Club of Mental Health and Wellness
A group of mental health and wellness advocates in Los Angeles launched this cause-based virtual Rotary club in May 2022. Since then, we have grown rapidly to over 46 members from around the world. We are in active conversations with numerous individuals and organizations interested in joining our community and making it even more global.
We also have several affiliated clubs, including an Interact Club (high school level students) and a satellite club in Los Angeles. Besides virtual club meetings, we always look to get together in person and meet other Rotarians around the world at club and community events where we live, work or travel.
Member Spotlight
Bella Khoury
Satellite Club President
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Bella is a board-certified family medicine physician with a fellowship in psychiatry with 25 years of experience. She is passionate about the care of the mind through evidence-based medicine, while honoring the whole-person factors shaping human health and well-being. We are grateful for her support in launching our club.
Judith Verduzco
Treasurer
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Judy is a licensed clinical social worker and therapist. She deeply values connection, curiosity and meaningful experiences. She integrates EMDR, CBT, mindfulness and other evidence-based holistic approaches into her therapy practice. Since co-founding our club, Judy has been our lead for all club operating projects.
Marisol Chianello
Membership Director
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Marisol is an immigration attorney dedicated to supporting those in need of support, such as removal defense and adjustment of status. Marisol is one of the co-founding members of our club and oversees all projects related to our bylaws. New members have great opportunities to get to know Marisol well.
Grace Leung, Service Director
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Grace is a mental health & wellness advocate, community connector, and purpose-driven partnership builder with a deep heart for service. As a co-founder and initial Programs Chair, she helped shape this club's early programming. She is passionate about creating compassionate spaces that advance whole-person wellness, reduce stigma, help everyone feel seen, supported and less alone.
Debbie Duran
Fellowship Director
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Debbie spent 32 years of her nursing career supporting patients accessing health services in the county of Los Angeles. As a public servant, Debbie has developed a passion for raising awareness on health equity and how bias affects health outcomes and the whole person (physical, mental, spiritual). Joining Rotary was aligned with her passion to help people and raise awareness on important health issues.
Sanem Alkan
President
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Sam is Sr. Director of Impact & Philanthropy at The Sobrato Organization, advising philanthropist Sheri Sobrato on impact investing and philanthropic grant-making activities, with a particular focus human flourishing and youth resilience. Sam was a two-time beneficiary of Rotary Foundation grants as a teen, participating in international youth exchange and peace fellowship programs. She is grateful for the opportunity to give back through our club's global grant project focused on youth development and well-being.
Bahareh Talai
Member
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Bahareh Talei, Psy.D. (Dr. B), is a licensed clinical psychologist, educator, and entrepreneur with more than two decades of experience in psychological assessment, diagnosis, and clinician training. She is the co-founder of the Diagnostic & Counseling Center (DCC), founder of PsychEval, Inc., and founder of Hive of Hope, a nonprofit organization committed to increasing access to quality mental health care and professional training.
Photo Album
"I joined this club because everyone values men's mental health."
Alex Montoya
"Joining our club was bringing together my commitment and passion to increasing mental health and wellbeing and doing it a global community scale with Rotary."
Faye Sahai
Secretary & Programs Chair
"As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has worked in the field of mental health for over two decades, I have witnessed firsthand the significant progress we have made in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and wellness. At the same time, I recognize that there is still important work to be done to ensure these conversations continue and that support remains accessible to all. I joined this club because of our mission and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in our communities."
Nely Meza