Originally from Rome, Italy, Anna began her career as an accountant for a nonprofit while studying religious studies\u2014driven by a desire to blend intellect and creativity, the right and left brain. Her move to the United States in 1995 was a period of deep reflection and soul-searching as she considered a new professional path.<\/p>\n
While pursuing her master\u2019s in psychology at Santa Clara University, Anna met\u00a0Charles “Corky” Riley, then a clinical supervisor\u00a0of Hope Services\u2019 Counseling Center.\u00a0Corky\u00a0became a mentor whose guidance and compassion deeply influenced Anna\u2019s approach to mental health care. His legacy continues to resonate in her work today.<\/p>\n
Breaking Stigma and Building Bridges<\/strong><\/h4>\nAnna recalls that when she was growing up, mental health was heavily stigmatized. Even within her own family, struggles with mental illness were often hidden\u00a0because of\u00a0societal shame.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was easier for someone to say they had a broken leg than to admit they were experiencing depression or anxiety,\u201d Anna shared. This insight has inspired her to focus on integrating services for individuals with both developmental disabilities and mental health needs.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Since joining Hope, Anna has worn many hats, from therapist to program coordination, from quality improvement to operations and management. Now, as Executive Director of Behavioral Health, she leads with vision and empathy. Under her leadership and with the support of her team, the behavioral\u00a0health department increased and was able to reach an average of 2,300 clients a year.<\/p>\n
\u201cHonestly, it doesn\u2019t feel like 27 years have gone by. Working at Hope has been an enriching experience. The work is constantly evolving, which keeps it fresh,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
What It Means to Be a Woman of Influence<\/strong><\/h4>\n\u201cI\u2019m still processing,\u201d Anna says with a thoughtful pause. \u201cIt\u2019s meaningful on so many levels. This recognition is part of my ongoing self-discovery, and I\u2019m deeply honored.\u201d<\/p>\n
She sees the award as an opportunity to shine a light on a community that is near and dear to her heart.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we heal loneliness and integrate people with developmental disabilities and mental health needs into our communities, we create a better, more compassionate society. This recognition validates that our work truly matters.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Anna credits her team for their hard work, support and dedication: \u201cI\u2019m immensely grateful to each of them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wellness Through Movement and Mindfulness<\/strong><\/h4>\nPhysical activity has always been a main self-care practice for Anna. From\u00a0Judo\u00a0to Zumba, staying active has kept her mind sharp and sustained her well-being. A black belt in judo\u00a0with\u00a0over 30 years\u00a0of training, Anna was mentored by her Sensei,\u00a0Keiko Fukuda\u2014a woman who lived to be 99 and embodied the motto:<\/p>\n
\u201cBe strong, be gentle, be beautiful\u00a0in body, mind\u00a0and spirit.\u201d That principle\u2014fight with gentleness\u2014remains central to Anna\u2019s philosophy.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
She also draws inspiration from women in leadership, particularly those in the behavioral health field. To her, the most essential traits in a leader are intelligence and empathy. \u201cYes, we must be problem solvers, but it\u2019s equally important to put ourselves in others\u2019 shoes.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hopeservices.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/IMG_0211-scaled.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
A Philosophy of Compassionate Leadership<\/strong><\/h4>\nAnna encourages her team to work mindfully, pushing back against Silicon Valley\u2019s hustle culture.<\/p>\n
\u201cBurnout helps no one. When clinicians are rested, when they check in on one another and feel supported, they\u2019re better equipped to care for others.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
She believes that slowing down as a community creates space for inclusion, particularly for people with developmental disabilities. \u201cIt\u2019s not just beneficial, it\u2019s essential.\u201d<\/p>\n
Anna shares her signal rule: she is always checking within herself to see if she\u2019s at a red, yellow, or green light, and adjusts her activities and self-care accordingly.<\/p>\n
Addressing the Challenges Ahead<\/strong><\/h4>\nOne of the greatest challenges the mental health field faces is an aging workforce. In California, the average age of a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist is 57 and that of a psychiatrist is 55. This aging workforce is a real concern, and we\u2019re actively working to encourage and support younger therapists entering the field. Anna also warns of the potential impact of Medicaid funding cuts.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese cuts would affect our most vulnerable populations, and our ability to serve them.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Anna believes we must respond with urgency and humanity to the needs of our population and those suffering from mental distress. We have an ethical responsibility to support those facing mental health challenges. When we do, we don\u2019t just improve individual lives\u2014we strengthen families, caregivers, and entire communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Creating a More Inclusive Future<\/strong><\/h4>\nAnna reminds us that\u00a0having\u00a0mental health illnesses and having developmental disabilities are not always properly recognized and connected. We must work to ensure that every individual with developmental disabilities\u00a0can achieve the highest possible quality of life.\u00a0That includes taking care of the whole person.\u00a0Her message is simple, yet profound:<\/p>\n
\u201cStay curious. Don\u2019t be afraid to ask questions.\u00a0Approach others with empathy. Everyone deserves to be valued\u2014let that guide you.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\u201cIt was easier for someone to say they had a broken leg than to admit they were experiencing depression or anxiety,\u201d Anna shared. This insight has inspired her to focus on integrating services for individuals with both developmental disabilities and mental health needs.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Since joining Hope, Anna has worn many hats, from therapist to program coordination, from quality improvement to operations and management. Now, as Executive Director of Behavioral Health, she leads with vision and empathy. Under her leadership and with the support of her team, the behavioral\u00a0health department increased and was able to reach an average of 2,300 clients a year.<\/p>\n
\u201cHonestly, it doesn\u2019t feel like 27 years have gone by. Working at Hope has been an enriching experience. The work is constantly evolving, which keeps it fresh,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
What It Means to Be a Woman of Influence<\/strong><\/h4>\n\u201cI\u2019m still processing,\u201d Anna says with a thoughtful pause. \u201cIt\u2019s meaningful on so many levels. This recognition is part of my ongoing self-discovery, and I\u2019m deeply honored.\u201d<\/p>\n
She sees the award as an opportunity to shine a light on a community that is near and dear to her heart.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we heal loneliness and integrate people with developmental disabilities and mental health needs into our communities, we create a better, more compassionate society. This recognition validates that our work truly matters.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Anna credits her team for their hard work, support and dedication: \u201cI\u2019m immensely grateful to each of them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wellness Through Movement and Mindfulness<\/strong><\/h4>\nPhysical activity has always been a main self-care practice for Anna. From\u00a0Judo\u00a0to Zumba, staying active has kept her mind sharp and sustained her well-being. A black belt in judo\u00a0with\u00a0over 30 years\u00a0of training, Anna was mentored by her Sensei,\u00a0Keiko Fukuda\u2014a woman who lived to be 99 and embodied the motto:<\/p>\n
\u201cBe strong, be gentle, be beautiful\u00a0in body, mind\u00a0and spirit.\u201d That principle\u2014fight with gentleness\u2014remains central to Anna\u2019s philosophy.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
She also draws inspiration from women in leadership, particularly those in the behavioral health field. To her, the most essential traits in a leader are intelligence and empathy. \u201cYes, we must be problem solvers, but it\u2019s equally important to put ourselves in others\u2019 shoes.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
A Philosophy of Compassionate Leadership<\/strong><\/h4>\nAnna encourages her team to work mindfully, pushing back against Silicon Valley\u2019s hustle culture.<\/p>\n
\u201cBurnout helps no one. When clinicians are rested, when they check in on one another and feel supported, they\u2019re better equipped to care for others.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
She believes that slowing down as a community creates space for inclusion, particularly for people with developmental disabilities. \u201cIt\u2019s not just beneficial, it\u2019s essential.\u201d<\/p>\n
Anna shares her signal rule: she is always checking within herself to see if she\u2019s at a red, yellow, or green light, and adjusts her activities and self-care accordingly.<\/p>\n
Addressing the Challenges Ahead<\/strong><\/h4>\nOne of the greatest challenges the mental health field faces is an aging workforce. In California, the average age of a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist is 57 and that of a psychiatrist is 55. This aging workforce is a real concern, and we\u2019re actively working to encourage and support younger therapists entering the field. Anna also warns of the potential impact of Medicaid funding cuts.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese cuts would affect our most vulnerable populations, and our ability to serve them.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Anna believes we must respond with urgency and humanity to the needs of our population and those suffering from mental distress. We have an ethical responsibility to support those facing mental health challenges. When we do, we don\u2019t just improve individual lives\u2014we strengthen families, caregivers, and entire communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Creating a More Inclusive Future<\/strong><\/h4>\nAnna reminds us that\u00a0having\u00a0mental health illnesses and having developmental disabilities are not always properly recognized and connected. We must work to ensure that every individual with developmental disabilities\u00a0can achieve the highest possible quality of life.\u00a0That includes taking care of the whole person.\u00a0Her message is simple, yet profound:<\/p>\n
\u201cStay curious. Don\u2019t be afraid to ask questions.\u00a0Approach others with empathy. Everyone deserves to be valued\u2014let that guide you.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\u201cWhen we heal loneliness and integrate people with developmental disabilities and mental health needs into our communities, we create a better, more compassionate society. This recognition validates that our work truly matters.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Anna credits her team for their hard work, support and dedication: \u201cI\u2019m immensely grateful to each of them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wellness Through Movement and Mindfulness<\/strong><\/h4>\nPhysical activity has always been a main self-care practice for Anna. From\u00a0Judo\u00a0to Zumba, staying active has kept her mind sharp and sustained her well-being. A black belt in judo\u00a0with\u00a0over 30 years\u00a0of training, Anna was mentored by her Sensei,\u00a0Keiko Fukuda\u2014a woman who lived to be 99 and embodied the motto:<\/p>\n
\u201cBe strong, be gentle, be beautiful\u00a0in body, mind\u00a0and spirit.\u201d That principle\u2014fight with gentleness\u2014remains central to Anna\u2019s philosophy.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
She also draws inspiration from women in leadership, particularly those in the behavioral health field. To her, the most essential traits in a leader are intelligence and empathy. \u201cYes, we must be problem solvers, but it\u2019s equally important to put ourselves in others\u2019 shoes.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
A Philosophy of Compassionate Leadership<\/strong><\/h4>\nAnna encourages her team to work mindfully, pushing back against Silicon Valley\u2019s hustle culture.<\/p>\n
\u201cBurnout helps no one. When clinicians are rested, when they check in on one another and feel supported, they\u2019re better equipped to care for others.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
She believes that slowing down as a community creates space for inclusion, particularly for people with developmental disabilities. \u201cIt\u2019s not just beneficial, it\u2019s essential.\u201d<\/p>\n
Anna shares her signal rule: she is always checking within herself to see if she\u2019s at a red, yellow, or green light, and adjusts her activities and self-care accordingly.<\/p>\n
Addressing the Challenges Ahead<\/strong><\/h4>\nOne of the greatest challenges the mental health field faces is an aging workforce. In California, the average age of a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist is 57 and that of a psychiatrist is 55. This aging workforce is a real concern, and we\u2019re actively working to encourage and support younger therapists entering the field. Anna also warns of the potential impact of Medicaid funding cuts.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese cuts would affect our most vulnerable populations, and our ability to serve them.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Anna believes we must respond with urgency and humanity to the needs of our population and those suffering from mental distress. We have an ethical responsibility to support those facing mental health challenges. When we do, we don\u2019t just improve individual lives\u2014we strengthen families, caregivers, and entire communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Creating a More Inclusive Future<\/strong><\/h4>\nAnna reminds us that\u00a0having\u00a0mental health illnesses and having developmental disabilities are not always properly recognized and connected. We must work to ensure that every individual with developmental disabilities\u00a0can achieve the highest possible quality of life.\u00a0That includes taking care of the whole person.\u00a0Her message is simple, yet profound:<\/p>\n
\u201cStay curious. Don\u2019t be afraid to ask questions.\u00a0Approach others with empathy. Everyone deserves to be valued\u2014let that guide you.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\u201cBe strong, be gentle, be beautiful\u00a0in body, mind\u00a0and spirit.\u201d That principle\u2014fight with gentleness\u2014remains central to Anna\u2019s philosophy.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
She also draws inspiration from women in leadership, particularly those in the behavioral health field. To her, the most essential traits in a leader are intelligence and empathy. \u201cYes, we must be problem solvers, but it\u2019s equally important to put ourselves in others\u2019 shoes.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
A Philosophy of Compassionate Leadership<\/strong><\/h4>\nAnna encourages her team to work mindfully, pushing back against Silicon Valley\u2019s hustle culture.<\/p>\n
\u201cBurnout helps no one. When clinicians are rested, when they check in on one another and feel supported, they\u2019re better equipped to care for others.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
She believes that slowing down as a community creates space for inclusion, particularly for people with developmental disabilities. \u201cIt\u2019s not just beneficial, it\u2019s essential.\u201d<\/p>\n
Anna shares her signal rule: she is always checking within herself to see if she\u2019s at a red, yellow, or green light, and adjusts her activities and self-care accordingly.<\/p>\n
Addressing the Challenges Ahead<\/strong><\/h4>\nOne of the greatest challenges the mental health field faces is an aging workforce. In California, the average age of a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist is 57 and that of a psychiatrist is 55. This aging workforce is a real concern, and we\u2019re actively working to encourage and support younger therapists entering the field. Anna also warns of the potential impact of Medicaid funding cuts.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese cuts would affect our most vulnerable populations, and our ability to serve them.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Anna believes we must respond with urgency and humanity to the needs of our population and those suffering from mental distress. We have an ethical responsibility to support those facing mental health challenges. When we do, we don\u2019t just improve individual lives\u2014we strengthen families, caregivers, and entire communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Creating a More Inclusive Future<\/strong><\/h4>\nAnna reminds us that\u00a0having\u00a0mental health illnesses and having developmental disabilities are not always properly recognized and connected. We must work to ensure that every individual with developmental disabilities\u00a0can achieve the highest possible quality of life.\u00a0That includes taking care of the whole person.\u00a0Her message is simple, yet profound:<\/p>\n
\u201cStay curious. Don\u2019t be afraid to ask questions.\u00a0Approach others with empathy. Everyone deserves to be valued\u2014let that guide you.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\u201cBurnout helps no one. When clinicians are rested, when they check in on one another and feel supported, they\u2019re better equipped to care for others.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
She believes that slowing down as a community creates space for inclusion, particularly for people with developmental disabilities. \u201cIt\u2019s not just beneficial, it\u2019s essential.\u201d<\/p>\n
Anna shares her signal rule: she is always checking within herself to see if she\u2019s at a red, yellow, or green light, and adjusts her activities and self-care accordingly.<\/p>\n
Addressing the Challenges Ahead<\/strong><\/h4>\nOne of the greatest challenges the mental health field faces is an aging workforce. In California, the average age of a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist is 57 and that of a psychiatrist is 55. This aging workforce is a real concern, and we\u2019re actively working to encourage and support younger therapists entering the field. Anna also warns of the potential impact of Medicaid funding cuts.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese cuts would affect our most vulnerable populations, and our ability to serve them.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Anna believes we must respond with urgency and humanity to the needs of our population and those suffering from mental distress. We have an ethical responsibility to support those facing mental health challenges. When we do, we don\u2019t just improve individual lives\u2014we strengthen families, caregivers, and entire communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Creating a More Inclusive Future<\/strong><\/h4>\nAnna reminds us that\u00a0having\u00a0mental health illnesses and having developmental disabilities are not always properly recognized and connected. We must work to ensure that every individual with developmental disabilities\u00a0can achieve the highest possible quality of life.\u00a0That includes taking care of the whole person.\u00a0Her message is simple, yet profound:<\/p>\n
\u201cStay curious. Don\u2019t be afraid to ask questions.\u00a0Approach others with empathy. Everyone deserves to be valued\u2014let that guide you.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\u201cThese cuts would affect our most vulnerable populations, and our ability to serve them.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Anna believes we must respond with urgency and humanity to the needs of our population and those suffering from mental distress. We have an ethical responsibility to support those facing mental health challenges. When we do, we don\u2019t just improve individual lives\u2014we strengthen families, caregivers, and entire communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Creating a More Inclusive Future<\/strong><\/h4>\nAnna reminds us that\u00a0having\u00a0mental health illnesses and having developmental disabilities are not always properly recognized and connected. We must work to ensure that every individual with developmental disabilities\u00a0can achieve the highest possible quality of life.\u00a0That includes taking care of the whole person.\u00a0Her message is simple, yet profound:<\/p>\n
\u201cStay curious. Don\u2019t be afraid to ask questions.\u00a0Approach others with empathy. Everyone deserves to be valued\u2014let that guide you.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\u201cStay curious. Don\u2019t be afraid to ask questions.\u00a0Approach others with empathy. Everyone deserves to be valued\u2014let that guide you.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n