by Susan Parmelee | Feb 19, 2026 | Mental Health, Raising Teens
At lunchtime a few times each month, I watch teens stream into our Strength In Numbers club meetings — some rushing in from a test, others from practice, and a few just looking for a place to breathe. Across the three high schools I support, each club has nearly 60...
by Susan Parmelee | Jan 14, 2026 | Uncategorized
Across Southern California, tobacco-related concerns continue to affect residents’ daily lives. Increased exposure to secondhand and thirdhand smoke in homes and public spaces, along with rising youth use of e-cigarettes, vapes, and flavored tobacco products, has...
by Susan Parmelee | Dec 15, 2025 | Drug Prevention, Healthy Habits, Mental Health, Raising Teens, Signs of Drug Use, Uncategorized
As we approach the holiday season and youth head into winter break, it’s important to learn ways to navigate substance use prevention during this time. While the holidays are often associated with joy, celebration, and time with loved ones, they can also bring...
by Susan Parmelee | Jun 20, 2024 | Uncategorized
Last month, Arantza Villarroel, Melanie Lopez, and Natalia Reyes from San Clemente High School were recognized for achieving fifth place in Directing Change’s statewide video competition under their “Through the Lens of Culture” category. The Directing Change Program...
by Susan Parmelee | May 16, 2024 | Mental Health
May marks Mental Health Awareness Month nationwide, a time dedicated to amplifying the voices of mental health advocates and combating stigma. Stigma, rooted in negative attitudes and stereotypes, poses a significant barrier to accessing mental health care. It breeds...
