Dr. Adela Cruz holds a Doctorate in Social Work and Organizational Leadership from USC and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has worked in mental health and social services for the past 28 years. She is currently the Director of School Mental Health and Wellness for the Anaheim Union High School District and leads a team of twenty-four mental health care providers who serve the district's twenty schools. She has developed and implemented programs and services for homeless youth, foster youth, crisis response, LGBTQ youth, suicide prevention, mental health care in schools, and more. In addition, she holds the following certifications or credentials:
Administrative Services Credential
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy National Certification
Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Certification
Domestic Violence Certification Training
OC Human Relations, Conflict Mediation Certification
Positive Discipline - Parent Educator
Dr. Cruz is on the advisory board for California State University Fullerton and its Master of Social Work Program. She serves as part of a team of experts in multiple fields who provide input and recommendations for the department's educational goals. Served on a workgroup with the American Psychiatric Association Foundation focused on improving Typical or Troubled, a mental health training program designed for educators.
Development of an early mental health referral process for educators.
Development of a universal mental health screening process and structure within the school system.
Development of mental health data collection system within the school management system.
Development, implementation, and expansion of programs related to mental health, suicide prevention, behavioral threat assessment, crisis response, foster youth, homelessness, and programs for at-risk youth.
Development of parent workshops, micro-credential for teachers, and training/professional development for graduate students and school staff in homelessness, suicide prevention, and mental health.
Grant writing, fiscal management, and record-keeping of expenditures.
Honorary Adjunct Professor - University Southern California (USC
