Health and Wellness Services
Our Wellness Center at College of Alameda is dedicated to providing accessible, compassionate, evidence-based and trauma-informed mental health support services to empower our community college community. Through innovative programming, personalized counseling, and collaborative community partnerships and engagements, we strive to foster holistic well-being and resilience for all students, faculty, and staff on our campus.
Meet the Wellness Center Staff:
Alex Partida, MFT Trainee (he/him) was born and raised in the Bay Area. He is in his final year of a three-year Marriage and Family Therapy graduate program at the University of San Francisco. After working with children on the autism spectrum and with developmental disabilities, he is excited to bring his unique perspective on mental health to a college setting. In his free time, he enjoys going outside and exploring new places and hobbies.
Rashmi Guttal, MSW Trainee (she/they) is a Master of Social Work trainee Queer, Differently-abled, South Asian woman born and raised in the South Bay (San Jose). She is in her final year of a three-year Social Work Graduate program at California State University, East Bay. In addition to school, Rashmi is a mediator, restorative justice practitioner, and racial justice facilitator, supporting the community with alternative ways to handle conflict and understanding identity dynamics. She is passionate about supporting the students at the College of Alameda with their mental health and whole-body healing. Rashmi enjoys teaching yoga, dancing, eating good food, meditating, hiking with friends, and petting dogs in her free time!
Sam Martinez, MSW Trainee (they/them) is a Master of Social Work trainee, queer trans person of color from Alameda. They are in their final year of their Master of Social Work program at San Francisco State University. They are excited to be returning to College of Alameda not as a student, but as a part of the mental health team. They are passionate about supporting people and they have a background in supporting youth and LGBTQ+ identified clients. A fun fact about Sam is they spend all their money on food and eating out, so if you need a restaurant recommendation, they got you!
Mirisen Ozpek, AMFT (she/her) is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT156226). She aims to create a warm and supportive space where students can explore identity, self-worth, relationships, and life transitions. Mirisen has a background in research and special education.