Policy roundtable sparks collaboration and student advocacy

A powerful policy roundtable uniting voices from public health, education, and student advocacy.

On December 11, The L.A. Trust hosted the first-ever in-person Policy Roundtable at the Otis Booth Campus of Children’s Institute, Inc., bringing together leaders in public health, education, and student advocacy to discuss transformative strategies for improving community well-being.

The event, which focused on the intersections of safety, health, and peer support, featured dynamic presentations, innovative solutions, and heartfelt reflections from students about the vital role of school-based health services.

Kelly Fischer and TeDese Ross presenting on violence prevention and on Peer Support Specialists.

Groundbreaking work in public health and education

Kelly Fischer, Deputy Director from the County of Los Angeles Public Health Office of Violence Prevention, opened the roundtable with an inspiring presentation on violence prevention through a public health lens. Fischer highlighted initiatives aimed at reframing safety as a fundamental human right, including trauma-informed system changes and the development of a School Safety Transformation Pilot in partnership with LAUSD.

Fischer’s address was followed by a compelling presentation from TeDese Ross, Assistant Principal at Monrovia Unified School District. Ross detailed his groundbreaking work with Peer Support Specialists, an initiative aimed at empowering individuals with lived experiences to become behavioral health advocates. He also outlined plans to leverage the CYBHI Fee Schedule to expand access to mental health services for students and families.

Student voices illuminate the importance of health services

While the speakers provided expert insights, the most impactful moments came from the students themselves. In a lively discussion, students shared how school-based health services are essential for fostering educational success and personal well-being:

From left to right, Esmeralda Guzman, Mandey Kim, Suzan Manoian, and Marco Cisneros-Farber presenting on the impact of school based health services.

Suzan Manoian, former Clark Magnet High Schooler and current UCLA student, reflected on how school-based health services help address not only physical and mental health needs but also create a sense of connection on campus. She emphasized the need for diverse extracurricular opportunities to boost school pride and belonging.

Esmeralda Guzman, a 16-year-old student from Lynwood High School, passionately emphasized how critical school-based health services are to students’ overall success and well-being. "They provide essential resources that might not be available at home," she said. Esmeralda highlighted the challenges faced by her community, including food insecurity, socioeconomic disadvantages, and transportation barriers. "Without access to healthy and nutritious food, students are forced to rely on unhealthy options, which negatively impacts their well-being. School-based services lay the foundation for success by addressing these gaps."

Mandey Kim, a Marshall High School student, discussed the challenges faced by peers from low-income backgrounds. She called for stronger nutritional programs and collaborations with local grocery stores to ensure students have access to healthy meals, underscoring the link between diet and academic performance.

Marco Cisneros-Farber, a senior at Gabrielino High School, highlighted the struggles of English learners at his school, advocating for inclusive programs that build community and reduce social isolation. He also emphasized the importance of healthier food options to combat the prevalence of fast food near schools.

Looking ahead

Students, educators, and health leaders share their insights.

The first in-person Policy Roundtable was a milestone in bringing together diverse perspectives to drive meaningful change. As conversations continue, the insights shared by students, educators, and public health leaders will serve as a blueprint for creating safer, healthier, and more connected communities.