Hello from our President & CEO

Alana Walczak, President & CEOCALM’s work has evolved over the years, from our origins as a volunteer-staffed “warm line” for stressed parents in Santa Barbara to a highly trained therapeutic staff of more than 100 across the county. But our purpose has remained the same.

We aim to stop abuse before it occurs, and support families who have experienced chronic trauma. As our organization has developed, our mission has evolved to reflect our expanding role in the community.

CALM’s mission is focused on three key areas:

  • Preventing childhood trauma Our prevention and positive parenting programs have doubled in size since 2003, to over 50% of our staff time and budget. The Early Childhood Prevention & Intervention and Parenting & Family Programs departments strengthen the entire family to prevent abuse and build stronger relationships.
  • Healing children and families Core to our mission has always been helping families who have experienced abuse. Our Childhood Trauma Treatment department supports children of all ages to tell their stories so that healing can begin. Our Intensive Family Services department provides intensive therapeutic interventions for those in our county with the highest needs.
  • Building resilient communities CALM is working to build a trauma-informed community. Our Community Strengthening Collaborations with preschools, universities, medical centers, social sector agencies, and local government empower all systems that work with youth to make lasting change.

We envision safe communities where every family is supported and every child thrives. Join us in making this vision a reality.

 

Alana Walczak
President & Chief Executive Officer

Adolfo Garcia, LMFT
Chief Operating Officer

Ashleigh Erving, LCSW
Director of Clinical Operations

Ashlyn McCague
Director of Development

Andrea Gleysteen 
Director of Human Resources

Rachel Hopsicker, PhD
Senior Manager of Continuous Quality Improvement and Clinical Training

Gabriela Hanson-Lopez, LCSW
Senior Manager of Clinical Programs, South County

Yvonne Nelson, LCSW
Senior Manager of Clinical Programs, North County