
Why ProjectMI
Burnout in ministry is real. I know. As a PK and someone with ministry experience, I’ve been there. Just like the airplane safety demo, you have to put on your own mask first. ProjectMI is a proactive platform designed to help pastors, leaders, and their families prioritize their mental health preventatively. Here, you’ll find resources, community, and hope—so you can thrive in your calling.
God desires our wholeness, not just our holiness.
Caring for our mental health is an act of honoring the temple He resides in – our minds and bodies.

About Me
Hola! I’m Yaelly Zelaya, a Honduran-born, San Diego-based social work clinician with a heart for mental wellness and a passion for bridging the gap between faith and mental health, especially within the Latinx community. I’ve spent over 10 years walking alongside individuals on their journeys to healing, utilizing trauma-informed and somatic approaches, and I currently wrangle all sorts of situations at a mental health urgent care (it’s never a dull moment!). And let’s be real, I’m on my own mental health journey too – because growth is a process, right? Armed with a Master’s in Mental Health and Wellness (and soon, a Master’s in Social Work!), I’m on a mission to bring mental health conversations into the Christian world. Because even saints (and clinicians!) need self-care. 😉 Fun fact: I’m fueled by strong coffee, love exploring new cultures (I’m a big foodie!), and am completely obsessed with my dog, Mochi. When I’m not advocating for mental wellness or hanging out at church, you can find me trying new restaurants or perfecting my photography skills. Let’s connect!