Kiley Krekorian Hanish will be at Upswell LA with another “early bird” registrant – 2020 Mom Executive Director Joy Burkhard, Both Kiley and Joy joined the first Upswell Lab in Los Angeles in February. Kiley is Board Chair at 2020 Mom, a doctor of occupational therapy, and founder of the Return to Zero Center for Healing. She and her husband co-created the 2014 Emmy-nominated television film, Return to Zero, based on their personal experience as parents of a stillborn son. Sharing her story connects her to a community of families who have experienced similar loss, and she looks forward to connecting with the larger community of Upswell changemakers who are excited about transforming empathy into action.

Q: What drives you?
KKH: I am passionate about the intersection of mental health and perinatal loss, helping parents find growth and healing after experiencing pregnancy or infant loss. I do this through spreading awareness, facilitating change through education, and empowering bereaved parents and the providers who care for them.

Q: What is your favorite way to relax?
KKH: I love to read — by a pool, in warm weather, and a quiet, relaxing atmosphere.

Q: What social issue would I solve?
KKH: I would like to eliminate the stigma associated with mental health. So many women I work with experience mental health disorders in the perinatal period, however they are not receiving help. Women, their families, and providers need to be educated about mental illness symptoms during this period. In addition, society needs to actively reduce the stigma associated with mental health so that these women are able to get the support and treatment they need.