Just 8 months after becoming a registered nonprofit, Therapicasso began establishing meaningful partnerships with local elementary schools. On August 21, 2024, Therapicasso’s CEO, Gabby/Lex Wong, and COO, Joshua Ferriere, visited the Alhambra Unified School District (AUSD) office, where they presented their vision and mission to the district’s elementary school principals and the superintendent. After the presentation, they invited attendees to fill out interest forms, which sparked connections that opened the door to future collaborations with the schools.

‍

Following the district-wide presentation, Therapicasso conducted site visits at two local elementary schools: Ramona and Northrup. 

‍

At Ramona, Therapicasso met with the principal to introduce their mission and explore potential workshop opportunities. This led to a successful collaboration with Mark Keppel High School’s PLUS program, a student-led initiative that provides additional support to students through various educational services. The partnership blossomed into regular joint workshops designed to support students’ mental well-being.

‍

‍

Therapicasso’s visit to Northrup was focused on revitalizing its Wellness Center, which had lost its original purpose. Due to the heat wave, students had begun using the wellness center merely as a place to eat lunch indoors, instead of engaging with its intended resources for mental health. Recognizing the potential for the space, Therapicasso worked closely with Northrup staff to create an action plan to restore the center’s focus on wellness.

‍

Therapicasso began hosting workshops in the Wellness Center, aiming to reestablish its role as a dedicated space for student mental health. The goal was to host more wellness-focused events in that space to help students recognize the importance of utilizing the center for its intended purpose. As a result, Northrup’s wellness center witnessed an increase in student engagement, with the workshops playing a key role in its revitalization.

‍

‍

As Therapicasso continues to foster these partnerships, the organization’s work with AUSD elementary schools serves as a testament to the power of early intervention in wellness initiatives. The team is excited to continue building relationships with local schools, helping both students and parents navigate mental health and wellness together.