2024 CA Alliance Winter Conference

Event Details

Join us for the CA Alliance Winter Conference and Advocacy Day! Discover a unique opportunity to connect with fellow advocates and experts from across California as we come together to address critical issues facing our communities. This three-day event will feature engaging discussions, workshops, and networking sessions, all aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of key policy areas and empowering you to make a difference in your region. Don't miss the Advocacy Day, where you'll have the chance to engage directly with lawmakers and voice your concerns. Be part of the movement for positive change and help shape the future of California.

Agenda

Comprehensive Agena

Access our comprehensive conference agenda here!

March 11, 2024
March 12, 2024
March 13, 2024
March 14, 2024

March 11, 2024

Main Schedule

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

CA Alliance Member Advocacy Day Reception

Join us as we extend a warm welcome to our members at our kickoff event. Indulge in a ticketed bar experience and savor light appetizers on the Kimpton terrace. Engage with our policy team as we discuss the agenda for Advocacy Day

Speakers

Dr. Jessica Pryce

Social Worker, Researcher and National Speaker

Mark Ghaly, MD, MPH

Secretary at California Health and Human Services Agency

Larissa Estes, DrPH

Executive Director of Racial Equity Commission

Michelle Baass

Director of California Department of Health Care Services

Kim Johnson

Director of California Department of Social Services

Senator Angelique Ashby

Senator Caroline Menjivar

Assemblymember James Ramos

Christine Stoner-Mertz

Chief Executive Officer at CA Alliance & Catalyst Center

Adrienne Shilton

Vice President, Public Policy & Strategy at California Alliance of Child and Family Services

Angie Schwartz

Deputy Director of Child and Family Services Division at California Department of Social Services

Sophie Weissbourd

Customer Success Team Lead at Kooth

Kyle White

Customer Engagement Director of Kooth

Sabrina Sandalo-Lee

Director of Growth Marketing at Brightline

Noa Oldak-Moradian

Senior Manager, Community Engagement at Brightline

Levi Nuñez

LGBTQ+ Peer Navigator at Penny Lane Centers

Mialissa Flores

Commissioner, Members Executive Commission at California Youth Connection

Fernando Sandoval

Bureau Chief, Policy Development of Children's Residential Program, Community Care Licensing at California Department of Social Services

Jean Chen

Program Administrator at Children's Residential Program, Community Care Licensing Division of the California Department of Social Services

Lacey Castellese

Sr. Clinical Director of Pacific Clinics

Jacquelyn Torres

Vice President, Emerging Statewide Services at Pacific Clinics

Matthew Diep

Director of Programs at Mental Health America of California

Ashmita Annamalai

Co-President at California Youth Empowerment Network (CAYEN)

Crystal Ngo Diaz

Medical Scribe at UCI Health

Nikki Paschal

Principal at Paschal Roth

Katie Orr

Senior Strategist at Paschal Roth

Brian Fitzgerald

Chief, Local Governmental Financing Division at California Department of Health Care Services

Scott Graves

Director of Research at California Budget & Policy Center

Additional Speakers To Be Announced

Dr. Pryce is a social worker, researcher and national speaker on issues of equity and leadership in child protective services. Her dedication to the child welfare field spans over 15 years, contributing her expertise from various perspectives, including direct practice as a child protective caseworker, teaching, training, policy development, and research.

Throughout her career, Dr. Pryce has been an influential voice in the field. She has authored numerous publications on subjects like training and education, racial disparity, and anti-poverty practices within child welfare. Additionally, Dr. Pryce has shared her work and vision for child welfare at over 200 virtual and in-person conferences, both nationally and internationally. Her expertise has empowered professionals and communities alike, fostering positive change in child welfare practices. Her ability to articulate solutions to these complex challenges has garnered widespread recognition.

In 2018, she delivered a powerful TED Talk on Implicit Racial Bias in Decision Making, which has since garnered over 1.3 million views. This ted talk has created critical dialogue about equity, decisions, and the courage to try something new in a field that is riddled with antiquated procedures.

In March 2024, Dr. Pryce's highly anticipated new book, BROKEN: Notes of A Former Caseworker, is set to be released. This upcoming book promises to be a pivotal contribution to the field, offering insights on the true essence of child protection, necessary shifts towards transformation and the reality of how harmful the system is to everyone involved.

Represented by McKinnon Literary

Dr. Mark Ghaly is the secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency; he works with partners across sectors and disciplines to improve the lives and life chances of all Californians. This work has been especially urgent during the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a primary care pediatrician, Dr. Ghaly uses his clinical and community experiences to inform a whole-person, whole-community approach to integrating services so that they are equity-anchored and person-centered, especially for the most vulnerable Californians. Previously, he was medical director of the Southeast Health Center, a San Francisco public health clinic. In addition to having a large primary care pediatrics practice, he led the clinic’s transition to the patient-centered medical home model of care, expanded specialty care and diagnostics services, and addressed issues such as teen health, youth violence, food security, and environmental health. In 2011, he became the deputy director for Community Health and Integrated Programs for the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. In this role, he directed clinical operations in the juvenile detention system and led the transition of jail health services from the Los Angeles County Sheriff and the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health into one integrated system of care. He also led a county team to expand health and behavioral health services on the Martin Luther King, Jr., health campus in South Los Angeles, which included the opening of the public-private Martin Luther King, Jr., Community Hospital. He earned his MD and MPH from Harvard University.

Larissa Estes, DrPH serves as the Executive Director of the Racial Equity Commission established through Executive Order 16-22. She has over 20 years of experience in allied health, healthcare, and public health with a focus on community and equity. Prior to joining the State of California, Dr. Estes served as the Executive Director of ALL IN Alameda County, a county-wide initiative established by the late Alameda County Supervisor Wilma Chan to address issues of poverty including basic needs, quality education, and economic opportunity that leads to self-sufficiency. Throughout her career she has served as a key author of several publications on women’s health, accountable communities for health, medical high utilization, and mental health and wellbeing. She is interested in integrating evidence-informed strategies into policy and practice across sectors that fortify equity and impact community wellbeing.

Dr. Estes has prior experience in program planning, implementation, and evaluation; maternal and child health; women’s health; mental health and wellbeing; and public health policy analysis at the federal, state, and local level. Dr. Estes received her BS in Athletic Training from Duquesne University, an MPH in Family and Child Health from the University of Arizona, and a DrPH in Community Health Practice from the University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston. She is a sustaining member of Junior League of Oakland-East Bay and an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Dr. Estes also serves on the Board of Directors for the College of Behavioral Health Leadership, Black Cultural Zone Community Development Corporation (Oakland, CA), and American Cancer Society – SF Bay Area, and participates on an Advisory Committee for the Prairie View A&M School of Public and Allied Health.

Michelle Baass was appointed Director of the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) by Governor Gavin Newsom in September 2021. The Department supports the health of over 13 million Californians.

Before her appointment to DHCS, Ms. Baass served as Undersecretary of California Health and Human Services Agency (Agency) since 2018 and Deputy Secretary of the Office of Program and Fiscal Affairs at Agency from 2017 to 2018. Prior to joining the executive branch, Ms. Baass worked for the Legislature for 13 years, including positions at the California State Senate Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review, the Senate Office of Research, and the California Legislative Analyst’s Office.

Ms. Baass earned a Master of Public Policy and Administration degree from California State University, Sacramento and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Notre Dame.

Ms. Baass is honored to serve Californians.

Kim Johnson was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom as the Director of the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) in July of 2019. In this role, she leads a team of over 5,000 employees serving over 6 million Californians in the largest Department in the California Health and Human Services Agency.

Ms. Johnson started with CDSS in 2015 and had previously been appointed by Governor Jerry Brown to serve as the Deputy Director of the Family Engagement and Empowerment Division, CalWORKs and Child Care Branch Chief, and Child Care and Refugee Programs Branch Chief.

Ms. Johnson has over 25 years of experience working in various family support and children’s programs focused on social justice, equity, and poverty disruption in both community-based organizations and government.

The mission of the Department of Social Services is aligned with her purpose.

She is honored to serve Californians in this leadership capacity

Senator Angelique V. Ashby is the first woman elected to represent Sacramento in the California State Senate in more than 20 years. Prior to joining the legislature, she was elected to the Sacramento City Council, where she served for 12 years. She was the sole woman for more than half of her tenure, and is the only member in city history to serve as Vice Mayor or Mayor Pro Tem for 8 years.

During her time on City Council, she secured millions to fund schools, community centers, parks and fire stations. She brought thousands of high-wage jobs to the Sacramento region, by attracting a Fortune 500 company. She fought for and advanced major flood control improvements, and has championed programs for women and children experiencing homelessness.

After becoming a single mom at 20 years old, Senator Ashby worked full time and attended the University of California at Davis. After completing undergrad, she went on to the University of the Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctorate. While in school, she worked with foster youth, at a labor law firm, and in the office of the public defender in Sacramento County. She went on to use her legal training and educational foundation rooted in law and society to create a consulting firm with her father, that created opportunities for people who needed a chance to succeed---helping build best practice model programs to serve foster youth, parolees, incarcerated women and transition age youth.

Senator Ashby was the first Councilmember to give birth while in elected office in Sacramento. She and her husband Zac, who is an Emergency Room Nurse, live in Natomas with their youngest child Alia. The Senator’s oldest son Nate lives nearby in the Pocket/Greenhaven Community, and her middle son, Tyus, is a student at the University of Oregon.

Senator Caroline Menjivar (she/her/ella) took the Oath of Office on December 5, 2022, and represents Burbank and the San Fernando Valley in California’s 20th Senate District. She is a first-generation American, daughter of Salvadorean immigrants, who was born and raised in the very communities she now represents.

Having attended Encino Elementary, Portola Middle School, Reseda High School, multiple Los Angeles Community Colleges, California State University, Northridge (CSUN), and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Senator Menjivar knows firsthand how important access to quality public education is for youth and working families.

Initially, Senator Menjivar’s career goal was to become a City of Los Angeles firefighter, but a hiring freeze impeded those plans. Inspired by her time at the Reseda High School Police Academy Magnet, she decided to enlist in the Marine Corps. Serving from 2009 to 2016, Senator Menjivar was last stationed in Miramar, La Jolla as a radio operator and Communications Platoon Sergeant. Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was a military policy until 2011, and the Senator bore the effects of this discrimination as someone who was in a relationship with her now wife.

After active duty and completing her bachelor’s degree at CSUN, Senator Menjivar attained a Master of Social Welfare from UCLA. While attending classes, the Senator worked the graveyard shift as an emergency medical technician (EMT) in Van Nuys, getting her first glimpse at the gaps in health care services; emergency responses to mental health crises, beds for domestic violence victims, and the need to bridge short-term and long-term addiction treatment. Another informative experience was the Senator’s time as a domestic violence therapist, responding to calls with Los Angeles police officers across the San Fernando Valley. She found, having a trained crisis therapist on the scene expedited de-escalation, facilitated better communication between officers and the individuals involved, and improved victim advocacy.

Senator Menjivar’s additional work experience includes Fellow on the L.A. Mayor’s Gender Equity Team, City of Los Angeles Field Deputy, East Valley Representative for the L.A. Mayor's office, and non-profit Director at Meet Each Need with Dignity (MEND).

The Senator has volunteered on the Board of Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), Los Angeles Chapter, Advisory Board of Help Group’s Kaleidoscope, as the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer for San Fernando Valley Young Dems Club, and she is a current member of the San Fernando Valley Marine Corps League.

These lived experiences paved the road which brought Caroline Menjivar to the State Senate. She continues to be motivated by a lifelong dedication to service, and her desire to uplift the people of our communities will be the anchor of every policy she introduces and supports for California. Senator Menjivar resides in Panorama City with her wife, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and their two dogs.

Assemblymember James C. Ramos, a lifelong resident of the San Manuel Indian Reservation and member of the Serrano/Cahuilla tribe, became the first California Native American state lawmaker in 2018. He currently represents the 45th District, which includes the cities of Fontana, Highland, Mentone, Redlands, Rialto, and San Bernardino.

The lawmaker chairs the Assembly Budget Subcommittee #6 which deals with public safety issues, the California Legislative Native American Caucus, Assembly Select Committee on Native American Affairs, Assembly Select Committee on Youth Homelessness in San Bernardino County and is former chair of the Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs and former chair of the Inland Empire Caucus.

Ramos is a member of the Serrano/Cahuilla tribe. As a child, Ramos lived with his family in a mobile home in one of the most poverty-stricken areas of the county. To help support his family while attending school, he worked in fast food restaurants and as a janitor in the San Bernardino City Unified School District. Ramos attended local public schools and graduated from San Gorgonio High School. Recognizing the importance of education, he went on to receive an Associate Degree in Business at Victor Valley College, a bachelor’s degree in accounting at California State University, San Bernardino, and a master of business administration degree at the University of Redlands.

As a successful small business entrepreneur, Ramos accumulated broad experience in many levels of community and government matters. Ramos’ commitment to public service led to a number of firsts: first Native American named to the California State Board of Education, the San Bernardino Community College Board of Trustees, and the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors.

During his time on the County Board of Supervisors, he served as Board Chair from 2015-2017 where he oversaw America’s largest geographic county and served a community of nearly 2.2 million residents. As chair, Ramos oversaw a county government comprised of more than 40 departments and agencies staffed by more than 25,000 public service professionals providing a wide range of vital services in areas that include public safety, health and human services, economic development, housing, recreation, and culture. Ramos’s wide range of experience and knowledge of local and regional issues is complemented by his unique ability to bring Republicans and Democrats together to collaborate on a variety of issues.

His awards include 2022 California State Commanders Veterans Council, the 2022 Youth Legislative Champion Award from the California

In addition to his elected service, Ramos is a proven civic leader and has served on numerous boards and organizations in the Inland Empire. He is former Chairman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, with a deep commitment to the preservation of California Indian culture. As chairman, he helped lead the day-to-day operations and during that time saw tremendous growth of a thriving tribal government. Additionally, Ramos is co-founder of the San Manuel Band’s Cultural Awareness Program, and serves as director of the California Indian Cultural Awareness Conference held annually at California State University, San Bernardino.

James and his wife, Terri, have been married for more than 30 years, and are the proud parents of four children and grandparents of three grandchildren.

Christine Stoner-Mertz, CEO, leads the California Alliance of Child and Family Services and its Catalyst Center and with the Board of Directors, drives the mission and vision for the organization. A licensed clinical social worker, Chris came to the Alliance in 2019 after being president and CEO of Lincoln Child Center in Oakland, a California Alliance member agency delivering behavioral health and family strengthening services in the San Francisco Bay area. Since 2005, she led the organization through a transformational period, moving from a residentially-based services focus to designing an array of culturally responsive community and school-based services for children and youth ages 0-21. Her deep commitment to equity is reflected in the transformation of services at Lincoln.

Chris received her MSW from the University of Michigan and began her career in California in 1985, as co-founder of Seneca Center, now the Seneca Family of Agencies, where she was instrumental in the development of programs and oversight of operations for 15 years.

In 1999, she founded inFocus Consulting and Development, LLC providing consultation to over 50 private behavioral healthcare providers as well as the California State Department of Mental Health, various county departments of mental health and social services, and to school districts. As a sought after expert on MediCal EPSDT program design and implementation, Chris developed the Medi-Cal Specialty Mental Health Services Manual.

She has served on the boards of directors of the California Alliance, the California Council of Behavioral Health Agencies, the National Council of Behavioral Health Organizations, and has been the recipient of numerous service and leadership awards during her career, including the Jefferson Award for Public Service.

Adrienne is the Vice President of Public Policy & Strategy, overseeing the work of the Policy Team.

She is a recognized expert in mental health policy who has devoted her career to improving the well-being of people living with brain illness and substance use disorders. Adrienne became involved in mental health policy as a key staff person in the campaign to pass the 2004 Mental Health Services Act. Prior to her position with the CA Alliance, she has worked in a variety of roles to carry out the vision for services laid out in the law, including as the director of government affairs for the County Behavioral Health Directors Association.

Before joining CBHDA, Adrienne was a senior associate with the nonprofit California Institute for Behavioral Health Solutions, and a senior policy analyst with the California Council of Community Behavioral Health Agencies. She has been a champion for culturally relevant program design, incorporating peer support as a crucial piece of recovery, and using evaluation and outcomes-based reporting to drive strategy.

Shilton has served as an adviser on a number of statewide efforts, and currently sits on multiple task forces working to improve behavioral health policy in California, with a particular focus on youth, young adults, and families. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Knox College, and a master’s degree in public policy and administration from California State University, Sacramento.

Angie leads the work of Children and Family Services Division which is responsible for designing and overseeing an array of programs and services for California's at-risk children and families. Angie’s focus is on creating a child and family well-being system to ensure engagement with a family in crisis proactively supports the parent and child, values the child’s family and community, and promotes all aspects of wellbeing so that the child and family can heal and thrive while addressing disparities and inequities within the system.

Angie joined CDSS with nearly two decades of experience in child welfare reform. Prior to joining CDSS, she served as Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at the Alliance for Children’s Rights, where she spearheaded efforts to revamp California’s rates and services to be fully inclusive of kinship families. Her advocacy resulted in a culture shift across the California child welfare system to one that truly prioritizes kinship families. In addition, Angie was instrumental in the successful effort to extend foster care benefits to age 21 in California to support our youth in attaining independence and led efforts to ensure foster youth with disabilities are able to access social security benefits prior to exiting foster care. Earlier in her career, she worked for the Public Interest Law Project and the National Center for Youth Law.

Angie earned her Bachelor of Arts from American University and J.D. from Stanford Law School.

Mialissa is a dedicated advocate and champion for the well-being of all youth, with a strong passion for supporting young adults in the juvenile justice system. Her own challenging background and personal experiences have shaped her commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Coming from a difficult upbringing, Mialissa faced numerous obstacles on her path to success. She found herself entangled in the juvenile justice system, enduring a tumultuous journey until the age of 19 when she unsuccessfully completed her probation. She has faced the harsh reality of homelessness a battle that she faced on and off from the age of 16 till she was 22 years old. Overcoming addiction and navigating life as a foster youth who aged out of the system in San Diego further deepened Mialissa's understanding of the unique struggles faced by vulnerable young adults

At the age of 20, Mialissa stumbled upon an unexpected opportunity that would change her life and ignite her passion for advocacy. Through a fortunate accident, she found herself working for California Youth Connection (CYC). This experience exposed her to the intricacies of policy and legislation advocacy, demonstrating the profound impact that legal changes can have on individuals' lives.

Inspired by her time at CYC, Mialissa (now a Commissioner at CYC) was motivated to establish Stand by US, an organization aimed at creating an inclusive community space. Her vision is to provide a safe environment where members can feel secure and supported, enabling them to grow into strong, independent individuals, free from the constraints of any system. Through Stand by US, Mialissa hopes to empower young people to embrace their true potential and become successful contributors to society.

With her personal journey and extensive advocacy work for foster youth and justice-involved young individuals, Mialissa brings a unique perspective and unwavering determination to her cause. She understands the power of legislation in changing lives and is committed to building bridges between systems to foster a united community. Mialissa's ultimate goal is to inspire and uplift young adults, creating a transformative space where they can thrive and fulfill their dreams.

Fernando Sandoval is the Bureau Chief over Policy Development in the Children’s Residential Program, Community Care Licensing Division of the CA Department of Social Services. He manages the policy bureau that is responsible policy development and administrative support to the Statewide Children’s Residential Program (CRP). The Policy Bureau is responsible for analyzing legislation, ongoing publication of Provider Information Notices (PINs) and Regional Office Memoranda (ROMs), regulatory rulemaking, and analysis and clarification of policy issues. For over 23 years, he has worked in the Community Care Licensing Division working closely with major stakeholders such as placement agencies, advocates, caregivers and provider associations.

Jean Chen is the Program Administrator of the Children’s Residential Program, Community Care Licensing Division of the CA Department of Social Services. She manages the overall administration of the Children’s residential licensing program in California, overseeing the enforcement functions associated with children residing in out of home care. Jean plays a major role in setting statewide Children’s Residential Program policy and is responsible for identifying key operational and policy issues. For over 27 years, she has worked in the Community Care Licensing Division in field operations, working closely with major stakeholders such as placement agencies, advocates, caregivers and provider associations.

Lacey Castellese is the Senior Clinical Director of Pacific Clinic's School Based Intervention Teams (SBIT) in their Emerging Statewide Services Department. She is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years' experience in behavioral health, leadership, and education. Her focus is on statewide operational oversight, development, and innovation of SBIT programing. SBIT specializes in educational consultation, professional development, and direct services. Services are provided within a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework aligned with Community School and state initiatives along with specialization in positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Restorative Practices, Special Education Services, Wellness Center implementation and operations, and tiered evidence-based practices.

Jacquelyn H. Torres, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) is the Vice President of Emerging Statewide Services at Pacific Clinics. In this capacity, she is responsible for implementing new and innovative programs that expand Pacific Clinics’ work and commitment to wellness in communities. Graduating with a master’s degree in clinical psychology from San Jose State University, she has an extensive background working in the behavioral health and child welfare systems. Jacquelyn has been with Pacific Clinics since 2008, having held various roles including working on critical issues impacting unhoused families and children who have experienced significant abuse and neglect. Jacquelyn's background includes expertise in school-based mental health, including MTSS implementation, as well as Behavioral Health Integration (BHI) in the primary care setting. Jacquelyn is experienced in the complex impact of trauma on youth and families and has a passion for working with the healthcare and education systems.

Scott Graves, Director of Research, analyzes health and justice system policies and leads the organization’s work on state and local budget processes. On health policy, Scott’s work aims to ensure that Californians have equitable access to quality, affordable care. His justice system work highlights ongoing racial disparities and the human and fiscal costs of California’s overreliance on incarceration. Scott’s work on budget processes aims to give Californians the tools they need to effectively engage decision makers and advocate for fair and just policy choices. Previously, Scott covered safety net programs, housing, and early care and education for the Budget Center.

Before joining the Budget Center in 2002, Scott was a researcher for the Tomás Rivera Policy Institute, Consumers Union, and the University of Texas at Austin’s Public Policy Clinic. He also was a newspaper reporter in California, a Pulliam journalism fellow, and a California executive fellow. Scott holds a Ph.D. in political science from UT Austin and a bachelor’s degree in government and journalism from California State University, Sacramento. His undergraduate work included a year at the University of Bristol in England, focused on politics and international relations.

Born and raised in the Bay Area, Scott is an advocate for educational equity in his daughter’s school district. Outside of the office, you can find him listening to Mexican music and planning his next trip to the Eastern Sierra.

2024 Legislative Awardees

We are excited to announce our Legislative awards! Please join us at our Welcome Reception on Wednesday evening as we honor Senator Scott Wiener and Assemblymember Corey Jackson for their dedication and advocacy on behalf of children, youth, and families in California!

Senator Scott Wiener

Elected in November 2016 and reelected in 2020, Senator Scott Wiener represents District 11 in the California State Senate. District 11 includes all of San Francisco, Broadmoor, Colma, and Daly City, as well as portions of South San Francisco.

In the State Senate, Senator Wiener works day and night to make housing more affordable; strengthen and expand our public transportation systems; increase access to health care, including mental health and addiction treatment; ensure families have access to food, child care, paid family leave, and other critical supports; fight climate change and keep California in the lead on climate action; reform our broken criminal justice system; and safeguard and expand the rights of all communities, including immigrants and LGBTQ people.

Assemblymember Corey Jackson

Assemblymember Corey A. Jackson, DSW, MSW, was elected to the California State Assembly in November of 2022 to represent the 60th Assembly District. In 2023, he chaired the Human Services Committee and currently serves as the chair of Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Human Services.

Assemblymember Jackson served on the Riverside County Board of Education in 2020 and represented portions of the cities of Riverside, Moreno Valley, Perris, and the unincorporated community of Mead Valley. He also served as the founder and Chief Executive Officer of SBX Youth and Family Services who's mission is to break the cycle of poverty and violence through mentoring, education, and community organizing. The organization was instrumental in a historic settlement of a lawsuit against the unconstitutional Youth Accountability Team (YAT) program in Riverside County that treated thousands of youths — especially those of color — like criminals for minor adolescent misbehaviors, the county agreed to groundbreaking measures.

Members and Non-Member Tickets

Members Only: Winter Conference (3/13 - 3/14) (Sold Out)

This ticket is open to all CA Alliance Members interested in participating in both conference days on Wednesday, March 13th, and Thursday, March 14th. This ticket does not include the Members-Only Welcome Reception and Advocacy Day scheduled for Monday, 11th, and Tuesday, 12th.

*Please Note: WAITLIST IS NOW OPEN FOR ADVOCACY DAY*
To join the waitlist for "Members-Only: Advocacy Day and Welcome Reception", select the "Waitlist Add-On" option during checkout along with the purchase of this ticket. You will receive notification from our Events Manager if a spot becomes available.

Please note: Opting for the waitlist does not guarantee your attendance at Advocacy Day and Reception. There is an additional $95 charge if you are selected.

Early Bird: $255 (available until 02/10/2024)
Regular Price: $330 (effective after the early bird registration ends)

Public Price$330

Members Only: Advocacy Day and Welcome Reception (3/11 - 3/12) (Sold Out)

Sorry, this ticket is currently sold out.

WAITLIST OPEN:
You can join the waitlist by selecting the "Advocacy Day" waitlist add-on option during checkout when purchasing the "Members Only: Winter Conference" ticket."

This ticket is open to CA Alliance Members who would like to attend the Welcome Reception and Advocacy Day on Monday 3/11, and Tuesday 3/12.

Member Price$95

Non-Member Winter Conference (3/13 - 3/14) (Sold Out)

Non-Member registration is open to anyone who is not currently a CA Alliance member and is interested in attending the 2024 Winter Conference.

Early Bird: $450 (available until 02/10/2024)
Regular Price: $475 (effective after the early bird registration ends)

Public Price$475

Sponsors and Partners

FAQ

Q: Should I reserve my hotel room now?

A: Our allocated room block at the Kimpton Hotel has reached full capacity. Not to worry! We have secured additional accommodations for your convenience at our affiliated hotel, the Holiday Inn, where we've arranged a special conference rate exclusively for our attendees.

To secure your accommodations at the Holiday Inn, please email Kmontgomery@cacfs.org for booking link.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to Kristen Montgomery Kmontgomery@cacfs.org or (916) 402-2533.

Q: Can I buy a ticket on-site?

A: Yes, tickets will be available onsite for purchase, but please be aware that we have a limited quantity. To secure your onsite ticket, please contact kmontgomery@cacfs.org or (916) 402-2533.

Q: Is parking available for the conference?

A: Paid parking will be available at multiple locations. The Kimpton Sawyer offers $40 per day valet, and $28 per day in the same location. Additionally, there are parking garages that are located close to the conference:

Address: 900 13th St, Sacramento, CA 95814

Phone: (916) 497-0222

Address: 1500 K St, Sacramento, CA 95814

Phone: (916) 498-9574

Address: 1125 10th St, Sacramento, CA 95814

Phone: (916) 374-1714

Additional parking resources:

The Park Mobile App

City Of Sacramento Parking Map

Priority Parking

SacPark

Spot Hero

Q: What is the refund policy?

A: All requests for cancellation and refunds must be submitted in writing to kmontgomery@cacfs.org.

Before January 12th, 2024: Full Refund
January 13th, 2014 – February 9th, 2024: 50% Refund
On or after February 10th, 2024: No Refund

*Cancellations due to COVID-related illness will be eligible for a full refund up to March 10th.

Q: Can I transfer my confirmed ticket to someone else if I'm unable to attend?

A: Absolutely! We allow substitutions and transfers. Please contact Kmontgomery@cacfs.org if you need to transfer a confirmed ticket to another individual.

Q: Who can I contact for more conference information?

A: Please see staff contact list at the end of this page for more information.

Scammers Notice

We want to bring to your attention a prevalent scam affecting the events industry, wherein fraudulent emails falsely claim to offer registration lists and other information for sale.

We've been informed of individuals contacting exhibitors, sponsors and attendees regarding registration lists. Some of these scammers may even use the 'CA Alliance' name and logo in their email signatures.

Please be aware: These individuals are not affiliated with us. They are not partners of CA Alliance, our IT systems remain uncompromised, and no lists have been unlawfully obtained.

We are steadfast in our commitment to vigorously protect the data of our exhibitors, sponsors and all attendees. If you receive fraud emails, we apologize for any inconvenience. To aid us in stopping these scams, please:

Do not engage with the email sender(s).
Let Kristen Montgomery know kmontgomery@cacfs.org immediately.
Delete the email and block the sender.

Your safety is our utmost priority. We appreciate your patience as we work diligently to ensure your CA Alliance 2024 Winter Conference experience is both pleasant and productive. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Health and Safety

We are committed to the health and safety of 2024 CA Alliance Winter Conference attendees. We are working with our partners in California and will follow all federal, state, local, and CDC health and safety guidelines in place at the time of the conference.

CA Alliance Staff Contact

For more information regarding the CA Alliance 2024 Winter Conference, please contact the following staff:

Sponsors and Exhibitors: Corina Dubon - cdubon@cacfs.org

Speakers and Panelist: Cate Sievers- events@cacfs.org

Registration and Hotel: Kristen Montgomery- kmontgomery@cacfs.org

Payment processing: Katrina Reeves -kreeves@cacfs.org

The California Alliance of Child and Family Services

Contact us

Event Details

Agenda

Comprehensive Agena

March 11, 2024

March 12, 2024

March 13, 2024

March 14, 2024

March 11, 2024

Main Schedule

March 12, 2024

Main Schedule

March 13, 2024

Main Schedule

March 14, 2024

Main Schedule

Speakers

Dr. Jessica Pryce

Mark Ghaly, MD, MPH

Larissa Estes, DrPH

Michelle Baass

Kim Johnson

Senator Angelique Ashby

Senator Caroline Menjivar

Assemblymember James Ramos

Christine Stoner-Mertz

Adrienne Shilton

Angie Schwartz

Sophie Weissbourd

Kyle White

Sabrina Sandalo-Lee

Noa Oldak-Moradian

Levi Nuñez

Mialissa Flores

Fernando Sandoval

Jean Chen

Lacey Castellese

Jacquelyn Torres

Matthew Diep

Ashmita Annamalai

Crystal Ngo Diaz

Nikki Paschal

Katie Orr

Brian Fitzgerald

Scott Graves

Additional Speakers To Be Announced

2024 Legislative Awardees

Tickets

Members and Non-Member Tickets

Members Only: Winter Conference (3/13 - 3/14) (Sold Out)

Members Only: Advocacy Day and Welcome Reception (3/11 - 3/12) (Sold Out)

Non-Member Winter Conference (3/13 - 3/14) (Sold Out)

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