Mental Health Advocacy Training Program
The STEP Up program is pleased to host our second cohort of the Mental Health Advocacy Training Program. This student engagement program is part of our workforce development efforts to address the shortage of mental health practitioners in our communities. Students learn about campus-based and community-based mental health issues and services and are also introduced to a wide range of careers in mental health. Upon completion of the training program, students conduct a service learning project that will advance student mental health for a particular affinity group at Ohlone. This semester’s cohort includes students from three affinity groups: Umoja, Puente, and EOPS. This program is generously funded by Alameda County Behavioral Health’s Workforce Development, Education and Training Division.
Yanelli Flores
Maria Martinez
Starlena Manzo
Alison Malpartida
Hello everyone! My name is Alison Malpartida and I am honored to be a part of this year's advocacy program. Being a Latinx first generation student, I have not only seen but also experienced the effects that college and overall life has on your mental health. Due to this, I believe that it's crucial to take care of yourself and raise awareness for mental health to remove the stigma. I look forward to becoming a voice for the community and create a safer and judgement-free future for them as well.
Sharnell Smothers-Billings
Sharnell is majoring in Human Development and Psychology so she can pursue a career as a licensed marriage and family therapist and eventually as a psychiatrist. She is passionate about normalizing and destigmatizing mental health. Her personal experiences have put her on a path to advocate for those who battle with mental illnesses and to educate those who may not understand it. Her other goals are to be the best mom she can be to her daughter Sanai and to travel the world in hopes to learn and experience the many different places and cultures it has to offer.
Isidore Finau
Lien Dao
Bibi Aisha Rohani