Breaking Down Barriers is an outreach and education program that works with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and the LGBTQIA+ community to talk about mental wellness. Through educational workshops and events, we discuss the stigma of mental health and connect participants to helpful resources. We also provide cultural humility/cultural competency training to community members and providers who work with these populations. We want to normalize conversations about mental wellness so everyone can thrive.
This is strictly an educational program, and we do not provide diagnoses or serve as licensed therapists.
Every community has a different perspective on mental wellness. We’re here to amplify your voice and add our expertise to the conversations already happening in our communities. Our educational workshops use a strengths-based approach to help you develop a positive relationship with your own mental health and support the wellness of your loved ones. Presentations are available in English, Spanish, and interpretation is available in other languages as needed. The workshop content can be adapted for youth, adults, and older adults/elders.
Here’s a few topics we can talk about:
Our Outreach Team collaborates with community organizations to develop and present workshops. We facilitate stigma reducing and interactive conversations to normalize mental health in a supportive environment, through a culturally relevant lens. No matter your current knowledge of mental health topics, our program is accessible for everyone and is tailored to reflect the values of our communities.
1 in 5
adults in the U.S. experience mental health issues in any given year*
*National Alliance on Mental Illness
Dalia Alabid
Dalia Alabid (she/her) is the Mental Health Educator for the Middle Eastern Community. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and two associate degrees in social behavioral sciences. She assisted the U.S. Army in their mission in Iraq and worked as a Refugee Case Manager. In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality time with her family & friends, being in nature, and reading.
Spshelle Faith Gordon
Spshelle Faith Gordon (she/her) is the Program Supervisor and Mental Health Outreach and Education Coordinator for the African American/Black Community. She is a Marine Corps veteran who specializes in mental health and public health. Outside of work, Spshelle enjoys time with loved ones and volunteering.
Ayani Hashi
Ayani Hashi (she/her) is the Education and Outreach Coordinator for the African Refugee Community. She holds an undergraduate degree in Public Health, School Counseling, and Social Work, as well as a Master’s in Nonprofit Administration. As a Somali refugee born in Kenya and having lived in the United States for 20 years she brings both personal and professional perspectives to her work. Beyond her professional background, she is passionate about climate change, gardening, reading, world-building, and video games.
Marcia Hunter
Marcia Hunter (she/her) is the Data Specialist for Breaking Down Barriers. She is a proud member of the Three Affiliated Tribes from North Dakota and is of Arikara, Mandan, and Northern Cheyenne descent. She has a background in Suicide Awareness and Community Engagement. Outside of work, Marcia enjoys exploring National Parks with her family and learning traditional ways of beading.
Briana Leyva
Briana Leyva (she/her) is the Outreach Coordinator for the Latinx Community. She is the daughter of immigrants who came from Guerrero, Mexico. Her background lies in mental health and health advocacy. She is passionate about holistic wellness, health equity, and community involvement. Outside of work, Briana enjoys spending time with loved ones and being outdoors.
Vanessa Pineda
Vanessa Pineda (she/they) is the Program Manager and Mental Health Educator and Outreach Coordinator for the LGBTQ+ Community. They are a multi-generation Mexican who grew up in Sothern California. Vanessa holds a Masters of Social Work specializing in mental health as well as gender and sexuality. When not at work she likes to spend time with chosen family, travel and explore creativity.
Jenny Seradilla
Jenny Seradilla (she/her) is the Mental Health Educator and Outreach Coordinator for the Asian/Pacific Islander Community. She is a second-generation Filipino who was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai’i. She is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist at a group private practice and specializes in Asian American mental health, somatic-based therapy, trauma, and anxiety. Outside of work, Jenny enjoys staying active through running and working out, going to the beach, exploring trails, cooking, and spending time with her dog
Grace Sesma
Grace Sesma (she/her), is the Mental Health Outreach Coordinator for the Native American Community. She is a cultural practitioner of Yaqui descent with a background in mental health and traditional cultural practices. She serves on the Yaquis of Southern California Council and DEI Council of the Consciousness & Healing Initiative. She’s also a member of the Kumeyaay-led Kanap Kuahan Coalition and the Academy of Integrative Health & Medicine BIPOC committee. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, painting, beading, and being in nature.
