Optimizing Human Potential for Flourishing Communities
A nonprofit delivering training and education that supports human development on individual, group, and community levels — fostering resilience, compassion, and ecological belonging.
"Thriving communities where collective wellbeing, ecological belonging, and shared human values guide how we learn, lead, and care for one another."
HVC Vision
What we bring to every program
Non-Clinical Mental Health
We equip individuals and organizations with evidence-based, non-clinical tools for emotional regulation, stress resilience, and psychological wellbeing — accessible to everyone, no clinical background required.
Social Cohesion & Circles-Based Dialogue
Through structured circles and dialogue practices rooted in trust, we help communities build belonging, bridge divides, and cultivate the relational safety needed for collective flourishing.
Land & Nature-Based Programs
We integrate ecological belonging into our curriculum — using land, nature, and outdoor settings as active partners in healing and leadership development. Service to land is also a proven, non-clinical pathway for addressing climate anxiety, helping individuals and communities move from overwhelm to grounded, purposeful action.
By embracing our core human values, we unlock full potential
We are a collaborative group of researchers, scholars, and practitioners with expertise in evolutionary human development, education technology, culture transformation, and values-based leadership.
Learn about our approachNavigating
Organizations are struggling to maintain a healthy climate amidst societal challenges. We help address these issues head-on, supporting thriving, positive environments.
Cultivating from Within
We trust the wisdom already present in every community. Our role is to create conditions where individuals can access their own inner resources, lived experiences, and collective strengths to lead and heal.
Expertise
Our programs bring together top scholars and practitioners, blending their expertise to drive meaningful change in organizational culture.
Co-creating holistic wellbeing solutions with organizations
We All Lead
Campus Wellbeing Programming
A comprehensive wellbeing and leadership framework tackling mental health, belonging, life purpose, and wellness — through a proven model now expanding to campuses nationwide.
Learn moreWe All Lead Camp
Outdoor Education Experience
A two-day immersive leadership experience for high school students (9th–12th grade) at Lopez Urban Farm in Pomona, where the land itself becomes part of the learning.
Learn moreFractional Wellbeing Officers
Institutional Leadership
Executive-level wellbeing leadership on a part-time or project basis — bringing expert guidance without the full-time commitment.
Learn moreValues Assessments
Culture Transformation
Community climate and culture transformation through values-based assessments, leadership development, team coaching, and a comprehensive 18-month roadmap.
Learn more
Building the next generation of ethical leaders
HVC's peer counseling program for high school students is a resiliency-based leadership development program that focuses on individual and collective wellbeing. A student development model that begins with inner-development and develops into actionable steps to outward and positive change — tackling the teenage mental health crisis.
Supporting communities at every level
From high school students to senior institutional leaders, our programs meet communities where they are — delivering research-based, culturally relevant wellbeing solutions.
Optimizing human potential through collaboration
Our diverse team combines expertise in human development, leadership, and culture transformation to drive personal and organizational growth.
Dr. Laura M. Burgis, Executive Director
Elaine Miller-Karas, MSW, LCSW
Dr. Laura I Rendón
Eduardo Lozano
Mara Defilippis
Danelia Fernandez
Dr. Victor Manalo
Dr. Elizabeth Topp
Erica Berry Coates, LCSW
Dr. Jacqueline Rangel
Will Rucker
Susan McBride
The Flourishing Campus Series
A structured pathway from CRM® resilience training to the full We All Lead® wellbeing framework — designed for campus communities ready to build lasting culture change. Transparent, flat-rate pricing by group size.
We All Lead Scholars Program
Our most ambitious vision: 100,000 college students — connected to service corps, climate corps, and cross-sector wisdom — emerging as a generation of ecological leaders. Not elite and selective. Scaled and accessible. Rooted in Southern California. Growing everywhere.
We are raising funds to build this. Imagine what that generation might mean for our collective wellbeing and ecological belonging.
Help us train the next generation of ethical leaders
Your support directly funds programs that build resilience, compassion, and community belonging in students and educators across the country.
Community & Institutional Support
Partners & Funders
Institutional Partners
Key Funders
Examples of Campuses & Communities We Have Served
News & Events
Stay informed on our latest programs, workshops, and community impact.
Susan McBride Presents at Claremont Colleges
HVC team member Susan McBride delivered a presentation on community resiliency and wellbeing practices at the Claremont Colleges, bringing HVC's evidence-based approach to a new audience of educators and researchers.
Read moreGlobal Day of Healing — Participate Locally and Globally
HVC joined the Global Day of Healing, an international initiative connecting communities around the world through shared practices of resiliency, compassion, and collective wellbeing.
Read moreMind/Clay/Body Workshop for Educators
A transformative workshop series for educators combining mindfulness practices, clay work, and somatic body awareness — offering a unique pathway to personal renewal and professional rejuvenation.
Read moreJoin the Community
Collective Wellbeing Alliance
Join our community of educators, leaders, and changemakers. Receive program updates, research, and event invitations from the Human Values Center.
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