Board Bios

Matthew Karinen, LCSW

Matthew Karinen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with eight years of experience in the mental health field, bringing frontline clinical expertise and a strong understanding of the gaps that can prevent people from accessing effective care.

Throughout his career, Matthew has worked across multiple areas of behavioral health, including individual and group therapy, psychosocial rehabilitation, case management, and peer support. He has particular experience working with individuals who have experienced trauma and is passionate about mental health advocacy, improving access to treatment, and addressing gaps within existing systems of care.

Matthew earned his Bachelor’s degree in Marriage and Family Studies with a clinical emphasis from Brigham Young University–Idaho and his Master of Social Work from Capella University, graduating with distinction. He is currently a practicing LCSW in Nevada.

As a member of WeBelong Institute’s Board of Directors, Matthew brings a clinician’s perspective to the organization’s work, helping ensure its programs and advocacy remain informed by the realities of mental health practice and the needs of the people and communities they are designed to serve.

Natalie Campbell, LCSW, C-CATODSW

Natalie Campbell is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Clinical Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs Social Worker with more than a decade of experience in mental health and addiction treatment. Her clinical background spans private and county-funded treatment settings, giving her firsthand experience working with individuals across a wide range of mental health needs and levels of care.

Natalie is the founder of Perspectives for Thought Therapy in Vista, California, where she provides individual, couples, and group therapy. Before entering the mental health field, she worked in physical therapy and rehabilitation. The loss of a close friend to suicide ultimately became the catalyst for changing careers and dedicating her work to mental health.

As Clinical Consultant to WeBelong Institute, Natalie provides a practicing clinician’s perspective on the organization’s programs and initiatives, helping ensure its work is grounded in responsible mental health practice and focused on improving access to meaningful support.

Sean Heller

Sean Heller brings experience in business development, relationship building, creative storytelling, and community leadership to the WeBelong Institute Board of Directors. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus in Marketing from California State University San Marcos, giving him a strong foundation in organizational growth, marketing strategy, and stakeholder engagement.

Sean currently leads the relaunch of TEDxCSUSM, where he is helping build a platform for innovative ideas, diverse perspectives, and community dialogue. His experience in business development and relationship building allows him to contribute to partnership development, outreach, and the continued growth of WeBelong Institute.

Outside of his professional work, Sean is a photographer and filmmaker with a passion for capturing authentic human stories. As a board member, he brings both a strategic and creative perspective to expanding WeBelong Institute’s reach, strengthening its partnerships, and advancing its long-term impact.

Erin Langs

Erin brings a background in psychology, business, community health education, and mental health advocacy to the WeBelong Institute Board of Directors. She earned her degree in Psychology from UC San Diego’s Revelle College, with an academic focus on autism, before building a career in hotel sales and marketing while raising her two children.

Her path back to mental health and wellbeing advocacy was shaped by deeply personal experiences. Following a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis in 2013 and seeing the impact that experience had on her family, Erin became increasingly focused on how children and families navigate trauma and adversity. Years later, witnessing the emotional effects of isolation on students during the COVID-19 pandemic further strengthened that commitment and led her to create CARES Advocacy.

Through CARES Advocacy, Erin supports students, educators, families, and organizations through education and advocacy focused on mental health, emotional resilience, and family wellbeing. She also leads classes and professional development workshops designed to make these topics practical and accessible.

As a WeBelong Institute board member, Erin brings lived experience, community leadership, and a strong understanding of education and advocacy to the organization’s work strengthening connection, prevention, and mental health support.

Ross Tritt

Ross Tritt brings experience in public service, government relations, community engagement, and local advocacy to the WeBelong Institute Board of Directors. A graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara, Ross has worked in California state government, including serving as a Field Representative for the Office of Assemblymember Tasha Boerner, where he worked directly with communities, local organizations, and public officials throughout the San Diego region.

Ross is also involved in local civic leadership through the Pacific Beach Planning Group, contributing to conversations around community needs and public policy.

As a WeBelong Institute board member, Ross brings an understanding of government, community organizing, and the public policy process to the organization’s work. His experience building relationships between residents, organizations, and government helps strengthen WeBelong’s advocacy efforts and its ability to turn community needs into meaningful action.