Natalie Bolin
Mental Health Director
Tulare County
Dr. Bolin received a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from California Polytechnic State University in 2001. In 2005, she received a Master of Social Work degree from California State University, Fresno through the Title-IVE program and is now on the CalSWEC Advisory Board & Commission. Dr. Bolin is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in trauma therapy and is an adjunct faculty member with Fresno Pacific University in the Social Work Department. Dr. Bolin recently graduated with a doctorate degree in social work from University of Southern California and has recently been appointed the Mental Health Director with Tulare County Health and Human Services.
Dr. Bolin has over 25 years of experience in the field of social work, 18 of those years within Child Welfare Services working from a field-based social worker up through the ranks into the position of division manager. In 2018, Dr. Bolin became the Deputy Director of Clinical Services with Tulare County Mental Health. Dr. Bolin has given numerous professional presentations on how to implement trauma informed practices within Child Welfare Services and Mental Health systems of care. In October 2015, Dr. Bolin presented at the Child Welfare Directors Conference on these topics and gave a national webinar on trauma screening in Child Welfare in partnership with Rady’s Hospital (November 14, 2014). Dr. Bolin was on a speaker rotation for presentations on the topic of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) for numerous conferences across the state of California. On January 12, 2016, Dr. Bolin published an op ed piece in the Visalia Times Delta Newspaper titled “CWS working to treat childhood- and parents- trauma”.
Dr. Bolin serves on the board of Salt & Light, a local non-profit building community for homeless neighbors to live and have dignified jobs. Dr. Bolin is committed to helping others grow into their full potential and is a life coach/mentor. (2/23)
Kimiko Vang
Behavioral Health Director Merced County
Kimiko Vang is the Director of the Merced County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Department. Dr. Vang graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in sociology with a minor in ethnic studies, and a Master of Social Work from California State University, Stanislaus. She also earned a Doctor of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California. Dr. Vang is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Dr. Vang’s career spans over 20 years in the behavioral health and social services field. She started her career in public service with Stanislaus County Community Service Agency as a social worker in child welfare. Dr. Vang joined Merced County in 2008 where she has held several leadership positions. In 2015, Dr. Vang was appointed Deputy Director at Human Services Agency where she was responsible for the daily operations and strategic planning of social services programs with purpose to strengthen individuals and families, address behavioral health and drug and alcohol issues, and homelessness with the goal of employment toward self-sufficiency. She also led the strategic direction of the Staff Development program by identifying trending industry practices and obtaining relevant training to upscale, build organizational capacity, and support succession planning. Additionally, Dr. Vang provided oversight to the County Veterans Services Office with the mission to serve veterans in our county. A focus of her leadership engagement, Dr. Vang employs a community-based, culturally responsive, and collaborative approach in addressing issues and providing tailored services to the Merced county community.
With a commitment to individuals’ recovery and wellness, Dr. Vang ‘s clinical experience includes providing mental health services to adults and children with a history of sexual abuse, children victims of crimes, and individuals suffering from trauma. Dr. Vang regularly highlights the outstanding work accomplished in Merced County at local, state, and national conferences. In late 2019, Dr. Vang had the privilege to partner with BHRS and HSA staff to present on a culturally relevant multi-system behavioral health collaborative model and best practices at the Valley API Mental Health Conference in Fresno. Dr. Vang also serves as adjunct professor in the Master of Social Work program at CSU Stanislaus. (2/23)