Cassandra Millspaugh

Cassandra brings years of experience and a deep commitment to healing and community to her role at Youth ALIVE! A lifelong West Coaster, Cassandra’s journey has taken her from the vibrant streets of Seattle to a tiny town in rural Oregon, and ultimately to the diverse communities of Oakland. Her eclectic upbringing—shaped by her parents’ free-spirited lifestyle and her exposure to various cultures—instilled in her a strong desire to work with diverse communities.

Cassandra is a proud Laney Alumni and holds a BA in Spanish and an MA in Linguistics from San Francisco State University. Before joining Youth ALIVE! Cassandra spent 20 years teaching Spanish at the University of San Francisco, where she also received her MA in Counseling Psychology. During her time as a teacher and mentor and through her own healing journey, she cultivated a deep interest in trauma recovery and mental health, which inspired her transition to counseling.

In her current role, Cassandra provides trauma-informed, accessible support to individuals impacted by violence. She is especially passionate about meeting clients where they are—both figuratively and literally—whether it’s during their lunch breaks or in their homes. She emphasizes the importance of building trust and creating opportunities for healing that fit each individual’s unique circumstances.

Outside of work, Cassandra is a creative spirit. A musician, she plays traditional Mexican music and has a background in punk rock. She loves everything outdoors; hiking, swimming, biking, paddleboarding, camping. In the city, she likes going to stand-up comedy, spending time with her network of friends, and at community events.