Perspectives on Mental Health & Well-being

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Join the College of Education’s inaugural “Perspectives” event on mental health and well-being on Wednesday, Oct. 25 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Learn from fellow students, faculty and staff about taking care of your mental health and well-being. Gain practical advice, resources and inspiration; plus, enjoy free ice cream and premium raffle prizes! Live-streaming option is available. RSVP now!

Panelists:

The Student Perspective

• Juan Barrera, a teaching and learning major, has returned to the College of Education after working full time to complete his degree and pursue his passion. In his words, “I have faced adversity and through reflection, I have found the beauty in solving the problems life brings.”
• Hannah Du, a second-generation Vietnamese American and first-generation college student, is majoring in human development and family sciences and minoring in studio art. “When I’m at a loss for words, I rely on drawing, painting and, recently, sculpting to express myself,” she says.
• Elizabeth Grounds, a senior majoring in human development and family sciences, supports fellow students by serving as a mentor as part of the College of Education’s PEEPS program and by co-founding the PEEPS student organization.
• Moderated by Tiffany J. Davis, associate dean for student belonging and success

Strategies to Support Mental Health & Wellness

• Blake Allan, an associate professor of counseling psychology in the College of Education, researches the quality of work, including how various factors relate to mental health and well-being. He recently was elected to fellow status in the American Psychological Association’s Society of Counseling Psychology (Division 17).
• Kohleen Mendoza serves as certification coordinator for the College of Education. She earned a bachelor’s in teaching and learning from the College and previously taught in Houston-area schools. In 2023, she launched a podcast about mental health and wellness with a friend, and she’s passionate about helping students and others manage stress and avoid burnout.
• Ty Robinson, a counseling psychology Ph.D. student in the College of Education, conducts research related to the LGBT community’s experiences of discrimination, substance use, health inequities and mental health. Robinson has received two national fellowships from the American Psychological Association for his research on health disparities.
• Moderated by Nathan Grant Smith, Department of Psychological, Health, & Learning Sciences chair

CoogsCARE: UH Resources

• Janet Clemenson, a licensed clinical social worker with nearly four decades of experience, serves as the “Let’s Talk” coordinator for UH’s Counseling And Psychological Services (CAPS). Her areas of interest include depression and anxiety, managing anger, multiculturalism, life changes, learning difficulties, LGBTQ-related struggles, and the impact of technology/social media.
• Head Coach Ronald Hughey enters his 10th season leading Cougar Women’s Basketball in 2023-24, following a season leading the team to its first conference tournament championship game appearance since 2004. The father of three is a respected mentor dedicated to making a lasting impact on the lives of student-athletes.
• John Shiflet serves as director of UH’s Cougars in Recovery and has been living in long-term recovery since May 1, 2007. Whether providing one-on-one counseling or leading educational workshops, he is guided by a deep sense of empathy and desire to help. He earned a master’s of social work from UH and is pursuing a Ph.D. from the College of Education.
• Moderated by Cathy Horn, dean of the College of Education

Janet Clemenson of CAPS will be available at the event to provide support and resources if needed.