By Rose Boerner
Sedona News – Our next Mental Health Monday program will take place via Zoom on June 27th, 10:00 to 11:30 AM, and will feature four speakers who will focus on youth services in Northern Arizona. Join us for this informational meeting during which you will have an opportunity to express whether or not your needs for services are being met.
Akia Compton, MS – Vice President, Programs – MIKID: Akia has been active in youth services since 1993, ranging from residential, independent living, juvenile justice, and behavioral health. Akia has a B.A. in Sociology and Criminal Justice and an M.S. in Administration of Justice and Security. She is also a parent of a child with behavioral health challenges.
Erin Benjamin – Child and Family Liaison from UHCCCP OIFA: Erin has been working for 10 years with children and families at provider agencies. She has a strong passion for advocating for children within the behavioral health system and is currently completing her Bachelor’s degree in Human Services.
Trisha Riner – Northern Arizona Regional Director, Family Involvement Center: Trish has personal lived experience navigating Residential Treatment Centers and Arizona State Hospital placements, and she understands the challenges families face when their child transitions between placements in and out of the home.
Joshua Ka’apana Napoleon – Children’s Behavioral Health Liaison, OIFA Health Choice: Joshua is a Native Hawaiian from the island of O’ahu. Since his father was Native Hawaiian and his mother Caucasian, he experienced discrimination throughout his childhood because of his physical appearance. He participated in Peer Counseling and Peer Supports throughout school and worked with fellow students when situations arose. This led him to pursue education in the behavioral health field.
The program is free by going to https://namiyavapai.org/mental-health-monday/ or contact NAMIYavapai.org for more information.
NAMI Yavapai is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with mental illness and their families through support, education, and advocacy.
