Name: Beyond the Degree: Navigating Your Path as a California Certified Wellness Coach (CWC)
Start: 2026-09-11T09:15:00-0700
End: 2026-09-11T10:15:00-0700

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

10th Annual Wellness Together Conference

Kimberly Lee

Pauline Atenio

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10th Annual Wellness Together Conference

Kimberly Lee

Pauline Atenio

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