WHO ARE THEY
Guest Speakers
Keynote Speaker:
Karen Parry
Chief Executive Officer
Hillel of San Diego
Karen Parry is the Chief Executive Officer of Hillel of San Diego, serving Jewish students across UC San Diego, SDSU, Cal State San Marcos, and USD. With more than 20 years of experience in community building and Jewish engagement, Karen has led transformative growth at Hillel, including the successful completion of an $18 million capital campaign, the opening of the Beverly and Joseph Glickman Hillel Center, and a significant expansion of student programs, services, and staff.
A recognized leader in the Jewish community, Karen is the recipient of Hillel International's Richard M. Joel Exemplar of Excellence Award and was honored as a Woman of Valor through the Lipinsky Arts Festival. She serves on several nonprofit boards and holds degrees from UC San Diego and NYU. A San Diego native, Karen enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, and their beagle, especially at the beach.
Veronica Voorhees
CAHM Board Member
Courtney Voorhees brings a powerful combination of professional expertise and lived experience to the behavioral health field. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology, is a Certified Peer Support Specialist, and has served the California Welcome Center for more than 20 years, helping individuals from diverse backgrounds with compassion and dedication.
Passionate about reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, Courtney draws on her personal experiences with trauma, grief, and recovery to inspire hope, resilience, and meaningful connection. As a presenter and board member for CAHM, she advocates for the transformative power of peer support and believes that when education, empathy, and lived experience come together, communities are empowered to create lasting healing and positive change.
Josh Roberts
Founder
Inspired Mind Mental Health
Discover the inspiring story of Josh Roberts, founder of Inspired Mind Mental Health! A certified Peer Support Specialist and mental health advocate, Josh’s personal journey through bipolar 1 disorder, multiple hospitalizations, and the loss of his father to suicide fuels his passionate mission to transform mental wellness and prevent suicide. Through innovative, creative approaches, he and his dedicated team lead 33 impactful Peer Support groups weekly across San Diego County, fostering meaning, purpose, and connection. As the visionary behind Neurodiversity Gifts and the AI-powered Inspired Canvas platform, Josh is redefining mental health pathways with fresh, paradigm-shifting solutions. With a BA in Psychology and an MA in Theology, his groundbreaking work has earned prestigious awards and features in Psychology Today and KPBS News. Join us on this inspiring journey—where honesty, creativity, and hope ignite transformation.