Hello everyone! I am thrilled and grateful to serve as the 2023-2024 Rotary Club of Mental Health & Wellness President. 

Our club accomplished so much in its first year, none of which would have been possible without our dedicated members and exemplary board of directors. I'm excited to continue with our mission to inspire acceptance, hope, and wellness across the globe.

Mental health is a topic that is very near and dear to my heart, both personally and professionally, as a mental health therapist. 

This year's Rotary International theme is all about creating hope in the world. As members of the Rotary Club of Mental Health & Wellness, we are tasked with spreading hope where it's needed most - in mental health. 

The pandemic left us all feeling the heavy burden of loss and disconnection. We can all relate to this struggle. The good news is that even in times of crisis and adversity, there's always hope. 

I firmly believe that hope is within reach and that each of us has the power to create hope within ourselves and others. Something as simple as being kind to yourself or reaching out to someone who needs support can make a tremendous difference and help create a ripple (butterfly) effect of positive pathways to well-being. 

We are all leaders of our own lives, and when we lead with love, compassion, and empathy, we can help create better futures for ourselves and others.  

Let's work together to create hope through our work as Rotarians. This year we have a lot of exciting service projects, some of which include building community hope gardens in underserved senior communities, purchasing and assembling coping kits for foster youth, building a disability wellness playground, supporting veteran programs, creating a major suicide awareness media campaign, and so much more! We also have some fun fellowship, fundraising, networking, and collaborating opportunities lined up.

Let's be the change that our world needs and cultivate a culture that encourages dialogue and understanding of mental health so that everyone can experience the power and joy of well-being! 

I look forward to being part of this journey with all of you. Let's make it a meaningful year for us all.

Warmly, 

Judith A. Verduzco, LCSW, MPA

President, Rotary Club of Mental Health & Wellness

Founder, Monarchs Therapy