About the Mental Health Scholars Academy

The Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Scholars Academy (MHSA) is an innovative initiative that is improving mental health care access by expanding the pipeline of qualified, experienced, and diverse mental health professionals in California.

Our mission Our vision Our work Our team

Our Mission

The Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Scholars Academy advances lifelong learning across the continuum of mental health professions, from students to trainees to experienced professionals.

Our Vision

The Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Scholars Academy promotes mental health and well-being for our members and community by creating career paths with academic programs to transform our workforce.

We are committed to equity, inclusion, and diversity in the mental health professions within Kaiser Permanente and our local communities to provide culturally responsive care.

We create educational opportunities for mental health students, trainees, and professionals that will increase evidence-based mental health practices in the communities we serve.

Our Work

Training

We work with multiple academic programs and Kaiser Permanente mental health training programs to educate and train Kaiser Permanente employees to achieve advanced degrees leading to careers in the mental health professions.

Diversity

We actively recruit for diversity in our academy with a goal of increasing diversity in the professional mental health workforce and addressing gaps in linguistic, racial, and ethnic representation.

Continuing Education

We develop continuing education programs to support certifications and evidence-based mental health treatments.

Community Grants

We award grants from our MHSA Community Fund to expand the pipeline of mental health professionals with an emphasis in supporting the education and training of bilingual and/or diverse students that reflect community need.

Learn more about our programs

Left to right: Betty Lim, Lauren Sevey, Dan Gizzo, Lisa Hayes, and Aagam Shah

Our Team

Jim D’Alfonso, DNP, RN, PhD(h), NEA-BC, FNAP, FAAN
Executive Director
Professional Excellence and
Kaiser Permanente Scholars Academy

Dan Gizzo, PhD
California Director
Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Scholars Academy

Lauren Sevey, MHA
Practice Specialist
Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Scholars Academy and Consulting Services

Lisa Arieta Hayes, Ed.D, MSW, LCSW
Clinical Consultant V
Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Scholars Academy

Aagam Shah, MHA
Sr. Managerial Consultant
Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Scholars Academy

Betty Lim
Program Manager III and Mentor Coordinator
Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Scholars Academy

Luis Perez, MNA
Consultant V
Kaiser Permanente Scholars Academy

Yin Tham
Program Manager III
Kaiser Permanente Scholars Academy

Antonetta B. Yun, MPA
Director, Business Operations
Kaiser Permanente Scholars Academy

Nikki B. West, MPH
Director, Healthcare Education Management
Kaiser Permanente Scholars Academy