Are you considering a future in health? Student Health and Wellness, in collaboration with the Career Center and Public Service Pathways, invites you to our limited speaker series focused on career development in the health sector. Each session offers a unique opportunity to learn from experienced professionals sharing their career journeys, key experiences and insights from their work, and practical advice for students. 

This session will focus on careers in Mental Health and Well-Being. We'll explore various career paths, required skills, and opportunities to make a real impact on mental health and well-being.

You'll be hearing from:

• Dr. Nicole Ruzek, PhD, Chief Mental Health Officer 

Dr. Nicole Ruzek, Chief Mental Health Officer at UVA’s Student Health and Wellness, is a clinical psychologist with 21 years of experience in college student mental health across three different campuses. She has published and presented on help-seeking, group psychotherapy, and mindfulness, while staying engaged in clinical practice with individuals and groups. Nicole is passionate about increasing the accessibility of mental health care through approaches such as digital platforms, community programming, and mind-body interventions. 

• Alanah Horning, LCSW, QMHP-C, Mental Health Support Specialist 

Alanah Horning is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker serving as a Mental Health Support Specialist at Western Albemarle High School. She obtained her Bachelor of Social Work from James Madison University, which led to diverse roles such as Foster Care Specialist, Therapeutic Day Treatment Counselor, and Inpatient Social Worker at UVA Hospital. Alanah later earned her Master of Social Work from Edinboro University, enabling her to complete her residency for Licensed Clinical Social Work. Currently, her role emphasizes enhancing and sustaining mental health and wellness for Western Albemarle High School students and families through various initiatives, programs, and counseling services. 

• Piper Goodman, WahooWell Specialist

Piper Goodman (she/her) is a Wellness Specialist with WahooWell at Student Health and Wellness where she utilizes coaching principles in wellness coaching and facilitates wellness education across grounds. Previously, she worked in community mental health as a Case Manager with RegionTen supporting Charlottesville residents in accessing resources and remaining stable with independence. Piper is a UVA Graduate of the Youth and Social Innovation program and also studied Psychology, engaging in Hoos Connected and research for the School of Education and Human Development, and has remained passionate about community building, equity in healthcare, and taking a holistic approach to wellbeing.

• Dr. Michael Gerard Mason, Ph.D., LPC, Special Advisor to the Senior Associate Vice President of Student Health and Wellness

Dr. Michael Gerard Mason is an empathetic, data-informed practitioner-leader with over 20 years of experience fostering student development and well-being. He is an alumnus of the University of Virginia; he earned his PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from the School of Education. As a Special Advisor on Well-being, he develops strategic partnerships, collects, and analyzes data to improve student outcomes, and implements evidence-based well-being initiatives across the university community. Dr. Mason brings extensive experience from his leadership roles and experience as a professional counselor committed to culturally-responsive approaches to student well-being.

This event is done in partnership with the Career Center and Public Service Pathways.

Free food will be provided to registered students. REGISTER HERE

Save the date for the last session in our three-part series!

• Thursday, April 17th 5-6pm | Medicine