Donnovan Somera Yisrael

Donnovan Somera Yisrael, 2012 Amy J. Blue recipient, is Stanford Vaden Health Services Senior Health Educator. He graduated from Stanford University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology (1989) and a master’s degree in sociology (1990). He is married to Aly and has two living daughters, Isaiah and Avishai (Avi) and Micah Mei (a daughter who lives in their hearts). 

He started his professional career working as a sexual health educator with the County of San Mateo and then with the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) in Santa Clara County. He returned to Stanford in 1998 as a staff in the Health Promotion Services in the Cowell Student Health Center. Which is now called Well-Being at Stanford. Donnovan will be celebrating his 24th anniversary with Stanford in August 2022. 

Returning to Stanford felt like a great opportunity and an honor and a privilege for Donnovan. He is passionate about the health and well-being of the students. “If I can help a student take care of himself/herself/themselves, maybe he/she/they can go out and do something good in the world maybe on a larger scale with their Stanford degree. That’s what drives me – that they can use their powers for good and not evil. Part of that starts by taking care of yourself, said Donnovan “You end up being more balanced and able to serve others.” 

Stanford Vaden Health Services is dedicated to Stanford students by providing exceptional care to support their health and well-being.  

In 2006, Donnovan and Aly’s 17-month old daughter Micah Mei passed away from a seizure disorder. Working through his own grief, Donnovan discovered Kara, a nonprofit organization that provides grief support for children, teens, families, and adults. Working through his own grief journey, he found the power and strength to move forward. He now volunteers with Kara to provide grief support to others.   This year he looks forward to being a volunteer at Camp Kara (a free bereavement camp for youth age 6 – 17 who have experienced death of a significant person in their lives) in Livermore. 

Some fun facts: Donnovan enjoys skating (any form). He is part of the Men’s Ice Hockey League in San Jose. He enjoys participating in the Friday Night Skate in The City (when he can). He calls skating – Danceportation. He loves the urban aspect and being outdoors while skating. There’s nothing more awesome than seeing The City (especially the Palace of Fine Arts) at night. “It’s pretty cool, skating down the streets of San Francisco in the middle of night”. If you are in The City on a Friday night, and see a bunch of skaters with bright lights and loud music, you may see Donnovan. He also rides his bike, wearing one of his crazy bike helmets, to work since it’s functional and easy on his knees but his preferred transportation is skating.  

Final words: For the students riding their bikes, “Wear your helmet to protect your very expensive brain”.  If you find a student who is facing challenges in life or wants to grow their emotional or spiritual intelligence – have them contact: https://vaden.stanford.edu/well-being/coaching. This will take them to the scheduling page with all the coaches. You can contact Donnovan at donnovan@stanford.edu. And a shout out to Kara Grief Services located on 457 Kingsley Ave, Palo Alto.