A partnership the community needs

Visit our website to find out more information and see where we will be in LA County here.

Live chat with one of our trained CalHope specialists, by scanning the QR code or visiting our NAMI GLAC x CalHope website.

Reach one of our CalHope specialists, available 7 days a week, 9am-9pm on our warm line just by calling (818) 208-1801.

CalHope: Meet our Team!

Ligaya Sevilla, Calhope Team Supervisor Los Angeles

(she/her)

Ligaya Sevilla worked in corporate entertainment for 15 years before experiencing her own mental health struggles which brought her to volunteer with NAMI and become familiar with the organization. She is now the CalHope Team Supervisor, managing the CalHope specialist team for the Greater Los Angeles County. 

Sebat Yousef

South Bay Region

(she/her)

As a Black Muslim woman who is a child of immigrants, Sebat knew the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health within each of her communities. She obtained her MSW, and is currently an Associate Clinical Social Worker. Her personal and professional experiences brought her to NAMI as she hopes to continue her work in reaching out to BIPOC communities as a CalHope Specialist.

Danielle Brahinksy

San Fernando Valley (she/her)

Danielle joined NAMI - "In Our Own Voice" presenter because I have a great deal of lived experience with Mental Health. She is so grateful for her stability/recovery and feels she needs to help others find their way. She is now on the staff of NAMI as a CalHOPE specialist.

James Wolff

San Fernando Valley

(he/him)

James came to NAMI interested in getting involved with policy and advocacy work, so he joined their criminal justice and advocacy committees. This work led him to get involved with support groups like "Connections" and educational opportunities like "End the Silence". Feeling like his work was insufficient; he became a CalHope specialist to reach more people.

Chris Florendo

Los Angeles

(they/them), (she/her), (he/him)

They are a Pilipinx, a Queer Non-Binary, multi-dimensional artist originally from the San Francisco Bay Area. As a part of NAMI's IOOV and CIT programs for several years, and now a CalHOPE Specialist, they are grateful to have been provided the spaces and platforms to be seen and heard. Their ultimate goal is to create tangible environments where healing, hope, and beauty will continue to exist.

Randal McKoy

San Fernando Valley

(he/him)

Randal joined NAMI because of his own lived experiences, passion for mental health advocacy and the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of people.

Carmen Rosales

Los Angeles

(she/her)

Carmen has worked for NAMI GLAC's "In Our Own Voice Program" and "Ending the Silence Program". She also facilitates NAMI's Peer-to-Peer class and Connection Group for the NAMI Whittier/Long Beach affiliate. She most recently has joined the CalHope Peer Specialist team with NAMI GLAC.

Dawnel DeRubeis

Los Angeles

(she/her)

Dawnel wears lots of "hats" in life and strives to balance her various roles with her true passion laying in helping others discover their light amidst the darkness of mental health conditions. This passion is deeply rooted in her personal experience and story of immense struggle. As a CalHope specialist, she hopes to provide hope, support and guidance to those facing similar challenges.

Support Groups

Support Groups:

NAMI Family Support Groups are for family members, significant others and friends of people with mental health conditions. 

NAMI Peer-to-Peer Groups are a safe, confidential space, providing an opportunity for mutual support and growth. Experience compassion and understanding from people who relate to your experiences. This is a place to learn more about recovery in an accepting environment. 

Many support groups are virtual and attendance is open to everyone across the country. Find the nearest you here.

NAMI GLAC Advocacy

Last week, we sat down with Supervisor Lindsey Horvath to hear about her priorities and to tell her ours. Mark Gale, Chair of our Criminal Justice Committee, Paul Stansbury, Chair of the Advocacy Committee and NAMI South Bay President, and Traute Winters, Executive Director discussed Care Court, the Mental Health Services Act and ways to work together to help Angelenos with mental health disorders. Get More Information on our Advocacy Committees & County actions here. If you'd like to join our advocacy committees, please email info@namiglac.org.

Last month, we joined the NAMI California Advocacy Day in Sacramento and met with our legislators to demand mental health for all.

Building Student Resilience Through Shared Resources

Navigating the challenges of academics, social dynamics and personal growth can be overwhelming but, together, we can build a resilient and thriving community. Our resources aim to support educators, guide parents and empower students on their mental health journey during the school year and beyond.