Dear Friends of Alum Rock Counseling Center,

I am writing to share with you the news that after thirteen successful years with Alum Rock Counseling Center (ARCC), our CEO, Patricia Chiapellone, has announced her retirement effective December 23.

It is with heartfelt gratitude that we bid farewell to Patricia. Under Patricia’s leadership and through collaboration with community based organizations, schools and local government, ARCC has been able to increase its reach not only in San Jose’s Eastside but throughout Santa Clara County. Most notably:

  • ARCC was a small agency with 20 employees and now is 100+ employees strong.
  • ARCC contracts and assets have increased from $1.5 million to nearly $10 million under her leadership.
  • ARCC now provides a comprehensive continuum of behavioral health services in over 50 schools in six school districts from prevention and early intervention programs through intensive mental health services.
  • ARCC’s reputation as a premier culturally competent service provider thrived as evidenced by ARCC’s new program partnership with Foundation for Hispanic Education providing behavioral health services on three of their campuses beginning this month.

We anticipate there will be many opportunities for our Board, Staff and community to celebrate Patricia’s accomplishments in the coming weeks. We hope you will join us in wishing Patricia the very best for the future and thank her for her enormous contributions in moving ARCC towards its mission.  While her shoes will be challenging to fill, be assured that ARCC remains committed to providing quality behavioral health services based on the needs of our community.

Having formed an Executive Search Committee made up of Board members and senior leadership, the Board of Directors is working closely with Leadership Search Partners and ARCC’s executive team to manage the search and transition for our new CEO.

One of Patricia’s main contributions to ARCC has been her support of our outstanding Board of Directors as well as the assembly of a stellar executive team and staff so we have every confidence in the continuation of the legacy Patricia leaves behind.

Best Regards,

Anna Marie Cruz
President, Board of Director
Alum Rock Counseling Center