Lisa Stewart is a professor of Social Work in the Department of Social Work at CSUMB. She has worked in behavioral health for over 25 years and is a national leader in family support for children’s mental health. Having experienced PMAD with both her children, Lisa is committed to supporting the needs of mothers, babies, and families in Monterey County. She is particularly focused on promoting early intervention service equity to marginalized communities in Monterey County.  

Carlos Perales is currently a Parent Education Specialist at Alisal Family Resource Center for Alisal Union School District. In his role he supports parents and their children with developing and maintaining community relationships and empowering them to find their voice. 

Carlos was born in Peru and was raised in Salinas. His passion and care for the community has long lived within him since a young child and still lives with him in the work he does. He attended Hartnell College and has a Bachelor’s degree in Theology from California Christian University. 

Has previously worked for the Salinas Union High School District and worked for non-profits organizations like Community Human Services and Special Kids Connect, among others in the goal of educating parents in understanding community resources and services.  

My name is Kellie Morten and I am a working mom from the Salinas area. Originally from San Diego, I came to this area to attend California State University Monterey Bay to study Kinesiology. Although I do not have a background that pertains to the work of maternal mental health or the Parenting Connection, I felt compelled to be a part of the organization after having my daughter and taking part in class offerings provided by PCMC. I was moved by what the organization stood for and their mission to provide supportive and educational services to our communities and promote awareness and prevention of the pressures that surround maternal mental health in all stages. My goal as a board member is to continue my growth on the topic of maternal mental health to better support the communities we serve.  

I chose to serve on the PCMC board after having been a recipient of the compassionate support provided by the postpartum group facilitators. I know first hand the importance of Maternal Mental Health and believe that all families can benefit from the social emotional services we provide. 

School principal and advocate for the education of the whole child.  

With little support in the community, in 2018 she brought her first child to a Parent’s Place support group and was able to understand the power of community and advocacy for her and her new baby. After relocating to the Salinas Valley and becoming a principal in the community, she saw a need for familial support in developing the whole child before they begin their traditional schooling. The Parenting Connection gives parents and caregivers the tools to nurture their young children and in turn gives children the best opportunity to someday thrive as students in the classroom.   

As a provider of mental health services to children 0-5, we see the real effects of untreated Maternal Mental Health taking root in the adverse childhood experiences of the next generation. Women are suffering and their children and families are suffering right along with them – the costs in life and money are staggering. 

Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a staggering 84% of pregnancy-related deaths were deemed preventable. 

The Annual cost of untreated maternal depression in California is estimated at $2.25 billion dollars. 

We must stop the loss through action to meet the need now