2016 Advocate of the Year

Monica Nepomuceno

Monica Nepomuceno works at the California Department of Education (CDE) as an Education Programs Consultant (EPC) with the Educational Options, Student Support and American Indian Education Office. Monica has been the EPC overseeing the Mental Health Services Program at CDE since 2009. Under this program she manages a statewide project that includes the Training Educators through Recognition and Identification Services (TETRIS) workshops and the Student Mental Health Policy Workgroup (SMHPW). Monica is passionate about increasing awareness of student mental health among all school staff, promoting the skills to respectfully support students with mental health issues.

Previously, Monica worked as an Outreach Consultant for twelve years with the Galt Joint Union Elementary School District where she helped students overcome barriers to academic and social success. There she assisted students and parents in accessing mental health services, provided support for teachers, and served as a liaison to community resources.

Monica is recognized for her dedication and commitment to California’s children and youth, as well as her passion for supporting the mental wellness of youth throughout California schools, her support of Mental Health First Aid, NAMI on Campus High School, and the Student Mental Health Policy Workgroup, all directed at reducing stigma and increasing the mental wellness of students throughout the state.

Please join us in recognizing Monica Nepomuceno as she receives her award at the CMHACY conference on Thursday, May 12th, 2016 at 8:55 am in Merrill Hall.