Native American Student Support and Success Program Hosted Mindfulness Walk
The Native American Student Support and Success Program (NASSSP) recently hosted a mindfulness walk, open to all, offering a chance to take a break and relax. The Ridgecrest campus walk was held on September 12th and the Bishop campus walk was held on September 19th.
Leticia Gonzales, Program Coordinator and Bishop Paiute tribe member, shared more about the NASSSP program: "NASSSP is committed to enriching the college experience for our students. We are proud to introduce mental health therapy services, aimed at easing the mental load our students carry. By offering a safe space to discuss challenges beyond academics, we aim to empower them with the support they need to thrive both personally and academically.
Our mindfulness walks were designed to help students step away from the busyness of back-to-school life, while also introducing our NASSSP therapist, Kiana Miallet."
Dr. Kiana Miallet is a member of the Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Tribe (Lone Pine, CA).
Betzabel Martinez, Director of Equity and Inclusion, emphasized how meaningful it is to have Dr. Miallet, a Native therapist, supporting students within the service area. “Dr. Miallet's unique perspective and background as one of the few Native therapists in California allows her to offer culturally relevant care. This highlights Cerro Coso’s ongoing dedication to fostering inclusivity and providing support that resonates with the lived experiences of Native students and their communities.”
Services are now available. If any Cerro Coso NASSSP student seeks services, please contact Leticia Gonzales at Leticia.gonzales1@cerrocoso.edu.
For more information on the NASSSP program, contact Betzabel.martinez@cerrocoso.edu.
Caption: Attendees walking near the Ridgecrest campus.
