Michelle Elizabeth Gabaldon

I attribute my success to the values of resilience, integrity, compassion, and faith — principles that have guided me through every chapter of my life. My time in the military taught me discipline, perseverance, and the importance of serving with purpose, lessons that continue to shape how I lead and care for others in the behavioral health field. Throughout my journey, I’ve learned that true leadership comes from service, humility, and authenticity. I have faced my share of challenges, and I know what it’s like to struggle, those life experiences have given me the ability to see the world through a different lens, one filled with empathy, understanding, and grace. I was taught to lead with both strength and softness, to stand firm in my values while meeting others where they are. Beyond my professional path, I am a proud wife and mother of three, blessed to have shared 18 years of marriage with my husband, whose unwavering support continues to fuel my purpose. I was raised by my grandparents, Miguel and Graciela Sanchez , humble farm workers who taught me the value of hard work, humility, and integrity. Their lessons are the foundation of who I am and the driving force behind my commitment to helping others rise above their circumstances. Every day, I carry the lessons of my upbringing, my service, and my faith into my work and leadership. To me, success isn’t measured by titles or achievements, but by how we serve others, create opportunities, and inspire hope — one life at a time.

The best career advice I’ve ever received was to “lead with purpose, not position.” It reminded me that real leadership isn’t about titles or recognition, it’s about serving others, staying grounded in your values, and never losing sight of why you started. Throughout my journey, from my time in the military to my work in mental health, I’ve learned that humility, consistency, and integrity open more doors than ambition alone. When you focus on making a difference rather than proving yourself, success naturally follows. That advice continues to guide me every day, especially in my role leading CalAIM programs, where purpose and compassion must always come before process and paperwork.

My advice to young women entering the mental health and human services field is to trust your voice, lead with empathy, and never lose sight of your “why.” This work can be demanding and emotional, but it’s also incredibly meaningful. Every interaction, every client, every moment of advocacy has the power to change a life. Don’t let titles or systems intimidate you. You belong in every room where care, change, and leadership are needed. Stay grounded in your values, seek mentorship, and surround yourself with people who uplift and challenge you. And most importantly, surround yourself with amazing women who inspire you but also lift you up, I’m blessed to have two best friends who continue to encourage, ground, and support me through every season of my journey. Remember that strength and compassion are not opposites, they are partners. In this field, your ability to care deeply is your superpower. Lead boldly, stay humble, and know that your presence can open doors for the women who will come after you.

One of the biggest challenges in the mental health and human services field today is addressing the growing demand for care amid workforce shortages and fragmented systems that often leave vulnerable individuals without coordinated support. Yet within these challenges lie incredible opportunities — particularly through initiatives like CalAIM, which emphasize whole-person care, prevention, and the integration of physical and behavioral health. As our field evolves, there’s a powerful shift toward cultural competency, community-based services, and technology-driven access, creating space for diverse professionals, especially from Hispanic and Latino communities, to lead and shape more equitable systems of care. The opportunity now is to transform how we deliver mental health services — making them more compassionate, connected, and accessible for every individual and family we serve.

For me, confidence and humility are not opposites, they’re a reflection of knowing who you are and why you lead. I’ve learned that true confidence comes from a place of service, not ego. My military background taught me discipline and strength, while my work in mental health reminds me daily of the power of compassion, listening, and leading with heart. As a leader, I project confidence by showing up prepared, grounded in my purpose, and unafraid to make hard decisions when they serve the greater good. But I stay humble by remembering that leadership is not about control, it’s about connection. Every person on my team has a story, a strength, and a voice worth hearing. I also credit MindCure and MindDivers, along with our incredible leadership team — CEO Dr. Debra Winegarden and COO Nathan Lacle — for modeling what it means to lead with both vision and humility. Their mentorship has given me the opportunity to take charge of meaningful programs while reminding me that true leadership is about empowering others and building trust through authenticity. Beyond my professional path, I am a proud wife and mother of three, blessed to have shared 18 years of marriage with my husband, whose unwavering support continues to fuel my passion and purpose. Growing up, I was raised by my grandparents, Miguel and Graciela Sanchez — humble farm workers who taught me the true meaning of integrity, perseverance, and the value of hard work. Their lessons are the foundation of who I am today and the driving force behind my commitment to helping others rise above their circumstances. Every day, I carry the lessons learned from my time in service, resilience, integrity, and compassion, and channel them into a new kind of mission: serving my community, one life at a time. The values most important to me, both in my work and personal life, are compassion, integrity, and balance. As a counselor, I believe in meeting people where they are, offering empathy without judgment, and creating space for growth and healing. As a wife and mother of three, family is at the heart of everything I do. I value setting healthy boundaries, making time for family, and caring for my own well-being through working out, hiking, and traveling. Maintaining this balance allows me to show up fully, both for my clients and my loved ones.