Our Impact
A summary on My Good Brain’s community impact in Year Four
2024: A Year of Expansion & Innovation
In 2024, My Good Brain (MGB) experienced significant growth, extending our reach and introducing innovative programs to promote mental wellness through art among youth.
A Message from the CEO & Founder
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As I reflect on 2024, I am filled with gratitude and excitement for all we’ve achieved together. This year has been nothing short of transformative for My Good Brain, as we expanded our reach and introduced innovative projects that brought creativity and mental wellness to the forefront. From our Youth Art Month Student Art Contest celebrating young talent, to the launch of our new podcast, My Good Mind, co-hosted by our incredible teen volunteers, we’ve shown how art and community can make mental health approachable and inspiring. Our World Mental Health Day T-Shirt Fundraiser was another standout moment, raising funds while spreading awareness through creativity. These initiatives represent the heart of our mission—empowering young minds through art and connection.
This year, we proudly delivered 465 Tool Kits to schools across Northern California, including new communities in Colma and Santa Clara County, bringing our total to over 1,300 kits since we began. Each kit provided students with SEL books, art supplies, and coping tools to foster emotional resilience. Our Teen Creative Arts Workshops offered safe spaces for self-expression, with hands-on activities like zine-making and garden design helping teens channel their emotions creatively. One parent shared, “This is exactly what my child needed—a chance to be creative and connect with others in a way that supports their mental health.” Stories like this remind us of the profound impact we’re making together.
As we look ahead to 2025, I’m energized by what’s to come. We’re expanding our library workshops, launching exciting new initiatives like SEL-themed products in the MGB Shop, and deepening partnerships to reach more families and underserved communities. None of this would be possible without your incredible support—our donors, volunteers, and community partners. Your belief in our mission inspires us every day. Together, we’re creating a future where every child has access to the resources they need to thrive. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Dr. Danessa Mayo
CEO & Founder
My Good Brain
Tool Kit Program Expansion
As we look ahead to 2025, we are committed to growing the Tool Kit Program by partnering with more public elementary schools and community organizations to ensure that every child—regardless of background—has access to the mental wellness resources they deserve.
Thank you to our school counselors, teachers, and community partners for helping us distribute these Tool Kits and bring mental wellness education to more students!
Explore Our Impact
Check out our interactive map showcasing all past and current school partners where our Tool Kits have made a difference:
Collaboration with
The OffBits for social-emotional learning arts & crafts activities
In 2024, My Good Brain partnered with The OffBits, a creative toy brand that transforms everyday hardware parts into buildable characters, to inspire hands-on learning and imaginative play. This collaboration brought an exciting STEAM-based approach to our Art x Mental Wellness Workshops, showing kids how assembling and customizing OffBits creations fosters problem-solving, patience, and emotional expression through play. By integrating art, engineering, and mental wellness, we encouraged children to see creativity as a tool not just for fun, but for building resilience and confidence.
Partnership with Ridwell
We partnered with Ridwell to promote sustainability, teaching youth how to create art using everyday items and repurposing materials sustainably. Ridwell also sponsored our Sunday Art Club videos, helping us inspire more families through accessible and sustainable art projects.
Partnership with
Child Mind Institute as a Youth Mental Health Academy Internship site
In 2024, My Good Brain proudly partnered with the Child Mind Institute as a designated internship site for the Youth Mental Health Academy, hosting three summer interns for an impactful 5-week program. During their time with us, these talented interns contributed to our mission by writing engaging blog posts on youth mental health, creating online resources to support emotional well-being, and developing social media assets to amplify our message.
They also produced insightful videos highlighting the importance of mental well-being in achieving school success for today’s youth. This collaboration not only empowered the interns with hands-on experience but also enriched our programs with fresh, innovative content to further promote mental wellness among children and teens.
Our Volunteers
Our volunteers are the backbone of MGB, driving our initiatives forward with their passion and dedication. Their invaluable contributions have been pivotal to our success in promoting youth mental health and wellness through art in the Bay Area.
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New MGB Board Director
In 2024, we were thrilled to welcome Peri Trono to our Board of Directors. Previously serving as the Lead Community Outreach and Events Coordinator, Peri has been an invaluable member of the My Good Brain community. With a background in Real Estate, Digital Marketing, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and Choreography from UC Irvine, she brings a unique blend of creativity, strategic insight, and a deep passion for mental wellness to our leadership team.
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Presidential Volunteer Service Award
We are thrilled to announce that Jenni Liao has been honored with the President's Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) at the Gold Level for her exceptional dedication to community service. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have completed significant volunteer hours within a 12-month period, reflecting Jenni's unwavering commitment to making a positive impact. Her selfless contributions have not only benefited our organization but have also inspired those around her to engage in meaningful service. Congratulations, Jenni, on this well-deserved recognition!
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MGB Resident Artist 2024-2025
We are thrilled to announce Hanyue Song as My Good Brain's Resident Artist for Fall 2024 through Spring 2025. Hanyue is a visual storyteller, designer, illustrator, and art educator who crafts immersive experiences that invite curiosity, reflection, and connection. Her unique blend of creativity and passion for mental wellness will be instrumental in developing engaging social-emotional learning art activities for our community.
2025 Goals
With these goals, we’re committed to expanding, innovating, and inspiring more children and teens. Thank you for being part of the My Good Brain family!
Expand the Tool Kit Program (600+ Tool Kits, new communities, enhanced resources)
Grow our Art x Mental Wellness Library Workshops (more locations, new SEL themes)
Strengthen Teen Creative Arts Programs (more workshops, mentorships, free art supplies)
Increase Digital Resources & Engagement (Sunday Art Club, Spanish-language content, SEL toolkits)
Strengthen Fundraising & Corporate Partnerships (grants, art supply sponsors, major fundraisers)
Expand Volunteer & Leadership Opportunities (adult volunteers, teen leaders, school partnerships)
Promote Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Art (Ridwell collaboration, Eco-Art Challenges)
