Whole Hearts, Minds & Bodies
San Francisco

Gateway Mountain Center is expanding its innovative Whole Hearts, Minds, and Bodies (WHMB) program to San Francisco! Whole Hearts, Minds & Bodies has been making a positive impact for over 12 years in rural eastern California. Inspired by this success, we are extending this valuable service to Medi-Cal-eligible, high-need youth in the diverse community of San Francisco.

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Weekly one-on-one therapeutic outings are designed for high-need youth and young adults, and are led by highly trained associate therapists, social workers, and para-professionals who are clinically supervised.

We have proven success as valued partners in California Department of Social Services Wraparound services. Our highly relational therapeutic approach, provided in non-clinical and non-stigmatizing settings, has garnered appreciation from youth and families who often face challenges in remaining engaged with more traditional therapeutic programs.

WHMB Therapeutic Mentors provide a consistent, caring, authentic relationship with the youth through personal reflection and supported risk taking in nature such as hiking, rock scrambling, and maybe even kayaking and rock climbing (as appropriate). Personal reflection activities include: art-making, nature journaling, meadow-tating and strength-based confidence building. WHMB Therapeutic Mentors provide the container, support, connection and opportunities for young people to thrive. Bay Area locations include local and regional parks, beaches, and botanical gardens.

Want to know more about our WHMB program?

Want to refer someone to our WHMB program?

Meet the San Francisco Team

  • Joody Marks

    Joody Marks

    SF Program Director

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  • Melinda S. Malher

    Melinda S. Malher

    Clinical Director, San Francisco

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Sierra Experience

Located in the Truckee/Tahoe area, Gateway Mountain Center’s Sierra Experience program offers nature immersion experiences to young people to open their hearts and minds to the natural world. We partner with schools, community groups, and youth organizations to offer trailblazing environmental education, including field science, outdoor adventures, mindfulness practices, and customized personal development. 

Interested in bringing your Bay Area group to Tahoe?

  • How can we know we are happy without being sad first? The challenge is to not let ourselves be overcome by one thing. It is when we find balance that we are truly alive.

    Program Participant