DEIB Meetings
We prioritize Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at STCS by learning and growing together, on a regular basis. We provide training and education to staff at least once a month and we are able to share ideas and create change within and outside of STCS by making intentional time to collaborate and take action together. You’ll see some of our “DEIB in action” activities in our contract to provide support to Planned Parenthood staff, Women’s Empowerment Weekends, Trips to cultural centers and museums, and other community projects.
DEIB meetings at Stronger Together Community Services are both fun and productive. In our connection with one another we find inspiration, share ideas, and take action. We are so proud of our team and how they show up for one another and navigate challenging times with vulnerability, strength, and commitment to our purpose as helpers. We are truly Stronger Together.
Live Well San Diego Partnership
In 2024 STCS became a Live Well Partner with the County of San Diego! This is an exciting honor for STCS and allows us to serve more of our community members and participate in events throughout the year that promote mental health and wellness.
During our time as a Live Well Partner, we have been able to connect with other organizations and community members who have shared values: accessible mental health care for all, destigmatizing therapy, and creating meaningful partnerships to support our dedicated frontline workers in the medical and behavioral health communities.
To learn more about Live Well San Diego, please visit: https://www.livewellsd.org/home
To learn more about partnerships and find other helpful organizations please visit the Live well Partner Page: https://www.livewellsd.org/i-want-to/partner/find-a-partner
AEDP Training with Ben Medley
In September 2024, STCS Hosted AEDP Senior Faculty in San Diego for a training about using Portrayals in Psychotherapy. We had an enriching experience with lecture based learning, role plays, intensive supervision, and team building activities. Ben brought an incredible wealth of knowledge to us and Allison had the privilege to co-teach with him and share her insights as a newly certified AEDP supervisor. This is just one of the many ways that STCS prioritizes training and education for the staff. We infused joy, connection, and fun into our weekend, too!
Introduction to the DMM Training
Allison was recently accepted to International Association for the Study of Attachment (IASA)Multi-Skilled Leadership Fellowship for promoting, teaching and research using the Dynamic Maturation Model of Attachment (DMM). Allison facilitated an introductory course to the staff, to help them better understand the nuances of attachment, development, and pathology. The training was experiential in nature, offering opportunities for the staff to watch clinical material and discuss their cases using their new knowledge of attachment strategies across the lifespan. We also hosted a social hour and a group lunch, to enhance our learning and spend more time integrating the concepts and connecting with one another.
STCS x Kitty Corn
Kitty Corn, is a children’s book that has inspired the STCS Crew. She is a whimsical fusion of a kitten and a unicorn and her playful and magical nature sparks creativity, encouraging individuals to embrace imagination and joy. Kitty Corn symbolizes uniqueness and self-acceptance, reminding people to celebrate their individuality and dreams. Kitty’s blend of softness and strength also conveys resilience, inspiring us to navigate challenges with grace and optimism. Through cute and vibrant imagery, Kitty Corn brings comfort and happiness. STCS has Kitty Corn themed parties where we find ways to embrace our own positivity and wonder.
STCS Supports Spring Valley Community
STCS was asked to facilitate a community dialogue with the Casa de Oro Alliance in Spring Valley, to help the community come together after a significant flood. Allison led an engaging discussion about how to connect in times of distress, seek support, and advocate in effective ways. The STCS team was able to meet with community members individually and in small groups and lead conversations that supported people to move towards solutions and find hope in partnership with one another and in the larger community.
2024 End of the Year Celebration!
The team enjoyed two celebrations to honor our hard work, commitment and dedication to our clients and community in 2024. We started with a party at the office where we made some crafts, connected and exchanged gifts! Later, we headed to the San Diego Zoo! We had an incredible time with one another and laughed our way through the animal encounters!
San Diego Business Journal “Businesswoman of the Year” Awards
Dr. Brownlee was honored as a finalist at the 2024 San Diego Business Woman of the Year Awards. The STCS team celebrated Dr. Brownlee, and the other influential women in our community. The luncheon was a great time to celebrate the accomplishments of the finalists and winners of the 2024 award.
Allison Receives an Award!
Allison and a few members of the STCS leadership team took a road trip to Los Angeles to the 2024 CAMFT Annual Conference, where Allison was given the Mary Riemersma Distinguished Clinical Member Award. The team was excited to share in this experience and celebrate Allison and the work she has done to support and grow the field of Marriage and Family Therapy. The award Allison received is the highest honor awarded in CAMFT and is given to the therapist who has given outstanding service in the field of marriage and family therapy, and who is engaged in the advancement of this field. We are very proud of Allison and her leadership and excited to share some pictures from our adventure and celebrations!
STCS is the 2024 Neighborhood All Star
STCS was given the “2024 Neighborhood All Star” award by the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce on July 10, 2024. A few members of the team accepted the award and celebrated with the other small business award winners in our community. STCS is proud to be honored with this title, reserved for “the small business that epitomizes community spirit, fostering connections and making a significant and positive impact within its neighborhood.” Thank you to our wonderful team and their commitment to our clients and our community. Without our staff, we could not do the meaningful things we do, and have such an amazing experience, together, as we change lives and build community. Each member of STCS brings something unique to us, and they also bring shared values and dedication to the growth and healing of others (and ourselves in the process). We are so very proud of STCS!
Annual Law and Ethics Training with David Jensen
Every year we welcome David Jensen, an expert attorney for therapists in the state of California. David offers unique and engaging trainings that support the STCS principles and he helps us learn and grow! To learn more about David Jensen and his commitment to mental health practitioners, please visit
Behind the Scenes Chamber of Commerce Interview!
Dr. Brownlee participated in the Get Fit SD 2024 initiative through the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, you can see her interview here: YouTube In the interview Dr. Brownlee answers questions and talks about issues related to “Navigating Mental Health Challenges in Today’s World.”
Thanks to our DEIB director, Jennifer, for offering support and laughter during the preparation and recording!
Love Your Heart
As a Live Well San Diego Partner, STCS was able to be a host site for the county’s yearly “Love Your Heart”event. Our team volunteered at LYH and offered support to those who participated.
Love Your Heart is an annual event in which organizations from across the U.S. and Mexico join together to provide FREE blood pressure screenings to the public on or near Valentine’s Day. Annually, Love Your Heart helps tens of thousands of people get to know their blood pressure numbers and take charge of their own heart health.To learn more about Love Your Heart event and initiative, please visit: https://www.livewellsd.org/events/love-your-hear
STCS Presents to County Public Health Nurses!
In March 2024, STCS had the opportunity to present to a group of San Diego County Public Health Nurses! We brought in our stress management skills, emotion regulation activities, and general ways to cope with the stresses of frontline medical work. We are honored to be about to support these heros in our community and to see and hear their experiences with compassion and care. We are passionate about this work, if you know an organization or company who could benefit from this type of presentation, please contact allison@strongertogethersd.org
STCS Team Building and Celebrations
The STCS crew knows how to have fun and create spaces where everyone belongs. We take several days a year to create and maintain a strong and safe culture at STCS. We find creative ways to work together, challenge ourselves, and build strong relationships. Celebrating one another’s accomplishments is one of our favorite activities at STCS!
Planned Parenthood Partnership
The team at Stronger Together travels to Planned Parenthood Health Centers and administrative offices in the Pacific Southwest Region and offers trauma informed-social justice oriented support groups for staff members in all roles. The STCS crew is dedicated to supporting the important work that Planned Parenthood does in our community and across the US. We are honored to assist the organization as they face social and political challenges and continue to provide excellent care to people who need them the most.
Fun in the Office
The work we do at STCS is meaningful, fulfilling, inspiring and it can be challenging. Having a team of people to support you, make you laugh, and connect with you makes the tough days easier and the fun times even better. We work to create an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome and knows they matter!
Women’s Empowerment Weekends
STCS Values in Action! We are honored to support women+ on their journey to self -confidence as they identify the roots of anxiety, learn coping skills, and build community with others with similar stories. Each workshop is unique and filled with activities that that allow women+ to embody empowerment and lean into their strengths. Many of our groups center around creative practices, physical activities, and emotional processing work. If you have questions or would like to register for an upcoming event, please email Dr. Brownlee at Allison@Strongertogethersd.org. Scholarships and Payment Plans are available for everyone who attends.
Fundraising!
STCS loves to host fundraisers in the community and support local businesses! We also appreciate all of the love and kindness we receive when we are out and about talking about our work! We’ve been able to raise funds for our Domestic Violence Survivor’s Retreat, our suicide prevention efforts, and the LGBTQIA+ clients we serve, so we can offer low and no fee services to those receiving therapy at STCS.
STCS Staff Groups
Barona Cultural Center
We had the honor of visiting the Barona Cultural Center inOctober 2023. We walked away with invaluable knowledge and increased cultural awareness that greatly shifted our global perspectives. The Barona Cultural Center staff created a full day of experiential learning, including some amazing hands-on activities and a museum tour.
Dog Halloween Party
STCS hosted a dog Halloween costume contest in 2021 to raise funds for our work with low and no fee clients. And the winner was…. BUTTERFLY! Thanks to everyone who supported us and if you are interested in donating to STCS please visit us at:
Boo Bash
We put our values into action at the 2022 Boo Bash event. Our team supported the event hosted by TransFamily Support Services by participating in the Wall of Love (a barrier between youth entering the event and protestors) to ensure that children and their families were met with kind faces and joyous expressions of excitement! To learn more about TransFamily Support Services and the important services they provide to the community please visit https://transfamilysos.org
