Recap: Spring into Transitions 2024
An evening of insightful dialogue, shared experiences, and a collective effort to empower our incredible teens and the supportive community that surrounds them!
Thank you to everyone who joined us in exploring and addressing the mental health and wellness challenges faced by students in San Mateo County!
On Wednesday, April 10, StarVista supporters, staff, educators, parents, teens, and friends convened for an engaging panel discussion at Burlingame High School. Spring into Transitions, hosted by StarVista with SolMateo, was aimed at empowering teens to navigate the intricate paths of change and transitions they encounter.
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- Christie James
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- Dr. Sara Larios Mitchell
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- Sara Furrer
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- Chad Slife (Keynote Speaker)
The attendees were enlightened by a panel of experts discussing pivotal topics. These topics included taking control of one’s life, identity amidst external pressures, creating future paths for oneself, navigating mental health crises and stigma, and supporting the emotional needs of emerging young adults. In the end, attendees walked away with a better idea of how to address mental health challenges.
Our panelists included (from left to right):
Taylor Coutts, ASW
Program Manager – Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Hotline, StarVista
Zariah Mekile, MS, MAP
Mental Health Clinician, School-Based Services, StarVista
Nancy Quiggle, Ph.D.
Director of Early Childhood and School-Based Services, StarVista
Yvette Morales
Outreach Ambassador, StarVista
Chad Slife (Keynote Speaker)
Coordinator, Center for Access & Engagement, San Mateo County Office of Education
Firstly, the audience was engaged in an interactive session where insights on teen mental health were shared. Secondly, the event provided a platform for open conversations where experiences were exchanged, fostering an environment of support and understanding. Most importantly, panelists even shared their personal experiences as a way to connect with the audience and show their expertise on the topics.
The 2-hour enlightening event was marked by stories of resilience and transformation. In short, it served as a reminder that collective efforts are essential in supporting our teens through their transitional phases. The discussions were not just informative but also inspirational. In conclusion, it showcased the strength of our young adults.
Our community exhibitors played a pivotal role in enriching the event experience. Above all, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to SolMateo, San Mateo County Pride Center, San Mateo Union High School District, and San Mateo County Health BHRS for their invaluable contributions. Their presence and the resources they provided offered additional layers of support and information, further empowering our attendees. A special thank you to these organizations for their dedication to our community’s well-being and for standing with us in our mission to support and uplift our teens.
This event was brought to you by our community partner and long-term supporter, SolMateo. SolMateo is a volunteer group working to support our local community with issues surrounding mental health. For example, they raise funds for StarVista through their annual Signature Kitchen Tours. By raising money and awareness for organizations that provide essential services like suicide prevention hotlines, emergency housing for homelessness, and counseling services, they strive to help our neighbors obtain important resources in times of need.
You can view the photo album of Spring into Transitions on Facebook here.
