Diane R. Griggs
Trainer

Diane R. Griggs, LCSW, shares a group private practice, Positive Action Counseling Services, and a consulting business, Monster Works, in Inglewood, CA. She attended the University of California at Los Angeles, and graduated in 1979 with her B.A. in Psychology. She then went on to receive her M.S.W. from the University of Maryland School of Social Work and Community Planning in 1981.

Diane has extensive experience working with children and youth in the areas of mental health and education. Among her many experiences with youth and families, Diane was recruited along with a colleague to implement a school based mental health program in 1995 at Saint John’s Child and Family Development Center, the mental health division of Saint John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, CA. The program addressed the needs of youth in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) who had environmental, family and mental health concerns which negatively impacted their educational success. She and her colleague implemented counseling groups on 3 school sites, a program which continues to be highly revered. Diane acted as a therapist and advocate, and participated in many school governed programs including the School Attendance Review Board (SARB). She received commendations from the City of Santa Monica for her exemplary work with at-risk youth.

Most recently, Diane has focused her attention on early childhood mental health, recognizing that children whose early needs are not adequately addressed develop learning issues in later developmental stages.

Diane has consulted with mental health professionals and taught courses in graduate degree psychology programs focusing on educational advocacy. She is an essential collaborator in creating and teaching Educational Advocacy: The Role of the Mental Health Professional training with Kelly Rain Collin, and is a valued consultant for Healthy Minds Consulting.