THRC Concludes Virtual Learning Series Focused on Mental Health After Engaging Nearly 400 Participants

The series featured expert voices on regional mental-health challenges and collaborative solutions.

October 29, 2025

The series featured expert voices on regional mental-health challenges and collaborative solutions.

October 29, 2025

The Translational Health Research Center (THRC) has concluded its Mental Health Community Collaborative (MHCC) ECHO Series, marking the end of a multi-session initiative focused on strengthening mental-health support and knowledge across Central Texas. The series wrapped on October 21.

A total of 397 individuals attended at least one session, representing mental health professionals, community leaders, nonprofit organizations, educators, and peers from across the state. Through virtual sessions held over the course of a year, the program provided a platform for shared learning on pressing behavioral health challenges and local solutions.

The series featured expert presentations and discussions on topics such as community-based care, faith-community engagement in mental health response, nonprofit sustainability, and the evolving needs of various populations. Speakers contributed a wide range of expertise from academic research to lived experience.

Speakers included:

  • Anna Bunker - Mental Health Advocate & Former Director of Programs at NAMI Central Texas
  • Samantha Meyer - Founder, ATX Mental Health Fund
  • Kristen Pierce - Associate VP, Mental Health & Community Wellness, Greater Austin YMCA
  • Pastor Darius Todd - Abundant Life Christian Church
  • Jonnie Wilson - Independent counselor and CEO, Speaking Heart to Heart
  • Alison Mohr Boleware, LMSW - Former Director of Policy, Hogg Foundation
  • Ciji Wagner - Founder & CEO, Louder Than Silence
  • Alyssa Ramirez - Community Disaster Risk Reduction Coordinator, Community Adaptation Program, American Red Cross
  • Kate Walker, Ph.D. - LPC & LMFT Supervisor
  • Dr. Melinda Villagran - Executive Director, Translational Health Research Center
  • Katia Leal-Bristol - Crisis Support Specialist, Hutto Police Department
  • Ashley Wilson - Crisis Intervention Specialist, Hutto Police Department
  • Anthony Winn - Director of Clinical Operations, Hill Country MHDD Centers
  • Alice Jewell - CEO, McKenna Foundation
  • Jennifer Nieto - Director of Clinic Services, Hill Country MHDD Centers

The MHCC ECHO initiative aimed to strengthen collaboration and expand access to knowledge within the mental-health ecosystem. THRC leaders say the participation numbers signal a strong interest in regional cooperation to address mental health needs.

The Mental Health Community Collaborative was such an incredible group of people, all working in the mental health field in different capacities. We might never have crossed paths if the MHCC had not brought us all together. I learned so much from the opportunity to talk with people in different organizations who had unique perspectives from their work about how we can improve mental health resources in Central Texas.

Samantha Meyer
Founder, ATX Mental Health Fund

Our community has benefited greatly from participation in the MHCC- it was an honor to share our experiences in expanding local mental health care as a speaker.  Convening for shared learning and understanding is paramount for progress.  Thank you, MHCC, for offering this opportunity!

Alice Jewell
CEO, McKenna Foundation

Participating in meaningful conversations about mental health is essential when fighting the stigma that often surrounds it. Having the opportunity to speak at the Mental Health Community Collaborative was an excellent experience. Communities dedicated to raising awareness about mental health play a vital role in enriching our understanding and fostering connections that inspire personal and collective growth. Sharing experiences and knowledge with others was truly incredible.

Katia Leal-Bristol
Crisis Support Specialist, Hutto Police Department

Being a speaker for an MHCC session was a great experience! Collaborating with a team of people who all want to improve the mental health space was a huge win. I also enjoyed getting to share some of the lessons I've learned doing this work and hope that others will be able to benefit from these lessons too.

Ciji Wagner
Founder & CEO, Louder Than Silence

Miss A Session?

Access the full MHCC ECHO series on our YouTube

Interested in our Upcoming ECHOS?

Jessica Schneider and Dr. Melinda Villagran sit in chairs facing large monitors. Zoom participants can be seen on the screen.