Catalyst Center

We are so proud to see our own Permanency & Youth Engagement Advisor, Celeste Walley, representing the CA Alliance and Catalyst Center on a national stage at the @ACRCVoice Annual Conference in Chicago. As part of the keynote panel, The Partnership Pathway: Co-designing for Impact, Celeste joined leaders from across the country to highlight the importance of aligning practice with outcomes to improve care for youth and families. What makes this effort especially meaningful is its commitment to co-design with youth, families, and frontline staff. By elevating lived experience alongside data and evaluation, this project reflects an evidence-informed approach that strengthens systems of care. We are excited to see this work continue to grow and to bring these lessons back to California in support of better outcomes for the communities we serve.

Join us this Thursday, February 26 from 10:00–11:30 a.m. for Lived Experience is Not Lived Exploitation, an interactive and thought-provoking session led by our very own Celeste Walley. In this live training, participants will explore the evolution of the Lived Experience Movement from the early 2000s to today and examine how systems have historically engaged individuals with lived experience. Together, we will challenge stigma and bias, confront performative inclusion, and build strategies for meaningful, equitable partnership. Celeste brings both professional expertise and lived experience to this conversation. As Youth Advisor for the Live Beyond campaign and Permanency and Youth Engagement Advisor at the CA Alliance Catalyst Center, she has helped shape youth engagement efforts across California and nationally. This reflective session is designed to create space for truth-telling, growth, and transformation. Do not miss this opportunity to engage in honest dialogue and leave equipped to build systems where lived experience is recognized as leadership. Register today: catalystcenter.learnupon.com/content-detail…

Join us for Lived Experience is Not Lived Exploitation, a powerful session led by our very own Celeste Walley. This live training explores the evolution of the Lived Experience Movement from the early 2000s to today and challenges systems to move beyond performative inclusion toward meaningful, equitable partnership. Participants will name and interrupt stigma and bias in real time, examine organizational readiness for authentic collaboration, and develop concrete strategies for recruiting and sustaining true partnership with individuals who bring lived expertise. Celeste brings both professional and lived expertise to this space. As Youth Advisor for the Live Beyond campaign and Permanency and Youth Engagement Advisor at the Catalyst Center, she has helped shape youth advisory efforts locally and nationally. This session is designed to be reflective and at times uncomfortable, creating space for truth-telling, growth, and transformation. Participants will leave with practical tools, shared commitments, and a personalized call to action grounded in equity. Register today: catalystcenter.learnupon.com/content-detail…

Join us this Thursday, February 26 from 10:00–11:30 a.m. for Lived Experience is Not Lived Exploitation, an interactive and thought-provoking session led by our very own Celeste Walley. In this live training, participants will explore the evolution of the Lived Experience Movement from the early 2000s to today and examine how systems have historically engaged individuals with lived experience. Together, we will challenge stigma and bias, confront performative inclusion, and build strategies for meaningful, equitable partnership. Celeste brings both professional expertise and lived experience to this conversation. As Youth Advisor for the Live Beyond campaign and Permanency and Youth Engagement Advisor at the CA Alliance Catalyst Center, she has helped shape youth engagement efforts across California and nationally. This reflective session is designed to create space for truth-telling, growth, and transformation. Do not miss this opportunity to engage in honest dialogue and leave equipped to build systems where lived experience is recognized as leadership. Register today: catalystcenter.learnupon.com/content-detail…

Tonight we celebrated the recipients of the Catalyst Center– @PhRMA Health Leaders Scholarship, honoring a powerful group of apprentices who represent the future of California’s behavioral health workforce. Through the Catalyst Center Apprenticeship Program, individuals with lived experience are gaining paid training, mentorship, and pathways into behavioral health careers that strengthen communities statewide. Congratulations to the 2026 scholarship recipients whose leadership demonstrates why investing in lived experience is essential to building a responsive, culturally grounded workforce. We are grateful to @SenAishaWahab , @AsmMiaBonta , @maggykrell, and @SenatorAshby for joining us and recognizing these emerging leaders who are helping shape the future of behavioral health in California.

On January 12, the @CaAllianceKIDS and @CaAllianceKIDS will recognize recipients of the Catalyst Center–PhRMA Behavioral Health Leaders Scholarship. The honorees are apprentices with lived experience who are building pathways into the behavioral health workforce and strengthening care across California. Behavioral Health Leaders Scholarship Event Date/Time: Monday, January 12th, 2026 | 4:30 – 6:30 PM Location: Smic’s Restaurant | 1200 K St, Sacramento CA 95814 Apprentice Awardees: Calvin Brendell Fammons, Family Paths, Oakland, presented by Assemblymember Mia Bonta Victor Camarena, Tri-Valley Career Center, Chabot-Las Positas College District, Pleasanton, presented by Senator Aisha Wahab Lilly Lee, Alternative Family Services, Sacramento, presented by Assemblymember Maggy Krell Sharell Moore Jackson, Foster Hope Sacramento, presented by the office of Senator Angelique Ashby

On January 12, the @CaAllianceKIDS and @CaAllianceKIDS will recognize recipients of the Catalyst Center–PhRMA Behavioral Health Leaders Scholarship. The honorees are apprentices with lived experience who are building pathways into the behavioral health workforce and strengthening care across California. Behavioral Health Leaders Scholarship Event Date/Time: Monday, January 12th, 2026 | 4:30 – 6:30 PM Location: Smic’s Restaurant | 1200 K St, Sacramento CA 95814 Apprentice Awardees: Calvin Brendell Fammons, Family Paths, Oakland, presented by Assemblymember Mia Bonta Victor Camarena, Tri-Valley Career Center, Chabot-Las Positas College District, Pleasanton, presented by Senator Aisha Wahab Lilly Lee, Alternative Family Services, Sacramento, presented by Assemblymember Maggy Krell Sharell Moore Jackson, Foster Hope Sacramento, presented by the office of Senator Angelique Ashby

Stand up for trans youth. Our training "Hands Off Our Youth" on Oct 23rd equips child welfare professionals with the skills to defend and affirm trans young people. Learn to interrupt harmful language, address systemic challenges, and build affirming, stable relationships. Instructor: Mack, an experienced organizer & mental health worker focused on racial justice and anti-oppression. Build the competence needed to protect and support trans youth in your care. Enroll now: catalystcenter.learnupon.com/content-detail…

Navigating first family connections is a profound journey for adoptees. Join our session on Oct 21st to learn how to provide safe, supportive, and trauma-informed guidance. We'll cover assessing safety, emotional readiness, boundary-setting, and building honest communication. Equip yourself to skillfully support identity exploration and healthy reunions. Enroll here: catalystcenter.learnupon.com/content-detail…

Learn with us in October. Our @catalystcenter1 lineup is here with critical topics for child & family services professionals. From LGBTQ+ affirming care to de-escalation and healing-centered approaches, we've got you covered. Check out all of our courses: catalystcenter.learnupon.com/users/sign_in?…

Housing is more than shelter—it's a foundation for healing. Our Oct 8th workshop, "Building Bridges, Not Barriers," equips clinicians and professionals with a healing-centered Housing First model for disconnected youth. Learn to design housing programs that foster resilience & complement clinical care. Instructor: Tekoah Boatner, a renowned expert with 20+ years of experience. Gain practical strategies to reduce re-traumatization and advocate for systems change. Enroll now: catalystcenter.learnupon.com/content-detail…

"Integration seemed dangerous, and so I wore masks." A deeply personal blog from our Deputy Director of Training, Ivon Favela. Her journey navigating language, micro-aggressions, and pride is an important read for #HispanicHeritageMonth and beyond. We are proud to share her story. catalyst-center.org/post/embracing…

Learn with us in October. Our @catalystcenter1 lineup is here with critical topics for child & family services professionals. From LGBTQ+ affirming care to de-escalation and healing-centered approaches, we've got you covered. Check out all of our courses: catalystcenter.learnupon.com/users/sign_in?…

This #HispanicHeritageMonth, we're reflecting on what it means to embrace our heritage, with all its complexity. Our own Ivon Favela shares a powerful, personal story of identity, belonging, and the ongoing fight for equity.

Level up your skills this September! The @catalystcenter1 has an incredible lineup of courses designed to empower professionals in child and family services. From navigating teen dynamics to harnessing AI, we've got you covered. Explore September courses & register here: shorturl.at/TqxVN

Level up your skills this September! The @catalystcenter1 has an incredible lineup of courses designed to empower professionals in child and family services. From navigating teen dynamics to harnessing AI, we've got you covered. Explore September courses & register here: catalyst-center.org/learnupon

The @CaAllianceKIDS and @catalystcenter1's new report, in partnership with @BlueShieldofCalifornia’s BlueSky Initiative, underscores a powerful truth: CBOs and schools are better together. From grief counseling to wellness centers, CBOs provide wraparound care that schools alone cannot deliver. Yet, challenges like funding instability and workforce shortages persist. Sustainable partnerships require investment, trust, and state-level guidance. Read the full report to explore solutions: cacfs.org/news/classroom…

Deepen your expertise in trauma-informed interventions while earning CEUs at this year's #CAAllianceConf2025. Our specialized STRTP/GH track offers evidence-based training on implementing ACEs screening, delivering effective trauma therapies, and coordinating care transitions while maintaining trauma sensitivity. These sessions are particularly valuable for therapists, social workers, and direct-care staff seeking to enhance their clinical skills and meet continuing education requirements. Check out our full agenda here: bit.ly/4lSMlsq Don't miss this opportunity to advance your practice with CEU-approved training from leading experts in the field: shorturl.at/IRvdF #StrongerTogether25

Upcoming Trainings from the Catalyst Center Next week, the Catalyst Center is offering three powerful trainings to take your skills to the next level—whether you work with Latine families, lead a team, or focus on substance abuse prevention. Spots are filling fast—register now! Course 1: Learning Family Engagement Through Encanto Mon, July 28 | 10AM-12PM PT Explore intergenerational trauma, healing, and culturally responsive strategies through the lens of Disney’s Encanto. A must for mental health professionals serving Latine families! Course 2: Supervisor as Mentor & Coach Tue, July 29 | 9AM-11:30AM PT Level up your leadership! Master trauma-informed supervision, coaching techniques, and bias-aware feedback to inspire your team’s best work. Course 3: Building Resilience for Substance Abuse Prevention Thu, July 31 | 9AM-11AM PT Equip yourself with trauma-focused, mindfulness-based tools to strengthen resilience and prevent substance abuse in your community. Time is running out! These sessions will fill up so secure your spot today: catalyst-center.org/learnupon

Our new report, in partnership with @BlueShieldofCalifornia’s BlueSky Initiative, reveals how California schools and Community Based Organization (CBOs) are partnering to transform student mental health support. Key findings show CBOs successfully reducing disciplinary actions by creating safe alternatives for students, while systemic challenges remain, including low participation rates in CYBHI funding programs across districts. These insights demonstrate both the promise and work needed to strengthen school-community partnerships for youth wellbeing. Read and share the full findings: shorturl.at/inHM9