I was raised on an old farm in a small town.
There was a lot to love about my hometown. But like many rural communities, no one really talked about mental health. As a closeted gay kid, I felt stifled. I often struggled to get out of bed and go to school. And for years, I couldn’t imagine a version of my life I wanted to live.
It would’ve made all the difference to have a mentor, coach or counselor help me reflect on who I was—and who I wanted to be.
It would’ve made all the difference to have a mentor, coach or counselor help me reflect on who I was—and who I wanted to be. Years later, I’m so grateful to have a strong community and sense of self.
But kids shouldn’t have to wait to get the support they deserve. They should aspire to more than getting out of bed and making it to class. They should be able to experience joy, and they deserve to envision and build a life they’re excited to live.
At Cartwheel, our team is doing everything we can to make this vision a reality. But we can’t do it alone. We hope you’ll join us in making school a place where everyone thrives.
Co-founder & CEO
Your school is at the center of everything we do.
We hand-pick a multidisciplinary care team based on your school’s specific needs to provide the mental health support your students deserve.
Therapists
Director
Manager
Psychiatrist
Meet our people
We're a team of mental health professionals with decades of experience serving students, families, and schools.
About me
Amber is a Product Designer at Cartwheel. She looks to human stories as inspiration for accessible, end-to-end, data-driven product experiences. She previously worked at Color to deliver healthcare solutions to large-scale populations. Amber graduated from Dartmouth College with a degree in Psychology and Economics. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, CA.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
When I was in high school, one of my close friends dropped out of school from a mental health crisis. For many years leading up to that day, my friends and I did everything we could think of to help her, but professional help was nowhere to be found. I think it's a wonderful thing to extend help to students and families during a time when they need it most, and I'm honored to be a part of that.
About me
Anahi is a Care Coordinator at Cartwheel. Before joining Cartwheel, she worked with the Department of Children and Family Services, in Los Angeles County as a Children’s Social Worker. She has worked with underserved communities for over 10 years and is passionate about promoting education on Mental Health and Self-sufficiency through a trauma-informed care lens. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice at California State University, Fullerton. Anahi lives in Southern California.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
My parents immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico and raised my siblings and I in primarily Spanish speaking communities. Having English as my second language and being the first generation born child, made it extremely difficult for me to thrive in school and meet my family’s high expectations of me. Due to the cultural stigma around mental health, a lot of my generational and childhood trauma was ignored and left untreated. However, once in college, I learned about mental health and the barriers that marginalized communities like mine faced. This inspired me to dedicate myself to helping children, families and young adults in addressing and educating on those barriers and helping them thrive with the correct resources. In this way, I continue to work on dismantling systemic oppression and marginalization. I am excited to work with Cartwheel to partner with students and their families in offering early intervention and access to mental health care.
About me
Andrew is the Head of People at Cartwheel. He has a passion for being in the innovative and mission driven healthcare space, most recently leading talent acquisition at SCAN Group. Prior to that, he led clinical & care team talent acquisition at Iora Health, where he helped launch several new markets across the country. Iora was acquired by One Medical in 2021 and Andrew had the opportunity to be involved in the integration of the two companies. Andrew lives outside of Boston, MA with his wife, son, and golden retriever.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
I’ve seen first hand how my wife has navigated the challenges of being an elementary special education teacher with limited mental health resources for her students. I know that Cartwheel can truly make a positive impact for students & their families when they need it the most. I’ve also always been passionate about helping others. For over 16 years, I’ve been involved with the Boston Red Sox and have loved being able to visit hospitals and schools to see first hand how special it is to be able to make a difference in a child’s day.
About me
Andy has worked as a software engineer for over a decade in many different industries. It's the challenge of translating business problems into maintainable code, as well as the necessity to keep learning, that drive him in his work. He studied computer science at Drexel University and has settled in Gettysburg, PA.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
School presents so many challenges at a time when life is inherently challenging and confusing. This seems truer than ever given the pace at which society and life are changing. When I was student, I would have benefited greatly from better access to mental healthcare. Kids need to be heard. Anything I can do to help this happen is a really inspiring goal.
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About me
Anna is a bilingual licensed mental health therapist who is eager to continue disrupting generational trauma and the stigma around prioritizing mental health. As a second-generation daughter to immigrant parents from the Dominican Republic, it is important to Anna for marginalized people feel represented, heard, prioritized, cared for, and empowered in all regards, especially when it comes to their mental health. Anna is passionate about serving diverse and underserved individuals and communities, and is eager to support youth and families to build skills to overcome challenges, enhance self-compassion, and give themselves grace as they navigate their personal journeys. In addition to being a therapist, Anna is a visual artist with passions ranging from graffiti writing to street murals that prioritize messages of healing practices through her colorful and inspiring work. Anna received her Bachelor’s degree in Community Health and Education from Tufts University, and her Master in Social Work from Simmons University. Anna lives in Boston, MA.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
As a Dominican, Afro-Latina/Black woman who comes from immigrant parents that had to prioritize survival and make many sacrifices to make way for their children’s future, I understand first-hand how difficult it can be for youth and their families to prioritize their mental well-being when there are so many other challenging factors to navigate daily. Growing up, I felt like it was rare for people to express their feelings and not be judged for it, therefore I have dedicated my career to disrupting this unfortunate norm. I believe it is important for youth to feel safe, seen, supported, contained, and prioritized, especially in regards to any difficult feelings they may be struggling with. I know first-hand how valuable and empowering it can be to have someone listen, understand, and validate my feelings, especially if they look like me or share similar identities as I do. I hope to offer that representation, validation, safety and containment for the next generations so that as a collective we can continue to spread the message of how it important it is to prioritize ourselves and our mental well-being. That in itself is revolutionary!
About me
Ben is Cartwheel's Head of School Sales. A former high school teacher, Ben moved into K-12 sales with Panorama Education in 2016. During his seven years at Panorama, Ben first worked with mid-to-large-size districts across the Great Lakes to support and grow their school climate, social-emotional learning and MTSS programs. He then moved into managing and coaching sales reps and scaling Panorama's national enterprise sales team. He graduated from Denison University in Ohio and lives with his wife and two daughters in Milton, MA.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
When I think back on my K-12 experience, I thrived whenever I felt a strong sense of community and belonging and I struggled when I didn't. When I felt I belonged, not only did I feel grounded, confident and happy, but I was at my best academically. As a teacher, I tried to always have a keen sense of whether or not students felt as though they belonged in my classroom. As a K-12 sales professional, I gravitate towards solutions and approaches that foster a sense of belonging in students because of a steadfast belief that belonging will set students up to be both happy and successful.
About me
Rocha is a Care Coordinator at Cartwheel. Before joining Cartwheel, she interned and lived in Brazil working on urban development projects focused on sustainability and equality. Rocha is trilingual in English, Spanish, and Portuguese and is passionate about using her cultural and linguistic skills to help destigmatize mental health in the Latino community. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and lives in Houston, TX.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
Many kids and teens grow up in a culture where mental health struggles were often ignored and deemed as a sign of weakness. For many, this stigma makes it difficult to talk openly about issues with their families and with members of our community. As a Latina, I experienced this firsthand and have had to watch the people I care about most struggle in silence. Knowing how difficult it can be to simply start a conversation about mental health, I am dedicated to working with students and families to help them break this generational cycle.
About me
Bridget Ormond is a Clinical Manager at Cartwheel. She graduated from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana with her Masters in Social Work in 2005. Bridget is a board-certified licensed independent clinical social worker and a clinical supervisor. Bridget has 20 years of experience in Social Work in a variety of settings which includes healthcare, schools, child welfare, inpatient psychiatric treatment programs, and community mental health. She has worked with children and families in each of these areas either directly providing care or supporting clinicians in their work. Bridget has a passion for treating anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and mood disorders. She is skilled in cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapy, solution focused and motivational interviewing. Bridget has built new programs from the ground up which included access to healthcare for the uninsured, remote virtual behavioral health services for all ages, and screening for depression and anxiety in the primary care office. She has studied suicide prevention and provided screenings virtually and in the emergency room setting. Bridget lives in Illinois with her husband and two adolescent children. She enjoys exercising and has a passion for health and wellness prevention to promote healthy living.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
I believe education and relationships can transform your life. I lost my mother at the age of 12 years old and my whole life changed. I would not be where I am today if it were not for the education system, experiencing the loss and watching my Aunt in her career as a Therapist. I saw that education, community agencies, and behavioral health professionals can make a drastic difference in the lives of children and families. They are not only role models but they also provide resources and skill building that changes lives. Now that I am a parent and my children face different barriers than I once did, I want to contribute to not only their mental health in a positive way but the generations to come. To do this, I realize we have to each work on ourselves even as an adult and we never stop growing. I love to use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy skills to help change thinking patterns and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy skills to regulate emotions but I first start with Motivational Interviewing to begin where the person is while focusing on the strengths within.
About me
Camila is a Team Lead and Mental Health Therapist at Cartwheel. She is board certified Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience working in community mental health as an outpatient clinician, psychiatric crisis clinician, and supervisor. Camila is also an instructor for Harvard Medical School and previously taught clinical practice courses at Boston University. Camila specializes in the treatment of trauma and has extensive experience working with a diverse population, particularly with people who have experienced various forms of marginalization.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
I began my career in academia but ultimately left my doctoral program after feeling that I wanted a new direction. I was unsure of what path to take, but with help from trusted friends, I honed in on my love of exploring identity development and how the systems we live in shape our sense of self and view of the world. I decided to return to school—this time for social work. Social work aligned perfectly with my desire to help individuals enact positive change in their lives, and I soon realized that therapy was a particularly impactful and exciting path for me to do this work. Today, I work with folks across the lifespan, but I’ve always loved working with children and families in particular. I consider it a privilege and great responsibility to be allowed the opportunity to assist families of all kinds in guiding them to rediscover their own strengths and resiliency.
About me
Catharine is the Director of Health Plan Operations at Cartwheel. Prior to Cartwheel, Catharine worked as the Senior Director of Clinical Operations for Hurdle Health, a mental health organization centered around helping the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. She has worked in the healthcare industry for over 20 years with a focus on contracting, credentialing, revenue cycle, and clinical operations. Her desire to want to help people and make a difference in others’ lives drove her to working in this industry. Catharine holds an MBA with a concentration in Healthcare Administration from Texas A&M Corpus Christi. She lives with her husband, four children, and dog in Las Vegas, NV.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
Being a mother of four children, I personally have seen the challenges, stressors, anxiety, and emotions that children and families face as they try to navigate life during milestones, such as starting and attending school. Also, in my own personal experiences as well as prior work experiences, I saw first-hand the lack of resources and access to mental healthcare that children and families desperately need. I found myself wanting to work for an organization that is helping to support the efforts to raise awareness of these difficulties and help provide access to high quality, culturally responsive mental healthcare.
About me
Dr. Lim is a clinical advisor at Cartwheel. He is a psychiatrist serving patients at Boston Medical Center and was previously at Cambridge Health Alliance, both safety-net hospital systems in the Boston area. Dr. Lim is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Boston University School of Medicine and previously served as an advisor to Aetna/CVS and Lyra Health. He is a graduate of Harvard Medical School and lives in Boston, MA.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
I have been drawn to the field of mental health care since prior to medical school. In addition to a longstanding recognition of the fundamental importance of mental wellbeing, the complexities, challenges, nuances, and many unknowns are what have made the field most compelling to me. Cartwheel's mission of providing access to excellent and timely mental health care to all students deeply resonates with me.
About me
Daniel is the co-founder and COO of Cartwheel. Previously, he was a Policy Advisor to the US Surgeon General in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Daniel wrote the Surgeon General's Advisory on Protecting Youth Mental Health, a report that called attention to the youth mental health crisis. Before government, he worked as a consultant to state and local governments and private health insurers on topics such as behavioral health, COVID-19 response, and Medicaid. Daniel graduated from Harvard College and lives in Cambridge, MA.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
When I was a kid, mental health wasn’t something people talked about. Many, including in my own family, struggled quietly without the language or means to ask for help. Today, I see more and more people being open about their mental health. But when they try to seek help, they find that the system is broken: long waitlists, exorbitant costs, confusing processes, no way to evaluate the quality of care, and technology stuck in the 20th century. I see schools as a crucial part of the solution. Kids spend most of their day at school, and educators and staff are there to help but don’t always have the resources to do so. At Cartwheel, we’re partnering with schools to give kids access to care when and where they need it – helping fix a broken system.
About me
Hi, I’m Danny. I graduated from Tufts University in 2018 with degrees in Math and Quantitative economics, and since then I’ve worked in data analytics. I love questions of epistemology and inference, and I’ve always wanted to contribute to humanity’s body of knowledge.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
Students from kindergarten through to college are in a period of rapid evolution; it’s so easy to feel left out or left behind when you miss a piece of it because of the difficult emotions that often accompany growth and change. I want to help students and families navigate those feelings and get the most out of the wonderful opportunities being a student brings.
About me
Diana is a Mental Health Therapist at Cartwheel. She is a board-certified licensed independent clinical social worker with experience serving clients with a wide array of mental health diagnoses. Diana began her career as an in-home therapist in Orlando, Florida. In 2018, she moved back to the Boston area and continued to provide in-home mental health therapy services. Diana discovered a passion for working with children, and had an opportunity to work as a clinician at a therapeutic day school where she spent years providing intensive clinical treatment for students. Diana is trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and strengths-based therapy. She most often uses an integrative approach, because she is passionate about tailoring her treatment to the individual needs of each student.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
I became interested in therapy my junior year of high school when I took my first psychology course. It opened my eyes to the lack of mental health resources that were provided to students at my own school. As a first generation Haitian-American, I was not accustomed to discussing mental health at home. However, I became interested in researching psychology and finding ways to improve mental health on my own. This led me to pursue degrees in psychology and clinical social work so I could provide a safe space for others in therapy. I’m very passionate about working with children and families. My goals are to break down barriers, reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, and empower students to express themselves freely.
About me
Manny is a Mental Health Therapist at Cartwheel. He is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the state of Massachusetts and bilingual in English and Spanish. He received his Master's of Social Work from Springfield College and received a post Master's certification in Adolescent Trauma from Simmons University. Manny previously a Social Worker with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families, which allowed him to gain insight into different systems including schools, courts, and outpatient and inpatient settings. Manny also has significant experience conducting psychiatric emergency mental health evaluations on children and adolescents. Manny utilizes strength based and trauma informed therapeutic techniques. He works with children and their families to address depression, mood disorders, anxiety, adjustment disorders, trauma and crisis intervention. He is passionate about reducing the stigma that is associated with mental health within undeserved diverse communities and helping families access community resources that they can benefit from.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
My passion in working with children and families stems from personal and professional experience. As an immigrant, I grew up in an underserved community where there was stigma associated with behavioral health. As a professional, I understand that across many different cultures, stigma can prevent underlying childhood trauma from being treated, which may result in behavioral challenges throughout adulthood. Furthermore, the lack of culturally sensitive therapeutic services highly impacts marginalized communities, i.e., uninsured, housing insecure, immigrants, etc. This inspired me to give back to my community in a meaningful way: bridging this gap and providing culturally sensitive therapeutic services to children and their families by addressing barriers to their behavioral health care.
About me
Erik draws from over a decade’s worth of public education experience, having co-founded and co-ran Boston Public Schools’ largest and first BRYT-model transition program and sibling special education program, at Boston Latin School. In his work simultaneously serving as Academic Coordinator for Boston Latin’s ALPHA short term re-entry program and as special educator for the OMEGA emotional disability program, he collaborated closely with district leaders, campus MTSS teams, and Boston Children’s Hospital Neighborhood Partnerships clinicians. Most recently, Erik has held sales development and outreach roles in the educational technology space, where he has focused on delivering essential research-backed MTSS, social emotional learning, and school culture/climate-focused resources to many of the largest districts in the country. Erik received his M.Ed. from the Boston Teacher Residency program and UMass Boston, and his B.A. in English from Yale University.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
When I was growing up, my mom would tell me stories of her experience immigrating to the US as an adolescent with few resources and little English skills. She always emphasized the hugely positive impact that her teachers and schools had on her– not just on her academic growth or language proficiency, but also on her emotional well-being and her belief in her ability to thrive in school, college, and society. Her journey and her philosophy on education started me on a pathway that led me to become a teacher myself.
My time as an educator in Boston Public Schools, as well as in Edtech working with districts nationwide, only further confirmed my belief in the importance of school systems in fostering whole-child growth, healthy families, and strong communities. It also convinced me of the necessity of improving school systems’ ability to provide targeted mental health interventions to their students. I have seen so many students finally begin to flourish– both academically and social emotionally– after receiving timely access to clinical mental health resources. At Cartwheel, I get to be part of an organization dedicated to ensuring that all districts have the ability to do this for their students in need.
About me
Esther is a Senior Clinical Associate at Cartwheel. She wears multiple hats as a former K-12 educator, mental health counselor, and program administrator with over nine years of experience supporting the education and holistic wellness of youth and families. Prior to Cartwheel, Esther worked as the Program & Research Director of the Massachusetts Asian American & Pacific Islanders Commission, and has also coordinated program and administrative operations at the MGH Center for Cross-Cultural Student Emotional Wellness and Fulbright Korea Commission. Esther graduated from Harvard Graduate School of Education with a concentration in School Social Work/Adjustment Counseling. She lives in Somerville, MA.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
During my college years, I wrote my family oral history based on interviews that I conducted with my mom, dad, and grandma. During these interviews, my family members expressed a wealth of memories and feelings, many of which had never been shared with me before. The power of breaking silences, feeling seen and heard, and building connections across generations and backgrounds, continues to guide me in my work with students and families. I am excited to join Cartwheel because I resonate with the transformative potential of partnering with schools to provide students and families with timely access to culturally responsive care, so that more people can feel seen, heard, and connected.
About me
Fen is a Mental Health Therapist at Cartwheel. They are a board-certified licensed certified social worker with experience as a special education high school social worker in Brookline. In addition to school based work, Fen has worked with young adults experiencing housing insecurity in Boston. They are motivated by the perseverance and self determination of young people, and Fen is driven to help enhance self-love, self-compassion, and self-worth of these young people and their families. They utilizes a strengths based, trauma-informed approach, integrated with attachment based modalities, narrative therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy. Fen received their MSW from Simmons University.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
Recently I heard the superintendent of Brookline Public Schools reference students as "our why." Students and their families are our collective future. Too often the concerns of children are misunderstood or disregarded, when in reality their lived experiences are the underpinning of the future. When I was in high school, mental health care was often stigmatized. Today, students and families advocate for impactful mental health care, and responding to that call is a driving force for me in this work.
About me
Francesca is a Mental Health Therapist at Cartwheel. She is a board-certified, independently licensed clinical social worker and received her Master’s degree in Social Work from Columbia University and a certificate in Trauma-Informed Treatment from New York University. Francesca has experience providing mental health care to adolescents and adults as an outpatient therapist in a community clinic serving the greater New York City area. Her clinical approach is eclectic, allowing Francesca to meet the individual needs of her clients. She utilizes a trauma-informed lens which allows her to assist clients in their healing. Francesca lives in New York City.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
From an early age, mental health care has played a pivotal role in my life. Growing up therapy allowed me to develop a better sense of self and cope with difficult experiences in my life. It gave me confidence that I could move through the world successfully. I’m passionate about working with adolescents and providing a safe and supportive space for them to learn about their thoughts and feelings. I believe this is a pivotal time in a person’s life and having the right support can create boundless opportunities. I’m excited to be part of Cartwheel’s team so I can support students and families at an incredibly critical time in their lives.
About me
Helen is a Care Coordinator at Cartwheel. Before joining Cartwheel, Helen worked with students of all ages, from elementary to college-aged. Her most recent experience was working with the Anne Arundel County Department of Health in the REACH program. Working with immigrant families, Helen helped families navigate healthcare and receive medical services at a discounted price. Helen graduated from Notre Dame of Maryland University with a Bachelor's in Business and a Master's in Leadership and Management. She lives in Maryland.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
Being the first-born child in my family meant I was the first for many things. I thought that since I was the precedent for my family, I had to be perfect and have the answers for everything. This mentality has caused me to develop anxiety and panic attacks. Neither my Guatemalan parents nor I fully understood what was happening to me. I got the help I needed after seeking the resources I needed. However, I realized many students like me were going through the same thing but did not know what to do. The lack of mental health education motivated me to close the gap and help those in similar situations.
About me
Irza is a bilingual/bicultural, Mental Health Therapist at Cartwheel. She is a board-certified licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) with over ten years of community based mental health experience working with youth and families. Prior to Cartwheel, Irza worked in the public school system as a School Social Worker for four years, the East Boston Community Health Center as a Behavioral Health Clinician, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston as a Youth Connect Social Worker, and with CBHI as an In-Home Behavioral Therapist. Irza is a strengths-based, trauma-informed clinician that practices with a culturally responsive and healing-centered lens. Irza graduated with her Masters of Social Work from the Latino Leadership Initiative (LLI) program at Boston College School of Social Worker (BCSSW).
What inspired you to work with students and families?
Irza is passionate about empowering youth at-promise to discover their strengths and unlock their potential. Growing up in the inner city Irza is aware of the adversity that many vulnerable populations face. Irza is committed to helping impacted individuals reduce stress-levels by supporting the development of positive coping skills and removal of barriers in efforts to reframe young peoples narratives of how they define their own success. By providing access to culturally competent, mental health support, Irza has been able to use an eclectic approach in therapy that feels safe, and meets young people and their families where they are to collaborate on making positive change together.
About me
Dr. McKenzie is a child and adolescent psychiatrist from Nashville, TN. He trained at the Cambridge Health Alliance and Lurie Childrens' Hospital of Chicago. Outside of Cartwheel, he is an assistant professor at Meharry Medical College. He lives in Nashville with his wife and enjoys spending his free time with a book and his plants.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
I was around four years old the first time that my brother was psychiatrically hospitalized. It turned out to be the first of many, and I saw my parents change careers to become mental health advocates for kids and families in Tennessee. I saw their successes and struggles to help him get well, and heard about my brother's experiences with therapist and doctors, both good and bad. Working with students and families allows me to use my skills and knowledge to help people at a critical time in their life, knowing from my own family’s experience how impactful that can be.
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About me
Janelly is the Operations Associate at Cartwheel. Before joining Cartwheel, Janelly held several positions within the Mass General Brigham healthcare system. Most recently, she worked as a resource specialist for the inpatient psychiatry team at Mass General Hospital. In that role, Janelly ensured that patients and families had the support and resources they needed to successfully transition back to their homes and communities following discharge. She has also worked as a client specialist at MGH’s International Patient Center helping international patients navigate the MGH system and facilitating their care. Janelly is certified as a Spanish Medical Interpreter.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
Working with children and families has been the most gratifying experience for me. Growing in an underserved community, there was always this stigma around mental health and I witnessed those around me, struggle without behavioral health support. My childhood experiences inspired me to become part of a community that helps bridge the gap in mental health. Cartwheel's mission and commitment of providing state of the art behavioral health services to underserved communities is a remarkable initiative that I am proud to be a part of.
About me
Jennifer is a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience. After graduating from the Boston College Graduate School of Social Work she worked in leading child and adolescent inpatient and partial hospital settings, developing her expertise in treating serious psychiatric illnesses. Skilled in the areas of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Jennifer offers therapy for adults, adolescents, and children suffering from more acute symptoms of depression and anxiety including self-injury and eating disorders; as well as specific anxiety disorders including Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
I am inspired to work with students and families because I believe deeply that early mental health support and guidance are critical for healthy development.
About me
I've been a software developer for the past 7 years. I currently live in Arizona but I'm originally from Texas. I have a passion for using technology to solve complex problems in ways that are intuitive and easy to use.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
I have spent a good portion of my adult life working with students as a coach and mentor, and have seen first-hand the struggles that students and families face. I am looking forward to helping create solutions and tools that better enable schools, families, and students to create positive mental health outcomes.
About me
Jess is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of New York. Jess is certified in LGBTQ Individual and Family Therapy (LIFT) and Parenting Journey - a certification program that trains therapists to support caregivers in how to strengthen parenting skills through self reflection. Prior to joining Cartwheel, Jess developed adult and young adult group programming for inpatient behavioral health in Western Massachusetts and prior to that, worked for 5 years in New York City with children and families in General Preventive and Family Support Services. Jess' clinical interests surround giving people the tools they need to feel empowered to make positive changes, and increasing coping skills to reduce feelings of distress. Jess has experience in relational work with families and providing support to people impacted by acute feelings of distress, self injurious behaviors, PTSD, suicidal ideation, mood disorders and anxiety disorders. Jess graduated from Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service as a Master of Social Work.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
As a young person, I was not equipped with the language to understand my identity or the access to mental health supports to help me communicate my thoughts and feelings. This manifested into feelings of isolation and loneliness, which at a crucial time of development, often felt confusing. I am a believer that successful interventions and positive change can happen across a lifespan. Young adulthood is a critical time of development, fraught with challenges that interfere with a person's mental and physical health. Young people need time and the right tools to navigate the challenges of quickly changing identities and periods of development. With the right supports, young people are given the opportunity to build trustful relationships, reach self-actualization and be their most authentic selves. I am excited to be part of Cartwheel, to engage actively in bettering the mental wellness of young people and make positive changes in the lives of individuals and families.
About me
Jessica is a Mental Health Therapist at Cartwheel. She is a board-certified licensed independent clinical social worker, certified family therapist, and clinical supervisor with over 12 years of experience serving students and families. Prior to Cartwheel, Jessica was Team Lead at the Cambridge Teen Health Center, a school-based mental health clinic affiliated with the Cambridge Health Alliance. Jessica is a strengths-based, trauma-informed clinician and graduated from New York University where she received her Masters in Social Work.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
I have always loved "helping people." From a young age, I remember volunteering at my local food bank and nursing home. As I continued my education and work experiences, my love for "helping others" has grown and developed. Working with the adolescent population is my passion, and I believe it’s incredibly important for this age group to have a safe space where they can express their thoughts and feelings, develop coping skills for depression and anxiety, and increase their confidence and self-esteem. I’m excited to be a part of the Cartwheel team as we provide an opportunity for a larger network of students to receive this crucial support.
About me
Joanna is the Care Manager at Cartwheel. Previously, she worked at New Jersey Brain Care, Trinitas Regional Medical Center, and CVS Pharmacy. She has been a mentor for the Collaborative Mentoring Program and a Teacher's Aid for Polish schools, working with elementary and middle school students in achieving set personal and educational goals. Joanna has volunteered in Nicaragua as an English tutor and assisted on sustainability projects in building kindergarten classrooms out of recycled plastic bottles. She graduated with her Masters in Health Administration from Rutgers University.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
Although I have such wonderful memories of my childhood at home, I always think back to how difficult it was for me to thrive in school. My parents immigrated to the U.S. and raised my brothers and me in a small town. English was my second language, and there were limited resources within the schools I attended. With the difficulty of learning a new language, the pressure of being a “straight A” student, and a cultural stigma around mental health, I often felt alone and anxious. I did not receive much guidance on how to navigate these challenges because I was too scared and embarrassed to ask for help. For these reasons, I’m dedicated to serving as a support system for others in every way I can, whether that’s through volunteering, working, or being a friend that others can lean on. No one should ever feel alone and be too afraid to ask for assistance or encouragement, especially students. I’m so excited to work at a mission-driven organization like Cartwheel and with colleagues who strive to help students and families every day.
About me
Joe is the co-founder and CEO at Cartwheel. Prior to Cartwheel, Joe founded Hope in a Box, a nonprofit that helps educators build diverse and inclusive English classrooms. Joe grew Hope in a Box to support 1,000 schools and 120,000 students across all 50 states. Previously, he worked for Generation.org, the global education nonprofit organization, and for McKinsey & Company as a consultant on K-12 education topics. Joe has written on education issues for Politico, Education Week, Entrepreneur Magazine, and the United Nations, and he is the recipient of the Jefferson Award for Public Service and Forbes 30 Under 30. Joe graduated from Yale College and lives in Cambridge, MA.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
I was raised on an old farm in a small town. There was a lot to love about my hometown, but like in many rural communities, no one talked about mental health. As a closeted gay kid, I felt stifled. I often struggled to get out of bed and go to school, and for years, I couldn’t imagine a version of my life I wanted to live. It would’ve made all the difference to have a mentor or coach or counselor help me reflect on who I was—and who I wanted to be. Years later, I’m so grateful to have a strong community and sense of self. But kids shouldn’t have to wait to get the support they deserve. They should aspire to more than getting out of bed and making it to class. They should be able to experience joy. They deserve to envision and build a life they’re excited to live. With Cartwheel, I’m doing everything I can to make this vision a reality.
About me
Jose is a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW). His practice experience includes working with children, youth, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma and/or severe life stressors, impacting mental health stability, including schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, bi-polar disorder, and PTSD. Jose also has substantial experience working with youth who are struggling with addiction, including individuals with a dual diagnosis. Jose’s goal is to evaluate everyone within their environment, provide support and practical feedback to effectively address life challenges. Jose also has a particular interest in working with the Hispanic and LGBTQ+ population, challenged with attempting to manage more than one stigmatized identity.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
Based on my social work experience, I recognize that most individuals are shaped by their culture, family, society, institutions, friends, and social class, throughout their stages of development. These factors play a role in how individuals view their existence and role in society, specifically, for high school students of color and their parents. As a result, I was inspired to adapt and identify an evolving society, impacting marginalized students and parents from assessing mental health care needs.
About me
Juliana is the Chief Medical Officer at Cartwheel. Dr. Chen is a board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist and has spent over 15 years working with students and families in the Boston area, including at Massachusetts General Hospital, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, and Boston Children’s Hospital. Dr. Chen is passionate about promoting resiliency and overall wellness in children, and her clinical skills and experience span many contexts, including school- and family-based interventions and supporting families with diverse cultural backgrounds. Dr. Chen is on faculty at Harvard Medical School, a previous SAMHSA Minority Fellow, and a current Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholar. She graduated from the Yale School of Medicine and completed residency and fellowship training at Harvard Medical School. Juliana lives in Somerville, MA.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
As a second-generation child of immigrant parents, I loved learning about my family and where they came from. As I grew, I had the same interest to know and understand the stories and journeys of others. Growing up, I also remember needing and wanting to talk about harder-to-navigate feelings and experiences, yet I was in a family and culture where we didn’t talk much about emotions or difficult topics—and so there was so much that was left unsaid, and I felt like I had to carry on my own. These early experiences have shaped my career path and inspired me. I believe in the importance of building family and community connections and through Cartwheel, I am excited to expand opportunities for all children to have that forever-critical experience of feeling supported and emotionally seen and heard.
About me
Julie is the Head of Clinical Care at Cartwheel. With over 20 years of experience working with children and families in diverse treatment settings, Julie brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), Julie is passionate about improving access to effective care for students. Her background in clinical operations allows her to enhance systems and protocols, ensuring that students receive prompt and quality services. Julie's is dedicated to supporting the well-being of children and families and is enthused to bring this to her work at Cartwheel.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
I am passionate about creating accessible and effective behavioral health care by forging strong partnerships. In my previous work, I collaborated closely with primary care and pediatric clinics to achieve this goal. However, as someone who has worked as a mental health therapist in schools, I am now excited to shift my focus towards partnering directly with schools to address the needs of their students and communities. As a previous school-based therapist, I have witnessed firsthand the emotional and behavioral challenges that students face. In many communities, teachers and educators have become the frontline in identifying mental health needs, yet they often lack the necessary time and resources to address them fully. On a personal level, as a mother to middle and high school children, Cartwheel's mission of partnering with school districts to collectively and holistically meet the needs of youth resonates deeply with me. It is a cause that holds great meaning, and I am eager to contribute to this important work.
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About me
Kari Buttera graduated from the University of Illinois with a BS in Psychology in 2005 and an MSW in 2007. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois and Virginia. Kari holds a Professional Educator’s License (PEL) with an endorsement as a School Social Worker in Illinois and a Pupil Personal Services License in Virginia. Kari has worked in private, charter, and public-school settings serving students and families with diverse and complex needs. She also has experience working in non-profit settings serving youth in the foster care system. Kari has worked with children, teens, and young adults ages 3-22.
After graduating with her MSW, Kari moved to Washington, DC where she worked in a special education school serving students from District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS). She obtained her LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker) in DC. Kari then moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where she worked at a non-profit agency with teens and young adults who were aging out of the Philadelphia foster care system. Kari provided mental health and case management services to teens and young adults from diverse backgrounds with varying mental health needs. She also provided individual and group supervision to social work interns and to staff seeking their clinical licensure. Kari then moved back to the Northern Virginia area and worked in charter school and public-school settings. While working for a large public-school division, Kari served as a crisis team leader and as a trauma trainer for school staff. She promoted trauma informed classroom practices and restorative approaches to improving behavior and outcomes for students.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
I started out in undergrad majority in accounting, but during my free time I volunteered at a local teen center as a mentor. I decided my passion wasn't numbers but people and switched my major to psychology. After graduating with my BS in Psychology, I worked as a teaching assistant and job coach at a local high school. My mom was a teacher and I often considered that as a path for myself, but I was also struck by the internal, external, and systematic barriers that impacted the children and teens that I worked with. I decided to become a social worker and work at schools to support children and families overcome barriers that impact their ability to access education, succeed, and thrive.
About me
Kateline is a Clinical Social Worker at Cartwheel. She is a licensed clinical social worker with experience serving families in outpatient and community-based settings in Boston and Cambridge. Kateline completed her training in the Portuguese Mental Health Team at Cambridge Health Alliance and received her master's degree from the Graduate School of Social Work at Simmons University. Her training included working with homeless and immigrant populations, often facing clinical and social challenges.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
I was born in a country where people did not discuss mental health. Because of it, many children were mocked and labeled names instead of receiving proper assistance. I became passionate about working with children after my undergrad in psychology, where I provided clinical services to children who spent most of their time on the streets and their families in Cape Verde. I wanted to give back to my community and help the children by providing them with mental health services, which was still a stigma then. I returned to school years ago to get my master's in social work to continue to provide clinical services to underserved populations focusing on children who often lack mental health services.
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About me
I'm Kendall, a creative leader who uses design to create stand-out product and brand experiences.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
The "student experience" is universal. I'm excited to focus on this experience as an entry point for delivering much-needed mental health support.
About me
Kristina is a mental health therapist with Cartwheel. She is a Licensed Certified Social Worker and received her Masters in Social Work from Boston College. She has focused most of her training around trauma and crisis support, mainly with adolescents and young adults. Her training includes working with the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department at Cambridge Hospital, where she provided evaluations and therapy to adolescents, as well as case management and emotional support training through the Department of Children and Families, the Boston Emergency Services Team, and a local pediatric cancer nonprofit.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
Growing up, I saw the significant impact that mental health plays on people’s lives, especially during middle and high school. Watching close friends, classmates, and other community members face life-altering challenges left me feeling helpless and desperate for change. These feelings of helplessness and desperation drove me to build my career around mental health: I wanted to learn how I could help people find their inner power to heal and grow. At Cartwheel, I’m excited to partner with students and families to encourage and support their healing and development. I work to incorporate a culturally sensitive, trauma informed approach to building relationships to ensure a secure space for exploration and growth.
About me
Leah is a Mental Health Therapist at Cartwheel. She is a licensed certified social worker and a Boston local, having attended Boston Public Schools and received her graduate training at Boston College. She is passionate about increasing access to and destigmatizing mental health care. Previously, she worked in a community health center as a case manager and community health worker, worked as a college counseling clinician, and counseled people of all ages and genders on sexual and reproductive health. In college, she founded an intergenerational discussion group, aiming to improve the mental health of older adults and college students. Leah lives in Boston, MA.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
As a donor-conceived child raised in a household with two mothers, my family felt less than ‘normal.’ I learned to embrace this difference, and I grew up with a deep curiosity of other people and their life stories. My passion for counseling really began when I was in high school when my guidance counselor supported me during difficult periods of transition. But I remember how limited her schedule was and how many students she was supporting at once. I am excited to work with Cartwheel to increase access to mental health care for youth during crucial developmental periods and especially in the context of a pandemic, persisting racial violence, and gun violence. I am hopeful that Cartwheel’s work will break down barriers to accessing mental health support and help students thrive.
About me
Maggie is an Account Executive at Cartwheel. She is passionate about supporting schools and districts in their culture and community initiatives following her tenure as a camp director. Maggie graduated from High Point University and lives in Boston, MA.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
Growing up, I always envisioned a career where I would be helping or teaching others. This eventually led me to combine my creative passions with working with children at summer camps. Through my hands-on interaction with these students, my desire to improve their lives outside of the summer drove me to a career in the education technology space. This has pushed me to work with schools and districts to improve the daily lives of students and their families.
About me
Before joining Cartwheel, I worked as a business development representative in EdTech. Prior to pivoting to sales, I served in K-12 Education for 14 years as a licensed school counselor and teacher, working primarily with middle and high school students in North Carolina. I received my Bachelors of Arts in Comprehensive Social Studies from North Carolina Central University and a Masters of Education in School Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I am proud mama to a four-legged fluff named Denver.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
I have always been passionate about helping others, specifically around mitigating barriers to education and accessing mental health services. In my work as a counselor, I enjoyed partnering with students and families to expand their knowledge of accessing care for their student's mental health needs and help keep the students in school and on track to graduate. More than ever before, students need to feel safe and have their social-emotional needs met and I am excited to continue that work on a larger scale with Cartwheel.
About me
Matt is the Sales Operations Manager at Cartwheel. Prior to Cartwheel Matt served in RevOps at two tech start-ups - Mentor Collective and SigFig scaling their operations and driving revenue growth. Outside of work Matt finds joy in being active and in the outdoors with his dog, friends and family. Whether running, climbing, or sailing you can find Matt frolicking in his spare time near his abode in Portland Maine.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
In my professional life pre-desk I worked with students in outdoor education instructing groups of students in the wilderness equipping them with the social and emotional skills to help them advance in the classroom and beyond. My passion for helping students get the skills and supports they need to thrive has never diminished and I am delighted for the opportunity to use my new career and skillset pursue this passion once again with Cartwheel.
About me
Maya is Head of Product at Cartwheel. Her HealthTech experience started at LiveBetter where she helped develop automated well-being solutions and co-founded the company’s employer offering. LiveBetter was acquired by Ginger (now Headspace Health) where Maya worked on the member and clinical product teams and built user-centric experiences to improve virtual-first mental healthcare. Maya joined Spring Health as the founding product manager of the Caregiver Experience team where she led delivery of a proprietary electronic health record (Compass). She graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara and studied at Columbia University School of Social Work and Mailman School of Public Health. In collaboration with a research team at Columbia University, Maya has published research on the use of chatbots as a tool to democratize mental health care delivery. She lives in Brooklyn, NY.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
I studied psychology for my undergraduate degree with the goal of working with children in a therapeutic setting. My first work experiences were at a non-profit family resource center and then a government behavioral health clinic. Through these experiences I saw first-hand the depth of need for mental health resources and the difficulties connecting people to care. Around that time, I also started working at LiveBetter where I realized the ways that technology could support and expand access to mental health care and found my passion for working in the product space. I'm excited to combine my interests in health equity, developmental psych, and innovative technology at Cartwheel to build experiences that streamline access to high quality, culturally responsive mental healthcare.
About me
Melanie is a Mental Health Therapist at Cartwheel. She is a licensed certified social worker and received her graduate education at Simmons University, where she earned her Master’s in social work with a certificate in trauma practice. Melanie has previously worked in care coordinator and mentorship positions, and she most recently worked in a group home for DCF-involved LGBTQ+ adolescents in the greater Boston area where she facilitated individual and group therapy and supported teens through their development into adulthood. Melanie uses narrative and acceptance-based approaches to support clients in feeling empowered in their lives. She has a deep passion for providing a safe space for LGBTQ+ teens to be themselves and create lives that feel affirming and supportive. Melanie lives in Holyoke, MA with her cat Rosemary.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
Through my own experiences in my adolescent years, I became interested in supporting others through their own struggles with mental health and systemic failures, which is what led me to study social work and become a therapist. It’s true that school can be a place where students experience hardships, but it can also be a place where they are supported, celebrated, and able to thrive. Because of this, I am excited to be a part of Cartwheel’s team and partner with schools to work towards making mental health care more accessible for youth and their families and support them through a variety of stressors and life changes.
About me
Meredith is the People Operations Associate at Cartwheel. Prior to Cartwheel, Meredith helped build community and employee experiences at companies including WeWork and WeGrow. She also worked in various freelance roles helping to build and maintain wellness spaces through project management, copywriting, and group facilitation. Her passion for people and wellbeing led her to become a Reiki and QiGong practitioner, which she continues to practice in her daily life. Meredith graduated with her Bachelors in Communications at University of Colorado, Boulder.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
I was an energetic, lively, and theatrical child who struggled in school. Looking back, I wish my school had the resources to make me feel more included and help me with troubles focusing. Having experienced that sense of alienation and not feeling good enough as a kid, I became passionate about working with children and providing them with love, acceptance, and a sense of being seen and heard.I started babysitting at the age of 12, and it led to various jobs in childcare, including camp counselor, nanny, and substitute teacher. Through these roles, I witnessed the mental health crisis firsthand. I am grateful to be working with Cartwheel, a team that is building a bright path forward, ensuring that schools, teachers, and families receive the support they need and deserve.
About me
Ndia is a Mental Health Therapist at Cartwheel. She is a board-certified licensed independent clinical social worker with over five years of experience serving students and families in the Boston area. She has served as a school-based clinician in Cambridge Public Schools and worked in a range of clinical settings including charter schools, boarding schools, and hospitals. She is passionate about increasing access to mental health for children and families especially in underserved and diverse communities. Ndia received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the College of the Holy Cross and her Master’s degree in Social Work at Salem State University.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
I grew up in a community where focusing on mental health wasn’t the norm. I want to use my career to give people in communities like mine a safe place to share their thoughts and feelings. Mental health is just as important as physical health; taking care of your mind, body, and soul is essential. As a black woman, I know that representation matters, and I want people to see me and understand that they can access services where they feel represented and heard. I especially enjoy working with students because I know how valuable it is as a child to have someone listen and help as best as they can. Students need to know they are supported, and I love being that person for them. Cartwheel is bridging the gap between schools and mental health services and helping the entire school community be a haven for students and families.
About me
I am a wife and a dog mom to 3 sweet rescue pups. My wife and I also foster neonatal puppies and kittens when they are in need. Fall is my favorite season and I love coffee!
What inspired you to work with students and families?
As the oldest of my generation, I always cared for my younger family members. It has always been in my nature to help. As I got older I started to struggle in school and my access to resources were very limited. It was since then I knew I wanted to work with kids and their families to help them navigate their world.
About me
Parker is a Mental Health Therapist at Cartwheel. She is a board-certified licensed independent clinical social worker with over a decade of experience serving students and families in the Boston area. Parker has practiced in residential- and community-based clinics, detox and substance use disorder treatment centers, and school-based settings. She is driven to help young people and their families build skills to overcome challenges, enhance their quality of life, and achieve higher levels of self-love, self-compassion, and self-confidence. She utilizes a person-centered, strengths-based approach integrating cognitive behavioral theories, dialectical behavior theories, mindfulness, and attachment and trauma informed modalities. Parker attended Northeastern University where she received her bachelors in science of Psychology. Parker received her graduate training and a certificate in Trauma Informed Treatment from Boston College Graduate School of Social Work. She lives in Quincy, MA.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
I believe everyone deserves to have someone in their life who really hears them. I’m passionate about empowering children, adolescents, and families through the therapeutic process. As a child, mental health services were stigmatized and undervalued in my community. I never had the tools to understand and manage what I was feeling, or how to navigate my challenges. I was living within the constraints of my emotions, feeling helpless unable to see other ways of thinking and feeling. This experience has driven me to equip youth and families with tools to manage their own emotions, strengthen relationships, make sense of the past, create change, be more present, and navigate life’s unexpected obstacles. I hope to fulfill a sense of ‘hope’ in more children and adolescents and help them embrace an open-minded perspective.
About me
Sarah is a mental health therapist at Cartwheel. Sarah first earned her Master’s degree in Child Study and Human Development from Tufts University and later went on to earn her MSW degree from Boston College School of Social Work. Sarah also holds a certificate in Palliative Care and End of Life Social Work, which she earned through Smith College. With experience at both Boston Children’s Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Sarah has expertise in working with medically complex clients and their families, and finds passion in supporting clients through their grief journey. Additionally, Sarah enjoys working with clients to process and manage life transitions, personal relationships, anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation. She supports clients on their journey to a more resilient and happy life with deeper social connections.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
Sarah has spent several summers volunteering at a local bereavement camp for girls who have experienced the death of a parent. This experience opened her eyes to the power and healing capabilities of human connection. Children are incredibly resilient and when equipped with the right support system and coping skills, they can accomplish anything!.
About me
Sarah is the Program Director at Cartwheel. She is a board-certified licensed independent clinical social worker and certified special educator with 15 years of experience working with students and families. Previously, Sarah was as a school-based mental health provider and a special education teacher in Boston Public Schools. She also delivered care to children and families at the Adolescent Residential Treatment program at McLean Hospital in Boston. Sarah believes in people’s ability to change, at all stages of life, and approaches her clinical work with compassion, drawing on methodology from Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and General Psychiatric Management. Sarah holds a MEd from Pace University and a MSW from Boston University. Sarah lives with her husband and 2 children in Medford, MA, and enjoys dabbling in Jewelry Design and Gemology.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
I opted to attend college in NYC my freshman year, in 2001, and had been in college for only a few weeks when the World Trade Center was attacked. College was an emotional rollercoaster for me, and as a young woman attempting to navigate life and relationships, I lacked the support I needed and often experienced anxiety. Years later, I was lucky to begin working with a therapist in NYC who significantly shifted my perspective—and my future. I had been teaching for several years and made the decision to return to graduate school to become a psychotherapist, motivated by the change my therapist had shown me was possible. Every person should have the right to this opportunity, no matter age or background. At Cartwheel, I strive to provide this opportunity to every student by practicing thoughtfully and remaining curious.
About me
Sarah is Cartwheel’s product marketing manager. Prior to Cartwheel, Sarah was a behavioral health provider in a school-based clinic, providing integrated behavioral health care to students and their families. Her clinical training includes providing mental health and clinical social work services in community-based and hospital settings. Previously, Sarah worked for BlackRock in marketing, communications, and product management and development. Sarah holds an MSW from Boston College and completed her undergraduate degree at Brown University. Sarah lives with her husband, two children, and dog in Providence, RI.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
Through my clinical social work experience in different settings, including in a school-based clinic, I have seen first hand the systemic barriers which contribute to inequitable access to health and mental health care for people of all ages. Additionally, becoming a parent during the pandemic opened my eyes to the lack of structural support available to families. Children and families, like everyone, deserve the opportunity to thrive yet so often run into walls preventing them the access to care they deserve. I am honored to support students and their loved ones by enabling timely connections with Cartwheel's team of amazing clinicians.
About me
Sarauna Moore is a licensed clinical social worker with over 10 years experience working with youth across Massachusetts. Her experience is mostly with public high school students in diverse cities, and she is passionate about working with youth from underserved communities. She has worked in supporting new social workers as well as social work students, and hopes to continue to do so in the future. Sarauna is interested in all sources of community care, not just clinical, and believes in the power of peer support. Sarauna is a graduate of Smith College of School of Social Work.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
Working with students and families sets the groundwork for healthy communities, and I love being a part of that work. I have always been an observer of people and of systems. In undergrad I majored in sociology, exploring how systems and culture can affect people's lived realities and affect their access to resources. After I completed my undergraduate degree I worked as a paraprofessional in a large public high school. Being young and a good listener, students would share details of their lives, the barriers they faced, their strengths and their triumphs. I observed first hand how factors like poor mental health and lack of access to resources could affect their ability to thrive. I loved working with these students and still remember their stories. I learned the power of listening to, affirming, and advocating for students.
Social work has been an extension of those lessons. It is the space where I can support students and families by promoting mental health, teaching important social emotional skills, supporting families in getting access to resources and navigating various systems, all while affirming the joy and strengths inherent in our communities. Healthy individuals and families lead to healthy communities, and there is real power in that.
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About me
Stacy Swasey, LICSW has been learning and working in the social work field for the last two decades. She is fluent in both English and Spanish, has a history of working in both community and school based settings, and is committed to being a strong social justice advocate in every aspect of her life. Stacy also loves spending time outdoors, adventuring with family and friends, and reading a good book.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
I've been inspired to work with students and families for numerous reasons. I strongly believe in the importance of social and emotional skill building as part of any educational experience, and it has been my understanding that students and families are eager to receive this direct support as well. I enjoy and appreciate being able to work together as part of a team on a student's behalf alongside their family, teachers, and other school and/or community based supports. Such rich learning and growth can happen for students when engaging in therapeutic work within this framework, and I feel grateful to play whatever beneficial role I can.
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About me
Stephanie is Mental Health Therapist at Cartwheel. She is a board-certified Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed School Adjustment Counselor. Stephanie has worked in multiple school districts in the greater Boston area as an educator and a clinician in various therapeutic programs, during which time she helped districts develop mental health screening initiatives and classes for mental health education and skill-building. Stephanie also worked as an In-home Therapist and Clinical Supervisor at Youth Villages, a nonprofit agency that provides intensive clinical care to children and families and whose model includes advocacy for positive change to child welfare systems. Stephanie's clinical approach is humanistic, strengths-based, and relational. She believes that in building a warm and caring space, her clients can show up authentically and work collaboratively toward their goals. Stephanie graduated Stonehill College and received her Master’s from the Boston University School of Social Work. She lives in Newton, MA.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
When I first started working as an educator I quickly became aware of how much a student's mental health could impact their ability to be fully present and engaged in school — and this was almost 15 years ago! We now have more mental health resources than ever before for students and their families, but still have much work to do to provide equal access to high quality clinical care. This recognition is what inspired my pursuit of a career in social work, and I have seen firsthand how many students thrive when they are truly seen and supported. Partnering at Cartwheel with a great team who share my passion for this work, I am looking forward to providing students with personalized support and helping them find the value in prioritizing their mental health and wellness.
About me
Sue is a Mental Health Therapist at Cartwheel. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and received her Masters in Social Work from Simmons College. Sue has most recently worked at Massachusetts General Hospital helping patients develop skills to overcome their mental health challenges and to connect them with aftercare resources to ensure a continuum of care. She also has extensive experience working with individuals and families struggling with addiction. In addition, Sue has a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology and has worked as a therapist in the UK for the National Health Service working with children, adolescents and adults.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
As a clinician, I have always been motivated and driven to help others through their personal challenges and to help them develop the skills and resilience needed to find greater well-being and strength as they move through life. I am especially drawn to working with students and their families because as a parent of two young adults I have witnessed first-hand the unique challenges, fears and stressors that children and adolescents face as they navigate life throughout their school age years. It is a difficult time and I want to be able to give these children a supportive, safe and constructive space to work through issues and make beneficial changes to help them succeed. Also, after having faced the stress and concern of being a parent myself, I would like to support and collaborate with other parents to find the best tools and insight to help their children grow and work through their issues and difficult circumstances.
About me
Sydney is a Mental Health Therapist at Cartwheel. She is a licensed certified social worker with experience serving students and families in outpatient, inpatient, and school-based settings. Sydney completed her Clinical Social Work Fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital, a teaching hospital affiliated with Harvard Medical School, and she received her master’s degree from the Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research of Bryn Mawr College. Her training included work in the Gender Multispecialty Service, the Adolescent Substance Use Program, and the Advocating Success for Kids program in the Primary Care Center.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
Stories can change the way we think about ourselves, the systems we exist within, and our place in the world. Listening to stories is where my interest in working therapeutically began. Prior to social work, I had a career as a news reporter. Holding individuals’ grief, shame, and trauma to use as copy often left me feeling morally distressed. I recognized that my desire was not to tell others’ stories but to help individuals harness the ability to tell their own. These experiences brought me to social work where I strive to help children and adolescents embrace their strengths and narratives so they can reach their full potential. My areas of expertise include working with youth experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma. I care to bring humor, gentleness, and authenticity to all of my relationships and interactions.
About me
Taiana is a Licensed Therapist at Cartwheel. She is from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and trilingual in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. She has experience in providing outpatient service, crisis intervention, and in-home therapy services to children, adolescents, and their families under the Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI) umbrella. She has also worked in residential, community-based, and school settings. Taiana has training in trauma-informed care and utilizes a collaborative and strength-based approach to counseling to foster resilience and hope in her clients. Taiana is also passionate about increasing mental health awareness among Latinx communities to reduce stigma, prejudice and discrimination against people with mental illness. Taiana graduated from Boston College School of Social Work.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
My childhood experiences and the lack of awareness of mental health issues in my culture inspired me to become a social worker. I grew up in a culture where it was not acceptable to have mental health struggles. Challenges such as anxiety and depression were often minimized, hidden, or ignored. We were conditioned to not talk about our feelings and emotions. Unfortunately, many children and adolescents are still struggling to identify and express their emotions and needs because there is no space within their culture to do so. My goal as a therapist is to help children and adolescents overcome their challenges as they learn healthy ways to express themselves and cope with adversities in life. I also believe that support from caregivers is essential in treatment. My hope is that all children and adolescents will never feel like they have to suffer quietly or alone.
About me
Taylor is the Director of School Sales at Cartwheel. Taylor has spent more than a decade working in education, beginning as a middle school reading teacher in Colorado. She most recently led the sales team at Panorama Education, helping to grow the organizations impact to more than 15 million students across all 50 states. Taylor is a proud graduate of Elon University and lives in Southwest Florida.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
Students thrive when schools can meet the needs of the whole child. I’m inspired by Cartwheel’s mission to empower a holistic approach to education and ensuring that students have what they need to excel academically, socially, and emotionally.
About me
Vanessa is a Mental Health Therapist with Carthwheel. She is a licensed independent clinical social worker and certified early intervention specialist through Department of Public Health. She was born and raised in the Bay Area, California and is the daughter of Mexican immigrant parents. She graduated with her BSW from San Jose State University and began working in the mental health field in 2009 providing case management services to families who had survived domestic violence. Later, she moved to MA to attend Boston College and received her Masters degree in Social Work in 2013. Vanessa has worked with children and families in a variety of settings including Early Intervention, community health services and school based services. She is a fellow of the Infant-Parent Training Institute (IPTI) of JFCS and has experience providing parent support including providing therapy for the perinatal & family planning population.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
My strong interest in working with families and exploring the parent-child dynamics stems from my own childhood. I grew up in a home with four older siblings and two parents. There was both happy chaos & unhappy chaos. I remember believing that talking about family issues outside of the home was not okay. This led to some difficult childhood years of not understanding my emotions or anxiety. As an adult and as a parent now, I can empathize with what my parents were worried about-- feeling vulnerable and feeling judged by others. Because of this, I'm curious about culture yet respectful of boundaries when working with families. I hope that I can be a safe person for both children and their caregivers as a mental health provider.
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About me
William is a Senior Software Developer at Cartwheel. Prior to Cartwheel, William worked as a developer at Spring Health, a mental healthcare company, and Magellan AI, a podcast advertising analytics startup. William graduated from Hamilton College with a degree in philosophy, and lives in Syosset, NY.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
I am a firm believer in the positive impact that mental healthcare can have on peoples’ lives, and that that impact is maximized when people are able to get timely help. Thinking back on my own time in school, I wish that better access to mental healthcare had been available, and so I am very excited to build out such access to care with Cartwheel.
About me
Yasmine is a Mental Health Therapist at Cartwheel. She completed her Master's in Social Work at the University of Pennsylvania and is a licensed social worker in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. Prior to becoming a therapist, Yasmine worked extensively with children at international schools and non-profit organizations, including in Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Lebanon, and Senegal. Yasmine works clinically I work clinically with children, adolescents, and teenagers grappling with issues ranging from anxiety to trauma to grief and loss.
What inspired you to work with students and families?
I've always loved working with children and families, and have sought out opportunities to work with youth within my own community and abroad. After completing my undergraduate studies, I began working at a youth empowerment organization in Cali, Colombia. I loved working with children and their families and felt incredibly impacted by the work we did with teenagers in the community. Getting to know teenagers, listening to their stories, and respecting their voices has always been central in my work. This value for empowering youth voices has impacted much of my work as a former teacher and currently as a therapist at Cartwheel.
Join our team.
Help us tackle the youth mental health crisis. We're building a team of mission-driven clinicians, school leaders, engineers, designers, and others passionate about helping schools, kids, and families.
We’re a team of mission-driven colleagues, friends, and mentors.
Our roles are up to 100% remote with in-person collaboration and retreats.
Our aim is to scale to thousands of schools across the country.
We provide opportunities to grow into leadership roles and collaborate across clinical, tech, and business roles.
We build in time for team-building, retreats, supervision, clinical documentation, internal meetings, collateral phone calls, and more.
If you don’t see something that seems like a good fit, please reach out to info@cartwheelcare.org – we’d love to hear from you.