VANESSA POREA is a licensed therapist, mental health leader, and sought-after speaker dedicated to making mental health care more accessible, practical, and stigma-free. She is currently a Lead Community Mental Health Trainer and Consultant for LA County Department of Mental Health and UCLA’s Public Mental Health Partnership, in addition to serving on the Advisory Council for Don’t MiND Me and Next Gen Advisory Council for Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services.

During her time in the field, Vanessa has worked in both private and community mental health care in roles ranging from case management to Clinical Director of a residential treatment facility. She specializes in working with adolescents and adults navigating severe mental illness, co-occurring disorders, and homelessness.

In addition to her leadership roles, Vanessa also maintains a private practice, creates mental wellness content for Studio.com, and provides training and consultation to organizations looking to better support mental health in their communities and workplaces. In her spare time, Vanessa enjoys working out, hiking, traveling, concerts and sporting events, spending time with all the dogs, and catching up with friends and family.