{"id":231,"date":"2025-10-13T12:50:58","date_gmt":"2025-10-13T18:50:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/latinxvoces.org\/summit\/?p=231"},"modified":"2025-10-28T09:45:04","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T15:45:04","slug":"mental-behavioral-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/latinxvoces.org\/summit\/schedule\/panels\/mental-behavioral-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Mental & Behavioral Health"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Session 3<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Mental and behavioral health are essential to overall well-being, yet Latino communities continue to face barriers such as stigma, provider shortages, and lack of culturally tailored support. This panel will highlight diverse perspectives and community-driven strategies to strengthen access and resilience across the life course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Panelists will explore mental health in children, the role of arts and dance in supporting emotional well-being for both children and parents, and the importance of faith-based approaches to reduce stigma and promote healing. Additional perspectives will address expanding access to education and resources through new initiatives such as NAMI RGV and regional efforts, as well as a focus on mental health for men and fathers. Participants will leave with practical strategies, resources, and culturally grounded approaches to support mental health equity in their communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Learning Objectives<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Identify key mental and behavioral health challenges facing Latino communities.
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  2. Describe the role of arts and cultural expression in supporting family mental health.
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  3. Recognize the importance of faith and trusted community leaders in reducing stigma.
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  4. Discuss strategies to expand access to mental health education and resources (e.g., NAMI Brownsville, regional initiatives).
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  5. Highlight unique considerations for addressing mental health in men and fathers.
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  6. Identify at least one culturally tailored resource to support community mental health.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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    Moderator<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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    \"Dr.
    Dr. Arturo Rodriguez \u2013 Public health leader advancing wellness, preparedness, and cross-border collaboration in Brownsville and beyond.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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    Arturo Rodriguez, DNP, MPH, CPM<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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    Director of Health, Wellness & Animal Services
    City of Brownsville<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    Website<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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    Dr. Arturo Rodriguez<\/strong>, Director of Health, Wellness & Animal Services for the City of Brownsville, oversees public health efforts including disease prevention, wellness advocacy, and animal services. He has played a key role in responding to major health threats such as H1N1, Zika, and COVID-19, helping Brownsville earn national recognition through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation\u2019s Culture of Health<\/em> prize and the All American City: Healthy Communities<\/em> award. Through collaborations with UTHealth School of Public Health, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, UTRGV, and TSC, he has expanded community initiatives. Dr. Rodriguez co-leads the Brownsville-Matamoros Bi-national Health Council and chairs the DSHS Task Force of Border Health Officials, addressing cross-border health challenges. With over 20 years of healthcare experience, he holds advanced degrees and certifications in nursing, public health, sanitation, change management, and executive coaching.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    Panelists<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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    \"Mauricio
    Mauricio Pi\u00f1a \u2013 Co-Founder & CTO of Cobalt Digital Marketing, veteran technologist driving digital solutions and community impact.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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    Mauricio Pi\u00f1a<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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    President
    RGV Dads<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Co-Founder & CTO,
    Cobalt Digital Marketing<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    Website<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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    Mauricio Pi\u00f1a, a native of Brownsville, Texas and former U.S. Navy technician on F\/A-18 Super Hornets, brings decades of technology and entrepreneurial experience to his role as Co-Founder and CTO of Cobalt Digital Marketing. After launching his first business at age 21 and working with major tech firms in Austin, he co-founded Cobalt in 2016 with Stephanie Hawk. Mauricio now leads the technical development team, crafting integrated digital solutions for business growth. Outside of work, he serves on the board of a local affordable-housing nonprofit, presides over a regional fathers\u2019 support organization, and is deeply committed to giving back to his Rio Grande Valley community.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    \"Iris
    Iris Sanchez \u2013 Founder, Advocate, and Educator Empowering Families in Special Education<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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    Iris Sanchez, MS<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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    Founder & Executive Director,
    Impress Genius<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    Iris Sanchez is the Founder and Executive Director of Impress Genius, providing special education advising and consulting for families of children with disabilities. With over 20 years of experience as a bilingual speech-language pathologist and educator, she is a passionate advocate who blends empathy and expertise to drive meaningful change. Iris empowers parents to move from silent observers to confident partners in their child\u2019s education, offering guidance, mentorship, and resources that foster clarity and collaboration. Her mission is rooted in purpose and compassion: turning disABILITIES into possibilities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    \"Christie
    Christie Gonzalez – Founder & Director, InnerSpark Performing Arts<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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    Christie Gonzalez<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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    Founder & Director,
    InnerSpark Performing Arts<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    Christie Gonzalez is the Founder and Director of InnerSpark Performing Arts, a mobile dance studio bringing high-quality performing arts education directly to childcare centers, preschools, and schools across the Rio Grande Valley. With a lifelong passion for arts education and early childhood development, she designs inclusive curricula that build creativity, confidence, and teamwork in young learners. Christie is an accomplished entrepreneur and community leader recognized for her innovation and leadership. Formerly a 21st Century Grant Administrator for IDEA Public Schools, she has extensive experience in program development, community engagement, and sca ling youth initiatives. She is dedicated to expanding access to arts and nurturing future leaders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    \"Public
    Public Health Nurse with the Department of Health, Wellness and Animal Services<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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    Ysaias “Henry” Enrique Presas<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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    Registered Nurse,
    Department of Health, Wellness and Animal Services
    City of Brownsville<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    Involved in Medical Field for 40 years with 32 plus years as a nurse with extensive expertise in population health, excelling in team collaboration, patient education, and clinical decision-making. Proven track record in managing complex healthcare projects and optimizing service delivery to meet stringent regulatory standards. Demonstrates exceptional leadership and communication skills, driving innovative health solutions and patient advocacy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    \"Pastor
    Pastor Cabrera-Martinez, of Mount Calvary Christian Church<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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    Jessica Cabrera-Martinez<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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    Pastor,
    Mount Calvary Christian Church<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    Jessica Cabrera-Martinez currently serves as the Pastor\/President at Mount Calvary Christian Church in La Feria, Texas. She resides in Weslaco, Texas, with her wife, two daughters, and their grandson. Jessica obtained her Bachelor\u2019s Degree in Criminal Justice in 1996, her Master\u2019s Degree in Criminal Justice\u2014Executive Management\/Leadership in 2014, and a Master\u2019s in Education-Family and Marriage Therapy. Jessica has worked in the criminal justice field for over 25 years and is currently self-employed, completing home study assessments for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Jessica became an Ordained Minister in 2020 and has been an active member at an affirming church in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas since 2016. Jessica is involved in community outreach and works closely with the LGBTQIA+ community and individuals living with HIV. Jessica is a Board Advisor with the South Texas Equality Project, the Outreach Coordinator for NAMI-South Texas RGV, a member of the RGV Deanery, a member of the Hidalgo County Family Violence Task Force, and the Administrator for RGV LGBTQIA+ Parenting.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    Resources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n