Join us on september 27 @ UCLA
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Join us on september 27 @ UCLA
Click Here For More Details!
Newsletter
Guided by vision and compassion
Our leadership team is dedicated to advancing equitable mental health care and suicide prevention. With expertise across clinical, community, and organizational fields, they ensure Didi Hirsch remains a trusted resource for children, adults, and families. Together, they shape a future where compassionate care is accessible to all.
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Operating Officer
Chief Financial Officer
Senior Vice President of Whole Person Care
Vice President of Information Technology
Vice President of Health and Innovation
Vice President of Crisis Care
Vice President of Human Resources
Co-Chair, Board of Directors
Co-Chair, Board of Directors
Executive Vice Chair,
Treasurer, Board of Directors
Vice Chair, Board of Directors
Vice Chair, Board of Directors
Vice Chair, Board of Directors
Vice Chair, Board of Directors
Secretary, Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Board of Directors
This group of passionate young professionals is dedicated to advancing Didi Hirsch’s mission and driving positive change in mental health and wellness across our community. Members of the Next Gen Advisory Council play an integral role in our strategic plan by connecting us with new partners, raising awareness, and advocating for our work in fresh, impactful ways. They actively engage in Didi Hirsch events and collaborate with board members and senior leadership.
Sarah Gilman is an actress, USC alum, and mental health activist based in Los Angeles. She stars on CBS’s CSI: Vegas, known for roles in I Didn’t Do It, Daphne & Velma, and Last Man Standing. A 2019 USC Film & Television grad, Sarah previously worked in PR at the Berggruen Institute. Passionate about suicide prevention and youth mental health, she collaborates with organizations like the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, Fountain House, and Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services.
X. ARI is a Canadian queer alt-pop artist, songwriter, sound healer, mental health advocate & founder of WisdoMania Foundation (501c3 nonprofit). Her motto is to turn “Pain into Power,” which means transmuting burdens into blessings and transforming our weaknesses into our strengths. X. ARI’s goal is to make an impact in our community by spreading her message, light, and healing and by teaming up with others to make a meaningful difference.
Katrina Baker, M.Ed. is a consultant who builds corporate technology ecosystems and helps companies define strategy related to technology and employee development. She is the author of five related books. Prior to working in education, Katrina worked in voiceover, music and video production for clients such as Disney Channel and Comedy Central. In addition to serving on the advisory council, Katrina has volunteered as a 988 crisis counselor for five years. She became involved in mental health advocacy after losing her dad to suicide in 2016.
Mikkela Emery, AMFT, is a therapist passionate about advancing mental health equity within underserved communities. She earned her M.S. in Counseling Psychology from Mount Saint Mary's University in 2023. A passionate advocate for Black women's mental health, Mikkela recently led a breakout session at the 2025 KJLH Women's Health Expo and serves as a therapist with SISTAHFRIENDS, a specialized organization supporting women who have survived trauma and victimization.
Adia Fadaei is a clinical psychology doctorate student with over 7 years of experience in advocacy. She has been a 988 Lifeline Counselor and Speakers Bureau Member at Didi Hirsch. She has worked with the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), Public Policy Advocate for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) California Policy Committee, and a National Student Advisory Committee Member for Active Minds. She was part of Rare Beauty’s first Rare Impact Mental Health Ambassadors cohort and represented youth at the White House during the Mental Health Youth Action Forum.
Noa Gasway graduated from UC Berkeley with a B.A. in Psychology, completing her degree in two years. She attended UC Irvine’s Post-Baccalaureate program and worked as a research assistant in Dr. Alyson Zalta’s Trauma and Resilience Lab. Noa has volunteered with Didi Hirsch’s 988 Suicide Lifeline, worked as a residential counselor, and serves with NAMI’s Next Generation Community. Currently a Masters’ candidate at California Lutheran University, Noa is passionate about suicide prevention, trauma, and mental health for underserved communities.
Michael Huynh is an assistant professor of public health at the California State University, San Marcos. Raised in Little Saigon, he advocates for community belonging and social mobility, particularly for Southeast Asian refugee families. Previously a crisis line counselor at Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Center, Michael’s research focuses on the impact of social relationships and cultural influences on mental health for Asian Americans. Through his teaching, he also aims to strengthen mental health support for college students.
Sebastian Much is a mental health advocate, entrepreneur, and former athlete. He is the founder and CEO of Wellwave, a mental health company offering holistic, data-driven solutions for niche communities. A Princeton graduate with a degree in Sociology and a certificate in Entrepreneurship, Sebastian’s personal mental health journey fuels his advocacy. He co-founded Perfect Business and participates in mentorship and speaking engagements. Sebastian is committed to amplifying mental health conversations through his work with the Next Gen Advisory Council at Didi Hirsch.
Arie Pollock, M.S., is a Clinical Psychology PsyD student at the University of La Verne, focused on mental health, accessibility, and technology. Since 2020, she has volunteered as a crisis counselor with Didi Hirsch’s National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. With over a decade of experience in disability advocacy, Arie previously led accessibility initiatives at Dropbox and Yahoo. She is also a marketing consultant for Untapped Ventures, advocating for a future where all voices, particularly those with disabilities, are included.
Vanessa Porea is a licensed therapist and Lead Community Mental Health Trainer and Consultant with the UCLA and LA County Department of Mental Health Public Mental Health Partnership team. Originally from Michigan, she earned her Master’s in Professional Counseling from Central Michigan University and completed a post-graduate addictions program at UCLA. She has held roles ranging from Case Manager to Clinical Director across community and residential mental health settings and is passionate about supporting teams that serve vulnerable communities.
Rebecca Prassas has been working at a consulting firm in the health insurance industry since graduating from UCLA last spring. While in school, she gained experience working in the public health consulting industry. Rebecca has always been passionate about mental health and has experience working for a youth crisis line, doing mental health-related legislative advocacy, leading mental health initiatives in schools, and participating in other volunteer opportunities.
Jason Seto is a member of Didi Hirsch's Next Gen Advisory Council, and also a Crisis Counselor with the Suicide Prevention Center where he has volunteered since 2023. Alongside Didi Hirsh, Jason is a Staff Data Scientist and Manager at Uber Technologies. Since 2017, Jason has led and built technical teams across the globe (including offices in San Francisco, Hong Kong, India, and LA) to make transportation safer and more accessible for everyone. Prior to Uber and Didi Hirsh, Jason was a data scientist and engineer across a variety of industries including lending, fintech, consulting, government, non-profit, finance and engineering in the U.S. and abroad.
Andrea Stern is a brand marketer at Centerfield, leading brand strategy and integrated marketing for flagship publications. She has worked in real estate marketing, advertising sales, and television production, gaining expertise in strategic partnerships and social media campaigns. Andrea holds a Master’s in Digital Marketing and Design and a Bachelor’s in Sociology from Brandeis University. Passionate about community service and mental health advocacy, she serves on the Jewish Professional Women committee and enjoys tennis, pickleball, and crossword puzzles.
Whether you’re looking for help, interested in joining our mission, or want to learn more, reach out to Didi Hirsch today.
