Our June speakers, Teresa Pasquini & Lauren Rettagliata, will present their “Housing That Heals” story—a call to action that encourages local, state, and federal policy makers and community partners to think beyond the Housing First model and focus first on building a continuum of care for those who live with serious mental illnesses. Housing That Heals is a prevention and intervention plan that will help flatten the harm curve by providing the right care at the right time in the right place. Teresa and Lauren partnered on the project after leaving the Contra Costa Mental Health Commission where they both served for many years. Because of their shared passion, in 2019 they took a road trip across California in search of quality, affordable housing solutions for people living with serious mental illnesses.
Teresa Pasquini is a California mom on a mission for reforming local, state, and national mental health systems. On the Contra Costa County Mental Health Commission, she was an outspoken champion for the most vulnerable and often forgotten SMI population. Lauren Rettagliata is also a California mom on a mission with a passion for housing vulnerable populations. She has a long-time history with nonprofit housing in a number of states. Both women are long-time members of NAMI Contra Costa County.
