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UCLA Friends of the Semel Inst

@uclafriendsofsemel

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Sponsor Open Mind programs about mental health, the Teen Advisory Council, Next Gen Wellness Summit, OM Film Fest & support early career researchers

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Our deepest thanks to @uclafriendsofsemel , Rose & Allen Nelson, UCLA Documentary Film Legal Clinic and @weareevokemedia for an incredible event Sunday afternoon.

Thank you to our esteemed panelists: Dr. Helena Hansen, Dr. Thomas McLellan, Allen Nelson & Investigative Journalist @terisforza

And to all who joined us, thank you for being a part of the conversation.

#socialimpact #recovery #addictionrecovery #soberliving #documentary

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Our hearts are broken over the devastating tragedy at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon. 💔

We send our deepest prayers and love to the families, children, educators, and entire community.

We wish we could wrap every child in a loving hug and provide Piggie Bear toolkits to bring comfort during this heartbreaking time.

Every child deserves to feel safe, loved, and supported.🙌

#SilverRailElementary #EnoughIsEnough #ChildrensMentalHealth #extraordinarylivesfoundation

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Unlikely Collaborators × TAC event recap!

Unlikely Collaborators is a nonprofit founded by Elizabeth Koch that brings people with different perspectives together through meaningful, in-person experiences that build understanding, empathy, and connection.

TAC visited Unlikely Collaborators’ headquarters in Santa Monica for an immersive Perception Box Adventure led by founder Elizabeth R. Koch!

Through interactive activities, meaningful conversations, and a tour of their facilities, we explored how our perspectives shape the way we see ourselves and the world around us.

We’re excited to bring this experience back to our schools and communities through our very own Perception Box Adventure kits! ✨

Through interactive activities, meaningful conversations, and a tour of their facilities, we explored how our perspectives shape the way we see ourselves and the world around us.

We’re excited to bring this experience back to our schools and communities through our very own Perception Box Adventure kits! ✨

Thank you to Unlikely Collaborators for an inspiring day of learning, connection, and growth.

Here’s to expanding our perspectives, together! 💙

#TeenAdvisoryCouncil #UnlikelyCollaborators #PerceptionBox #YouthMentalHealth #UCLA SemelInstitute

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TAC Holistic/Spiritual Wellbeing Meeting Recap!🧘

We kicked off the new TAC year by exploring holistic wellness, meditation, stillness, and the mind-body connection
with two incredible speakers, Dr. Sahib Khalsa and Sitender Sehrawat.

Dr. Khalsa shared research on interoception—the sense of our bodies— while Sitender introduced us to Stillness Meditation
and the importance of quiet and presence in meditation practice. Together, they brought research and lived experience into the conversation around holistic wellbeing.

TAC members then broke into small groups to reflect on what holistic wellness could look like in their own schools and communities.

What would holistic wellness look like at your school or community?👇

Follow along for more recaps! 📸

#TAC #TeenAdvisoryCouncil #YouthMentalHealth #HolisticWellness #MentalHealthAwareness UCLA SemelInstitute MindBodyWellness

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Alive Together is Didi Hirsch’s annual 5K walk and run, and every step raises funds and awareness for its Suicide Prevention Center, which has answered crisis calls in this city for decades.

In my practice, I see how often pain hides behind a functioning life. People go to work, answer texts, and show up for everyone else while something inside them has gone numb. Connection is one of the most protective forces we have, and this morning made that connection visible.

If you walked today, I hope you felt held by the people beside you. If you are grieving, your loss matters, and so does the person you lost. If you are struggling, please call or text 988. Someone will answer.

Donations are still open through @didihirsch, and my friend @sarahgilman18 team is close to its goal. Please help her cross the finish line.

Thank you to all the organizations that came out today to support #suicidepreventionmonth and for what they do to support so many: @didi_hirsch @mha_los_angeles @namiwla @uclafriendsofsemel @teenlineonline @988lifeline

#AliveTogether #DidiHirsch #SuicidePreventionMonth

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September is Suicide Prevention Month.

September 27 marks 25 years since I lost my first husband, Briant Wells, to suicide.

I share these photos from his high school yearbook. The captions read “Most Outgoing” and “Friendliest.” Anyone who knew Briant would recognize the young man in these pictures. That warmth, humor and ability to make people feel welcome stayed with him throughout his life.

Suicide touches families and communities in ways that are often invisible. If someone you love is struggling, reach out. Listen. Stay connected.

And if you are struggling yourself, please know that you do not have to face it alone.

Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Briant was a father, husband, son, brother, colleague and friend. He was deeply loved, and he is still remembered. ❤️ #suicidepreventionmonth

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TAC IS BACK! 💙📣

We’re excited to kick off the 2026–2027 Teen Advisory Council at Friends of the Semel Institute at UCLA!

TAC brings together high school students passionate about mental health, advocacy, neuroscience, and creating change. This year, members will have opportunities to connect with UCLA faculty, build community, advocate for youth mental health, promote Open Mind, and help shape programming for Gen Z and Gen Alpha.

We’re grateful for the organizations that support TAC and our mission. 💙

The Rare Impact Fund, founded by Selena Gomez in partnership with Rare Beauty, has provided a generous grant to support and grow the Teen Advisory Council.

Unlikely Collaborators, founded by Elizabeth R. Koch, is a nonprofit fostering self-awareness, connection, and new perspectives and has generously supported our Next Gen Wellness Summits.

From Legislation & Advocacy and Research to Global Outreach, Social Media, Planning & Events, and the Thought Leadership Accelerator, there are so many ways for TAC members to get involved and turn their ideas into action.

From Legislation & Advocacy and Research to Global Outreach, Social Media, Planning & Events, and the Thought Leadership Accelerator, there are so many ways for TAC members to get involved and turn their ideas into action.

From Legislation & Advocacy and Research to Global Outreach, Social Media, Planning & Events, and the Thought Leadership Accelerator, there are so many ways for TAC members to get involved and turn their ideas into action.

And there’s a lot to look forward to! 👀

This year, TAC members will take part in conversations and experiences exploring wellbeing, mental health, neuroscience, stigma, neurodiversity, and more - including a Santa Monica Field Trip, Career Day with UCLA Scientists and clinicians, the Next Gen Wellness Summit, Meet the Scientists & Lab Tours, and a TAC-driven topic chosen by our own members. 💙

And there’s a lot to look forward to! 👀

This year, TAC members will take part in conversations and experiences exploring wellbeing, mental health, neuroscience, stigma, neurodiversity, and more - including a Santa Monica Field Trip, Career Day with UCLA Scientists

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Join us for the final Songwrights’ Apothecary Lab (SAL) Culmination Performance, a community celebration of creativity, healing, & connection 🫶🏽🎶

🎙️When: Thursday, Sept. 10th at 7-9PM
📍Where: @crenshawdairymart (8629 Crenshaw Blvd, Inglewood, Ca 90305)
🚪 Doors open 6PM
💫 ALL ARE WELCOME
🔗 link in bio to RSVP

Led by @esperanzaspalding & @dr.marisol.norris , SAL students over the summer have collaborated across songwriting, research, & community engagement to explore how music can help us better understand ourselves, one another, and the world around us.

This evening will feature original songs, reflections, and creative works developed through this unique community-academic program. Come experience the stories, questions, and possibilities that emerged when artists, researchers, health professionals, and community members came together in shared exploration.

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Welcome New ELF Advisory Board Member - Dr Emily Tan! 👏 💫 ✨

Dr Emily Tan - ND, MSCP, BCN, BCB, is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor at the
@samueli.institute (UC Irvine Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute).

Dr. Tan specializes in integrative mental health, neurofeedback, biofeedback, and women’s health.

She participated in a fellowship in Primary Care Psychiatry through the
@ucischoolofmedicine (UC Irvine School of Medicine).

Inspired by her brother with Down syndrome, Dr. Tan has a particular interest in supporting neurodivergent individuals and people with developmental disabilities.

This personal connection continues to shape her commitment to compassionate, inclusive, and collaborative care for individuals and families.

We look forward to witnessing Dr Tan’s positive impact on ELF and the children and families we serve.

Welcome Dr. Tan! ✨💜✨

#welcomenewadvisoryboardmember #advisoryboard #empoweringchildren #extraordinarylivesfoundation improvelive

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Please join us for “An Extraordinary Night Under the Stars”! ✨ 💫✨

It’s our annual Extraordinary Lives Foundation’s Gala benefiting children’s mental health and emotional wellness. 💜

Tickets available now! 🎫

ELFs Annual Gala
* Saturday, September 26th ~ 5:30 to 10:00pm
* Location: A Private Estate in San Juan Capistrano

✨ Don’t miss out on the opportunity! Limited seats available. ✨

Ticket Link: (also in our Bio)
https://tinyurl.com/ELF-2026-Gala-Tickets

Thank you for your participation and support of ELFs mission of improving children’s mental health! 🙏💜💚💜💚

#annualgala #extraordinarylivesfoundation #childrensmentalhealth #childrensemotionalwellness #empoweringchildren

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🧠💙 The Open Mind series is back with a new lineup of thought-provoking conversations exploring mental health, wellness, science, creativity, and the human experience. 🧠💙

This season brings together acclaimed authors, mental health experts, scientists, and filmmakers for conversations designed to inform, challenge, and inspire.

Programs are free and virtual, with select events taking place in person at UCLA.

Explore the full lineup and register now through the link @uclafriendsofsemel

@openmindfilmfestival @teencouncilsemelfriends @drdansiegel @drdeepikachopra @guptaviolin

#MentalHealth #UCLA #Wellness #Psychology #BrainHealth

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Happy National Nonprofit Day! ❤️

This day recognizes and appreciates the vital work of nonprofit organizations and the impact they have on communities. 🙌

Thank you to all of the nonprofits that we work with who are our partners in good. We appreciate you! 🙏🏼

Let’s all continue to work together to improve mental health and to make the world a better place! ⭐️💫

#happynationalnonprofitday #nonprofits #givingback #improvechildrensmentalhealth #improvelives

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