Hope Happens Here

Ellen Ahn has served as the Executive Director of Korean Community Services for the past 15 years. Prior to her current position there, she worked as a corporate attorney. Not feeling emboldened by her career path, she discovered her true passion for mental health through a volunteer position at Korean Community Services. Ellen discusses how the current hateful environment and recent events are impacting the mental health of the AAPI community and how that community is working to cope and heal.

Having worked with ethnic communities for nearly 20 years, Iliana Soto Welty is keenly aware of the stigma and barriers that each ethnic community in Orange County faces as it relates to mental health. She discusses these struggles, as well as a unique way that she and MECCA are working with these communities to create healing.

First responders deal with trauma every single day. Yet, they are often not trained in how to maintain their own mental wellness. Dr. Heather Williams, who specializes in helping first responders with their mental health, discusses the gaps that exist and the barriers – both internal and external – that first responders often face in regards to mental health and wellness.

After losing her son to suicide, Kay’s passion for mental health and wellness became even stronger. She shares the important role that the faith community can play in helping those who are struggling.

As kids continue to return to the classroom, their new “normal” will look much different than it did pre-COVID. Dr. Adela Cruz discusses how students, parents and professionals in her district are coping and adapting.

Growing up with a brother who suffered from a severe mental illness, Steve learned how important it is to support those struggling with mental health issues. He shares how that has inspired and informed the work he does today.

Working on the front lines with children, therapists and the clinical team at Children's Hospital of Orange County, Dr. Heather Huszti shares what’s going on in the world of mental health as it relates to kids and the pandemic, and practical steps we can take to support them.

Dr. Miguel’s approach to mental health care is simple – let me learn what works for you, your culture and your community and use that power to find a better way to be. Hear from him about the issues facing our ethnic communities and how we can make our approach to mental health care more inclusive.