about us

our mission

SafeSpace is a youth-driven, prevention and early intervention mental health organization dedicated to empowering teens and young adults to speak openly about mental health, reduce stigma, and build supportive communities. Through peer-led programs, creative media projects, educational workshops, and community engagement, SafeSpace provides free, non-clinical resources that promote well-being, resilience, and self-care.

Youth Action board

Ariya k.

Menlo School, 12th

Charlotte F.

Sequoia HS, 12th

Ellen K.

Gunn HS, 10th

Elliot H.

Woodside HS, 11th

Eugenie K.

St. Francis Prep, 12th

Kendall L.

Crystal Springs, 9th

Marcus t.

Sacred Heart, 12th

Violet C.

Sacred Heart Prep, 10th

orly G.

Mountain View HS, 12th

Rebecca J.

Woodside HS, 11th

Meet The
Adults

Susan Gordon Bird

CO-FOUNDER & BOARD CHAIR

Liesl Pike Moldow

CO-FOUNDER & BOARD SECRETARY

Annie Kim

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Aris Payan

PROGRAMS MANAGER

Melissa Macias

YOUTH ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR

Randi Cross

Mental Health Navigator,

SafeSpace Alameda County

Samantha Gerber

STRATEGIC ADVISOR-FUNDRAISING

Board of directors

Reza Mafi

Alumni Board Member
SafeSpace Youth Action Board

Dr. Stephanie Brown

Board Member

Dr. Navneet singh

Board Member

Remi Sobomehin

Board Member

Dr. Cheryl Pan

Board Member

  • “SafeSpace is important to me because it fosters an empowering community that I have never experienced before, leading discussions and raising awareness about the importance of youth mental health”

    Christine, Class of 2025, SafeSpace Youth Action Board Alum

  • "SafeSpace gives youth a voice on a topic that many people are reluctant to hear about. It encourages teens to be leaders on issues that are important to them and provides us with the ability to make action happen."

    Rhea, Class of 2025, SafeSpace Youth Action Board Alum

  • "SafeSpace has been such an incredible presence in my life. Never before have I felt so empowered to speak up and supported by an understanding community. They bring out the best in teens."

    Will, Class of 2023, SafeSpace Youth Action Board Alum

  • “SafeSpace has provided me with a space where I can feel supported by everyone around me and work with likeminded people who share the same passion for mental health. I feel safe and comfortable opening up when I'm with SafeSpace"

    Kaila, Class of 2024, SafeSpace Youth Action Board Alum

  • "SafeSpace has left a deep emotional impact on me and many of its teens. Through SafeSpace, I developed my own capacities for empathy, open-mindedness, and human connection. I found a community of understanding amidst collections of diverse stories, some of which uncannily resembled my own, and feel so grateful to have joined."

    Chloe, Class of 2022, SafeSpace Youth Action Board Alum

Our Partners