Mental Health First Aid Specialist / Partnership Specialist
Big Brothers Big Sisters El Paso
El Paso, Texas
Leelah Rivera is a certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor with credentials in Adult MHFA,
Youth MHFA, and Teen MHFA. She has trained diverse groups including educators, mentors,
health professionals, and community leaders across the El Paso region and nationally.
Leelah studied Counseling Psychology, equipping her with a strong foundation in mental health,
trauma-informed care, and evidence-based prevention practices. She currently serves as the
Mental Health First Aid Training Lead for Big Brothers Big Sisters of El Paso, where she
coordinates large-scale trainings in collaboration with schools, nonprofits, and county agencies.
Her recent projects include launching Teen MHFA in high school classrooms, developing
bilingual family engagement tools, and co-designing youth-voice initiatives through the Youth
Advocacy Council. She also partners with Canutillo Independent School District and Emergence
Health Network to expand MHFA access across El Paso, ensuring school staff, parents, and
mentors have the tools to recognize and respond to mental health needs.
Beyond her professional role, Leelah has experience in church leadership for young adults,
where she supports spiritual growth, mentorship, and mental wellness through faith-based
community engagement. She has also supervised and guided interns, providing training and
leadership development opportunities that prepare the next generation of advocates and
professionals.
With a passion for empowering communities, Leelah brings both professional expertise and
lived commitment to creating supportive environments where youth, families, and young adults
can thrive.
MHFA9 - Building Stronger Communities Through MHFA Partnerships
Sunday, April 26, 2026
11:10 AM - 12:10 PM MDT