About Us
Who We ARE
TabiMOMS is dedicated to eradicating barriers to access of the mental and behavioral health systems that have systematically and historically excluded communities. We seek to meet the needs and advance overall wellness and outcomes for families of adolescent and transitional aged youth (ages 16 to 25) with a mental health diagnosis who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), single parent (guardian) households, LGBTQIA2S+ who are impacted by foster care and/or the criminal justice systems.
"The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any.” — Alice Walker.
Our Commitment
At TabiMOMS, we hold the following values:
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Equality: We believe that everyone deserves equal access to mental and behavioral health services.
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Integrity: We operate with transparency and honesty, putting the needs of our community first.
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Empathy: We prioritize understanding and empathy towards all individuals and their experiences, regardless of their background or experiences.
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Collaboration: We work collaboratively with individuals, families, communities, and organizations to create positive change.
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Education: We believe in educating individuals and families empowers them to take control of their mental and behavioral health.
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Inclusion: We will ensure individuals, families and communities are recognized, respected and empowered, free of judgment.
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Diversity: We believe the cultivation of experiences will guide our organization with the services and support that best reflects the needs of the individual, family and community.
How Do We Help?
We envision implementing unbiased, approachable crisis models that will reflect a level of response and intervention that is most appropriate.
TabiMOMS will aid families of transitional aged youth to identify, screen and assist with the assessment of cultural affirming mental health, wellness and social support services.
Through collaborative efforts, TabiMOMS and aligned community partners, will provide outreach services with care and dignity to populations that have been historically marginalized and left experiencing multiple barriers to care and treatment. Our alliance will respond with a relevant crisis after care plan that will be managed as it incorporates a process of destabilization and follow up care with specified multidisciplinary team members.
Recognizing how the associated trauma, lack of resources and overall effect of such experiences has on households, TabiMOMS will put forward the necessary resources to directly support sustainable growth and equality for impacted families.
"All of us are put in boxes by our family, by our religion, by our society, our moment in history, even our own bodies. Some people have the courage to break free.”— Geena Rocero
Meet the Founder: Courtney Davis
Courtney is a mother, sister, friend, community advocate, community researcher, and the vision behind TabiMOMS. TabiMOMS was created based on her personal experience navigating the mental/behavioral health systems in her community on behalf of her child, Tabitha (nicknamed “Tabi”). Their journey, which included limited access to the mental and behavioral health resources within the community, brought about feelings of inadequacy as a single parent and being criminalized when exploring support and care for her child. Their journey exposed the realization that families and communities that systematically and historically have been marginalized, continue to face significant barriers to accessing care.
TabiMOMS Board of Directors
Courtney Davis
Founder/Executive Director
Born and raised in San Francisco, Courtney graduated with her B.A. in Criminal Justice from San Francisco State University and is currently in the Counseling  Psychology Graduate Program at Golden Gate University. Though most of her work background is in the legal field, she made the shift into non-profit health care due to the mission-driven focus and personal experience. "Realizing this journey was not going to be easy, I allowed the pain and challenges experienced when seeking care and support for my child and family, to lead rather than consume me. My hope is to use my voice as a tool to inspire other single parents/guardians to build a movement that will force systems to be equitable,  morally and culturally competent" she said.
Dr. Tiffáni Thomas, EdD
Director
With a deep-rooted passion for social justice, Dr. Tiffáni Thomas has dedicated her life and career to making a positive impact on the lives of those who face systemic barriers and injustices. Her work encompasses a range of areas, with a particular focus on advocating for marginalized communities in the healthcare space. Dr. Thomas understands the vital importance of destigmatizing mental health issues and ensuring that everyone has access to quality mental healthcare. She enthusiastically utilizes her education and professional expertise to champion causes dedicated to achieving health equity. Through her advocacy efforts, she works to raise awareness, promote mental health education, and advocate for policies that support mental well-being.
Jasmine Pickens
Director
Jasmine graduated with a Master of Science in Marriage and Family therapy and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Couples and family therapy at Alliant University. She has 10 years of experience in mental health treatment with the last 7 years focused on providing psychiatric inpatient care. Jasmine is excited to work with an organization that is breaking down treatment barriers and sharing her expertise in navigating the mental health world!
Melissa Ausilio
Board
Governance and Development Committee
Melissa brings over 12 years of experience serving the community through direct service and leadership in nonprofit, business, and government sectors. Melissa's work in the mental health field has spanned both adult and childrens systems of care, including Wraparound and Full Service Partnership (FSP) programs. Her passion for community wellbeing and system transformation is fueled by her lived experience and work within marginalized communities. Melissa is a native of southern California, graduate of Mental Health America of Los Angeles' Jump Start program and holds her MBA from the UC Davis School of Management.
Sarina Tortoriello
Executive and Governance Committees
Board
Sarina Tortoriello is a Massachusetts native who relocated to California in 2011. She was a Solano County resident for four years where she witnessed the gaps in the medical and response systems surrounding behavioral and mental health in underrepresented communities. She currently serves as an Executive Business Partner and has spent her professional career supporting senior executives in spaces such as tech, trust & safety, cybersecurity, business & ads, non-profit healthcare, and pharmaceuticals. Sarina has obtained a Bachelor's in Organizational Management from The University of Arizona Global Campus, a Project Management certificate from UC Berkeley Extension and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification from Management and Strategy Institute. Sarina is a wife and mother of two and is passionate about advocacy for children, homelessness and the incarcerated. She is active in the development of her children and has served on the PTA and district level committees for children with special needs as well as for the Black and Pan African community. She is a mentor for the Year Up program and the Conviction and Sentence Alternatives Program (CASA). She is a licensed notary public, loan signing agent, process server and the owner of a travel business. Sarina spends her free time on adventures with her husband and children traveling the world
Victoria (Vickie) Tugwell
Director
Victoria (Vickie) Tugwell serves as the Program Manager and Facilitator at Crescent Moon Center. In her role, she oversees community engagement, facilitates various programs, and instructs in therapeutic practices. Vickie holds a degree in Veterinary Nursing from Berkshire College of Agriculture and is registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons UK. She has extensive experience as a Mindfulness Instructor, Body Positive Facilitator, and Yoga12SR Instructor. As an Intuitive Healer, Certified Massage Therapist, and Animal Osteopath, Vickie brings a wealth of holistic healing knowledge to her work. She moved from the UK to California in 2005 with her husband and three young children. A dedicated grassroots organizer and community builder, Vickie actively contributes to local initiatives. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in Canine Osteopathy and is committed to improving access to holistic wellness resources for underserved communities. In her free time, Vickie enjoys spending time with her family and their three adorable hounds
TabiMOMS Advisory Board
Sedella Jefferson
Advisory Member
Sedella is a passionate advocate for women and children’s rights and has worked at the state and national level to ensure child welfare policies are equitable and centered on positive outcomes for foster youth. She is committed to providing education and policy resources to communities so that they can harness their own power and strength to influence public opinion and government action. She previously worked for a corporate foundation where she coordinated grantmaking and foundation relations. Sedella holds a BA in literature and world languages from the University of Arkansas.