---
title: Mental Health Task Force
date: 2024-07-31T09:26:00-04:00
author: Alana Carchedi Coyle
canonical_url: "https://mentalhealth.umd.edu/our-investments-in-mental-health/mental-health-task-force"
section: Pages
---
# Mental Health Task Force

**Mental Health Task Force**



### About the Task Force

The UMD Mental Health Task Force was charged by Senior Vice President Jennifer King Rice and Vice President for Student Affairs Patty Perillo with investigating the mental health and well-being of our students, faculty and staff by examining existing services, programs and resources, determining gaps and identifying interventions to enhance well-being on our campus.



### Mental Health Task Force Members

**Warren Kelley,** *Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, Co-Chair*

**Boris Lushniak***, Dean, School of Public Health, Co-Chair*

**Annie Rappeport,** *Task Force Coordinator*

**Mary Kate Crawford***, Associate Director, University Recreation & Wellness*

**Alexandra Debus** *(Fall 23-Spring 24), President, Student Government Association*

**Andrea Goodwin***, Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students*

**Joey Haavik** *(Fall 22-Spring 23), President, Graduate Student Government*

**Ayelette Halbfinger** *(Fall 22-Spring 23), President, Student Government Association*

**Erika Holdren** *(Fall 23-Spring 24), President, Residence Hall Association*

**Robert Infantino***, Associate Dean, College of Computer, Math & Natural Sciences*

**Chetan Joshi,** *Director, Counseling Center*

**Lisa Kiely,** *Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Studies and Ombudsperson*

**Rythee Lambert-Jones***, Assistant Vice President, University Human Resources*

**Rafael Lorente,** *Dean, Philip Merrill College of Journalism*

**Spiro Marinopoulos,** *Director, University Health Center*

**James McShay,** *Assistant Vice President, Engagement*

**Karen O’Brien***, Professor and Faculty Ombuds, Psychology*

**Ben Parks***, Associate Director, College Park Scholars*

**Autumn Perkey** *(Fall 23-Spring 24), President, Graduate Student Government*

**Tonya Phillips***, Coordinator, Faculty/Staff Assistance Program*

**Ted Pickett***, Associate Director, Counseling Center*

**Tom Ruggieri** *(Fall 22), Coordinator, Faculty/Staff Assistance Program*

**Simone Warrick-Bell,** *Counselor, Graduate School*

**Adam Younoszai***, Assistant Director, UHC Behavioral Health*





### Key Findings


- UMD has a rich array of existing services, programs and resources, and we should implement new strategies to enhance the use of existing services.
- Best practices nationally reflect programs already here. We should build on these existing strengths before importing brand-new strategies.
- Many issues and potential solutions lie at the intersection of student, faculty and staff communities.
- It is essential to focus on broad community care and prevention programming, improve the culture and relationships and enhance inclusivity and respect.