Our Founders

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.  Mental Health is now the bully and together we stand up.  I am proud of this organization and I think he would be too." 

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!"  

   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." 

 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.  

 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.

  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."  

  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."