Carissa E. Pangelinan Deputy Director Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center
Carissa E. Pangelinan is the Deputy Director for Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center and has been with the agency for 8 years, previously serving as Project Director for the System of Care Expansion for children’s mental health, “icareguam” and the Healthy Transitions Initiative for young adults, “Project Tulaika.” During her time as Project Director, Carissa authored the Strategic Plan to expand the System of Care for children’s mental health on Guam. As Deputy Director, Carissa also serves as the Corporate Compliance Officer, Grant Compliance Officer, and Principal Investigator for federal grants within the agency. She has authored grants under the U.S. Health and Human Services from the Administration for Native Americans and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, securing over $19 Million in federal dollars for Guam. While completing undergraduate studies, Carissa worked for the Guam Legislature in the Office of Senator Lou A. Leon Guerrero who was Chairwoman of the Committee on Rules and Health. She served in the Guam Youth Congress as Dededo’s elected representative, is a proud AmeriCorps Alum, and now is a Commissioner (Democrat) of the Guam Election Commission. Carissa is a 2004 John F. Kennedy High School alumnus who went on to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, a Master of Arts in Public Administration, and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership. She is a member of Pi Sigma Alpha (Upsilon Nu) National Political Science Honor Society and the Golden Key International Honor Society. Additionally, Carissa is a member of the American Society for Public Administration and the American Public Human Services Association; and is a dually certified Trainer of Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid. She is the youngest child of Ret. Maj. Anthony B. Pangelinan and Ms. Edith C. Pangelinan.
54 | 50 Under 40: Emerging Leaders in the Government of Guam
