2026 Clinical Pearl Speakers

Adrienne Lee, ASW, PPS is a school-based mental health clinician in the Live Oak School District. She has experience in community mental health, K–12 school social work and mental health counseling, and spent several years as a volunteer on the suicide prevention lifeline. She enjoys working in the community in which she grew up.

Zak Bauman (she/her), is an LCSW and Clinical Director of Special Programs at PVPSA. Zak is a former schoolteacher, ballroom dance instructor for 26 years and professional modern dancer. She raised two children into adulthood in Santa Cruz. Zak has been instrumental in growing the Crisis team at PVPSA; she is passionate about working with youth and their families. She also currently oversees the Kid’s Korner Program, providing supervision and placement of Master’s level interns.

Social Worker and School Counselor

Steve Perez is a dedicated school counselor and community advocate with over 25 years of experience supporting students’ success, behavioral health and social-emotional development. Holding a Master’s degree in School Social Work , Steve specializes in comprehensive counseling programs, behavioral interventions, and restorative justice practices. His work with youth began in South Central Los Angeles where he led impactful gang intervention efforts. Today, he is currently employed with Santa Cruz City Schools where he implements multi-tiered support systems, facilitates crisis intervention, and promotes equity and inclusion practices for all students. Steve’s work encompasses substance abuse, gang intervention, conflict resolution and community organizing, with a focus on fostering culturally responsive and trauma informed practices.

Karissa Lopez, LMFT, DBT-C is an Access Clinician at Santa Cruz County Children’s Behavioral Health, where she also facilitates the Dialectical Behavior Therapy Learning Community and provides a 6-week post-hospitalization DBT program. A graduate of Santa Clara University, she specializes in working with children, adolescents, and families experiencing behavioral health crises, including self-harm and suicidal ideation. Her approach integrates DBT with trauma-informed, strength-based care to support young people in building skills for sustainable recovery.