The beloved Mr. Fred Rogers once said, “As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something no one else has—or ever will have—something inside that is unique to all time. It’s our job to encourage each other to discover that uniqueness and to provide ways of developing its expression.” As a BIPOC IMH provider, I deeply resonate with Mr. Rogers’ ideas about the importance of relationships and how he confidently posited what neurobiology now tells us today—that supportive relationships give us a reason to grow in our capacity and progress in development. After discovering this quote several years ago, I continue to use it as a compass of sorts, for how I envision and carry out my role as an IMH provider, supervisor, trainer, and most importantly, parent.

I am truly excited to be considered as a board member nominee, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve and shape the future of CalAIMH. My hope is to both enrich and be enriched by others. As a lifelong learner, I am committed to supporting the professional development of all IMH providers, particularly through reflective practice and transdisciplinary trainings. As an Asian American and California native, I truly appreciate the diversity and needs of each region and county within our state, and am committed to lifting up all voices in service of our children and their families. Finally, as a parent with lived experience raising a child with a disability, I am passionate about bringing awareness to the importance of IMH and early intervention, and creating respectful and culturally-supportive spaces for conversation and learning.