Javi Cabrera-Rosales is the Project Director for La Plaza: Nuestra Cultura Cura, who works with all communities with a specific focus in Latinx communities to identify our own culturally centered ways of healing. Culture not only draws upon our ancestral roots, but also new and original practices that nurture our diverse and complex existence. Javi believes that through art, food, community, music, dance, poetry, and storytelling – we draw on cultural healing practices that allows us to build resilient communities and navigate our pathways of healing, individually and collectively. Javi has supported efforts to elevate the most marginalized and underrepresented communities in Sonoma County to speak truth to power and shift the lenses we look through. Javi has worked with many community members over the last 4 years to build the foundation of La Plaza and implement it in community. Javi believes that without others we cannot change the communities we are a part of. Javi holds a Bachelors of Art in Psychology from Sonoma State University. He has worked within the field of mental health for over 10 years and continues to invest in this work today.

Betzy Picazo Chávez has recently joined Hanna Institute and will help take the Institute’s work deeper into the community, as a means of bridging the gaps we find in communication and shared resources. Chávez will work with partner organizations and school districts to help strengthen our community, ensuring that families and students have access to the resources, information and tools necessary to reach for a higher quality of life. Chávez has a long history in Sonoma County. A first-generation Latina/x college graduate who benefited greatly from programs like migrant education and Trio Programs, she is passionate about helping other youth reach their post-secondary goals. She is a tireless advocate for educational equity and social justice with 15 years’ experience leading youth and family-centered academic and social service programs. Personally, Chávez was born in el Estado de México, México. She has four beautiful daughters ages 17, 16 (twins), and 6 months. She is a proud sister of two passionate, intelligent and highly driven brothers, Salvador and Andy Picazo Chávez. Most importantly, she is a daughter of parents who migrated to this country with zero resources and whose impeccable work ethic, perseverance, resilience, and dedication helped them acquire the tools and resources needed to lead the path we stride on today. Prior to her work with the Institute, Chávez was the Director of Strategic Partnership and the Director of School Programs and Education at La Luz Center. She received her Master’s in School Counseling and Pupil Personal Services Credential from Sonoma State University. Along with 7 strong Latina/x women, Chávez, established a Chapter of the first Latina/x Sorority on the West Coast resulting in higher Latina/x student retention, graduation rates and civically engaged advocates.

Erika is an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW), works at Sonoma Therapy Network and Community Behavioral Health Lead at St Joseph Health. She has lead several projects in the community that increase access to behavioral health care. Behavioral health includes substance use, mental health and social determinants of health. Erika has developed community partnerships, supported community analysis of barriers and challenges and supported the establishment of shared community practices that increase access to care. Erika is a strong advocate for culturally diverse, recovery orientated, trauma informed and humanistic services