NAMI California is a statewide grassroots organization of families and individuals whose lives have been affected by serious mental illness. We advocate for lives of quality and respect, without discrimination and stigma, for all our constituents. We provide leadership in advocacy, legislation, policy development, education, and support throughout California. NAMI California is dedicated to the strengthening of local grassroots organizations. We provide updated information and support to local affiliates and are here to help organize new affiliates. NAMI California has 56 local affiliates and represents 19,000 people to the California Legislature and Governor on mental illness issues. NAMI California educates families, professionals, and the public about the recent explosion of scientific evidence that shows serious mental illnesses are neurobiological brain disorders. NAMI California works to provide a strong, coherent system that offers a continuum of care for the persistent, long-term needs of people with mental illness. NAMI California advocates for increased research to uncover causes and new, effective treatments. NAMI California strives to eradicate stigma and is the leading organization of individuals working with mutual respect to provide help, hope and health for those affected by serious mental illness.
Team Members
Ashlyn Haskins
she/her
CMHEP Role: Project Coordinator
Ashlyn Haskins has worked in nonprofits for the past 5 years and is currently the Community Engagement Program Coordinator for NAMI California. Before starting with NAMI, she worked with at risk and underserved youth promoting literacy, art, and self-sufficiency. She has accumulated an array of experience working to develop the Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program, CalHOPE. Her passion is connecting her community to resources and knowledge to help end the stigma associated with mental health and support those in need.
Ragini Lal
she/her
CMHEP Role: Project Oversight and Lead
Ragini Lal is a dedicated, compassionate, solution-driven mental health advocate and humanitarian for underserved populations. She is currently the Director of Workforce and Community Engagement at NAMI California, with experience in qualitative and quantitative research, cultural competency and responsiveness trainings, family and peer support trainings, report writing, and executing mental health equity and advocacy through large events. She received a Bachelor’s in Psychology at California State University, Sacramento, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Mental Health Clinical Counseling – Marriage, Family, and Children program to obtain a License in Professional Clinical Counseling (LPC- CA). Ragini is certified in Mental Health First Aid for Youth and Adults, Psychological First Aid, Cultural and Linguistic Competence Certification, and Peer & Family Support Specialist. Formerly a Behavior Health Therapist at Genesis Behavior Center and Peer Counselor at California State University, Sacramento, Ragini has direct clinical experience with diverse communities, families, and children with various mental health conditions. Ragini was also a Crisis Peer Counselor at California Coalition for Youth, specifically working with peer youth and family members in need of immediate crisis counseling. Her long-term goal is to earn a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, specializing in holistic healing to provide whole health care for diverse populations world-wide. Her work’s devotion is to empower others to believe in their personal strengths in an all-inclusive clinical healing journey—moreover, to increase systemic changes for more sustainable access to care through education and social advocacy.