About Penny Mehra

Penny first joined Alcott in 1981 as an intern. In a few years she became an Administrator which included managing the facility, maintenance, food service, housekeeping, night managers, medication management and program staff. She felt overwhelmed by all this and even felt a little bit of imposter syndrome but overcame all of that because she believed that what the agency did for the community was worth it. As our programs and services expanded, Penny continued to building bonds with the Department of Mental Health, attending local mental health stakeholder groups, fundraising, advocating for the Alcott Arts programs, and continued to support community with weekly meetings at the facilities. Penny is “retired”, in quotes because she continues to be an advocate for Mental Health wellness for all and furthering Alcott’s mission. She loves to garden and makes the most amazing cookies on her free time.

About Tom Pritchard

When the Camarillo state mental health facility was closed there was an influx of people needing help with mental health and housing. People out of mental health facilities were being bussed to what is now known as Skid Row. He was motivated to start his work in non-profit mental health because of his internship at Camarillo State Hospital and saw so many people being pushed out that had nowhere to go. In April 1971 Tom organized a team of dedicated volunteers and started Beverlywood Center which started out small and grew greater and greater because of the demand for its services which was a combination of housing and social rehabilitation. The county started funding the organization based on the effectiveness of the services we provided. Tom is retired and continues to work with non-profits he has three non-profits he has started.