Healthy Teen Network is honored to recognize the “Dream Team” with the 2018 Spirit of Service Award in recognition of their exceptionally strong commitment to community and youth. Despite obstacles that have arisen with the implementation of the California Healthy Youth Act in San Diego, this group of collaborators known as the “Dream Team”—which includes Tara Beeston, Chrissy Cmorik, and Rachel Miller—are #StandingStrong.

Rachel Miller, MEd, manages the San Diego Unified School District’s Sexual Health Education Program. In this role, she oversees classroom-based sexual health education and teacher trainings, facilitates safe campus climates, and provides supports for students seeking sexual health services. Since January 2016, Rachel has collaborated with numerous district and community partners to successfully implement the requirements of the CA Healthy Youth Act within her district in grades 6-12. She has also advised and assisted numerous other districts in San Diego County and across California on implementing this supportive law.

As STD Prevention Program Manager for the County of San Diego’s HIV, STD and Hepatitis Branch of Public Health Services, Tara Beeston, MPH, coordinates and oversees numerous State-funded programs to increase awareness of STD prevention and promote sexual health among San Diego’s 3.3 million residents. Tara is passionate about providing comprehensive, approachable, and non-judgmental sexual health education to diverse audiences and works within schools, community-based organizations, and health centers to initiate and support efforts to improve sexual health outcomes. For the past five years, Tara has worked closely with the California Department of Education and the California Department of Public Health to provide guidance and training to San Diego County school districts supporting their delivery of comprehensive sexual health education to all their students.

Chrissy Cmorik is the Education Manager for the Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest’s Community Engagement Department. Her role includes providing professional trainings, managing programs, facilitating a group for young mothers, developing presentations, and providing quality assurance. Chrissy has worked on several agency initiatives, including integrating better screening and support for survivors of violence and the use of technology to reach young people. Chrissy has also volunteered at The Center for Community Solutions since 2004 as a Sexual Assault Counselor, where she provides hospital accompaniment, resources, and support to survivors of sexual assault.

Healthy Teen Network will celebrate the Dream Team’s efforts by presenting the Spirit of Service award on Tuesday, October 23, 2018, during the awards luncheon at the Hyatt Mission Bay Spa & Marina in San Diego, CA.