The Z-Cares Initiative is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting our youth struggling with mental health challenges and shedding stigma through evidence-based program offerings.

Our mission is to create pro-active communities that enable teens who struggle from mental health challenges to reach out for help and resources and enable community members to reach in with resources and support. Z-Cares strives to end the stigma associated with mental health while creating a shared understanding among teens and adults it is ‘ok to not be ok.'

Our Founders

Steve NImmo, Co-Founder

Samantha Nimmo, Co-Founder

Mannie Nimmo, Co-Founder

Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor

Youth Mental Health First Aider

Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor

Youth Mental Health First Aider

"In reflecting on my role in Z-Cares Foundation and why I want to be involved in something this special. In October of 2018 our world would shift forever and as a family we needed to decide a new direction. Zachary was such a special person and we knew we had to honor him in a very special way. Z-Cares allows us to help others in his honor. He was the one who quickly stood up to a bully for a friend, so we are doing to same in his name. Anxiety is now the bully and together we stand up. I am proud of this organization and I think he would be too."

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Mannie Nimmo, Co-Founder

Samantha Nimmo, Co-Founder

Mannie Nimmo, Co-Founder

Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor

Youth Mental Health First Aider

Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor

Youth Mental Health First Aider

"When asked WHY I do what I do with Z-Cares, I always answer the same - one can curl up in a ball and do nothing or one can keep the sunshine alive by making sure we learn to deal with the dark shadows that pop up in everyone's life and learn to TALK about them. This is what Z-Cares is all about - starting and keeping the conversation about mental health going and getting people to realize mental health is as important as physical health and we need to treat it that way!"

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Samantha Nimmo, Co-Founder

Youth Mental Health First Aider

"A lot of people ask me why i’m involved in a foundation around mental health. My answer is simple, because of my brother Zachary. The life that he lived helping others empowers me everyday to spread the message about how important mental health is. No one should live with the weight that anxiety and depression puts upon you. It's our mission at Z-Cares to show people it’s simply okay not to be okay. I am beyond proud and passionate to help break the stigma around mental health. Mental health is beyond important to our overall well being and not enough people believe this yet."

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Our Board of Directors

Karin Gornick, Vice President

Youth Mental Health First Aider

Ken Nimmo, Vice President

Karin Gornick, Vice President

Youth Mental Health First Aider

"This cause is important to me because we all struggle at one time or another. We need to talk about it. There should be a perception of strength to ask for help or to speak up. That is change I want to help make."

Laurie Whiteland, Treasurer

Karin Gornick, Vice President

Laurie Whiteland, Treasurer

Youth Mental Health First Aider

Michael Gallagher

Natalie Hung, Vice President

Laurie Whiteland, Treasurer

Youth Mental Health First Aider

"As a Dad of four young adults as well serving as a youth minister and youth sports coach for many years, I have witnessed first hand and engaged with many of our teens who are struggling with and striving to cope with anxiety and other mental health challenges. I love our youth and am excited to serve wi

Youth Mental Health First Aider

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Natalie Hung, Vice President

Youth Mental Health First Aider

"I joined Z-Cares to help families in their journey as they struggle with mental health. Mental Health awareness is important to me and my family. I look to share the message to be positive, stay strong and things can get better."

Raquel Lozares, Secretary

Natalie Hung, Vice President

Youth Mental Health First Aider

Scilla Andreen

Steve McCoy Thompson

Youth Mental Health First Aider

"I met the Nimmo family under unfortunate circumstances when they lost their son Zachary. I connected with them in a way I don't always connect with people. They didn't just move my heart, they inspired me. Z-Cares Foundation felt like part of my family and I wanted to be part of it and I felt I had something I could contribute. I personally believe in the mission. We should be able to jump in and help without hesitation if someone is struggling and find the courage for ourselves to speak up if we are struggling. That is whyI joined Z-Cares and am honored to a part of it."

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Steve McCoy Thompson

Youth Mental Health First Aider

"I believe in people. I particularly believe in the potential of young people. I believe if we can help them to connect with others and ultimately to themselves, we will help them realize their own potential"

Theresa Sherry

Steve McCoy Thompson

Theresa Sherry

Youth Mental Health First Aider

" Z-Cares is important to me because of the experiences I have had with angst, depression, and anxiety myself. I have moved through life often succeeding on paper, or according to society's measures, but sometimes I have felt like I am simply hiding in plain sight. The things that Z-cares is promoting awareness around are things that were often a part of my daily experience, but the way they showed up for me did not fit the assumptions society has traditionally made around what depression looks like. I am also very happy, optimistic, and a lover of life, and I want to be involved with this organization in a way that shows others how to live authentically with all of these emotions, thoughts, and qualities that can simultaneously make up a person's identity. Z-cares is actively addressing some of the most important issues facing people of all ages these days, and I am proud to be part of the movement."

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Our Youth Board

Allison

Youth Mental Health First Aider

" I don't want anyone to be afraid to speak up about their mental health. It's a super important part of your overall health and impacts every aspect of your life. I want to make sure people know that it's not only ok, but it's encouraged, to speak out about it."

Amy

Allison

"As someone who has struggled with anxiety, I have experienced firsthand the deafening silence surrounding mental illness. I know how difficult it can be to speak up about something that feels so isolating. I joined the Z-Cares board in order to help others speak up about mental health, hoping to find my own voice along the way. I am still learning how to jump these hurdles, and I hope I can help others going through similar things. I am very excited to be joining the Z-Cares team so that I can start making real, positive change."

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Caty

Allison

Derek

Youth Mental Health First Aider

"Mental heath is important to me because of all the unspoken suffering. I never want someone struggling with their mental health to feel alone. The more we speak openly about depression and anxiety, the easier it might be for someone to reach out for help!"

Derek

"I have always personally struggled with mental health but it was not until I lost a family member to the effects of mental health did I start trying to turn my life around. They were someone who shared similar struggles. Now I intend on making sure I’m there to support anyone struggling with any type of problem, in memory of my cousin."

Fiona

Derek

Fiona

"Mental health is important to me because it hits close to home and I also struggle with anxiety/depression. This board will allow me to express my concerns about mental health and also provide ideas to help the board. I am very excited to be joining this board!"

Jai

Derek

Fiona

Youth Mental Health First Aider

"I am excited to contribute to breaking down the stigmatization around mental health. To me, mental health should be just as prioritized as physical health as it shapes the type of people we are in our daily lives. It is important to me to put out the message of speaking openly about your mental health in order for people to live full and happy lives"

Josh

Kaylee

"Mental health is important to me because I want to help as many people as possible get to a better place in their life."

Kaylee

"To me, mental health is fundamental to overall health and a key component of who we are. We don’t have someone with a broken leg keep walking, but people suffer silently from mental illnesses every day. I am extremely excited to work with Z Cares to normalize the conversation about mental health and eliminate the stigma."

Kiedra

Kaylee

Natalie

"Mental health is important to me because it is something many people suffer from but there is still a stigma regarding it. I love the idea of breaking the stigma and allowing open discussions about mental health. Having people who you know support you is such an important aspect of mental health."

Natalie

Youth Mental Health First Aider

"Mental health is important to me because a lot of people suffer from anxiety and depression, and they do not realize that it is a normal thing to experience. I want people to know that they are not alone and that they can get through this. I’m very excited to be a part of z cares and to be able to spread awareness!"

Patrick

Natalie

Patrick

Youth Mental Health First Aider

"Mental health is important to me because it foundations a long, loving, and fulfilling life. Mental health is a fundamental pillar to our well being. As a member of the Z-Cares youth board, I hope we can use our leverage to spread meaningful awareness and conversation about Z-Cares and mental health."

Our Board of Advisors

Mark A. Reinecke, Ph.D.

Vanessa Varrelman , LMFT

Mark A. Reinecke, Ph.D. is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. He served for 18 years as Professor and Chief of the Division of Psychology at Northwestern. Prior to this he served for 14 years as the Director of the Center for Cognitive Therapy in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Chicago. He is a Distinguished Fellow and former president of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy, and a Diplomat of the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) in both Clinical Psychology and Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology. Dr. Reinecke also is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, the Association for Psychological Science, and the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies. He is the recipient of the Cynthia D. Belar Distinguished Service Award from the American Psychological Association. His research and clinical interests center on understanding and treating depression, suicide, and anxiety among children and adolescents. He has lectured internationally and has served as a visiting professor at institutions in Europe and Asia. Dr. Reinecke is widely published, and has authored or edited eleven books, including Cognitive therapy across the lifespan, Comparative treatments of depression, Cognitive therapy with children and adolescents, Personality disorders in children and adolescents, and Cognitive-behavioral therapy with adults. His first book for a general audience, Little ways to keep calm and carry on was published by New Harbinger. A new book, Landmark papers in psychiatry, (Oxford University Press) was published earlier this year.

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Vanessa Varrelman , LMFT

Youth Mental Health First Aider

Vanessa Varrelman is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Credentialed School Counselor in the Tri Valley. Vanessa received her Master of Science in Counseling, and Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) credential from California State University East Bay. With experience working in: youth programs, group therapy centers, education, and private practice, she specializes in working with youth and their families to navigate challenges of childhood and adolescence. Utilizing client-centered, solution-focused, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, Vanessa supports clients on their journey towards mental wellness. Vanessa is passionate about: mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and ending the stigma surrounding mental health through education and advocacy. For self-care Vanessa enjoys the outdoors.

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Our Press

Pleasanton Weekly - Z-Cares raising youth mental health awareness with Stand UP campaign (October 2020)
Pleasanton Weekly - Z-Cares Invite People to Share "What Makes me Happy" (May 2020)
HVY.COM - Z-Cares Launches "What Makes Me Happy Challenge" (May 2020)
California Schools Publications - Addressing Teen Mental Health (April 2020)
Livermore Independent - Conference to Open Dialogue on Anxiety (March 2020)
KTVU - Step Forward Event Promotion (March 2020)
People Magazine - Family Dedicated to Anxiety, Depression Awareness (December 2019)
Pleasanton Weekly - Nimmo Family (November 2019)
KTVU - Angst Screening Promotion (November 2019)
Pleasanton Weekly - Honoring 2019 Tri-Valley Heroes (October 2019)
Pleasanton Weekly - Tri Valley Hero Awards (October 2019)
Sunday Morning Magazine with Rodney Lear (June 2, 2019)
Pleasanton Weekly - Standing Up to Anxiety (March 8, 2019)
Positive Parenting - Mr Dad Interview (January 2019)
KTVU - Z-Cares First Screening (December 10, 2018)
East Bay Times - Z-Cares Advocates Mental Health Awareness (December 11, 2018)
Pleasanton Weekly - Upcoming Screening of Angst (December 6, 2018)

Our Inspiration: Zachary Nimmo

Meet Zachary

Z-Cares Foundation is in honor of Zachary Nimmo. The Nimmo Family, Zachary’s Mom, Dad and Sister Samantha along with their extended family and amazing friends created Z-Cares Foundation in response to the outpouring of love and affection for Zachary during, and after his life. Z-Cares is a non-profit foundation with the goal of keeping Zachary’s memory alive and generating the funding necessary to support programs that will help remove the stigma of anxiety and mental illness.

Imagine, you get a common cold, it's no big deal. Your cold gets worse, you now have pneumonia, what do you do? Of course you go to the doctor. Why do we treat anxiety different? You experience mild anxiety due to an upcoming test, it's no big deal. Your anxiety gets worse, you are now isolated in your room and withdrawn from your friends, what do you do. Too often we do nothing and say nothing. Everyone has anxiety, don’t let it reach dangerous levels. Anxiety isn’t cool, but talking about it is!

Zachary had a zest for life, he was a son, a brother, a nephew, a cousin, a grandson, a teammate and most importantly, a friend. He was liked by everyone and always put others needs ahead of his own. Who was Zachary? Zachary would stand up to bullies who were picking on a friend. That is who Zachary was. If he knocked down an opponent on the sports field, he would help him up. That is who Zachary was. He would torment his sister until they both laughed about it. That is who Zachary was. Zachary was known by his friends as a ‘Hybrid’; He was an athlete, excelling in lacrosse and soccer and he was a self proclaimed ‘geek’, loving fishing, gaming and comics. That is who Zachary was. We can all learn from how Zachary lived.

What was not known was the severity of Zachary’s anxiety. Without an understanding of anxiety, Zachary was referred to as shy; It was anxiety. Experiencing teen hormones; It was anxiety. He began to withdraw from his friends; it was anxiety He stopped participating in team sports; It was anxiety. He spent most of his time alone; It was anxiety. He was seeking medical and psychological help, but it was too late.

In Zachary’s honor, Z-Cares Foundation will start the conversation about anxiety and keep it going. If you feel you are experiencing anxiety, say something; if you see a friend experiencing anxiety, say something, don’t let a minor anxiety issue become something dangerous, say something.

We are all in this together and no one fights alone LET'S TALK ABOUT IT!