Partners

Community Advisory Board

We collaborate closely with community organizations, representatives, and academic partners to advance mental health. Our work is guided by a multidisciplinary Community Advisory Board and close partnerships with academic collaborators, ensuring our interventions are relevant, responsible, and sustainable.

Our Community Advisory Board includes local leaders, health promoters, and community health workers who bring a wealth of professional and lived experiences. Their deep connection to the communities they serve allows us to co-develop solutions that are truly attuned to the needs of those facing mental health challenges and barriers to accessing care.

The members of our Community Advisory Board include: 

Mauricio Beltran: Mauricio Beltrán works in maintenance and cleaning. He is currently involved with the organization DS and Econse Spring Cleaning LLC. His interests include learning, self-improvement, running, and sports. Mauricio joined the Community Advisory Board because he wants to help the community better understand the conflicts they face on a daily basis.  

Dr. Fidel Escobar: Dr. Orozco Escobar has received education in internal medicine, clinical pastoral education (Unit 1), and ecclesiastical counseling. He currently works in marketing and is involved in two organizations: Revelation Church and Comprehensive Homecare LLC. Dr. Orozco Escobar joined the Community Advisory Board because he wants to explore new opportunities to learn and serve the community. In his free time, he enjoys reading, listening to music, and studying theology.  

Dr. Mireya Gonzalez: Dra. Mireya Gonzalez is a pulmonologist who has also received training in pastoral duties and currently provides support to elderly individuals. She is affiliated with the organization Revelation Church. One of her passions is offering support and assistance to those in need, particularly in the field of health. Dra. Mireya Gonzalez joined the Community Advisory Board because she strongly believes that collective social support is key to helping others.  

Cristina Huitron: Cristina Huitron is a Bilingual Dementia Care Specialist (DCS) for the Milwaukee County DHHS Aging and Disabilities Services. She has been a DCS for 3 years. Cristina is a support for people with dementia and their families and/or caregivers. Cristina provides support during her care consultation, helps plan care for people with dementia, provides memory screening and informs caregivers about available resources. As a DCS, she also provides community presentations to help Milwaukee County community members learn about dementia, inform about the importance of getting an early and appropriate diagnosis, informs about support and resources available to the person living with dementia and his/her caregiver. Cristina focuses on reaching and providing support to underserved populations. Cristina has her master’s in social work, which she acquired from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee.

Laura Medina: Laura Medina is a community leader with a master’s degree in human development. In addition to being a Tai Chi instructor, Laura is also a facilitator for several organizations, including CHW and the Mujeres Líderez group located on the south side of Milwaukee. As a facilitator, Laura educates people about emotions and mental health through organizations nationwide. She joined the Community Advisory Board because her eight years of experience as a community leader have provided her with the tools to understand the importance of working with the community and identifying where people need help. Some of Laura’s hobbies include traveling, studying ancient cultures, and spending time with her family.  

Laura Melchor: Laura Melchor is trained in traditional Chinese medicine. She is currently involved in several organizations, including NAMI, Escucha tus Emociones, and Mujeres con Poder, where she serves as a promotora de salud and/or facilitator. Laura joined the Community Advisory Board because she wants to understand and raise awareness about the challenges faced by the Hispanic community. In her free time, Laura enjoys bonding with her family and community, as well as supporting the personal growth of individuals and the local community.  

Guadalupe (Lupita) Osorio: Lupita currently works at Walker’s Point Community Clinic as a promotora de salud. She joined the Community Advisory Board because she believes the emotional well-being of the community is important. Some of her hobbies include spending quality time with the local community. One of her personal quotes is “y recuerda, a Lupita le importas,” which encapsulates her caring nature. 

Abraham Vargas: Abraham Vargas is a massage therapist who holds a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from UWM and a massage therapy degree from Aveda IBW. He joined the Community Advisory Board because, as the son of Mexican immigrants, he views the opportunity to contribute to future programming and support the community as a privilege. His hobbies include yoga, exercise, reading, and meditation. 

Dr. Maria H. Vuoto: Dra. Maria H. Vuoto is a trained medical doctor. She joined the Community Advisory Board because she wants to support a community project that promotes perseverance in the realm of mental health. She believes that providing emotional support to individuals can help heal wounds and navigate internal struggles. Some of her passions include reading and supporting the community.