ABOUT US
The Alliance for Mental Wellness is a collaboration between Transitions-Mental Health Association and Allan Hancock College. These two organizations proudly serve the Northern Santa Barbara County community. This partnership was formed in 2019 in response to the growing need for current and informed mental health education, access to local quality community resources and to build community cohesion and connection.
Our goal is to promote mental wellness for our community members by: bringing diverse and talented speakers to the forefront; staging unique events that reflect current mental health issues; providing tools to recover and heal; accessing a vast array of our local resources; and building the cohesion and connection this community deserves.
MEET THE ALLIANCE
CHRISTINA HARNEY
Santa Barbara County Clinic Director
Christina Harney is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who was born and raised in Santa Maria. Christina has been providing mental health services locally for over 20 years. Currently, she oversees operations for a robust line up of mental health services in Santa Maria and Lompoc for Transitions-Mental Health Association. She is a founding member of the AFMW and states “being a part of the Alliance for Mental Wellness gives me the opportunity to give back to the community that I’m proud to be a part of.”
ALEX DE JOUNGE
Coordinator, Student Health Services
Alex de Jounge, MSN, RN, has been a registered nurse for over 30 years. Alex was born in India of Swedish parents and immigrated to California in 1970 when she was 5 years old. She moved to Santa Maria in 1994 to raise her family. She currently works at Allan Hancock College as the coordinator of student health services that provides medical and mental health services for students at the college. She is an active member in Health Services Association of California Community Colleges which supports student access to quality health services on community college campuses throughout the state.
DENISE MANRIQUEZ
Program Manager, LEAD & Recovery Learning Communities
Denise Manriquez has worked for Transitions-Mental Health Association for 18 years as a peer provider of mental health services. In addition, she is the current Program Manager of Recovery Learning Centers in the cities of Lompoc and Santa Maria as well as The LEAD Project (Lived, Experience, Advocacy & Development). She is a founding member of the AFMW and hopes to use this platform to raise community awareness and reduce the stigma for those whose lives are touched by mental illness.
JESSICA WOODYARD
LEAD Project Coordinator
Jessica Woodyard is the LEAD (Lived-Experience Advocacy Development) Project Coordinator at Transitions-Mental Health Association. She believes that education is key in de-stigmatizing mental illness in our community. Through innovative and widespread educational programs, together, we can make a difference for those who experience mental health challenges. It is vital that we discuss these topics as a community and through collaborations such as Alliance for Mental Wellness we can expand our reach even further making an impact by connecting those affected with the resources they need.
ASHLEY KELLY-HOLDEN
LEAD Project Assistant Coordinator
Ashley Kelly-Holden is the LEAD (Lived Experience Advocacy Development) Project Assistant Coordinator at Transitions-Mental Health Association. She is passionate about mental health and is pursuing a graduate degree from CalPoly SLO in Clinical Psychology. She is a firm believer that mental health education leads to a reduction in stigma and increases opportunity for recovery and wellness. As part of the Alliance for Mental Wellness, Ashley is excited to bring accessible educational events to the community she serves.
CLARA COBB
Community Resource Coordinator
Clara Cobb is the Community Resource Coordinator at Transitions-Mental Health Association and a founding member of the Alliance for Mental Wellness. They believe that mental wellness is a cornerstone for overall health and happiness. Bringing these educational events to the Northern Santa Barbara County communities helps create a rich environment for growth and change around our understanding of what it means to live mentally well. Education and advocacy are crucial in our mission to eliminate the stigma around mental illness. Clara is a peer who has lived-experience with mental illness, an advocate for others with lived-experience, and a resource guide for those who need it in the community.