CalMatters: Mental Health Symposium

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Last week, CalMatters hosted a compelling Mental Health Symposium focused on the urgent state of youth mental health and the effectiveness of California’s investments in this space. Leaders in the field came together for a series of rich discussions, offering insights, research findings and various perspectives.

We were proud to see our own Dr. Liliana Hernandez, Director of School-Aged Behavioral Health, share the stage with an inspiring group of experts including Melissa Hannah (United Parents), Bill Thompson (Young Storytellers), Erica Villalpando (Pasadena Unified School District), Sarah LaBrie (author of No One Gets to Fall Apart), Dr. Sameer Amin (L.A. Care Health Plan), Dr. Sohil Sud (CYBHI), Myrna Reynoso Torres (LACOE), Elodie Mailliet Storm, Neil Chase (CalMatters) and the moderator, Ana B. Ibarra (CalMatters).

Discussion 1: How Are the Kids Doing?

Dr. Hernandez joined the opening panel, “How Are the Kids Doing?”, where she addressed some of the top concerns impacting youth mental health today including access to care. With growing waitlists, insurance barriers and an alarming workforce shortage, Dr. Hernandez emphasized how these systemic issues create real consequences for families seeking help. Her insights highlighted the urgency for policy change and increased support for behavioral health providers in schools and in communities.

Melissa Hannah reinforced this urgency, speaking to the mounting stress parents face, especially in rural areas where services are scarce. For many families, meeting basic needs like rent and food takes precedence, making mental health seem like a luxury, when in reality, it’s a necessity.

What We Learned from the Pandemic

Panelist Erica Villalpando shared how the pandemic and California’s wildfires served as a “training ground” for schools to provide mental health services under extreme circumstances. Virtual care became a lifeline and the lesson was clear: schools can’t just offer services. “They must meet families where they are and address basic needs before mental health support can be truly effective.”

The Power of Storytelling

Bill Thompson offered a powerful look into how children’s stories changed post-pandemic. An analysis of 7,000 student-written stories revealed a stark decline in happy endings and a rise in sad endings and themes about technology/social media, social justice and systemic inequality. His message was that children are absorbing and reflecting the emotional toll of today’s world and it’s through storytelling that you can get a glimpse of this reality.

Discussion 2: California’s Investments – Are They Working?

In the second panel discussion, Dr. Sameer Amin and Dr. Sohil Sud joined others to evaluate the State of California’s investments in youth mental health. While progress has been made in awareness and education, major gaps remain in early intervention, staffing and infrastructure. One major point was that we must stop waiting for crises to occur before acting – as a collective group.

Where Do We Go from Here?

Despite the challenges, the event closed on a hopeful note. As many panelists emphasized – community support is a beacon of resilience and hope. We must come together to support the most underserved children, families and communities and perhaps the most inspiring message of all? Our young people remain hopeful.

The youth of today have a strong sense of fairness, deep care for the environment and advocacy for equity, which should give us reason to believe that meaningful change is not only possible, it’s already in motion.

We are deeply honored to have had Dr. Liliana Hernandez represent our organization in such a deep and meaningful conversation. And, as an organization that prioritizes mental health & wellbeing, we are committed to continuing the work of supporting youth mental health every step of the way.

Mental Health Symposium Videos:

Panel 1 Discussion: Mental Health Symposium: “How are the kids?”

Panel 2 Discussion: Mental Health Symposium: “Are California’s investments working?”

Photos by Julz Hotz for CalMatters.

 

Deskside Chat with the Board: Megan Smith

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Thank you for visiting us today, Megan, and thank you for joining our board of trustees. We are thrilled to have you here and are excited for our communities to get to know you better. To start off, could you please tell us about yourself, highlighting key milestones throughout your life, both personally and professionally, that have shaped who you are today?

I was born and raised in Grand Rapids Michigan, which is the second largest city in Michigan. It feels more like a small town, though, compared to Los Angeles. I’m the youngest of four girls and grew up in Michigan but left when I was 18 years old to attend Duke University in North Carolina, where I studied history and public policy.

After graduation, I moved to New York City to attend law school. I would say that moving to New York was one of my first major milestones. Living there radically changed the perception of who I was in the world. In Michigan, I grew up in a homogenous community. It was a wonderful place to grow up because it was very safe – all my friends, their parents and even our grandparents knew each other. We were the fourth generation in our church and in the community I grew up in. Similarly, Duke was also set in a smallish city.

In New York, I was exposed to so many different people from all over the world, interacting with them day-to-day in the sea of eight million people. Being an extrovert, I loved being around people, but I also loved the anonymity of living in a big city. It breaks the self-centeredness that follows teens and people in their early 20s. It also opened my eyes to my privilege in a way that I did not fully grasp. There’s a great level set in New York. It doesn’t matter if you live in a penthouse or in a cardboard box, you’re all stepping on the same trash and taking the same subway. For me, it helped me grow – through meeting people and interacting with people who were very unlike me, which I didn’t have the exposure to as a child growing up in Michigan.

After New York, I moved to Nashville, Tennessee, for a federal clerkship, which was a great opportunity career-wise. At the same time, it felt like moving back to Michigan. Nashville was a segregated city in terms of class and privilege and I quickly decided that that was not the place I wanted to raise my kids. I really wanted to raise my future family in a place where they would be exposed to different ideas and different people and I wanted to practice where I could grow as a person, which is how I ended up in Los Angeles in 2015.

What aspect of our North Star specifically resonates with you and why? (North Star = we believe in the abundant potential of all children & families in achieving educational success and emotional well-being, which build pathways to economic mobility and lifelong health)

There are two things that speak to me:

  • Children’s Institute’s focus on safety. I’m a parent of a three-year-old son so creating safety is very important for me so that he can be who he wants to be while being safe.
  • The emphasis on creating opportunities. It’s spectacular seeing a child come into their own and to grow into their own personality. What I look for is the opportunity for children to be exposed to new things and to discover their passions while cultivating the talents that they were naturally born with.

What I’ve learned is that those things are very hard to do – no matter where you live – and I say that coming from a place of privilege. Not all families have those privileges and what makes Children’s Institute’s North Star special is that it’s meant to achieve both. Children’s Institute provides children, parents and families a safe place where they are encouraged to discover new things and cultivate those talents and goals within a safe community. These are things that without Children’s Institute, may not be achievable.

You have a beautiful 3-year-old son. What about motherhood inspires you to give back to your community?

One of the things that surprised me about being a mother is how other parents have each other’s backs. You become “a member of the club.” Once becoming a parent, people become much more compassionate and there’s a different level of understanding for other human beings including for other people’s children who are crying on the airplane or the mom who needs to go to the bathroom but needs her kid to be watched at the park while she looks for the nearest bathroom.

It sounds like a clichĂ©, but it really does take a village to raise a child. What inspires me about Children’s Institute is that it’s the embodiment of the village clichĂ©. Children’s Institute says, here’s our village, come meet us at 10200 Success Ave and we’ll help provide you with your needs.

What do you wish for all families with young children in Los Angeles?

My wish for every child in Los Angeles is that they have a safe place to grow into who they are and to find themselves. That’s what sets apart adults who are successful members of their community – people who know themselves and are comfortable in their own skin.

This starts in childhood but it grows into successful adulthood.

Your law firm, O’Melveny, has very generously provided pro bono legal services to Children’s Institute for decades. Is it important for you that your employer supports the work of many worthy nonprofits?

It’s very important to me that O’Melveny provides pro bono services and that it is committed to service. I’m so proud to work at O’Melveny, where I’ve been a partner for a few years and worked there for a total of 15.

O’Melveny takes very seriously the commitment to community service. Not just providing pro bono legal work but also, encouraging its staff to be a part of the communities they work and live in.

As one of the oldest law firms in Los Angeles and working with over 200 nonprofits, we also dedicate a ton of time, money and resources to provide pro bono services and partaking in community service to make Los Angeles a better place to live.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

I’m so grateful to be a part of Children’s Institute. My intention here is to be fully committed to my role as a board member but I also want to involve my family in this organization. I want my young son to be involved in Children’s Institute as a child of Los Angeles and reap the benefits of the safety and community that this place brings – from Watts, Echo Park and to the rest of Los Angeles.

Building Hope in the Community Through Community Health Workers

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How Children’s Institute’s Community Public Health Workers, Emiliana Gallardo and Alejandra Gonzalez-Rivas, Made a Difference for Laura Sandoval

In a moment of despair, Laura Sandoval found herself living in her car with her three grandchildren after being evicted from her home. But with the intervention of two compassionate Community Health Workers, Emiliana Gallardo and Alejandra Gonzalez-Rivas, her story took a turn for the better.

Laura first learned about the Community Public Health Team (CPHT) when a team member knocked on her door during outreach efforts. Despite her overwhelming circumstances, she found hope in their offer to help. She recalls how she broke down during her first interaction with the team, releasing emotions she had held back for too long. This emotional release marked the beginning of her journey toward stability and healing.

Addressing both immediate needs and long-term challenges

The CPHT provided Laura with critical support, connecting her to resources she desperately needed. They helped her secure financial assistance for rent and deposits, preventing her from falling deeper into homelessness. They also arranged therapy sessions, offering her emotional relief and mental health support during an extremely trying time. For Laura, this assistance transformed her life. Her story is one of resilience and the impact of thoughtful, community-centered care. Emiliana and Alejandra provided not only practical help but also emotional support, treating Laura and her family with dignity and respect. “They were like my guardian angels,” Laura said, reflecting on their timely intervention.

Through referrals to various organizations, Laura gained access to furniture, essential household items like a microwave and air conditioning, and ongoing care management through Enhanced Care Management (ECM). These resources allowed her to create a stable and nurturing environment for her grandchildren. Her journey underscores the importance of programs like CPHT in bridging gaps for underserved communities. By addressing both immediate needs and long-term challenges, Emiliana and Alejandra enabled Laura to move forward with confidence. Today, Laura is settled in her new home, and she expresses profound gratitude for the team’s unwavering support.

Laura’s story serves as a testament to the power of community health initiatives and the individuals who dedicate themselves to creating positive change. Emiliana and Alejandra’s efforts not only transformed one life but also set an example of what compassionate care can achieve.

Interview by: James K Miller Jr., Department of Public Health

 

Construyendo Esperanza en la Comunidad

En un momento de desesperaciĂłn, Laura Sandoval vivĂ­a en su automĂłvil con sus tres nietos tras ser desalojada de su hogar. Sin embargo, gracias a la intervenciĂłn de dos trabajadoras comunitarias de salud compasivas, Emiliana Gallardo y Alejandra Gonzalez-Rivas, su historia dio un giro hacia algo mejor.

Laura conociĂł al Equipo Comunitario de Salud PĂșblica (CPHT, por sus siglas en inglĂ©s) cuando una integrante del equipo tocĂł a su puerta durante labores de alcance comunitario. A pesar de sus circunstancias abrumadoras, encontrĂł esperanza en su oferta de ayuda. Recuerda cĂłmo rompiĂł en llanto durante su primera interacciĂłn con el equipo, liberando emociones que habĂ­a reprimido durante mucho tiempo. Este momento marcĂł el comienzo de su camino hacia la estabilidad y la recuperaciĂłn.

El CPHT brindĂł a Laura el apoyo crĂ­tico que necesitaba desesperadamente. La ayudaron a obtener asistencia financiera para el alquiler y los depĂłsitos, evitando que cayera aĂșn mĂĄs en la falta de vivienda. TambiĂ©n organizaron sesiones de terapia que le ofrecieron alivio emocional y apoyo para su salud mental en un momento extremadamente difĂ­cil. Para Laura, esta ayuda transformĂł su vida.

Su historia es de resiliencia y del impacto del cuidado comunitario centrado en las personas. Emiliana y Alejandra no solo ofrecieron ayuda prĂĄctica, sino tambiĂ©n apoyo emocional, tratando a Laura y su familia con dignidad y respeto. “Fueron como mis ĂĄngeles guardianes”, dijo Laura al reflexionar sobre su oportuna intervenciĂłn.

A través de referencias a varias organizaciones, Laura accedió a muebles, artículos esenciales para el hogar como un microondas y aire acondicionado, y manejo de cuidado continuo a través del programa ECM (Enhanced Care Management). Estos recursos le permitieron crear un entorno estable y acogedor para sus nietos.

Su historia destaca la importancia de programas como CPHT para cerrar brechas en comunidades desatendidas. Al abordar tanto las necesidades inmediatas como los desafĂ­os a largo plazo, Emiliana y Alejandra ayudaron a Laura a avanzar con confianza. Hoy, Laura estĂĄ establecida en su nuevo hogar y expresa una profunda gratitud por el apoyo constante del equipo.

La historia de Laura es un testimonio del poder de las iniciativas de salud comunitaria y de las personas que se dedican a crear un cambio positivo. Los esfuerzos de Emiliana y Alejandra no solo transformaron una vida, sino que también establecieron un ejemplo de lo que puede lograr el cuidado compasivo.

James K Miller Jr., Department of Public Health

Children’s Institute’s Resource Guide for Immigrants

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Children’s Institute is committed to ensuring that all our community —regardless of immigration status—have access to the essential resources, guidance, safety, and support they need during these challenging times. In moments of fear and uncertainty, we stand firmly with our immigrant children, families, and neighbors, and our commitment to them remains steadfast.

We will continue providing mental health services, early childhood programs, and health navigation support to all those in need. In addition, we will share timely updates, resources, and announcements on our website and other platforms to support immigrant families in our programs. Please be sure to check for updates regularly.

Click links below for resources and information.

Preparedness:

Know Your Rights:

Legal Assistance:

Mental Health:

Additional Resources:

Community Resources & Support for L.A. Wildfire Victims

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Dear community,

We hope you and your loved ones are staying safe during these challenging times as our hearts are heavy for each Angeleno who has been impacted by the devastating wildfires. We are truly at a loss for words to describe the pain and suffering so many of us Angelenos are facing and while we realize that repairing and rebuilding will take a long time, we hope to continue supporting our friends and communities along the way.

Please stay safe and refer to this list of resources to be informed, to obtain the help you and your loved ones need as well as to help those around you. Let’s be LA Strong.

Tax Extension for Wildfire Victims:

The IRS and the State of California will provide a tax extension for individuals and businesses affected by the devastating wildfires. For more information on this announcement, please read here.

Physical Safety & Needs:

Comprehensive List of Resources – Mutual Aid

List of Food Pantries across LA County

Emotional & Mental Health Needs:

988 Lifeline – Suicide Hotline

Mental Health Resources for Natural Disasters – LACDMH

Dial 1-800-985-5990 – Disaster Distress Hotline

Tips for Survivors Stress (English & Spanish) – SAMHSA

Tips for Talking to Children After a Traumatic Event (English & Spanish) – SAMHSA

Tips for Families of Disaster Responders – SAMHSA

Children & Recovery from Wildfires – Burn Foundation

Financial Resources:

Federal Emergency Management Agency – FEMA

Inclusive Action – an emergency fund for outdoor workers (including street vendors, landscapers and recyclers affected by the wildfires)

Motion Picture & Television Fund – provides financial assistance to working and retired members of the entertainment community.

Musicares – providing financial assistance to members of the music community.

Air Quality Resources:

What is Mesothelioma? – Asbestos.com

Wildfires May Spread Asbestos – Asbestos.com

70% Discount Off Medical-Grade Air Purifiers (limited time offer) – Air Doctor (email enterprise@idealliving.com)

Information to stay up to date:

The Benefit Navigator – Imagine LA

Wildfire Information – NAMI California

Stay Informed! – LA Fire Department

Current Emergency Incidents – Cal Fire

Wildfire Preparedness Guide – Cal Fire

Prepare Your “Go Bag” – Cal Fire

If you are in a place to help others, please consider volunteering with the following organizations:

Volunteer with the Dream Center of Los Angeles

Volunteer for the L.A. Wildfires – L.A. Works

Volunteer with the Red Cross

 

Estimada comunidad,

Esperamos que ustedes y sus seres queridos se mantengan a salvo durante estos tiempos difĂ­ciles, mientras nuestros corazones estĂĄn apesadumbrados por cada angelino que se ha visto afectado por los devastadores incendios forestales. Realmente no tenemos palabras para describir el dolor y sufrimiento que muchos de nosotros los angelinos estamos enfrentando y, aunque sabemos que la reparaciĂłn y reconstrucciĂłn llevarĂĄn mucho tiempo, esperamos seguir apoyando a nuestros amigos y nuestras comunidades a lo largo del camino.

Por favor, manténganse a salvo, y consulten esta lista de recursos para estar informados, obtener la ayuda que ustedes y sus seres queridos necesiten, y ayudar a aquellos que los rodean. Seamos tan fuertes como LA Strong.

PrĂłrroga del plazo para declarar los impuestos para las vĂ­ctimas de los incendios forestales:

El Servicio de Impuestos Internos y el estado de California dispondrĂĄn una prĂłrroga del plazo para declarar los impuestos para las personas y empresas afectadas por los devastadores incendios forestales. Para obtener mĂĄs informaciĂłn sobre este anuncio, por favor, lean aquĂ­.

Seguridad y necesidades fĂ­sicas:

Lista completa de recursos – Mutual Aid

Lista de bancos de alimentos del condado de Los Angeles

Necesidades de salud emocional y mental:

LĂ­nea 988 de PrevenciĂłn del Suicidio y Crisis – LĂ­nea directa de prevenciĂłn del suicidio

Recursos de salud mental en caso de desastres naturales -LACDMH

Llame al 1-800-985-5990 – LĂ­nea directa de socorro en caso de desastre

Consejos para sobrevivientes de un desastre u otro evento traumĂĄtico – SAMHSA

Consejos para las familias del personal de respuesta a desastres que regresa a casa – SAMHSA

Recursos econĂłmicos:

Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias – FEMA

Inclusive Action – Un fondo de emergencia para los trabajadores al aire libre (incluyendo los vendedores ambulantes, jardineros y recicladores afectados por los incendios forestales)

Fondo de Cine y TelevisiĂłn – Proporciona asistencia econĂłmica a los miembros activos y jubilados de la comunidad del entretenimiento.

Musicares – Proporciona asistencia económica a los miembros de la comunidad musical.

InformaciĂłn para mantenerse al dĂ­a:

The Benefit Navigator – Imagine LA

InformaciĂłn sobre los incendios forestales – NAMI California

Stay Informed! – Departamento de Bomberos de Los Angeles (LAFD)

Incidentes actuales de emergencia – Cal Fire

GuĂ­a de preparaciĂłn para los incendios forestales – Cal Fire

Prepare su “bolsa de emergencia” – Cal Fire

Si usted estĂĄ en condiciones de ayudar a otros, por favor, considere ofrecerse como voluntario para las siguientes organizaciones:

Ofrézcase como voluntario para Dream Center of Los Angeles

OfrĂ©zcase como voluntario para L.A. Wildfires – L.A. Works

Ofrézcase como voluntario para la Cruz Roja

30th Annual Winter Fest Brings Holiday Cheer to Local Children & Families

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The holiday season just got a little brighter, thanks to the Children’s Institute’s 30th Annual Winter Festival in Los Angeles! Every year, this heartwarming event gathers hundreds of families for a day packed with joy, excitement and plenty of festive fun across the city. And this year’s celebration was no exception, with the support of amazing partners like the Los Angeles Rams, NFL Legend Todd Gurley, UNIFY, Starbucks, P.S. Arts and many more.

Winter Festival, a tradition for three decades, is all about giving back to the community. Families from across Los Angeles come together to enjoy a variety of activities that leave smiles on faces in time for the holidays. From arts & crafts and fun games to photo booths and live entertainment, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, it’s not just about the fun – the event also provides essential resources, including free toys and access to support services that help local families thrive.

Martine Singer, President & CEO of Children’s Institute, expressed her excitement about the annual event, saying, “Our Winter Festival is a tradition that brings much-needed holiday cheer and resources to underserved families. We are thrilled to welcome our families every year, and this year’s event is sure to be a heartwarming experience for all.”

This year’s festival was even more memorable, thanks to two incredible partners: the Los Angeles Rams and UNIFY. The Rams added a touch of star power to the event with a special guest appearance by Los Angeles Rams Legend, Todd Gurley. He met with children, participated in a lively book reading, and created unforgettable memories with families at the Watts campus. Talk about a holiday surprise!

Molly Higgins, Executive Vice President of Community Impact and Engagement for the Los Angeles Rams, couldn’t have been more excited about the partnership. “We are thrilled to partner with UNIFY and Children’s Institute to be a part of this wonderful event to spread holiday joy to kids and families,” she said. “At the Rams, we pride ourselves on partnering with purpose, giving back to the community, and supporting non-profits like Children’s Institute and the critical work they are doing.”

UNIFY also played a big role in making the festival a success. Natasha Ranchigoda, SVP of Marketing and CXO of UNIFY, shared their enthusiasm: “This event is the perfect opportunity for UNIFY to bring to life one of our core values, “Our Footprint Matters”. We are extremely excited to give back and serve our community to help make a child’s holiday brighter this season.”

With a mix of holiday cheer, community support, and unforgettable moments, Winter Festival was a true celebration of the season’s spirit.

Please click the links below to watch our Winter Festival featured on the news!

KTLA Weekend Evening News

NBC4 Los Angeles Evening News

We were delighted to include a photo spot provided by Showtime Photo Booth, the go-to photo booth rental. Their unique touch added an enjoyable element to our Winter Festival.

A Note of Gratitude from Martine – 6th Annual Cape & Gown Gala

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Thanks to the generosity of our Children’s Institute donors, we raised over $820,000 for our children, families and communities last night.

Far beyond dollars, though, these donations represent the hope, love and commitment we share for the 30,000 children and families across Los Angeles served by CII each year. Your contributions create opportunities, thriving communities and healthy futures for generations to come.

At last night’s gala, we honored four incredible champions:

  • TIM DISNEY, introduced by President of CalArts, Ravi Rajan, received the Children’s Champion Award for his decades of unwavering advocacy for children and families.
  • ERIN WESTERMAN, introduced by actress, singer and producer, Naomi Scott, accepted the Children’s Champion Award for her support of youth mentorship programs and the health and wellbeing of pregnant and parenting mothers.
  • DEPUTY CHIEF EMADA TINGIRIDES & PHILLIP TINGIRIDES, introduced by CII Trustee, Gena Brooks, received the Community Champion Award for their groundbreaking approach to community-based policing.

Emcee and actor/comedian, Lil Rel Howery brought his signature humor to the evening. We were inspired by Tondalia Chandler, who underscored the critical importance of CII’s services to her family; you can read her story here. Additionally, here are two heartwarming videos that were shared last night: Project Fatherhood and Emotional Wellbeing.

The evening opened with a performance by the CalArts ensemble, Sirena and featured a live auction hosted by Emmy-winning broadcaster Liam Mayclem. For a recap of the event, check out our social media post here.

On behalf of everyone at Children’s Institute, we extend our deepest gratitude to all who sponsored, supported and participated in our gala. Your generosity truly makes a difference in the lives of the children and families we serve and in communities across Los Angeles.

With deep gratitude,

Martine Singer

 

Thank you to our gala supporters:
Dragonfly Therapeutics, Inc., Bill & Maura Haney, Johnny Carson Foundation, Susan Disney Lord, Roy P. Disney & Abigail Disney, O’Melveny & Meyers, Lauren & Chuck Diamond, Megan Smith & Garrett Doherty, Cindy & Alan Horn, Andrea & Glenn Sonnenberg, Bel Air Investment Advisors, Burnham Benefits, Cal Arts, Gallagher, HUB International, KPMG, Les Amies, Lionsgate, PwC, UnitedHealthcare, Warner Bros. Television, Wells Fargo, Steven Gomez, Dr. Jenny Williams & Joan Henehan, Sally & Paul R. Kanin, Dr. Jennifer Linehan Kutrieh & Tarek Kutrieh, Jamie Alter Lynton & Michael Lynton, Carole & Barry Patmore and Family, Gelila Assefa Puck, R&S Kayne Foundation, Jessica Harper & Tom Rothman, Maria Seferian, Slusser Ranch Vineyards, The Walt Disney Company, The W. M. Keck Foundation, Bills & Stoll, LLP, Bocarsly Emden Cowan Esmail & Arndt LLP, Bogaard Group International, John & Louise Bryson, Canterbury Consulting, Cedars-Sinai, City National Bank, Creative Artists Agency, Stella Hall & Jim Fordyce, Beth & Sunil Gunderia, Monica Wyatt & Mark Horowitz, Kingdom Story Company, The Provost Family, Salesforce, Shamrock Capital Advisors, Moira & Rajath Shourie, Susan Steinhauser, David & Paula Agnew, Amazon Studios, Angeleno Group, Philippe Browning, Katherine & Bill Burford, Camino Nuevo Charter Academy & Pueblo Nuevo Education and Development Group, Beth Grant & Michael Chieffo, DSH // architecture and Chava Danielson & Eric Haas, The Drake Family, Cliff Einstein, GHJ, Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman, Inc., Tracey Gluck, The Goetzman Group, Ilene & Stanley Gold, Health Net, LLC, Suzanne & David Johnson, Nathan Kahane, David Kuhn, Aevitas Creative Management, Roy Lee at Vertigo Entertainment, Levinson Arshonsky Kurtz & Komsky, LLP, Liz Hirsh Naftali, Roger Allers & Genaro Pereira, Ric Whitney & Tina Perry-Whitney, Point Grey Pictures, Carolyn Powers, Revolution Office, Negar & Ariff Sidi, Jason & Cindy Spitz, Mary Rohlich & Clay Tweel, UCLA Extension, The United Plankton Charitable Trust and WME.

Get to Know Your Reporter: Alina Tugend, The New York Times

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“Get to Know Your Reporter” is a series of interviews we’re having with journalists covering topics that are both timely and relevant to our audiences. Our aim is to advocate for and highlight the issues & policies that affect the children and families we serve, and one way is by providing information directly from experts in the field.

This month, we had the privilege of meeting with Alina Tugend, a freelance journalist from The New York Times.

Hello Alina – thank you for making time to meet and share with us. Can you please start of by taking time to meet with us. Let’s start off by getting to know you a little better.

I’m a life-long journalist, reporting on a variety of topics – from the environment to education and reporting over the years from California, Rhode Island, Washington DC, New York and the United Kingdom. For the past 24 years, I’ve been a freelance journalist for numerous national publications, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Chronicle of Higher Education and Kiplinger Retirement Report.  I have also written several explainers for the Education Writers Association and currently much of my work is focused on education, both K-12 and higher education.

From 2005-2015 I wrote the biweekly, “Shortcuts,” column for The New York Times business section. I’m also the author of the book “Better by Mistake: The Unexpected Benefits of Being Wrong,” and one of 25 women featured in the book “Mistakes I made at Work: 25 Influential Women Reflect on What They Got Out of Getting it Wrong.”

What motivates you as a journalist?

I love both reporting and writing. Journalism allows me to talk to a wide variety of people about so many different topics – even ones that sound dull usually end up being interesting in some way.  And it’s often a challenge to fit that information together in a relatively small space in a way that is (hopefully) understandable, interesting and makes people consider an idea or concept in a way they haven’t before. I believe journalism, done thoughtfully and rigorously, is incredibly important in creating an engaged and educated citizenry – which, of course, is essential to a democracy.

It took me a long time to find a place to publish, report and write. I learned a lot while in the process, including how to better write on complicated and delicate issues that involve race and class, as education so often does. As an editor on a project once told me, it’s important not to try to smooth over contradictions, but write into the complexity. That means giving readers a real understanding of the possible ambiguity of an issue without simply falling into “on the one hand, on the other hand.”

What story/project are you the proudest of working on and why?

I would like to write some longer, in-depth stories, particularly on what good research has shown works successfully in helping students thrive in K-12 education.

 

See below for articles published by Alina:

Community Schools Become More Popular With Lessons Learned From the Pandemic

Art Can Fight Climate Change in More Ways Than One

At This Museum Sixth Graders Learn Lessons in Democracy

Upgraded Museums Add New Value at Colleges and Universities

Get to Know Your Reporter: Ana B. Ibarra, Health Reporter at CalMatters

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“Get to Know Your Reporter” is a series of interviews we’re having with journalists covering topics that are both timely and relevant to our audiences. Our aim is to advocate for and highlight the issues & policies that affect the children and families we serve, and one way is by providing information directly from experts in the field.

This month, we had the privilege of meeting with Ana B. Ibarra, a health reporter at CalMatters.

Hello Ana and thank you for taking time to meet with us. Let’s start off by getting to know you a little better.

I grew up in the San Gabriel Valley, specifically in Rosemead, California, as the daughter of Mexican and Salvadoran immigrants. My introduction to journalism was in high school, where I joined a class and helped with the school newspaper, The Panther’s Tale. Journalism forced me out of my comfort zone to connect with people I might never have encountered otherwise. 

Ten years after starting my career, I consider myself lucky to still be a reporter. It’s challenging yet it gives me the opportunity to meet people throughout the community, allowing me to understand the issues that affect us all. I get to speak with those who have the power to make policy and changes, as well as the people impacted by those decisions.

What drives me is my commitment to keeping people informed and making news more accessible. I started my journalism career covering health and I’m still at it today. It’s a field that impacts everyone in one way or another and remains a strong area of interest for me.

I began my journey with the Merced Sun-Star then moved on to Kaiser Health News, part of the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), before landing my current role at CalMatters. I look forward to continuing this work, connecting with people from all walks of life and amplifying the stories that matter.

How has the transition from Sacramento to Los Angeles been for you as a reporter?

I’ve had the opportunity to report from different places across California – from the San Joaquin Valley, Sacramento and now to my hometown of Los Angeles. Each transition has offered unique perspectives and insights. In Sacramento, I covered the Capitol and various government agencies, translating decisions made by leaders and lawmakers into stories that reached the public. My goal was to make these decisions at the top accessible and relevant to the communities they directly impact.

Now I work outside of Sacramento, focusing on issues people deal with in their communities. I’m tracking things from health care concerns to economic challenges that might go unnoticed yet impact everyday lives. Often, these stories bring fresh insight to decision-makers in Sacramento, reinforcing how community-level issues need representation at the state level.

At CalMatters, the heart of what we do is rooted in policy, always keeping a close watch on Sacramento’s decisions. But it’s equally important for us to investigate how these policies play out on the ground and observe how policies impact different cities, from Bakersfield to Los Angeles, highlighting how unique each community’s challenges are.

Ultimately, our reporting is about bridging that gap, showing how policy decisions in Sacramento impact the lives of people across California.

We’ve heard the news & media being affected quite a bit these days. Have you noticed any major trends or changes in the media landscape? And if so, what are you noticing and how are you pivoting?

In my 10 years in journalism, I’ve seen newsrooms, especially local ones, shrink to become skeletons of what they used to be. That means there are fewer eyes and stories coming out of these communities. This challenge has also resulted in more collaboration between newsrooms and reporters. At CalMatters, we partner with many local outlets to expand access to important news across California.

As news consumption evolves, we’re having to adapt too, reaching readers through print, radio, TV, newsletters and even TikTok. At the same time, we’re working to combat misinformation and build trust. This adaptability is essential, as accurate, accessible news is more critical than ever.

Can you share about your recent accomplishments and highlights?

I’ve learned that everyone interacts with the healthcare system in some way, and it can be a very complicated system to navigate. When someone reaches out to say my reporting has helped them or their family, it’s the ultimate compliment and achievement. 

This year, my health team took on a major project: investigating maternity ward closures across California. It required months of work, from gathering data, conducting interviews, and traveling across the state, including to Imperial County, where we spoke with people affected by these closures. The project was a labor of heart and hard work and we’ve been working on that since last year and up until this year. Here is the investigation that led to Governor Newsom signing a law to create more transparency around maternity ward closures:  Gov. Newsom signs law to slow closures.

What a powerful article with so much impact! Thank you for reporting on such critical issues. For our final question, what is a message you’d like to convey with your readers? Do you have any tips on how people can reach the media?

Navigating the healthcare system can be difficult. If you’re struggling to find the information you need, don’t be shy to reach out to journalists. Often the questions you have are shared by others. Readers sometimes contact me for help accessing resources, and even if I don’t have the answer, I can connect them with someone who does. When readers share their questions and concerns, it also helps us understand the areas where the public may need more information.

 

See below for recent articles published by Ana:

Californians are knocking on doors in 2024 swing states

After CalMatters investigation, Gov Newsom signs law to slow maternity ward closures

Maternal deaths: New CA plan centers on moms’ overall health

 

CalMatters is a nonpartisan and nonprofit news organization bringing Californians stories that probe, explain and explore solutions to quality of life issues while holding our leaders accountable. We are the only journalism outlet dedicated to covering America’s biggest state, 39 million Californians and the world’s fifth largest economy. Our mission is to improve California’s democracy by making its government more transparent and accountable and giving Californians the information they need to understand and engage with that government.

Ana reports from a health fair in Calexico (Imperial County). Photo credit: Adriana Heldiz, CalMatters.

Get to Know Your Reporter: Jackie Mader, Senior Reporter at The Hechinger Report

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“Get to Know Your Reporter” is a series of interviews we’re having with journalists covering topics that are both timely and relevant to our audiences. Our aim is to advocate for and highlight the issues & policies that affect the children and families we serve, and one way is by providing information directly from experts in the field.

In continuing this series, we had the opportunity to sit down with Jackie Mader, an award-winning reporter from The Hechinger Report.

Thank you, Jackie, for taking time to meet with us. We are honored to have this time with you. Could you please start off by telling us about yourself?

I’m Jackie Mader, Senior Reporter for Early Childhood at The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit news organization dedicated exclusively to reporting on education. Based out of Columbia University’s Teachers College, we collaborate with both local and national news outlets to publish in-depth stories on critical education issues, including early childhood, which I define as spanning from prenatal family support programs and infancy through third grade, covering the developmental period up to eight years of age.

What motivates you to cover early childhood education and development?

I am deeply passionate about early childhood education. My journey into covering this critical age group began about nine years ago, while I was living and reporting in Mississippi for The Hechinger Report. I was on assignment, visiting childcare centers as the state debated funding preschool programs. That was my first introduction to early learning and it sparked my interest in this field. Prior to journalism, I worked as a middle school teacher, where I saw firsthand the lack of foundational skills many students had. It became clear to me how vital those early years are, as I witnessed the long-term effects of missed opportunities for quality early learning.

When I first began reporting on early childhood, I was astonished by how essential those first few years are to a person’s development and yet, how little attention they received in media coverage. While education reporting largely focuses on K-12 and higher education, early childhood is often overlooked.

Around the same time, I became pregnant with my first child, who is now eight and a half. Reporting on early childhood issues while pregnant brought a new depth to my work. As I visited childcare programs, I imagined leaving my own child in those settings, knowing I would soon rely on these services. This personal connection strengthened my desire to cover early childhood and deepened my understanding of the issues. It also made me more aware of how policy decisions affect parents on the ground, myself included.

I’m so passionate about this subject because of the general lack of public understanding about the first few years of life and how profoundly they impact a child’s brain development. I strive to highlight this in my reporting because those early interactions – between caregivers and children and within home and childcare environments, have lasting consequences on a child’s development. This period shapes the rest of their lives and it’s a critical time that is too often overlooked. I feel a sense of urgency to raise awareness because many people don’t yet grasp the importance of early childhood. That’s what drives me – to educate the public on these crucial early years and bring them into public discourse.

Can you tell us about your career in journalism? What advice would you give young people interested in pursuing a career in journalism?

My path to journalism was a bit unconventional. My undergraduate degrees were in screenwriting and elementary education, and I spent several years teaching. It was during my time as a teacher that I realized I wanted to write about education, which ultimately led me to graduate school for journalism. From there, I transitioned into education reporting.

For those interested in journalism, my biggest advice is to start writing as much as possible. Take every opportunity you can to write, whether it’s for school publications, blogs or even internships. The more you write, the better you’ll become. I also recommend studying the work of great writers and journalists, paying close attention to their techniques, storytelling and how they structure their pieces. While there’s a lot you can learn on the job, taking journalism classes is also valuable if they’re available to you. Those classes can provide you with useful tools and foundational skills for the field.

Are there any upcoming projects that you’re excited about?

Yes, I’m really excited about a few things I’ve been working on. Last year, I took a fellowship leave and traveled to Norway, where I studied their early childhood education system. I’ll soon be publishing stories from that experience. It’s been fascinating to explore what the U.S. can learn from countries that have heavily invested in their childcare systems and in creating a high-quality childhood for children. I plan to continue pursuing international comparisons in my reporting, looking at how different countries approach early childhood education.

Another project I’m working on focuses on the quality of childcare in the U.S. In the aftermath of the pandemic, there’s been a push for deregulation to fix the childcare system, but some of these proposed solutions, such as increasing child-to-staff ratios or reducing staff training requirements, could harm the quality of care. I’m investigating these issues to better understand their potential impact.

I’m also delving into classroom management, which is a topic I’ve been interested in since my own days as a teacher. I’m currently working on a story inspired by my children’s experiences in school and what I’ve observed as a parent. Classroom management is a major challenge for teachers, and it’s often cited as one of the main reasons educators leave the profession. My goal is to explore both personal experiences and research to understand the best practices and ongoing challenges in this area.

Jackie Mader can be reached at mader@hechingerreport.org

 

See below for recent articles by Jackie:

For Norwegian children, access to child care that supports a joyful childhood is a right

My year researching child care policy

Study finds ‘opportunity gap’ can come down to just six missed chances

Head Start funding formula needs fixing, advocates say

 

The Hechinger Report is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization based at Teachers College, Columbia University, covering issues of inequality and innovation in education, from the earliest years through college and careers. We tell stories that will have an impact on the future of American schooling. The news industry faces collapse in many parts of the country. Thorough, reliable news is needed more than ever. As the corporate journalism industry struggles, The Hechinger Report fills the gaps and elevates the quality of coverage about education.