Belinda Hernandez Arriaga

Dr. Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga is the founder and executive director of ALAS. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, registered with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, and an Assistant Professor in the Counseling Psychology program at the University of San Francisco. Her expertise focuses on mental health within the Latino community, understanding trauma in immigrant children and families, and supporting farmworker mental health.

Dr. Hernandez-Arriaga has launched significant community mental health initiatives at ALAS, including advocacy for systemic change in care and access within the Coastside program. She was inducted into the San Mateo County Women’s Hall of Fame and appointed as the San Mateo County District 3 Arts Commissioner. Her research examines cultural interventions to address trauma and farmworker mental health.

She is also the author of the award-winning children's book, Love and Monsters in Sofia’s Life, and has been a longtime member of the Bay Area Border Relief.