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The article features stories from staff throughout the University of California who support mental health in their work and personal lives, in celebration of National Mental Health Awareness Month. Some staff run programs that help students experience nature in an accessible way, while others lead programs that connect individuals to the therapeutic benefits of nature, or support employees in exploring ways to foster a sense of well-being and psychological health. Others use their skills in music therapy to improve the quality of life for children with autism and other disabilities, or work with survivors of human trafficking, helping them learn job skills, discuss their progress and cope with trauma.
Mental Health Advocacy: Personal Stories of Staff at UC
As part of National Mental Health Awareness Month, staff across the University of California (UC) shared their contributions to mental health support in their professional and personal lives.
If you are in need of assistance, consider reaching out to your local Faculty and Staff Assistance Program, or learn about behavioral health benefits through UC health plans.
Tessa Opperman, Outdoor Leadership Programs Manager at UC San Diego, oversees the Outback Adventures trips program, which includes a Well-Being Camping Retreat designed to break down mental health barriers and make nature experiences accessible to all.
Ana Dolatabadi, Clinical Director for the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program at UC San Francisco, leverages her Persian-Iranian heritage and personal experiences to advance mental health care for healthcare employees.
Jasmyn J. Tang, Research Coordinator at UCLA’s Department of Medicine, serves as a crisis counselor for the global nonprofit, Crisis Text Line, providing support to individuals experiencing mental health crises.
Romina Romero, Regulatory Affairs Specialist at UC Irvine, volunteers for a task force helping victims and survivors of human trafficking, offering resources such as job skill trainings, mindfulness techniques, and community-building opportunities.
Stacey Parker, Director of Public Horticulture and Engagement at UC Davis, spearheads the Nature Rx program, promoting the therapeutic benefits of nature exposure to the university community.
Neesha Patel, Psychologist at UC Davis, provides mental health support to faculty, offering programs on mindfulness, stress resilience, and other relevant topics.
Jeff Violet, Commissioning Project Manager at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, finds mental health benefits in practicing Orinda Shorin-Ryu Karate, highlighting the importance of physical activities to mental well-being.
Shannon Anderson, Field Safety Officer at UC Santa Cruz, developed a workshop to equip faculty and teaching assistants with necessary skills to support student mental health in the field and remote settings.
Emily Giovanelli, Mental Health Educator at UC Santa Cruz, focuses on promoting positive student mental health from an equity standpoint, aiming to ensure each student thrives during their college years.
Ann Batenburg, Residence Life Coordinator at UC Irvine, helps promote wellness in her department by sharing strategies for healthy living, and also teaches a meditation class for the UCI community.
Joanna Zaccaria, Case Coordinator at UC Santa Cruz, ensures that all staff, faculty, and students have necessary resources to manage their mental health. She also runs a private practice as a music therapist, working with children with autism spectrum disorder and other disabilities.
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