Kiki Kalkstein

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT KIKI KALKSTEIN

I am a Certified Peer Specialist who draws on my lived experience with multiple perinatal mental health disorders to support recovery through empathy, advocacy, and evidence-based peer support. I bring more than fifteen years of leadership experience in global health policy and advocacy, government relations, and coalition building, working to advance equitable care for underserved and marginalized communities. I am now focused on integrating mental health support, peer facilitation, resource navigation, and stakeholder engagement to improve the health and well-being of individuals living with mental health disorders, with a particular interest in perinatal mental health.I am also committed to advancing mental health policy and advocacy, where the need for equity, access, and stigma reduction is both urgent and personal. Whether working alongside community-based advocates or contributing to national- and state-level policy conversations, I am passionate about applying policy analysis and systems-thinking approaches, a deep commitment to inclusion, and the critical decision-making experience needed to navigate complex challenges. I believe mental health is foundational to overall health—and it’s time our policies reflect that.I currently have contract work with several organizations: providing peer support through Postpartum Support International and Children’s National Hospital, and policy support to the California Perinatal Wellness Alliance and the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health.