University of California, Davis

In collaboration with ASUCD

The UC Davis Mental Health Initiative aims to educate students, empower
them to mobilize, and offer a healing space through mental health discourse.

Welcome back for the second year of the UC Davis Mental Health
Conference! There is no doubt that the exponential growth of our initiative is
due to the commitment and support of our wonderful mental health community
on campus. In our growth, we want to remember the underrepresented
communities most affected by mental health, like the femmes of color who
founded our conference, as well as trans folks and refugees. As we navigate
through our healing, growth, and education, we must bear in mind that
our struggles are collectively bound to those of other communities. It is our
responsibility, as people fortunate enough to be in this space, to use our
knowledge and opportunities to sow the seeds of empowerment all around us.

The UC Davis Mental Health Initiative was established in 2016 as an

ASUCD Senate project, a completely student-led endeavor. In less than two
years, the UC Davis Mental Health Initiative has grown to incorporate the
UC Davis Mental Health Awareness Month, which features over 20 days
of programming and collaboration, and the official UC Davis Counseling
Services Student Advisory Board.

Thank you to our phenomenal board members and conference volunteers:

Angela, Brooke, Christine, Cindy, Daisy, Deborah, Dylan, Maria, Mariela,
Milly, Jacklyn, Pooja, Jacqueline, Julianne, Karen, Katrina, Kristine, Mariela,
Radhika, Sam, Sarah, Shannon, Shreya, and Shristi.
Community agreements are not rules, but rather agreements that we, as
participants and volunteers, engage in, in order to ensure that our space is as
inclusive as possible.

• GENDER INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE: Not all folks subscribe the

gender binary. Try using phrases such as “you all” or “folks” instead of
“you guys.”  
• AVOID ABLEIST LANGUAGE: To combat the ableism that
stigmatizes mental illness and other disabilities, we ask you to join us in
eliminating words like “crazy” and “insane” from our vernacular.
• SHARED 2: Allow others to share their opinions and narrative and
challenge yourself to share yours.
• TECH CHECK: Try to refrain from using your technology in order to be
fully present.
• SNAPS: Snap or rub your hands together to show your support for
statements people make.
• SELF-CARE: Check in with yourselves and step out for self-care
throughout the day. Our healing space with activities and Mental Health
First Aid certified volunteers is available all throughout the conference.
• FOUR WALLS: What’s shared here (narratives) stays here. What’s
learned here (information) leaves here.
• CALL-IN, CALL OUT: This is a space where we want to encourage
people to grow. Use your best judgment and try to call people in, as
opposed to calling out, when you can.
• ENJOY YOURSELF!: The most important part of our conference is
to give folks a space to explore their own mental health struggles and
journeys.
 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM Check In and Breakfast
9:30 AM – 10:20 AM Opening Remarks and Breakfast
(Ballroom)
10:30 AM – 11:50 AM Workshop Set 1
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Lunch and Resource Fair
1:10 PM – 2:00 PM Panels
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM Break
2:40 PM – 4:00 PM Workshop Set 2
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM Video Screening & Healing Time
(Conference Rooms A and B)
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM Dinner, Performances and Raffle
(Ballroom)

9:30 AM – 10:50 AM Workshop Set 3

11:00 AM – 11:50 AM Caucus Sessions
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Lunch
1:10 PM – 2:30 PM Workshop Set 4
2:40 PM – 3:30 PM Closing Remarks
(Ballroom)

Please note that while dinner is provided; lunch will be on your own. You
can choose to eat at one of our food trucks (pg. 10) or elsewhere in the
vicinity. If you need food vouchers, please visit the information desk, where
they will be provided free of charge.

T-shirts will be given out during check out at the information desk. Check out
is available on Friday from 12-6pm and on Saturday from 12-4pm.
SIAVASH ZOHOORI
Siavash Zohoori was a near victim of a mass shooting at UCSB in 2014. He
transformed that traumatic experience into a mission to foster more compas-
sionate communities, co-founding a multidisciplinary project called “Boys ’n’
Guns: Masculinity in a Culture of Violence” with the goal of ending gendered
interpersonal violence. He is also the founder of UCSA mental health cam-
paign #HowAreYou: A Call to Reform Mental Health Services. Now, Siavash
works with people in recovery, helping them share their stories to make an
impact on themselves and others.

DARRELL STEINBERG
Darrell Steinberg is California’s strongest public advocate for better mental
health care. He is known within the mental health community as a long time
champion. During his first year in the State Assembly, Steinberg authored
AB 34, which began three pilot projects that provided integrated services to
the homeless in Stanislaus, Los Angeles and Sacramento counties. In 2004,
Steinberg authored Proposition 63, the California Mental Health Services Act
(MHSA),which imposes a 1% tax for mental health funding on incomes over
$1,000,000. In 2014, Darrell established The Steinberg Institute for Advanc-
ing Mental Health Policy. The Steinberg Institute focuses on building public
leadership for focused improvements in California’s systems of mental and
behavioral health.
WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT BIPOLAR DISORDER*
TORRI SHACK, PRESIDENT | Conference B

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder

that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to
carry out day-to-day tasks. In this workshop, we will cover the 4 different types
of bipolar disorders and introduce studies and statistics, as well as personal
stories.

WATCH YOUR MOUTH: LEARNING THE LANGUAGE OF

MENTAL HEALTH
DAVID BARTLEY, MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE | Ballroom A

Our language around the subject of mental health can often be ineffective
and even harmful. Words have great power, and those in need stand to
benefit when we chose to use the right words to express our concern, care,
and support. This workshop shares ideas of what not to say and what to say
to someone who is suffering from mental illness, and offers simple yet powerful
ways to be of support.

MENTAL HEALTH AND CALIFORNIA COUNTIES’ CRIMINAL

JUSTICE SYSTEMS (JAILS AND ARRESTS)*
TIFANEI RESSL-MOYER, LEGAL FELLOW | Ballroom B

This workshop will begin with a presentation on prisoners’ rights in county

jails, followed by discussion on access to medical and mental health care,
disability accommodations and program access, as well as the use of solitary
confinement, and the intersection of these issues with race and gender.

ROLE OF CULTURE AND ETHNICITY ON MENTAL HEALTH

PUNIT KAUR, STUDENT; YVETTE FLORES, PROFESSOR; NICKI KING, INTERIM CHAIR,
DEPARTMENT OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN STUDIES | Ballroom C
This workshop will provide an overview of historical, intergenerational and
contemporary trauma and the impact of marginalization on the mental health
people of color. Through an intersectional analysis, ways of coping and
strategies for healing will be discussed.

*This is not a Beginner level workshop.

COMMUNITY MEN’S TALK CIRCLE: DECONSTRUCTING
MASCULINITY IN MENTAL HEALTH
GREGORY GUSS, CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER; ANDY RIFFEL, CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER |
Conference B
Isolation in men contributes to loneliness, depression, destructive behaviors,
including suicidal ideation. Men have been using the Davis Community Men’s
Talk Circle for the past 7 years, to help them address these issues and talk
openly and honestly. This workshop will present a new community model that
addresses men’s patterns to isolate and provide a live demonstration of the
Talk Circle structure and experience.

ATOD AND MENTAL HEALTH:THE INTERSECTION

STEPHANIE LAKE, ATOD INTERVENTION SERVICES COORDINATOR | Ballroom A
Oftentimes, people view mental health and the world of addiction as distinct
issues. Through interactive activities and speakers, this workshop will show the
importance of framing mental health in the addiction world.

THE YOGA OF COMPASSIONATE COMMUNICATION

KATHERINE MUSHIK, STUDENT | Ballroom B
In this workshop, participants will explore healthy forms of expression and
relationship building/maintaining through the Compassionate Communication
Model, a four-step process achieved between two individuals. This will be
a back and forth partner exercise in compassionate communication, which
should soon turn into a synergistic activity of healthy release and emotional
support brought about between two randomly-placed participants.

QPR: A SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING

RENEE, COORDINATOR, MENTAL HEALTH OUTREACH AND PEER MENTORING | Ballroom C
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) is an interactive suicide prevention training
and is intended to offer hope through positive action. QPR gives students
the opportunity to learn resourceful and effective ways to engage with other
students on the topic of suicide. Attendees will receive a certificate signifying
course completion via email.
NAVIGATING HEALTH INSURANCE*
KIM FEDOR, INSURANCE COORDINATOR | Conference B

This workshop will focus on understanding the basics of health insurance

such as common terminology when obtaining medical care, reviewing the
difference between in and out of network benefits, and learning how to
review claims and process reimbursements. In addition, this workshop will
review how to navigate mental health care and resources on and off the UC
Davis campus. It will go over the resources we have available on campus
such as individual and group therapy, student disability services and other
resources. It will also help explain how to find off campus resources such as
how to locate providers and understanding how your benefits apply to visits.

HOW MINDFULNESS CAN HELP YOU MANAGE ANXIETY

ROBIN KRIK, LMFT | Ballroom A
Ever notice how anxiety is rooted in the future? A pesky “What if?” thought
pops into your head and it’s off to the races. If anxiety is getting in your way,
consider attending this workshop to engage in an experiential journey that
will help you return your attention to the present moment, learn to manage
unpleasant physical sensations, and get space from unhelpful thoughts.

HOW TO BE A MENTAL HEALTH ALLY

TANTUM PHAN, CAN COMMUNITY COUNSELOR | Ballroom B

Ever feel unsure about how to support a friend or family member experiencing
mental health struggles? This workshop will help you learn strategies on how
to be an effective ally and the resources available to support both you and
your loved ones.

CAN I TALK TO YOU ABOUT SOMETHING?

HOW TO SUPPORT SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS
NICOLE MARTER, PEER EDUCATOR | Ballroom C
Isolation in men contributes to loneliness, depression, destructive behaviors,
including suicidal ideation. Men have been using the Davis Community Men’s
Talk Circle for the past 7 years, to help them address these issues and talk
openly and honestly. This workshop will present a new community model that
addresses men’s patterns to isolate and provide a live demonstration of the
Talk Circle structure and experience.

*This is not a Beginner level workshop.

ENGAGING THE ARTS FOR SOCIAL ACTIVISM IN THE ERA
OF CLIMATE CHANGE
GUIDA SMITH, FOUNDER/DIRECTOR, EXPRESSIVE ARTS PSYCHOTHERAPY | Conference B
This workshop will explore the theoretical underpinnings and practice of expressive arts
within the context of social activism, as well as engage in an experiential approach while
considering both the systemic layers of trauma and stress as deeply connected to the theme
of climate change.

PROMISES INTO PRACTICE: ADVOCATE TO ACCESS

MENTAL HEALTH CARE!*
AISA, ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY, YOUNG MINDS ADVOCACY | Ballroom A
Young Minds Advocacy’s workshop will provide an overview of the mental health system
as experienced by young people and college students; how systemic barriers can prevent
youth and young adults from accessing the care they need and are entitled to; and how
advocacy, youth voice, and strategic collaboration can spur on reform. Young people’s legal
rights and entitlements to care will also be discussed.

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ADVOCACY TRAINING

ZIMA CREASON, PRESIDENT & CEO | Ballroom B
In this workshop, Mental Health America of California representatives will introduce
participants to behavioral health public policy and advocacy, teaching them how to get
involved at the state and local levels. This session is catered to individuals new to policy and
advocacy.

ADDRESSING MENTAL HEALTH BY MEETING BASIC NEEDS*

SHAHERA, DIRECTOR, CALIFORNIA HOMELESS YOUTH PROJECT | Ballroom C
The majority of California’s unaccompanied homeless youth believe higher education is a
primary way to overcome housing instability. Yet, they face numerous barriers to college
enrollment and completion. As research identifies that college students most likely to be
homeless are parents and those who were in foster care, what resources exist at higher
education institutions to assist homeless students? This informative workshop will present new
research, highlight the latest legislation, spotlight a local university’s approach, and honor
voices of students with current and lived experiences of homelessness.

LGBTQIA+ STORYTELLING: SPEAKING OUR TRUTH

MAIA HUANG, COMMUNITY COUNSELOR; MAX CHAN, COMMUNITY COORDINATOR |
Meeting Room 2 (Welcome Center) [CLOSED SPACE FOR LGBTQIA+ FOLKS WITH 25 PERSON CAPACITY]
The intention of this workshop is to provide a healing space for LGBTQIA+ community
members. We will ask participants to share their personal stories and facilitate the healing
transformation of these narratives in a drama-therapy based scenario. To close our
community circle, participants will how to practice self-compassion in a guided meditation.

*This is not a Beginner level workshop.

Conference Room B
This panel consists of the UC Davis Director of Counseling, Sarah Hahn;
a counseling therapist from Acacia, Dr. Jag Soni; and a therapist from the
Student Health and Wellness Center, Brian Yu. The panelists will discuss their
respective roles in regards to mental health, the unique perspective they have
to offer, as well as how they became involved with their current positions.

Ballroom A
This panel consists of Lisette Villa, Kat LeTran, and Jill Oberski, who struggle
with anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, and depression.
They identify as a Latinx individual; a first-generation Southeast Asian working
student; and a disabled graduate student, respectively. They believe one of
the most important things in mental health is normalizing discussions of mental
illness to reduce misconceptions and encourage community support--especially
among college and graduate students, who face some of the highest rates of
mental illness.

Ballroom B
This panel consists of Emily Burns, Isabelle Maalouf, and Jordan Wilson,
who struggle with depression and anxiety stemming from ulcerative colitis.
They identify as Native American, White, and Pansexual; Multi-Ethnic Middle
Eastern; and Black-Latinx Queer, respectively. They believe one of the most
important things in mental health is centering power back to the people with
mental illnesses.

Ballroom C
This panel consists of Ellen Dyer, Jordan Wolfman, and Pranjali Vadlaputi,
who struggle with OCD, cyclothymia, and depression; anxiety and
depression; and depression. As Latinx Queer and Disabled, White, and
Southeast Asian Queer, respectively, they believe one of the most important
things in mental health is encouraging those with mental-illness to practice a
sense of self-love, self-acceptance, and self-awareness.
THERE’S NO SHAME IN TAKING CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH SHANGU DELLE
When stress got to be too much for TED Fellow Sangu Delle, he had to confront
his own deep prejudice: that men shouldn’t take care of their mental health. In a
personal talk, Delle shares how he learned to handle anxiety in a society that’s
uncomfortable with emotions.
I AM NOT A MONSTER – SCHIZOPHRENIA CECILIA MCGOUGH
Cecilia McGough puts a face to schizophrenia; she is the founder and
chief executive officer (CEO) of the soon to launch non-profit Students With
Schizophrenia which is the only non-profit in the United States focused on
empowering college students with schizophrenia.

• JHANKAAR – Jhankaar is UC Davis’ Premiere South-Asian A cappella team

that aims to combine Bollywood, Pakistani, and Western Music, and aspires
to convey that this kind of fusion has the ability to unite people from different
backgrounds through a common thread – a passion for music.
• CLEFTOMANIACS – Cleftomaniacs links together music lovers from all
different backgrounds to perform many genres of music from pop to jazz to
R&B — simply put, there’s room for everyone with us!
• UNBOUND PROGRESSION COMPANY – Unbound Progression Dance
Company (UPDC) is a dance group for UC Davis students who are
passionate about jazz, contemporary/lyrical, ballet, hip-hop and tap that
performs at several on and off campus events.
• NA KEIKI’O HAWAI’I – The Polynesian Club at UC Davis strives to promote
the culture of the Polynesian Islands, through dance, where those from the
islands can find a piece of home on the mainland and for those that reside
here to get a genuine taste of what it means to LIVE ALOHA.
• THE SPOKES – The Spokes are the premiere all-female a cappella group at
UC Davis; they perform at shows and competitions all over the West Coast
as they strive to empower women and inspire each other through music and
their unique sound.

SATURDAY: Turnt Up Tacos & Tortas, Teppanyaki 2 Go, Shah’s Halal

SUNDAY: Wood Fired Pizza, Green Papaya, Shah’s Halal

The resource fair will take place during lunch on January 20th. Attendees will be
able to collect raffle tickets from each of the booths (Acacia Counseling and Wellness Center;
Asian American Donor Program; Center for Advocacy, Resources, and Education (CARE); Joyrun; National Alliance
on Mental Illness (NAMI) at UC Davis; Sacramento LGBT Community Center; Sage Anxiety Treatment Program;
Student with Physical Disabilities Education Booth; UC Davis ARC, UC Davis Campus Stores, Vietnamese Cancer
Awareness Research and Education Society (VN Cares)).
STUDENT HEALTH AND COUNSELING SERVICES 2nd floor North Hall and Student Health
and Wellness Center (Across from ARC)
Individual counseling; Career/Image/Eating/Body image/Stress group
counseling; CAN (Community Advising Network) counseling 
THE MIND SPA 1st floor North Hall and 2nd floor SHWC
Use of automated massage chairs, CBT podcasts, Biofeedback, Light; Therapy,
One-on-one sessions, Yoga classes
​S TUDENT ACADEMIC SUCCESS CENTER (SASC) 2nd and 3rd floor Dutton Hall and South
Hall basement
Drop in tutoring for lower division courses like CHE, MAT, BIO; Extra lectures
for lower division courses like CHE, MAT, PHY; Writing workshops; Retention
and study skills workshops
​S TUDENT COMMUNITY CENTER (SCC) SCC building (Across from Rock Hall)
Study space and meeting rooms; Printing room; Houses the LGBTQIA
center, Cross Cultural center, Student; Recruitment and Retention center, and
Undergraduate Research center
​S TUDENT DISABILITY CENTER (SDC) Cowell Building Room 54 and Resource Room in Shields
Schedule rides, Exam accommodation, Note-taking services
​

/UCDMENTALHEALTH @UCDMENTALHEALTH

@UCDMENTALHEALTHINITIATIVE

STUDENT
AFFAIRS

If you would like to volunteer with us for winter and spring, please apply via
vacancy.ucdavis.edu by January 22nd. We will not open applications
again for the rest of the academic year.

SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Dedicated to loved ones and mentors, without whom this
conference would not have been possible – Alice C, Steven C, Lisa C, Anne H, David H, Mat-
thew C, Zachary C, Sabrina S, Konig C, Marissa Y, Tania J, Lara L, Joshua C, John W, Mariah
K, David K, Alexis H, Daniel N, Dynn J, Sevan N, Adilla J, Georgia S, Caroline N, Naz E, Alex
T, Jacqueline G, Amanda S, Naeema K, Scott T, Robyn R, Milly J, Ravi C, Abigail R.