Jennifer Staples, PhD
CEO, Founder
I’m Jenn, a Clinical Psychologist, Adjunct professor, and co-founder of Work Wiser BTS, where we’re on a mission to make mental health skills easy, practical, and accessible for everyone. I earned my PhD at the University of Washington in Seattle, where I learned mental health skills and strategies that I personally use every day. I’ve taught these skills in all kinds of settings, from classrooms to community groups, and I’ve seen firsthand how transformative they can be. I’m all about breaking down mental health stigma and bringing science-backed strategies out of the therapy room and into everyday life—where they belong! I’m also deeply committed to social justice and making mental health inclusive for everyone.
On a personal note, my own experience with anxiety, combined with a family history of mental health challenges, fuels my passion for prevention.
Fun fact: I’m a proud Vermonter who’s serious about her syrup. Yep, I carry a bottle of pure VT maple syrup to brunch—always. You never know when it’ll come in handy!
Celia Hazard
COO, CSO, Co-Founder
Hi I’m Celia, a professional with a background in graphic design, UX design, and brand/business strategy. I have dedicated my career to working for the underdog. I believe that great design and beautiful things should be accessible to all, not just those with big budgets or access and exposure.
My passion for continuous self-improvement comes from deeply personal experiences, including navigating childhood divorce, abusive relationships, and facing racial discrimination in the workplace through microaggressions. Life can be overwhelming, and I understand how difficult it can be when we aren’t taught the tools and skills to overcome these challenges.
Valeria (Val) Valdivieso, Psy.D.
Dr. Valdivieso (she/her/hers) is an independent contractor for Work Wiser who offers Spanish trainings upon request, and takes care of translating all materials to Spanish. She is a fully bilingual Clinical Psychologist who obtained her Psy.D at the California School of Professional Psychology. She has studied, worked, and done research in the field of psychology in Canada, Chile, Ecuador, and the United States, having a unique perspective of how mental health is experienced, perceived, and treated in different places and cultures. She completed her doctoral research on the topic of invalidation, a foundational component behind the theory of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and the magnitude of its counterpart, validation, can provide in relationships. Dr. Valdivieso has delivered the skills taught in Work Wiser trainings to diverse clinical populations with various mental health struggles. However, she has held a firm belief that the skills and tools provided by DBT, and similar therapies, could and should be applied and taught in different areas of life.
Fun Fact: Dr. Valdivieso insists that popcorn is one of the most important ingredients in ceviche.
Fun fact: I text myself things like to-do list, notes or thoughts that I need help remembering. After I hit send, and the text comes through, I get so excited that I got a new text, only to remember it was me texting, me.