Circle of Hope

If you are having a mental health crisis, please call NCMH crisis hotline 0917-899-8727 (USAP) or 1553 (landline)

Who We Are

Circle of Hope (COH) strives to ignite hope in marginalized communities experiencing adversity.

Our solutions are contextualized and research-based, with transformative approaches to mental health and community resilience.

Our Vision

To be a compassionate community that nurtures the mental health and wellbeing of low-income and underserved Filipinos.

Our Mission

We provide access to evidence-based mental health services and resources in the Filipino context.

Our Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework for Filipino Communities

Loob Inner Awareness It is important to practice awareness and compassion with one's self. Nurturing a healthy relationship with ourselves will, in turn, reflect in how we connect with others.

Kapwa Compassion No person should ever feel alone. It is by acts of compassion that we are truly able to awaken how connected we actually are with everyone.

Diwa Community Well-Being The strength of society lies in the spirit of compassion. When people are committed to practicing empathy and actively promoting the wellbeing of others, the community begins to heal and grow together.

People behind Circle of Hope

Circle of Hope programs and services are delivered by a committed team of licensed mental health professionals, volunteer clinicians, graduate-level interns, and community mental health advocates.

Joanna Herrera, PsyD, RPsy

Executive Director

I am grateful for this "one wild and precious life!"

Carlos Pizarro, DMD, MA, RPsy

COH Board President

I am quite curious about many things and wonder how things work. I take pleasure in the simple things of life too. Overall, I am pretty much an easy-going person.

Paula Garcia, MA, RPsy

Clinical Program Lead

I find impermanent things extra beautiful--rainbows, sunsets, fireworks, crashing waves!

Jill Tan, MA, RPsy

Supervising Psychologist for Project Kaloob

I’m a mental health professional who hopes to guide Filipinos in their journey towards wellness.

Beatrice Guingona, RPm

Administrative Director

A Warrior of the light ✨

Rhoanne Ramas, MPsy, RPsy

Community Engagements Lead

Let's navigate the nooks of nuance!

Dawn Suzette Frontal, RPm, MA (cand.)

Administrative Assistant

I am inspired by the extraordinary progress brought by the ordinary moments of life.

Dr. Angel Belle Dy, RMT, MD, MBA

Assistant Professor, Ateneo de Manila University School of Medicine and Public Health

Ma. Theresa Angela Dy, PhD (cand)

Mental Health Specialist at We Thrive

Paula Garcia-Ramos, MA, RPsy

COH Clinical Programs Lead and Licensed Psychologist

Benedict Navarro

Founder & CEO, What if MNL

Dr. Carlos Pizarro, DMD, MA, RPsy

COH Co-Founder, Co-Founder and Psychologist at We Thrive

Dr. Lourdes “Tippy” Sumpaico-Tanchanco, MD, MSc, FPPS, FPSDBP

MedMom Founder, Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician

Joanna Herrera, PsyD, RPsy

COH Co-Founder, We Thrive Wellbeing & Consultancy Services Inc. Co-Founder

Maria Francesca S. Vergara

V&A Law

Ralph Remigio

I’m a business professional who also has a personal desire to mentor future professionals.

Ross Fortunado

I’m a mental health professional who is passionate about strengthening access to quality education and wellbeing services for Filipino children and communities.