Our Team

Heliana Ramirez, PhD, LISW is a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience providing direct mental health services to individuals, groups, and communities; developing and managing programs with multidisciplinary teams; designing a …

I believe that good health and well-being is a human right, not a privilege. I am committed to working in partnership with oppressed communities to achieve positive health outcomes, creating effective tools to build a future of health equity, and advoc …

I get energized by creating moments, experiences, and movements where people see themselves and each other in radical new ways. I believe in the power of our individual and collective impact, and come ready to foster learning through inquiry, humor, ur …

Amanda Lipp is a Technical Assistance Specialist at the Center for Applied Research Solutions (CARS). She is dedicated to creative and innovative approaches that increase individual wellness and organizational impact. Since age 18, she has given over 150 speeches locally and internationally, and has produced over 20 short films promoting nonprofit efforts and individuals’ stories. In 2014, after graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development from the University of California, Davis, she co-designed the first U.S. hosted 7th International “Together Against Stigma” Conference co-hosted by the World Psychiatric Association (WPA), the California Mental Health Services Act (CalMHSA), and the California Behavioral Health Directors Association (CBHDA).

Steven Jimenez is a Multimedia Specialist with over 15 years of experience working throughout all of forms of production, from pitch to post. Concentrating on how to most effectively tell stories through a visual medium, Steven is adept at using camera and editing equipment alike. Within CARS, Steven develops agency videos and other multimedia projections while coordinating, hosting, and monitoring discussion hours and webinars for CPI and NITT. He creates a user/viewer friendly experience by translating jargon-heavy description into visuals and narration. He also provides support for training and data capture, analysis, and reporting from incoming evaluation datasets.

Matt has been designing, developing, and maintaining websites since 2001. He specializes in identity and branding development, printed materials and publications, database development, and online campaigns and promotions. He currently serves as project website developer on the NITT, CCC SMHP, and CPI initiatives.

I work to connect people with resources that will accelerate their efforts and inspire change. I believe in the power of well-written publications to deepen expertise and promote lifelong learning-to-practice. I develop practical tools with the goal of …

Show Select RolesHide Select Roles Select Roles: Manager at CARS Oversees all contracting and invoicing for all national, state, and local projects; oversees all billing, payroll, project invoicing, accounts payable and receivable; prepares reports and …

I am committed to fostering systems change through my work at CARS. I bring strong management and leadership to systems change efforts that promote safety, health, and wellness for those who are traditionally un/underserved. My passion for this work st …