From Roots To Resilience: Expanded Learning & School-Based Mental Health

Overview

From Roots to Resilience: Expanded Learning Strategies to Increase Access to School-Based Mental Health Workshop
December 8, 2026, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

From Roots To Resilience: Expanded Learning Strategies to Increase Access to School-Based Mental Health promo

Did you know that Expanded Learning programs, in and of themselves, promote the research-based conditions for children and youth to thrive and succeed in life? 

Many of California’s children who are facing adverse conditions and mental health challenges would benefit from additional tiered supports to address the barriers they are facing. California’s Expanded Learning programs provide a flexible platform to create conditions for thriving, for additional support, as well as more time and space for accessing specialty clinical support, all day, and all year long. 

Join CAN and special guests for a FREE virtual workshop as we present inspiring mental health support work with leaders across the state! 

  • In this virtual workshop, participants will learn from prominent researchers who highlight the importance of Expanded Learning programs to advance positive mental health outcomes.
  • The workshop will also feature expertise from state, county, regional, local district, and community-based organization leaders doing the work today!
  • Come learn the why, what, and how of advancing resilience and positive mental health in partnership with California’s Expanded Learning programs. 
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Workshop Details

Registration  

Guest Speakers & Panelists

Vanessa Arteaga, LMFT, Vanessa is the Director of Programs at Harmonium, Inc. Vanessa is committed to advancing the integration of behavioral health within Expanded Learning, helping redefine how after school programs support the whole child. Her work focuses on building inclusive, trauma-informed environments by strengthening staff capacity through behavioral consultation, coaching, and practical strategies that promote student well-being, belonging, and success. 

Alessia Garcia, MSW, PPSC, is the Expanded Learning Site Supervisor at Brown Middle School in Lake Elsinore Unified School District. She also holds a Graduate Certificate in Trauma-Informed Practices in Educational Settings. In addition to her role as site supervisor, Alessia created and runs the district-wide Youth Leadership Program, which empowers young people with both the strategic and socio-emotional skills to create change in their schools and communities. Currently, Alessia is serving as both a CASEL Fellow and a Fellow with ASAPConnect’s California Expanded Learning School of Leadership and Facilitation (SLF). 

Nora Hana, MA. Ed., PPSC, YMHS, is the Director of Comprehensive Health at the San Joaquin County Office of Education (COE). Under Nora’s leadership, San Joaquin COE has been designated by the CYBHI Capacity Grants Program as one of seven Regional Leads providing technical assistance to COEs across California. Nora brings a deep understanding of the intersections among Expanded Learning, Student Support Services, Community Schools, and school-based health and mental health provision, including creative ways to leverage multiple initiatives to sustain Local Education Agencies while providing holistic student supports.

Dr. Gil Noam, Ed.D., is an associate professor at Harvard Medical School focusing on prevention and resilience. He leads the Institute for the Study of Resilience in Youth (ISRY) at McLean Hospital. He served as director of the Risk and Prevention Program and founded the RALLY Prevention Program, a Boston-based intervention that bridges social and academic support in school, afterschool, and community settings. He has published over 200 papers, articles, and books on child and adolescent development, as well as risk and resiliency in clinical, school, and afterschool settings. He also served as the editor-in-chief of the journal New Directions for Youth Development: Theory, Practice and Research with a strong focus on out-of-school time. Dr. Noam is trained as a clinical and developmental psychologist and psychoanalyst in both Europe and the United States.

Resources

Coming soon!