I am pleased to recognize Susan Parmelee as the Senate District 38 Community Champion of the Month for March! 

A licensed clinical social worker, Susan is the Executive Director of the Wellness & Prevention Center (WPC). She founded the center in 2014, aiming to provide accessible, no-cost mental health support for young people. With little more than determination and a clear vision, she successfully raised funds and secured grants to turn that vision into reality. Through her leadership and perseverance, she has transformed youth mental health services throughout the San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano communities.

Susan has helped to establish WPC prevention and training programs, including the Drug Free Communities Coalition and Mental Health First Aid. Thousands of students and families benefit each year from the education, support and resources provided through these programs that help build healthier communities.

Under her leadership, WPC has placed licensed clinicians directly in schools and communities, while also training and supervising graduate-level students to become licensed professionals. Her innovative approach has ensured that more students receive professional mental health support than ever before, while also building a sustainable model of care for the future.

In 2025, Susan’s vision reached a new milestone with the opening of allcove® San Juan Capistrano, a 7,800-square-foot facility designed by and for local youth. Offering walk-in services, the center provides a welcoming space where young people can find community, support, health services, guidance, or simply a moment to pause.

Susan has brought essential services to countless young people, offered a safe and welcoming space and inspired the community to focus on youth wellness. For her vision, leadership and dedication, I proudly recognized her as the Community Champion of the Month for March.