mother her journey into music therapy was profoundly influenced by this personal loss. This was a moment that revealed the incredible healing power of music. Now, as the founder of Mount Diablo Music Therapy, she works with a variety of clients including us here at Mental Health Connections. She spends an hour a week at our Peer Connections Center using techniques like lyric analysis, music-based coping strategies, and emotional regulation through song. She specializes in supporting those with mental health challenges, aging adults, individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and children with developmental disabilities.

Join us as we dive into how music therapy can support mental well-being. Please join me in welcoming Claire Baffico!

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Hello to all of our phenomenal viewers, listeners, and supporters. If you are a new audience member, we are so grateful to have you. Welcome to another episode of “CONNECTED,” where we discuss all things mental health, recovery, employment, and stories. This show is sponsored by Contra Costa Health Services & John Muir Health Services.

Today, we’re joined by a very special guest who’s not only built a thriving entertainment business, but has also learned firsthand how to channel his love for music and performance into something that uplifts others.
He is a talented DJ, MC, and entrepreneur who started singing at just five years old, and quickly fell in love with the energy of live performances. His journey led him to become the driving force behind a unique entertainment company that offers DJ/MC services, lighting, photo booths, and even catering—all while employing his family and creating unforgettable experiences for his clients.

But there’s more to his story than just lights and music. In the midst of building his business, he is also navigating the personal journey of recovery. In fact, he’s about to celebrate 18 years of sobriety this Valentine's Day.
Today, we’ll dive into the role that purpose and passion play in his life and how they’ve shaped his mental health, success, and personal growth. Whether you’re chasing a dream of your own or simply seeking inspiration, this conversation will remind you of the power of aligning your passions with your purpose. Please welcome Brian Murphy!

Book your next event with Murphy's Entertainment:
https://murphysentertainment.com/

Visit our website:
https://connectionshouseca.org/

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Hello to all of our phenomenal viewers, listeners, and supporters. If you are a new audience member, we are so grateful to have you. Welcome to another episode of “CONNECTED,” where we discuss all things mental health, recovery, employment, and stories. 

In this episode, we’re joined by an incredible guest, the co-founder of The Black Neighborhood, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering communities through access, resources, and connection. After holding a degree from The Howard University, almost a decade ago, our guest took a bold step in founding this organization, starting with a free farmer's market in East Oakland. This gradually expanded their impact with initiatives like Mental Health hikes, turkey drives, scholarships, domestic violence prevention, and an ever-growing list of life-changing programs in the Bay Area, New York, and LA.
One of the standout initiatives? A series of group hikes that have evolved from a modest gathering of 30-50 people to now hosting nearly 150 participants after 39 hikes! These events aren’t just about physical activity; they’re also intentional spaces for networking, personal growth, and mindfulness. Before each hike, the group takes part in a mental and mindfulness exercise, setting the tone for a journey not only of the body, but of the mind and soul as well. And the best part? These hikes are free and open to everyone, promoting the idea that everyone deserves access to the healing power of nature.
We’ll be discussing the importance of mental health days in nature, how the power of community is harnessed on these hikes, and why our guest believes it’s essential to take time for yourself in the great outdoors. Please welcome Cory Elliot.

Visit The Black Neighborhood: 
https://www.theblackneighborhood.org/

Visit our website:
https://mentalhealthconnectionsca.org/

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 Hello to all of our phenomenal viewers, listeners, and supporters. If you are a new audience member, we are so grateful to have you. Welcome to another episode of “CONNECTED,” where we discuss all things mental health, recovery, employment, and stories. Thank you to our sponsors, Contra Costa Health, and John Muir!

Today, we have a special guest all the way from New York. Joining us is the Interim Managing Director of Strategic Growth at Fountain House New York. Fountain House is a pioneering organization dedicated to supporting people living with mental illness, and through his work there, he has helped shape a community-centered approach to workplace well-being.

Before stepping into the world of strategic growth, he spent a few years as a poetry and English professor. However, after becoming discouraged by the limitations of the tenure system, he decided to chart a new path—one that combined his passion for community and education. That journey led him to Fountain House, where he’s spent the last seven years fostering collaborations through Fountain House United, which brings together different clubhouses to amplify their collective impact.

Throughout his career, he has embraced the philosophy that ‘the community will tell you what it needs.’ This belief has deeply shaped his approach to emotional wellness in the workplace, especially as it relates to building supportive, connected environments where people can truly thrive. Outside of his work, he’s a self-proclaimed homebody who enjoys the simple joys of food, poetry, and writing.

Today, we’re talking about why emotional intelligence and emotional wellness are so crucial in our work environments, and how organizations—whether big or small—can cultivate spaces that nurture both individual and collective well-being. Welcome, Alex Baldassare

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Visit Fountain House Website: https://www.fountainhouse.org/