Over 70 donors and supporters gathered at the home of Liz and Gregor Watson on Thursday night for a sponsor appreciation event in support of the Piedmont Unified School District (PUSD) Wellness Center. This year’s Wellness Center fundraising campaign resulted in a record-breaking $67,200 in donations to support the mental health of Piedmont students.
Gregor and Liz Watson hosted the event 
Panelists Naomi Edelson, Martin Diller, Gina Midili, and Lauren Hartman
The PUSD Wellness Center serves students at Piedmont High School, Piedmont Middle School, and Millennium High School, functioning as a familiar space for teens where expert staff can connect students to the right level of counseling support. The center’s model of on-site counseling combined with mental health education strengthens the safety net for PUSD students navigating academic, social, and life stressors.
Wellness Center Administrator Irma Muñoz Daniels, Ph.D. Clinical Supervisor Sari Sanghvi, and Ph.D. Clinical Supervisor Alisa Crovetti 
Anna Putnam, Katie Sharafi, Bridget Schreiber, Cortney Azad 
Front row L to R: Sarah Meyjes, Cathy Glazier, Michelle Saunders, Ashley Stevanovic, llana Friedkin, Bridget Schreiber, Kat DiPiazza. Back Row: Courtney Azad, Anna Putnam, Martha Joerger
“Your generosity equals counseling hours and a safe space for the kids in our community,” said Wellness Center Support Committee co-chair Martha Joerger. “I hope everyone here feels an immense amount of pride in the fact that they’re part of something that is so impactful for our children.”
A highlight of the evening was a panel conversation moderated by digital safety expert Rita Fabi, featuring teenage mental health specialists. Perspectives included clinical psychologist Dr. Naomi Edelson, who discussed teen anxiety and stress, adolescent medicine specialist Dr. Lauren Hartman, who spoke about body image and eating disorders, and licensed marriage and family therapist Martin Diller, who covered parent-teen dynamics.
Dr. Edelson, who treats anxiety and related conditions in teens, outlined what to watch for and how to respond. “Avoidance is really the hallmark of anxiety,” she said, noting potential anxiety indicators like school refusal, withdrawing from friends, or frequent physical ailments. She advised parents to offer “calm confidence,” acknowledging their struggle while reinforcing teens’ own capability.
Sue Smegal with Wellness Center Founder Brooke Zimmerman 
Mayor Betsy Smegal Andersen and Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Hawn
As a nationally recognized leader in eating-disorder care, Dr. Hartman highlighted early detection and de-stigmatizing conversations. “Whether it’s an eating disorder or a struggle with body image, it’s not parents’ fault,” she said, encouraging parents to model body-positive language and behavior. Therapist Martin Diller, who works primarily with adolescent and young-adult males, also highlighted communication at home. “Parents should preemptively negotiate limits, expectations and rules,” he said, noting that early conversations can support teens in building coping skills.
Amelie Kappes, Martha Joerger, and Sarah Meyjes 
Bridget Schreiber and Courtney Azad
Event attendees left the evening with a clear takeaway: when communities and families prioritize youth mental health alongside academics, arts, and athletics, students are better equipped to thrive, both today, and long after graduation.
For more information about the PUSD Wellness Center, or to donate, please visit Piedmontwellness.org.