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This free, 4-episode virtual conversation series offers a safe and welcoming space to hold conversations for and by Latine families. Explore what it means to be a parent as part of the Latine community, raising Latine children while navigating U.S. mainstream cultures, and connecting Latine cultural identities to physical and mental well-being. Join us as we create a Latine parent community of mutual learning and support.
Episodes are on the following Mondays, from 3-4 pm ET / 12-1 pm PT:
- September 8, 2025 – Creating Safe Spaces for Immigrant Families in Early Childhood
- October 6, 2025 – Creating Partnerships that Protect the Health and Well-being of Our Communities
- October 27, 2025 – Supporting and Promoting the Mental Health of Our Families
- November 10, 2025 – Raising Children Who Are Accountable and Empowered
The series is moderated by Eva Rivera, MSW, National Facilitator at the Brazelton Touchpoints Center. The series is part of BTC’s Family-to-Family Real Talk Program. Sign up for one or all conversations! All are welcome!
All episodes have live translation and captioning available.
Meet Eva Rivera
Series Moderator
Eva Rivera, MSW, is a National Facilitator at the Brazelton Touchpoints Center.
Episode 1: Creating Safe Spaces for Immigrant Families in Early Childhood
Monday, September 8 @ 3 pm ET / 12 pm PT
This episode’s conversation will be delivered in English with live Spanish translation.
Every child deserves to learn in a safe, welcoming environment. Given the rise of harmful, anti-immigrant messages, it is more important than ever that we strive to protect the rights and well-being of our children in immigrant families. Join us for a discussion on how early care and education providers can create safe and inclusive spaces for children and families, where all children feel protected, valued, and supported, regardless of their background or immigration status.
View Episode Resources
Mirel Herrera
Senior Policy Analyst, Early Edge
As a mom raising a multilingual toddler, Mirel brings both personal experience and professional expertise to her work advancing early learning policy. With a career dedicated to advocating for young children and families, she is deeply committed to ensuring that every child in California has access to the resources they need to thrive.
In her role as Senior Policy Analyst at Early Edge, Mirel helps co-lead the development and execution of the organization’s local, state, and federal advocacy agenda.
Mirel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Mexican American Studies from the University of Houston and a Master of Public Policy from the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy & Public Administration at The George Washington University.
In her role as Senior Policy Analyst at Early Edge, Mirel helps co-lead the development and execution of the organization’s local, state, and federal advocacy agenda.
Mirel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Mexican American Studies from the University of Houston and a Master of Public Policy from the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy & Public Administration at The George Washington University.
Zoila Carolina Toma
Early educator and labor activist
Zoila Carolina Toma is an experienced early educator with over 14 years of dedication to nurturing children and supporting families. She holds degrees in Early Childhood Education, Arts and Humanities, and Social and Behavioral Science, and is currently pursuing Psychology studies.
As a mother, labor activist, and education advocate, Carolina is deeply committed to creating safe, supportive, and culturally responsive spaces where children thrive, families feel valued, and educators are empowered to succeed. She also serves on several committees and advisory groups that strengthen the early education workforce and promote equity for all communities.
As a mother, labor activist, and education advocate, Carolina is deeply committed to creating safe, supportive, and culturally responsive spaces where children thrive, families feel valued, and educators are empowered to succeed. She also serves on several committees and advisory groups that strengthen the early education workforce and promote equity for all communities.
Episode 2: Creating Partnerships that Protect the Health and Well-being of Our Communities
Monday, October 6 @ 3 pm ET / 12 pm PT
This episode’s conversation will be delivered in Spanish with live English translation.
Families have a robust set of needs — including health, nutrition, housing, legal support, and more. Safety net programs are an essential part of protecting and promoting the health and well-being of our young families. Yet, obtaining information about the available programs and their functions can be a barrier for the communities that need these services the most. Join us for a discussion on safety net programs, how they work, and how community wellness hubs can be used to promote healthy futures for our families.
View Episode Resources
View Episode Resources (Español)
Lisa Gonzales-Solomon
Director of Family and Community Engagement, Santa Ana Unified School District (California)
Lisa Gonzales-Solomon has dedicated more than 35 years to serving the Santa Ana community, both as an educator and as an active community leader. She currently serves as the Director of Family and Community Engagement (FACE) for Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD), where she leads initiatives that celebrate the cultural wealth of families and strengthen school-community partnerships to support student success.
Her distinguished career includes 16 years as principal at Madison, Lowell, and Martin elementary schools, as well as service as Assistant Principal at Pio Pico Elementary. Under her guidance, schools demonstrated significant growth on the Academic Performance Index, earned recognition as a California Office of Education Reform “Rewards School,” and saw Madison Elementary honored as a CORE High Impact School. Among her honors are the 2016 California Principal of the Year Award, the 2018 Kiwanis Golden Rule Award, and the 69th District Woman of the Year Award for her contributions to education and the community.
In her current role as FACE Director, she has advanced key initiatives such as Links to Learning, building partnerships to provide parent education and resources across the 8 Dimensions of Wellness (academic/intellectual, financial, social, physical, emotional, environmental, cultural/spiritual, and occupational). She has also led efforts to connect families with immigration knowledge and resources, ensuring equitable access to opportunities and support.
Her distinguished career includes 16 years as principal at Madison, Lowell, and Martin elementary schools, as well as service as Assistant Principal at Pio Pico Elementary. Under her guidance, schools demonstrated significant growth on the Academic Performance Index, earned recognition as a California Office of Education Reform “Rewards School,” and saw Madison Elementary honored as a CORE High Impact School. Among her honors are the 2016 California Principal of the Year Award, the 2018 Kiwanis Golden Rule Award, and the 69th District Woman of the Year Award for her contributions to education and the community.
In her current role as FACE Director, she has advanced key initiatives such as Links to Learning, building partnerships to provide parent education and resources across the 8 Dimensions of Wellness (academic/intellectual, financial, social, physical, emotional, environmental, cultural/spiritual, and occupational). She has also led efforts to connect families with immigration knowledge and resources, ensuring equitable access to opportunities and support.
Cecilia Bautista
Vice President, District Advisory Council/District English Learner Advisory Committee, Santa Ana Unified School District (California)
An immigrant from San Miguel Atlautla, Estado de México, México, Cecilia arrived in the United States at the age of 19. She is married and has three daughters and a grandson at home. She has lived in Orange County, Calif., for 18 years.
Cecilia believes in the power of education and strongly supports parent engagement in all schools. She has served as Vice President of the District Advisory Council/District English Learner Advisory Committee and participated in various organizations, including the Santa Ana Early Learning Initiative, the Promotoras de Salud of her neighborhood association’s nonprofit, and Comunidad Unida Aire Limpio. She served as President and Vice President of Familias en Acción (formerly Madres en Acción). She was honored as the Elementary School’s Parent of the Year in 2016 and the High School’s Parent of the Year in 2019 for her work in the schools and in the community. She was also recognized by State Senator Tom Umber as a Woman of Distinction in 2020 and as a Woman of the Year in 2021 by Congressman Lou Correa.
She completed her High School Adult GED at Santa Ana College. and has participated in Wellness Center programming in the schools, including GED classes, Leadership Classes, Parent Education Classes, and more. She currently supports family and community engagement throughout the district and teaches classes focused on cultural traditions along with family and community engagement staff.
Cecilia believes in the power of education and strongly supports parent engagement in all schools. She has served as Vice President of the District Advisory Council/District English Learner Advisory Committee and participated in various organizations, including the Santa Ana Early Learning Initiative, the Promotoras de Salud of her neighborhood association’s nonprofit, and Comunidad Unida Aire Limpio. She served as President and Vice President of Familias en Acción (formerly Madres en Acción). She was honored as the Elementary School’s Parent of the Year in 2016 and the High School’s Parent of the Year in 2019 for her work in the schools and in the community. She was also recognized by State Senator Tom Umber as a Woman of Distinction in 2020 and as a Woman of the Year in 2021 by Congressman Lou Correa.
She completed her High School Adult GED at Santa Ana College. and has participated in Wellness Center programming in the schools, including GED classes, Leadership Classes, Parent Education Classes, and more. She currently supports family and community engagement throughout the district and teaches classes focused on cultural traditions along with family and community engagement staff.
Episode 3: Supporting and Promoting the Mental Health of Our Families
Monday, October 27 @ 3 pm ET/ 12 pm PT
This episode’s conversation will be delivered in Spanish with live English translation.
In this episode, we center early childhood mental health for our Latine families and offer practical, culturally affirming strategies for managing stress, anxiety and burnout across generations. In today’s challenging social and political climate, these tools for families are more essential than ever. Join us as we explore what it means to build a family mental health plan — from everyday habits to community-based support systems — and how this can protect our children’s mental health and development from the start.
Dr. Luis Guzman
Clinical psychologist, Los Angeles County
Dr. Luis Guzman is a licensed bilingual, bicultural clinical psychologist working on the State of California’s Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative system transformation. He has worked over 20 years with disadvantaged children, youth, and their families with high exposure to community violence, poverty, family stress and conflict, and other Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Dr. Guzman draws on implementation science, community participatory research, ecological systems theory, and trauma frameworks to understand and develop healing-centered child-serving programming, policies, and systems.
Dr. Guzman relies on his trauma specialty training and clinical experiences from his time at USC’s Keck School of Medicine/Children’s Hospital Los Angeles to leverage public and private sector efforts to empower individuals, families, organizations, and systems to create healing spaces and relationships for children and youth, and provide mental health education and advocacy on the negative impact of childhood toxic stress and untreated mental health issues. Using Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, which believes that child development is a complex system of relationships affected by multiple levels of the surrounding environment, from family and school to broad societal structures, Dr. Guzman works to reduce exposure to trauma and ACEs for children and youth.
Dr. Guzman relies on his trauma specialty training and clinical experiences from his time at USC’s Keck School of Medicine/Children’s Hospital Los Angeles to leverage public and private sector efforts to empower individuals, families, organizations, and systems to create healing spaces and relationships for children and youth, and provide mental health education and advocacy on the negative impact of childhood toxic stress and untreated mental health issues. Using Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, which believes that child development is a complex system of relationships affected by multiple levels of the surrounding environment, from family and school to broad societal structures, Dr. Guzman works to reduce exposure to trauma and ACEs for children and youth.
Laura Sanchez
Licensed therapist and clinical social worker
Laura Sanchez is a licensed therapist and clinical social worker dedicated to guiding individuals through life’s most complex and challenging experiences. Since 2008, she has worked with families, teens, and children navigating difficult life circumstances. Her professional background includes therapy, case management, and macro-level work aimed at creating systemic change.
Laura collaborates closely with her clients to develop individualized treatment approaches that meet their unique needs. She is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy for managing distressing emotions, Cognitive Processing Therapy for trauma, various addiction treatments, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Additionally, she holds further endorsement and education in the treatment of problem gambling. Grounded in a systems approach, Laura considers all aspects of a client’s life to gain a comprehensive understanding of how these factors influence their current situation.
Laura collaborates closely with her clients to develop individualized treatment approaches that meet their unique needs. She is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy for managing distressing emotions, Cognitive Processing Therapy for trauma, various addiction treatments, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Additionally, she holds further endorsement and education in the treatment of problem gambling. Grounded in a systems approach, Laura considers all aspects of a client’s life to gain a comprehensive understanding of how these factors influence their current situation.
Episode 4: Raising Children Who Are Accountable and Empowered
Monday, November 10 @ 3 pm ET/ 12 pm PT
This episode’s conversation will be delivered in English with live Spanish translation.
In this episode, we explore machismo and traditional beliefs about masculinity — where these ideas come from, how they’ve shaped our culture, and how they impact the way children grow, learn, and relate to one another. We’ll look at how these cultural norms influence children’s emotional expression and sense of responsibility, and how they also affect their confidence, voice, and leadership. Together, we’ll examine how these beliefs show up in our daily lives and how caregivers — including fathers, mothers, and extended family — can nurture emotional strength, mutual respect, and purpose in both girls and boys. This session invites all of us to reflect, grow, and raise youth who thrive and uplift each other.
Sheilla Alvarez
Director of Government Affairs, Barona Band of Mission Indians
Sheilla Alvarez is Director of Government Affairs for the Barona Band of Mission Indians. She serves as the chief legislative liaison and is responsible for providing strategic guidance to the Barona Tribal Council.
Ms. Alvarez possesses over two decades’ worth of professional experience in government advocacy, public affairs, and community relations. She is responsible for establishing and maintaining constructive working relationships with elected officials at the Federal, Tribal, State and local government level. She monitors federal and state legislation, its impact on the tribe, and advises and keeps the Barona Tribal Council apprised of changes and developments.
Ms. Alvarez is a former board member on the San Diego County Tax Payers Association and the MADD Advisory Board – San Diego Chapter. She is a proud mom of a happy tween boy, a first-generation immigrant from Mexico, and resides in the City of San Diego.
Ms. Alvarez possesses over two decades’ worth of professional experience in government advocacy, public affairs, and community relations. She is responsible for establishing and maintaining constructive working relationships with elected officials at the Federal, Tribal, State and local government level. She monitors federal and state legislation, its impact on the tribe, and advises and keeps the Barona Tribal Council apprised of changes and developments.
Ms. Alvarez is a former board member on the San Diego County Tax Payers Association and the MADD Advisory Board – San Diego Chapter. She is a proud mom of a happy tween boy, a first-generation immigrant from Mexico, and resides in the City of San Diego.
Byron Davis
Byron Davis is a proud husband and father of three who believes in working hard, staying humble and enjoying life with his family. Byron has spent over 20 years in construction and he takes a lot of pride in what he does. Family time means everything to him and he is always looking forward to good times ahead.
Questions about this series? Contact us today.
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This free, virtual conversation series offers a safe and welcoming space to hold conversations for and by Latine families. Explore what it means to be a parent as part of the Latine community, raising Latine children while navigating U.S. mainstream cultures, and connecting Latine cultural identities to physical and mental well-being.
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