Redefining Mental Health Arena with Innovation | Dr. Simona Cataldo

Mentorship & Success

Dr. Cataldo firmly believes that the guidance she received throughout her journey was instrumental in molding the leader she has become today, and for that, she is deeply grateful. Because of this experience, the steadfast leader is fully committed to paying it forward by mentoring others in the same way she was mentored.

Victor’s dedication to mentorship was a significant factor in Dr. Cataldo’s decision to join this organization many years ago. Being a part of a company that places a high value on the growth of staff through leadership development programs fills her with pride. The institution’s year-long Leadership Development Program, which pairs emerging and high-potential leaders with seasoned mentors, is a cornerstone of this commitment. Actively participating in this program has been fulfilling, as she has observed firsthand the growth that participants experience. “Our focus is on personal greatness, professional greatness, and organizational greatness. Our discussions often revolve around the concept of authentic leadership, championing the idea that genuine greatness stems from following our innate purpose and values rather than conforming to external pressures,” elucidates Dr. Cataldo. “True leadership is not dictated by our titles but by the positive influence we have on those around us. We can all be leaders within the roles we have. What really matters is being involved in work that ignites our passion and aligns with our strengths, allowing us to operate at our highest potential.”

Dr. Cataldo has been fortunate to cross paths with exceptional mentors who have sparked within her the drive to become the best version of herself while supporting her personal and professional development. Growing up, Dr. Cataldo’s parents instilled in her the belief that with determination and integrity, there are no limits to what one can achieve.

“My father, despite his humble beginnings, emerged as a prosperous businessman, illustrating to me that success is rooted in commitment and resilience. His emphasis on building relationships and demonstrating patience with others left a lasting impression on me, that shaped my early understanding of leadership,” she states. “My mother instilled in me a strong fashion sense and taught me the importance of dressing smartly. She enabled me to master the art of blending professionalism with approachability in various situations, teaching me that the way we present ourselves is crucial in reinforcing the message we want to communicate.”

Throughout her academic journey, a mentor encouraged Dr. Cataldo to step out of her comfort zone and communicate more openly. While she remained true to her introverted nature, she honed the skill of articulating her thoughts and emotions effectively, thanks to this guidance. The unwavering support and belief of Dr. Cataldo’s childhood best friend in her aspirations were pivotal in boosting her self-confidence and setting her on a path to achieve her goals, which, as a six-year-old, she would express as wanting to “help others and run things.”

However, the most profound transformation in her leadership journey occurred in Dr. Cataldo’s forties when becoming a mother and sharing life with her husband. Their presence inspired Dr. Cataldo to strive for excellence not only for herself but also as a role model for their daughter. Her husband’s compassionate nature and unconditional support serve as a constant reminder of the impact of forging meaningful connections with others and the internal joy that helping others gives.

If she were to impart one crucial leadership lesson to aspiring leaders, it would be to prioritize a harmonious balance between personal well-being and career success. “True greatness in leadership emerges from being a great person first and foremost, nurturing relationships, and cherishing moments with loved ones above all else. I truly believe that leadership is a life-long journey,” says Dr. Cataldo. “My goal is to always aspire to reach the pinnacle of my potential and challenge myself to surpass it.”

Helping Others Soar

Armed with a brilliant mindset, Dr. Cataldo is leading the organization to great heights. Victor is a prominent behavioral health non-profit organization catering to a vast number of individuals, including children, families, and adults across California. Their comprehensive range of services encompasses intensive specialized mental health services, hospital diversion programs, wraparound services, school-based services, prevention and early intervention programs, and enhanced case management and support. At Victor interventions are designed to evaluate the social determinants of health and collaborate with the clients to address their needs, often by facilitating community connections and eliminating obstacles. Their field-based approach involves reaching out to clients wherever they are located, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to meeting them on their journey to wellness.

Victor is a data-driven organization, and they diligently track outcomes data to ensure the effectiveness of their offerings. The organization has built a solid reputation for excellence, leading to valuable partnerships with educational institutions, community groups, government agencies, and health plans. These strong partnerships are the cornerstone of their achievements, fueling their consistent growth and evolution as they team up with partners to support the diverse needs of the communities they serve.

Teams of Victor live by the philosophy of embracing change while preserving the core that defines them. This implies that any new initiative or growth opportunities must align with their mission, values, and strategic priorities to be considered. The organizationbelieves in taking a proactive approach to drive innovation, rather than merely reacting to external factors. By dedicating substantial resources to being informed about emerging trends and potential shifts that could affect their clients, Victorstays ahead of the curve. They must stay well-versed about developments at both the state and national levels to ensure that their strategies are well-informed and adaptable to the evolving landscape of the industry.

According to Dr. Cataldo, the current landscape in the mental health field is dynamic and promising. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the importance of mental well-being, reducing the stigma associated with seeking support. The demand for mental health services has skyrocketed, highlighting the urgency to train more professionals to address this growing need. To do their part and contribute to the greater good within the field, Victor has invested significant resources to offer paid internships to emerging professionals in the mental health field. This allows interns to stay focused on learning as much as they can while they are with them, instead of having to work two or three jobs to pay their bills. While innovation in mental health may present challenges, it remains a core aspect of their organizational identity. Through their commitment to embracing change and continually pushing themselves to improve their approaches, Victor remains steadfast in their mission to enhance the well-being of their clients and uphold the excellence that defines them.

For the days to come, Dr. Cataldo is eager to lead Victor toward the future of delivering behavioral health services. Over the upcoming years, they anticipate remarkable advancements driven by technology in the industry. “Embracing technology to better serve our clients and assist our staff in their work is invigorating and will elevate us to a new level of excellence. The increasing mental health demands in our communities present opportunities for innovation and push us to think creatively about ways to more effectively reach individuals seeking assistance,” says Dr. Cataldo. “There is a noticeable shift towards integrating mental and physical health, promoting a model of comprehensive care that requires providers to collaborate effectively for the benefit of clients. This transition is prompting us to review and enhance all our processes, workflows, and infrastructure in order to prepare for what’s coming. It’s inspiring to be a part of an established organization that is striving towards the next stage of growth, and I am excited to witness our future progress.”