Cascadia Hero • Community Wellness Nonprofit

The Kids Aren't Alright!
Together, We Can Change That

Today's youth are experiencing epidemic levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
40% of high school students report persistent feelings of hopelessness.
Anxiety has doubled in a decade.
We're building the future of teen mental wellness—centered on connection, belonging, and evidence-based solutions that restore hope.

"Safety isn't the absence of threat, it's the presence of connection."—Dr. Gabor Mate

Rebuilding the Nervous System of a Generation

Social media. Chronic stress. Isolation.
Today’s teens are living in a world their nervous systems weren’t built for.
—1 in 5 teens seriously considers suicide each year.
This isn’t just a mental health crisis, it’s a public health emergency.—
Cascadia Hero provides the antidote: authentic connection, emotional regulation, supportive community, and hope.

A New Model of Teen Mental Wellness—Accessible, Community Supported, and Rooted in Nature

Cultivate Connection. Regulate the Nervous System. Rediscover Strength.

We’re piloting nature-based wellness experiences—funded by our community and offered at no cost to teens in need.
Through mentorship, somatic tools, and the powerful presence of horses, we help teens reconnect with their bodies, calm their minds, and reclaim a sense of safety, belonging, and strength.

Led by Purpose. Backed by Experience.

Meet the People Powering the Movement

This work is too big to do alone.
Our founders and board bring together deep clinical experience, community roots, and a shared vision: to help youth reclaim resilience, purpose, and belonging.

Victoria Williams, MSW—Founder, Clinical Director

Joshua Williams, Doctoral Candidate—Founder, Executive Director

Laura Forest, LCSW—President

Barb Cass, Parent Coach Emeriti—Treasurer

Rebecca Walker Sands, PHd—Secretary

We help our youth reclaim purpose, connection, and emotional strength—through programs that work.

Join the Movement

Be the Generation That Turns the Tide on Teen Mental Health

Join our community of changemakers committed to giving our youth what they truly need: connection, regulation, and hope.
We’ll share powerful stories, emerging solutions, and ways you can help us bring accessible wellness to more communities.