Name and Position at Region Ten: Zarina Burdge, Director of Prevention Services
Where are you from? My family is originally from Malaysia, but I was born in the Philippines. We moved to Northern Virginia when I was almost 4 years old, and I became a U.S. citizen when I was 18.
What drew you to the mental health field? I’ve always enjoyed working with children, mostly in school settings. During college, I started studying psychology and did an internship with a clinical social worker at a residential treatment facility. From there, I decided to pursue a career in social work.
What are some of the highlights over your professional career? I’ve truly valued the opportunity to work in schools supporting youth, and I’m especially proud of the strong partnerships our team has built with local schools to make that possible. Through this collaboration, we’ve delivered Teen Mental Health First Aid to more than 1,200 students in our community this year. The program equips students with the skills to recognize signs of mental health challenges in their peers, offer initial support, and connect them to appropriate resources—whether that’s a trusted adult or a mental health professional.
What do you enjoy about your work at Region Ten? What I enjoy most about my work at Region Ten is the breadth and impact of prevention services. We engage in a wide range of efforts to promote wellness and prevent suicide and substance misuse, from supporting and educating students, to training community members, to collaborating with coalition partners and connecting with people at community events. That variety keeps the work dynamic and meaningful. The landscape is constantly evolving, so I’m continually learning and adapting, which makes the work both engaging and rewarding.
What does Asian American/Pacific Islander Month mean to you? Asian American and Pacific Islander Month is both a time of reflection and recognition for me. It’s a time to celebrate the cultural diversity I grew up with and the values my family brought with us, while also reflecting on what it means to straddle various cultures. Coming from a multicultural background, I’ve always seen diversity as a strength, and this month highlights the richness within the AAPI community, as well as the importance of representation and inclusion. It reminds me how important it is for people to feel represented and understood, especially in the communities we serve. I see it as both a celebration and a chance to continue learning from one another.