10th Annual Wellness Together Conference: Full Schedule

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8:00am PDT

Braiding Vision, Funding, and Partnerships to Sustain School-Based Wellness Models

Friday September 11, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT

Developing and sustaining an integrated school-based wellness model requires more than adding services, it requires leadership moves that build coherence across vision, funding, partnerships, and systems. This session will share lessons from the Placer County Office of Education’s work to develop an integrated wellness model connected to Placer County’s broader System of Care. Participants will explore how a clear and durable vision can guide implementation, how braided funding approaches can support sustainability, and how intentional partnership development can strengthen access to coordinated supports for students and families. Using a narrative, story-based approach, the session will connect practical leadership decisions to real implementation challenges and opportunities. Participants will leave with tools and strategies they can apply in their own local context.

Speakers

Luke Anderson

Executive Director, Prevention Supports and Services, Placer County Office of Education & CA PBIS

Luke Anderson, Ed.S., BCBA, is the Executive Director of Prevention Supports and Services at the Placer County Office of Education. He leads efforts to build integrated systems of support that connect education, behavioral health, and community partners to improve student well-being... Read More →

Ali Murphy

Mental Health Director, Placer County Office of Education

Ali Murphy, LMFT, is the Director of Mental Health in the Prevention Supports and Services Department at the Placer County Office of Education. Within this role, Ali oversees school-mental health program integration including the implementation of Wellness Centers and school-based... Read More →

Wellness Together 2026 Braiding Vision, Funding, and Partnerships to Sustain School Based Wellness Models Google Slides pdf

Friday September 11, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
33 B

Breakout

9:15am PDT

Beyond the Degree: Navigating Your Path as a California Certified Wellness Coach (CWC)

Friday September 11, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am PDT

33 B

The Challenge: The "Experience Trap" & Youth Distress
College students and recent grads face a frustrating paradox: they are passionate about solving the youth mental health crisis, but entry-level jobs often demand years of clinical experience or expensive master's degrees. Meanwhile, California youth are drowning in stress and isolation, desperately needing relatable, culturally responsive mentors before they reach a clinical crisis point.

The Compass: The CWC Role (The Non-Clinical Revolution)
The California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) created the Certified Wellness Coach (CWC) role specifically to bridge this chasm. It is a free, non-clinical certification for people with Associate (CWC I) or Bachelor's (CWC II) degrees. It validates your lived experience and field hours, allowing you to get paid to deliver critical preventive care (wellness promotion, screenings, and group support) under supportive supervision.

The Map: The Certification Roadmap
A clear, step-by-step framework showing students how to leverage their current classes and practicum hours, navigate the "Registered" status, and step directly into a thriving career in schools or community clinics.

Speakers

Kimberly Lee

Sr. Director, Operations, Wellness Together

I'm Kim Lee, Senior Director of Operations at Wellness Together. I oversee HR, IT, and internal communications for the organization. Talk to me about what it's actually like to work here, whether you're curious about joining the team as a Mental Health Specialist, becoming a Certified... Read More →

Pauline Atenio

Friday September 11, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am PDT
33 B

Breakout

Audience Human Resources Professionals, HR Staff, Education Leaders, Higher Ed Faculty, Mental Health Professionals

10:30am PDT

Care in Action: Building Systems of Support in Schools for Immigrant Students and Families

Friday September 11, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT

33 B

The community of Oceanside has been heavily impacted by ICE. Our team in OUSD is working to keep our students and families safe through policies, practices, staff trainings, know your rights trainings for the community, collaboration with local organizations and tailored supports for families. In our presentation we will share what we have done so far in our district and provide tangible steps for others to do so in their own office, classroom or organization. Participants will learn some best practices and ways to support and defend their own communities.

Speakers

Maria Al-Shamma

Lead District Social Worker and LGBTQ+ Youth Liaison , Oceanside Unified School District

Maria Al-Shamma (she/her) is Lead District Social Worker & LGBTQ+ Youth Liaison in Oceanside Unified School District. She serves on the boards of both the North County LGBTQ Resource Center and the California Association of School Social Workers. She is a , Welcoming Schools National... Read More →