May is National Mental Health Awareness Month! To celebrate, we asked staff across UC to share how they support mental health at work and outside of work. Here are some of the stories they shared.
Editor’s note: If you need support, consider contacting your local faculty assistance program or learn about behavioral health benefits through the UC Health Plan.
tessa opperman
Outdoor Leadership Program Manager
outback adventure
University of California, San Diego
I Outback Adventure Travel Program,including Wellbeing Camp Retreat, which includes mental health skill building. Outdoor communities often consider accessibility: who can physically recreate outdoors, who feels like they belong, and who can afford to travel. But mental health can also be a barrier. Sleeping outdoors or planning a trip can feel scary. Many students have never camped before. We help you experience nature in a truly accessible way. Everything is included, including a guide on how to stay hydrated, warm, and safe. We also train staff and student leaders to recognize and address mental health issues in the field. This effort was very meaningful because I believe that leadership is a skill that is learned, EDI is an essential part of effective leadership, and mental health is an important consideration for his EDI. is. And I know that our guides will use these skills to positively impact more people.
Ana Dolatabadi
clinical director
Faculty support program
UCSF and the UC Chancellor’s Office
Nearly 25 years ago, I took my first psychology class, where I discovered endless possibilities and understood the enormous impact of psychology in creating positive change. When my father passed away, I gained a deep appreciation for the tireless efforts of healthcare professionals and those working behind the scenes, and the challenges they face. This inspired me to dedicate my life to promoting the well-being of healthcare workers. As an FSAP Clinical Director, my approach is grounded in my Persian-Iranian heritage, and I have a deep understanding of diverse perspectives and experiences, including the challenges of underrepresented communities. The dedication and commitment of my team is remarkable and inspiring, and my clients’ journeys of reflection and growth are a testament to the transformative power of mental health care and the resilience of the human mind. I am honored to contribute to their growth and to advocate for mental health.
Jasmine J. Tan
Research coordinator
Faculty of Medicine
David Geffen School of Medicine
University of California Los Angeles
Since 2023, I have been a crisis counselor for Crisis Text Line, a global nonprofit organization. Through this work, I support people facing mental health crises such as anxiety, depression, bullying, and suicidal thoughts. I approach crisis intervention with empathy through active listening, collaborative problem solving and management, and safety planning. Volunteering as a crisis counselor has helped me understand how mental health supports and resources can positively impact our quality of life and overall well-being. Passionate about preventive care, I value how daily conversations can help find solutions to improve current conditions and prevent future crises.
Romina Romero
Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Memory Neuropathy Research Institute
University of California, Irvine
I volunteer on a task force that supports victims and survivors of human trafficking. One of the projects I am involved with is a monthly survivor-led support group. In addition to practicing mindfulness, breathing, and meditation, the group provides survivors with a space to learn job skills and discuss their progress and challenges in adjusting to life after trauma. and art therapy. I coordinate and attend social clubs where volunteers cook and share meals with survivors, introducing them to different cuisines and cultures, and providing opportunities to build community. My work with survivors of human trafficking has been very humbling. Their recovery from trauma, their hope for the future, and their gratitude for the little things we take for granted are inspiring. It was an honor to earn their trust and friendship.
stacey parker
Director of Public Gardening and Initiatives
Arboretum and public gardens
University of California, Davis
led by me Nature Rx ProgramWe connect students, staff, faculty and visitors to the therapeutic benefits of nature, delivering a prescription (Rx) for improved physical, mental and social health. Engaging with the natural world is scientifically proven to reduce anxiety, alleviate depression, strengthen social connections, improve sleep quality and increase overall psychological well-being. We provide individuals with an opportunity to step away from the demands of everyday life, reconnect with the natural world and each other, and cultivate a sense of inner peace and well-being. This work holds deep personal meaning for me as it aligns with my passion for environmental and mental health advocacy. It has been extremely fulfilling to witness the transformative power of nature on individual well-being and see the joy and peace it brings.
Nisha Patel
Psychologist – Behavioral Health Consultant
Industrial health clinic
Health and well-being of staff and faculty program
University of California, Davis
I help UC Davis staff explore ways to foster well-being and psychological health within their busy lives. I offer psychoeducational programs such as mindfulness and kindness meditation, as well as workshops on stress resilience and related topics. I also work individually with Workstrong participants to help them develop injury prevention skills and optimize their psychological health and resilience. This work means a lot to me. Because we believe that each person in our community matters and that their mental health and well-being is important. I am lucky to work in a facility that supports people to take care of themselves and each other in this way. This allows our employees to do their best to contribute to meaningful and beneficial activities within and outside of our communities.
jeff violet
Commissioning project manager
Projects and Infrastructure Modernization Department
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
I am participating in Olinda Shorin-ryu Karate. This is an activity where you enjoy immersion in a culture where judgment is meaningless. Just search to discover your weaknesses and work on them. Physical exercise also has simple benefits. The mental health benefits are too many to explain. This initiative has been as meaningful to me as it has been to the other participants, and I am pleased to be able to offer these benefits to anyone who wishes to participate.
Shannon Anderson
field safety officer
environmental health and safety
University of California Santa Cruz
I have been working with mental health-related issues for over 20 years, and mental health is a key priority for me in every way. When instructors and research leaders shared that in remote field settings they were facing many student mental health issues that they were not trained to address, I created a workshop to support them. Modeled after the Wilderness First Aid curriculum, this four-hour course teaches faculty, teaching assistants, and research staff how to respond, stabilize, and evacuate students. We practice keeping space and staying calm and actively listening. De-escalation and grounding techniques to achieve a stable state to discuss solutions. Guidelines for student evacuation. I am so grateful to be able to share my knowledge and experience with others, which will ultimately benefit many field participants.
Emily Giovanelli
mental health educator
Student health support and promotion programs
University of California Santa Cruz
All students have the right to succeed in college, but not everyone has the same tools in their toolbox. As the first mental health educator funded by a Mental Health Equity grant through the UC Office of the Chancellor, I leverage public health concepts to promote positive mental health for students from an equity perspective. Masu. I work closely with a team of fellow educators to help students navigate college life by practicing self-compassion, navigating stressful situations, and achieving academic success through a strengths-based approach. We help you create a better balance in your life. It took me a long time to understand that many factors in our lives can affect our mental health. I love supporting her UCSC students and helping them discover this. University life can be difficult and overwhelming. I feel proud of my work when I am able to interact with students.
Ann Battenberg
Residence Life Coordinator
Graduate student and family housing
University of California, Irvine
I am currently doing three things to support mental health in my community: I am a UCI Wellness Ambassador. I promote wellness within the department by sharing strategies to promote well-being. I just became a board-certified health coach and am studying to be a meditation teacher. I teach meditation classes at UCI OLLI. There are many strategies that can reduce stress and improve health and relationships. Often, it can be improved by just taking one deep breath. I was happy to learn that the California State Assembly has a Select Committee on Happiness and Public Policy Outcomes. Focusing on improving happiness and emotional intelligence can save lives and a lot of money. There is a mountain of science behind this effort, and I am excited to be a part of it.
joanna zaccaria
case coordinator
behavioral intervention team
University of California Santa Cruz
In my work at UC Santa Cruz, I support the mental health of staff, faculty, and students by ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed when they are introduced to our team. . Outside of academia, I have a private practice as a music therapist. I work with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and a variety of other disabilities, helping them learn to use music to improve their quality of life. Both jobs are meaningful to me because I believe early intervention is an important step in managing mental health. I am gratified to be able to make a difference to such a diverse group of people.
