An episode in collaboration with Guam Behavioral Health & Wellness Center

In this episode, Liv sits down with Alyssa Roberto, a social worker at Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center, to explore the realities of children’s mental health in Guam and across the Pacific Islands. Alyssa shares her journey into social work, shaped by her parents’ careers in education and social services, and explains why working with children became her focus after her experience in a therapeutic group home.

Together, they unpack some of the biggest challenges facing children and families, from limited placement options and navigating crisis intervention to the everyday factors that shape a child’s ability to function at home, at school, and in their community. Alyssa also explores the cultural pressures that can make families hesitant to ask for help, the importance of trust and nurturing relationships, and how values like Inafa’maolek can create space for vulnerability and connection.

The conversation also expands beyond children’s mental health to explore men’s mental health, employee wellness, motherhood, and the importance of caring for the people who care for others. Alyssa shares lessons from eight years in the field and her vision for stronger collaboration between agencies so children and families can receive more connected, coordinated support.

EPISODE TAKEAWAYS

• Why early intervention and recognizing changes in behavior can help prevent a mental health crisis

• The challenges children face when appropriate placement and treatment options aren't readily available

• Why children often need trust, consistency, and nurturing relationships before they can fully open up

• How family, school, home, and community environments can all influence a child’s mental health

• The cultural pressure to appear like the “perfect” family—and how vulnerability can create space for support

• How Inafa’maolek and community connection can play a role in mental health and healing

• Why creating lower-pressure spaces can make conversations around men’s mental health more accessible

• How employee wellness can support the people who spend their days caring for others

• The importance of collaboration between agencies in creating more connected services for children and families

• Why prevention, family connection, and making mental health more visible can strengthen the wider community

CONNECT WITH ALYSSA

Alyssa Roberto is a Social Services Supervisor at the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center who holds a Master’s degree in Social Work. In her eight years with the department, she has advocated for children's mental health services, spearheaded crisis intervention programs, promoted employee wellness, and served as an active member of the Employee Association. Beyond her professional achievements, she is the proud mom of Logan-Royce and Avri Alyse, balancing her leadership responsibilities while fostering a vibrant family life.

CONNECT WITH GBHWC

Website: https://gbhwc.guam.gov

IG: instagram.com/gbhwcguam

CONNECT WITH INA WELLNESS COLLECTIVE

Website: https://www.inawellnesscollective.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inawellnesscollective

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WAYS TO WORK TOGETHER

Well Within Membership

https://www.inawellnesscollective.com/wellwithin

Rise & Align Group Program

https://www.inawellnesscollective.com/riseandalign