When Aaron was referred to CA START Central Valley in February 2024, the now 15-year-old was facing significant challenges. Once verbal and engaged, he had developed a fear of leaving home during the COVID-19 pandemic. He stopped attending school, discontinued medical and mental health appointments, and began engaging in self-injurious behaviors during times of heightened stress.
Aaron, who lives with his parents and two older siblings, has diagnoses of schizophrenia and mild I/DD. Through the support of START Central Valley, underlying stressors, including significant dental concerns, were identified and addressed. The team implemented desensitization strategies, strengthened collaboration with his family, and rebuilt routines grounded in Aaron’s strengths.
“Crises are unavoidable. They’re going to happen,” said Yenifer Gallegos-Mejia, Program Director of CA START Central Valley. “But what makes the difference is helping parents and caregivers feel confident knowing what to do, who to call, and how to respond.”
For Gallegos-Mejia, Aaron’s progress was about more than reducing behaviors; it was about restoring hope for the entire family.
Using the PERMA+ wellbeing framework, the team gradually reintroduced positive experiences, including outdoor activities, sensory engagement, and strength spotting, while empowering Aaron’s family to respond confidently during difficult moments.
“At START, we don’t just focus on the absence of crisis,” she said. “If we only reduce crisis, a person might simply be ‘okay.’ But everyone deserves more than just being okay, they deserve to feel happy, fulfilled, and to thrive.”
A major milestone came in December 2025, when Aaron successfully attended a long-overdue dental appointment with coordinated support from his family and providers. A follow-up visit in January was also a success, an accomplishment that once felt out of reach.
“There’s definitely a lot of pride associated with it,” Gallegos-Mejia said. “But even more than that, there’s a lot of joy, especially in seeing how his parents’ lives have changed. Seeing the joy on his mother’s face, hearing her say, ‘I have my old son back,’ that’s incredibly rewarding.”
After two years with START, Aaron received his certificate of completion on February 23, 2026, marking a meaningful transition for him and his family.
“I appreciate that START Central Valley always found ways to support us,” Ana Perez, his mother, shared. “Thank you so much for everything.”