Presented by Mrs. Cari Peets and Family
T H U R S D AY, O C T O B E R 8 , 2 0 2 6 Resource Book Sponsored By:
CHOC LET’S TALK
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Discussions held at the CHOC Let’s Talk: Mental Health Luncheon, presented by Mrs. Cari Peets and Family, may touch upon sensitive and potentially triggering topics, including but not limited to trauma, suicidal ideation, self-harm, anxiety, depression, and difficult life experiences. At Rady Children’s Health Orange County (Rady Children’s), formerly CHOC, we believe in the power of open dialogue to raise awareness and foster understanding and are committed to providing a safe space for everyone. If you or someone you know is at risk of hurting themselves or others, call 9-1-1 immediately.
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CHOC LET’S TALK
E M E RG E N CY R E SO U RC E S* If your child is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1 or visit your local emergency department.
Rady Children's Orange campus is our primary pediatric emergency location in Orange County. RADY CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL ORANGE COUNTY 1201 W. La Veta Ave. Orange, CA 92868
If someone tells you they are thinking about suicide, do not keep it a secret. PLEASE REACH OUT USING THE RESOURCES BELOW: National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Crisis Text Line
Call or text 988, or chat online at chat.988lifeline.org
Text HOME to 741741 or visit CrisisTextLine.org
Available in English and Spanish
Free and confidential support for anyone in distress; available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
The Trevor Project Crisis Lines
California Youth Crisis Line
Crisis Assessment Team
Text "START" to 678-678 or call (866) 488-7386
Text or call (800) 843-5200 Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Provides crisis evaluations for children and adults who are experiencing a mental health crisis
(866) 830-6011
Rady Children's also offers a 24/7 nurse advice hotline and telehealth resource: 1-844-GET-CHOC (1-844-438-2462) Rady Children's mental health team curated tips and tools on relevant topics that are common to kids and teens, such as depression, anxiety, suicide prevention, and more. Scan the QR code to access these online mental health guides.
2 *Resources included in this booklet are not meant to replace your child’s professional mental health care.
CHOC LET’S TALK
A M E S SAG E F RO M O U R CO M M I T T E E C H A I R In its fourth year, the CHOC Let’s Talk: Mental Health Luncheon, presented by Mrs. Cari Peets and Family, has become a movement thanks to your time and generosity. Now more than ever, children and their families need compassionate advocates who will be their “true north”—who offer answers for every diagnosis and resources to help patients lead lives of promise and potential. As we listen to our children, they have named three challenges to their wellness that we will confront today: stress, anxiety, and pressure to perform. These can lead children to treat everyday experiences and life milestones as threats instead of opportunities. That is why the CHOC Let’s Talk movement is so crucial: When families call, we respond. Today’s event brings together philanthropists, clinicians, psychologists, community leaders, and allies—yet many of us are also parents and caregivers seeking answers for the kids in our lives. CHOC Let’s Talk helps you give and receive support in the ways you need, with voices you can trust. Lean into those voices and resources all around you today. Although childhood is as complicated as it’s ever been, what we offer today builds the reputation of Rady Children’s as a haven and extended family for everyone who receives our care. Our goal is to empower kids to know that because we believe in them and who they will become, they can meet stress and anxiety with a sense of adventure and a love of life. Every aspect of CHOC Let’s Talk is designed to meet that goal. The Wellness Village. The resource book. The mission moment. The upcoming conversation with Misty Copeland and Henry DiCarlo. Today, we are writing the game plan to make wellness a strength for every child in our region. Tomorrow, we will make sure healthier outcomes aren’t just possible but certain—and I couldn’t be more grateful that you’re here. Warmly,
Stephanie Angelos, Chair
COMMITTEE Stephanie Angelos CHAIR 3
Adrienne Matros, Psy.D. Caroline Marchant Anne Oliver Christine Wang
Dick Hamparsumian Gemma Cooper Jackie Schenquerman Lanän Clark
Monica Furman Niloofar Fakhimi Regina Oswald CHOC LET’S TALK Sarah McElroy
LU N C H E O N H I G H L I G H T S RECEPTION CHOC Let’s Talk: Wellness Village Presented by the Stephen G. and Regina Oswald Foundation
MEETING ANXIETY AND PRESSURE WITH INTENTION AND PEACE Kim Milstien Rady Children's Health Regional President, Orange County
AFTERNOON REMARKS Stephanie Angelos Chair, CHOC Let's Talk: Mental Health Luncheon Committee
Jessica L. Miley Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer, CHOC Foundation
EXPERTISE WITH EMPATHY: A CLINICIAN CONVERSATION Opening video presented by the Brunson Foundation
Clinician panel moderated by Dr. Micaela Thordarson Dr. Rebecca Ba’Gah
Gabriela Hernandez
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Psychosocial Supervisor
Jess Phan
Dr. Lavanya Wusirika
Nurse Manager
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Mission Moment hosted by auctioneer Nick Di Nieri SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER Misty Copeland ARTIST | ACTIVIST | FOUNDER
With Guest Moderator Henry DiCarlo KTLA 5 Morning News
CLOSING Jessica L. Miley CHOC LET’S TALK
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MENU Start your afternoon with vibrant, healthy dishes hand-picked with your wellness in mind.
SA L A D A fusion of fruits, vegetables, and other tastes for your first course. B E R RY C I T R U S K A L E Baby kale, red radish, candied marcona almonds, pickled blueberries, shaved parmesan, citrus vinaigrette
ENTRÉE A protein-rich fresh catch with assorted garden favorites. SALMON Achiote marinated salmon, red quinoa with Swiss chard, artichokes, baby carrots, pepper butter sauce
DESSERT A satisfying combination of rich creaminess and sweet, velvety texture. UBE CHEESECAKE Ube mascarpone cheesecake, berry puree, chocolate pearls
F E AT U R E D M O C K TA I L A refreshing blend of citrus and cooling flavors. C H O C O’S B R I G H T H O R I Z O N Passionfruit puree, lemonade, sparkling soda, and fresh mint, garnished with a lemon wheel
Created in support of Rady Children's mission to promote mental health, wellness, and brighter tomorrows for children and families.
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CHOC LET’S TALK
Presented by Mrs. Cari Peets and Family
F E AT U R E D R E SO U RC E S
CHOC LET’S TALK
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STRESS RESOURCES Use the following resources to process and reduce stress for yourself and the kids at home, at school, and in everyday life. EXPERI EN C E N ATURE
• Bring nature into daily or special
• Find local classes, camps, and special
activities. Plan outdoor celebrations,
events that incorporate nature and
care for a plant, visit state and national
outdoor play.
parks, or walk around your neighborhood. MIN D FU LN ES S P R AC T I C E S
• Invite your child to practice deep
• Integrate mindfulness activities into
breathing and simple yoga stretches
your family’s daily schedule: a few
together as a regular practice or when
minutes for preschool children, 3-10
deep emotions arise.
minutes twice a day for elementary
• Promote gardening for older children, as it teaches mindfulness through
schoolers, and 5-12 minutes daily for teens and adults.
tending to plants. P HYSIC A L AC TI V I TY
• Give your child a choice between two or more daily activities from these
• Muscle strengthening: works muscles beyond those used in daily
exercise types:
activities, such as playing on a swing set.
• Bone strengthening: promotes bone
• Aerobic: strengthens the heart and
growth and includes tag, jump rope, or
lungs and includes running, swimming,
hopscotch for younger kids, and
dancing, biking, and skating.
competitive sports or yoga for adolescents and older. S UPPO RTI V E R EL AT I O N S H I P S
• Reconnect with friends, family, and
• Respond to what your child pays attention
neighbors by scheduling regular
to by encouraging their interests and
get-togethers.
scheduling “distraction-free” time with them to pursue their interests together.
• Join online communities to find support for caregiving, grief and loss, and other topics. 7
CHOC LET’S TALK
MENTAL H EA LTH C A R E A N D WE L L N E S S
• Help your child navigate stressors with this approach: • Calmly let your child lead the
• Seek professional help if needed. Children
conversation at their own pace, making
who show signs of trauma weeks or
space for discussion, affirming them,
months afterward may have post-
and answering questions as needed.
traumatic stress disorder; therapy can
• Set an example by sharing and naming your emotions to increase your child’s emotional literacy, normalize difficult feelings, and help them cope with everyday stressors and traumatic events. • Keep a predictable routine that helps your child feel safe during difficult circumstances, and allow them to make choices that restore their sense of control and belonging.
help your child understand and manage their moods. Immediate help is available through Rady Children’s Julia and George Argyros Emergency Department or 911. • Teach your child healthy communication techniques. Use “I” statements to name emotions. Validate their feelings, set healthy expectations for their behavior, and encourage short breaks when emotions begin to run high.
QUALITY S L EEP
• Create a nighttime routine—such as a bath or shower, stretching, listening to music, or reading—and set a consistent sleep schedule for yourself and your child.
• Avoid going to bed on a full stomach, which can cause indigestion or acid reflux. • Write down the next day’s priorities before bed to clear your mind.
• Limit screen time; blue light can stimulate the brain and disrupt sleep. BALANC ED N UTR I T I O N
• Choose the week’s family menu with
• Pursue healthier options: water over soda,
your child, give them a choice of recipes
fruit smoothies over ice cream, and baked
to make each day, and let them help
chips or nuts over potato chips.
prepare and serve meals.
CHOC LET’S TALK
FIND MORE STRESS R E SO U RC E S H E R E
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ANXIET Y RESOURCES Rady Children’s mental health and wellness services offer the following guidance for parents and caregivers whose children experience anxiety.xiety. • Encourage your child to share their fears, even if they seem irrational; let them know you care and validate their feelings. • Maintain a healthy schedule to create structure, security, and normalcy, even in distressing situations. • Praise and affirm your child when they attempt something that makes them nervous. Point out their courage in trying—and their past accomplishments. • Speak to your doctor or a mental health professional if excessive anxiety or worry interrupts daily activities and healthy behaviors for you or your child. • Monitor your child for signs of anxiety or panic attacks; signs can include rapid heartbeat, chest pain, choking or nausea sensations, shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, trembling, irrational feelings, and fear of losing control or even dying. • Talk to your child about panic attacks: Seeing them as a false alarm to perceived threats can help them reframe the situation and stay calmer if they experience one. • Validate their feelings, remind them that the panic attack will pass, and walk them through a coping skill. • Skills to teach and practice can include controlled breathing or progressive muscle relaxation—tensing and relaxing their muscles from head to toe. • Engage in concentration-heavy activities such as playing games or singing a favorite song. • Encourage your children to discover and stick to their favorite pastimes, maintain healthy friendships, and maintain daily habits like attending school, volunteering, or working. • Speak with your child’s doctor about therapy or counseling for focused treatment—research shows that full remission of panic attack symptoms is possible.
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CHOC LET’S TALK
FIND MORE ANXIETY R E SO U RC E S H E R E If your child experiences high anxiety that threatens their well-being and growth, seek mental health and wellness services. If you believe your child is at risk of selfharm, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 9-8-8 for crisis counseling and local referrals. Take your child to the nearest emergency department if they are in immediate danger.
P R E S S U R E TO P E R F O R M R E S O U R C E S Children who perform in competitive or public settings can often feel anxiety, a fear of failure, or “stage fright.” Rady Children’s recommends these tips to help your child reframe pressure and pursue their interests. • Be kind and encouraging. Remember that young athletes are still growing and developing, so they may make mistakes or compare themselves to others. • Praise children for the good things they do, rather than point out mistakes. • Avoid comparing your child’s performance to others; instead, encourage them to have fun and build positive bonds with their teammates. • See your child’s sport or activity through their eyes, rather than a means of winning or personal success. • Consider your child’s age: Older athletes are more likely to feel pressure to perform, compare themselves to competitors, and quit sports due to burnout. • Consider your child’s gender: Research shows that boys tend to seek information, whereas girls report more sports performance anxiety than boys.
CHOC LET’S TALK
FI N D MOR E R E SOU RCE S FOR M A N AG I N G P E R FO R M A N C E 10 ANXIETY HERE
H O W W E H E L P FA M I L I E S Rady Children’s has built mental health and wellness services across its entire health system for every family—a scope of care that would not be possible without the support and passion of our community. Even as mental health care reaches every corner of Rady Children’s, it is the foundation for even greater care that future patients and families need, and helping them takes all of us.
T H E F I V E PI L L A R S O F R A DY C H I L D R E N’S M E N TA L H E A LT H CO N T I N U U M O F CA R E: PREVEN TI ON A N D EAR LY I N T E RV E N T I O N
Rady Children’s partners with schools and community organizations to direct mental health support for students. This includes: • Our Mental Health Education Program which teaches youth, families, and community members about mental health warning signs, coping skills, and resources. • WellSpaces and WellGardens, which serve as on-campus support spaces for students during the school day and through which Rady Children’s provides mental health programming. • Psychiatric screenings in the emergency department, primary care clinics, and specialty care locations. • Screenings for adverse childhood experiences. • And other services. LIN KAG E TO C A R E
We provide on-hand resource specialists who guide families through the often-daunting referral and appointment process. Our teams and services—including the Mental Health Resource Line and substance abuse navigators—close treatment gaps for families in need by addressing their questions and challenges, including traumatic experiences, instances of abuse, growing signs of emotional distress, substance abuse, and adverse effects on the patient’s parents, siblings, and caregivers.
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CHOC LET’S TALK
OUT PATI EN T
Rady Children’s oversees multiple locations for serving patients and families, such as our Mental Health Crisis Clinic, psychiatric outpatient and transition clinics, Cherese Mari Laulhere Young Child Clinic, and the co-occurring clinic. Our outpatient services are also embedded within our specialty clinics that treat diabetes, feeding, sleep, concussions, and other conditions. As a cornerstone of our outpatient care, the Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center provides family-centered care, from early diagnosis and therapies to education and support programs for family members caring for the patient at home. INTEN S I V E O UTPATIE N T
The Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and its expert staff provide solutions and positive coping skills to teens and families—a crucial service that helps prevent more severe diagnoses that may require inpatient care. The IOP also serves as a transitional—or step-down—service for patients recently discharged from inpatient care. Our specialized services extend beyond our campuses through Project HEALTH, a wraparound program that brings mental health services to families at home and in their communities. INPAT IE N T
The Cherese Mari Laulhere Mental Health Inpatient Center, which provides psychiatric care for children ages 3-17, is the flagship program of our mental health initiative. Across Rady Children’s locations, inpatient mental health care is integrated with physicians and care teams who consult with licensed psychologists and consultation-liaison specialists to treat patients with medical diagnoses who have co-occurring mental health conditions. Our inpatient mental health standard of care also extends to Rady Children’s specialties, including our eating disorders program, rapid response staff training, and more.
Rady Children’s mental health team has curated tips and tools on relevant topics common among kids and teens. Scan the QR code CHOC LET’S TALK to access these mental health guides.
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YO U R G E N E R O S I T Y C A N M A K E A L I F E - G I V I N G I M PAC T Your generosity can bring their dreams to life. Continued philanthropic support will advance the CHOC Let’s Talk movement, helping patients and families imagine and realize a better tomorrow. Community support helps ensure we hear every concern, meet every crisis, and treat every diagnosis with equal parts empathy and expertise. Philanthropy—your philanthropy—provides patients with safe spaces to belong, builds our community’s legacy as one that goes to any length to restore wellness for our youth, and helps bridge care gaps in the following ways:
RESPONDING IN CRISIS MOMENTS •
Enhancing our Cherese Mari Laulhere Mental Health Inpatient Center to help children heal and reintegrate into home, school, and social life. Led by trauma-informed experts, our unique model prioritizes group therapy and family engagement.
•
Growing our Mental Health Crisis Clinic to provide urgent, compassionate care for youth—avoiding unnecessary emergency department visits or inpatient stays. This life-saving program provides short-term stabilization and connection to community-based services and is an increasingly important resource as we expand suicide screenings across our hospital system.
•
Strengthening the emergency mental health response in our emergency department, where many children are first identified. A dedicated team helps de-escalate crises and support families in their most vulnerable moments—creating a path toward healing.
TAILORING CARE FOR DISPROPORTIONALLY TRAUMATIZED POPULATIONS
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•
Advancing our Intensive Outpatient Program to support youth transitioning from inpatient care or facing acute challenges. Youth who complete our program show significantly reduced risk, increased healthy coping, and overall improvements in functioning at home and school.
•
Prioritizing mental health services and promoting resilience for children who have experienced abuse, neglect, and maltreatment.
•
Scaling mental health supports for patients in our nationally recognized Eating Disorders Inpatient Program to better support long-term recovery.
•
Integrating mental health support for children with chronic or complex illnesses such as cancer and gastrointestinal, endocrinologic, and metabolic conditions—where challenges disproportionately affect well-being. CHOC LET’S TALK
PROMOTING PREVENTION AND DELIVERING THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE INTERVENTIONS •
Advancing parental and caregiver mental health screenings in the neonatal intensive care unit, during high-risk pregnancies, and at well-child visits—ensuring families receive support early in their journey.
•
Embedding mental health specialists in primary and specialty care clinics to accelerate early diagnosis and interventions in a trusted, accessible setting.
•
Expanding “Help Me Grow” and other Population Health programs focused on early childhood behavioral, mental health, and developmental issues to quickly connect families to appropriate and meaningful resources.
•
Enhancing our Cherese Mari Laulhere Young Child Clinic focused on prevention and early interventions for children under 8 with behavioral issues—offering both individual and group support.
EMPOWERING FAMILIES, SCHOOLS, AND COMMUNITY-BASED PARTNERS •
Expanding our Return to School Program to support hospitalized children as they return to their academic and social lives.
•
Promoting mental health and well-being through the WellSpaces Initiative and other school- and community-based partnerships.
•
Deepening the capacity of the Mental Health Education Program to innovate free, evidence-based tools that empower teachers, providers, and others who support children.
•
Driving transformational and sustainable change.
•
Investing in our mental health footprint, including doubling the scale of our current Orange outpatient location and expanding our emergency department.
•
Recruiting and retaining talent to lead and sustain our future growth.
•
Propelling research and innovation across basic, translational, and clinical science to shape the future of care.
•
Elevating advocacy and community engagement to align services with real needs and influence policy and funding for mental health and wellness.
D O N AT E TO DAY CHOC LET’S TALK
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M I S T Y CO PE L A N D S PE C I A L G U E S T S PE A K E R
Artist. Activist. Founder. Misty Copeland is a groundbreaking ballet dancer, New York Times best-selling author, founder of the Misty Copeland Foundation, and the first African American woman promoted to principal dancer in the American Ballet Theatre’s history. Beginning her ballet studies at age 13, Misty’s personal and professional experiences have driven her to excel as both a performer and an advocate for children, intergenerational equity, and diversity and inclusion in dance. From commanding the stage to leading through philanthropy and compassion, Copeland understands severe stress, public scrutiny, and the pressure to perform. She champions the positive effects that mentoring children can have on their selfworth and wellness.
GUEST MODERATOR Henry DiCarlo is a four-time Emmy Award-winning AMS meteorologist and sportscaster for the KTLA 5 Morning News— a career on TV spanning over 25 years. Born and raised in the city of Orange, Henry attended Villa Park High School and graduated with a degree in communications from California State University, Fullerton. He later earned his degree in meteorology from Mississippi State University, earned his AMS seal in 2002, and has since become one of the leading weather experts in the country. Currently, Henry and his wife, Lisa, live in Yorba Linda with their two sons and three dogs. Together, they enjoy traveling, sports, cooking, and advocating for pets, children, and veteran-related causes.
CHOC LET’S TALK
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Presented by Mrs. Cari Peets and Family
H E RO Mrs. Cari Peets and Family
W E L L N ES S V I L L AG E
GUARD IAN
Stephen G. and Regina Oswald Foundation
Alaska Airlines Chris and Jesse Harrison Monica and Chris Furman
R ES O U R C E B O O K Clavis Foundation Tusdi Vopat & Stuart McClure
W E L L N ES S B AG Value87 Investment Partners
DEFENDER Anaheim Ducks & OCVIBE Ani and Reed Stoecker City of Hope Orange County Kari DeVries and Bethanie Moriarity Rick and Adrienne Matros Snyder Langston The Angelos Family The Disneyland® Resort The Sharon D. Lund Foundation
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A D VO C AT E A.J. Kirkwood & Associates Anonymous Jason and Lanän Clark Brandon and Kara Kerns Christine and Tony Wang Niloofar and Bahman Fakhimi Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc. Sarah J. McElroy
CHOC LET’S TALK
W E L L N E S S B AG C O N T R I B U TO R S
C O N T R I B U TO R S
Dick Hamparsumian
Alaska Airlines
Monica and Chris Furman
Christine and Tony Wang
Niloofar and Bahman Fakhimi
Ducommun
Planet Beauty
Joyce Stinson
Rady Children's Hospital Orange County Sarah J. McElroy Value87 Investment Partners Zico Coconut
W E L L N E S S V I L L AG E V E N D O R S BALM Wellness by Jana Hungate Help Me Grow Rady Children's Health Orange County - WellSpaces
PREMIER VIDEO The Brunson Foundation
A S P E C I A L T H A N K YO U TO Enzo's Garden Productions ESI Video
Rady Children's Mental Health Education Program Rady Children’s Health Mental Health Inpatient Center & Return to School Program Stephen G. and Regina Oswald Foundation Sundrop Labs U4U Teen
RLM Event Management - Jim Pari Rady Children's Mental Health Staff The Westin South Coast Plaza
Without your support, Rady Children’s could not provide comprehensive healthcare to all families, regardless of their ability to pay. We are grateful to our sponsors for putting their compassion into action to bring hope, health, and healing to every patient.
CHOC LET’S TALK
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O U R E V E N T S SAV E L I V E S December 6, 2026
Holiday Luncheon March 29, 2027
May 1, 2027
May 22, 2027
Summer 2027
October 2027
5th Anniversary
Learn more about partnering in the CHOC Foundation’s life-changing work.
The Clavis Foundation—Tusdi Vopat and Stuart McClure—are grateful to support the world-class clinicians of Rady Children's Health and their vital work to help children heal and grow.
AS DEDICATED DONORS TO RADY CHILDREN’S HEALTH ORANGE COUNTY
Mrs. Cari Peets and Family are deeply passionate about advocating for children’s mental health, ensuring that every young mind receives the compassionate care it deserves. The Peets Family’s commitment reflects their profound belief in building resilient futures, where advocacy and protection go hand in hand to foster hope and healing for generations to come.
C H O C M E N TA L H E A LT H G U I D E S
CHOCFOUNDATION
@ CHOCFOUNDATION
#CHOCTALKS | WWW.CHOCTALKS.ORG 23
CHOC LET’S TALK