CBHL is proud to introduce the Program Team, who model equity-grounded leadership and bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the development and implementation of the Fellow Program. Their approach is person-centered, recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and acknowledges that individual leaders have different experiences, abilities, and needs.
Curriculum and Facilitation
Facilitation
Ebony Chambers
Ebony Chambers, Chief Family & Youth Partnership Officer at Stanford Sierra Youth and Families, has over 18 years of experience working with issues of social justice, equity, education, mental health and diversity. Ebony brings both professional and personal life experiences to her work and provides the oversight of advocacy and support to youth and families in the Northern California Region.
She is a speaker, educator, and workshop leader who has worked extensively throughout the United States and has served nationally and locally as an advocate and activist for access to care and the elimination of the stigma of mental illness for underserved and unserved communities. Chambers has provided extensive training in cultural competence and culturally responsive practices to schools, universities, social service and mental health agencies through her work in non-profit and for UC Davis Center for Family Focused Practice. Through her classes and trainings, she covers a wide range of topics including examining issues of privilege, power and the role of leaders and educators in a multicultural society.
Chambers also worked with the National Council of Behavioral Health, on addressing Health Disparities within her local community, with a focus on eliminating barriers and increasing access for the LGBTQ community. Chambers is the recipient of the 2017 Sacramento Business Journal’s 40 under 40 award for her outstanding professional accomplishments and community involvement as well as the 2018 Bizwomen Headliner for her work in the non-profit community. Actively involved in the community, Ebony is a member the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Steering Committee and other community initiatives, ensuring family and youth voice is integrated at every system level. She also serves as Board President for Black Womxn United- dedicated to the education, advancement and empowerment of all black womxn and girls.
Terrell Thomas, MSW
Terrell Thomas is a strategic leader who has nearly 20 years of experience working with nonprofits, the educational system, and the governmental sector. She has helped organizations build capacity to advance their mission and DEI values for the betterment of the community. Her knowledge includes subject matter expertise in the areas of mental and behavioral health, child welfare, and juvenile justice. She brings both professional and personal life experiences to the work, and is extremely passionate about bringing to light disparities to improve outcomes for youth and families.
In her work experience, Terrell has facilitated cultural insight activities and led a diverse team of executive leaders in behavioral health racial equity planning. She spearheaded the self-assessment of her nonprofit organization’s policies, procedures, and practices, utilizing the National Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Service (CLAS) standards as a reference for review and action planning. She also served as a consultant for county Cultural Competency plans and an advisor for DEI training curriculum and resources.
Terrell is committed to leadership development and serves as co-chair of the Child Welfare League of America’s (CWLA) Emerging Leaders Committee. As co-chair, she facilitates opportunities for young professionals to build relationships, enhance their skills, and advance their career. Terrell holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work, with an emphasis in Administration and Policy Practice from Texas State University.
