Ashley Araya (she/her)

Policy, Compliance, and Training Officer in Undergraduate Admissions
ashley.araya@ucr.edu

As a member of the Undergraduate Admissions Team, Ashley Araya is an experienced leader and problem solver with over 10+ years of admissions experience specializing in enrollment management and admissions policy creation and compliance. She valued being a part of the of UCR’s Mental Health Allies Program because this is an important topic that is near to her heart and family. She believes the program is so important because it helps the UCR campus, community, and students that may be or know someone that is struggling with mental health issues feel valued and cared for. She is committed to promoting mental health support information across campus.

Susana Brower (she/her)

Coordinator, Academic Intervention & Tutorial Assistance Programs (ARC)
susana.brower@ucr.edu

I know from personal experience how difficult navigating the transitions from high school to college and from college to the post-graduate or working world can be when experiencing mental health challenges. As a member of the UCR community, I want to make sure that students facing similar challenges know they are seen, heard, and supported. With the knowledge I’ve gained through Mental Health Allies, I am committed to being part of a movement that changes campus culture and prioritizes student mental well-being—and the mental well-being of the staff and faculty who support them—as an integral component of overall well-being, personal fulfillment, and success.

Leslie Bushong (she/her)

Director, California Teach-Science and Math Initiative
leslie.bushong@ucr.edu

In my 25 years on campus working with undergraduate students, I have seen the ill-effects of academic stress, financial strain, and social media pressures on UCR undergraduate students. During the pandemic, the impact of these external factors without proper support became even more evident. Therefore, when I learned about the Mental Health Allies Initiative, I was motivated to join because I wanted to gain better understanding for mental health issues, strategies for managing them, and resources to help make sustainable changes for UCR students to lead successful, confident, and balanced college lives. I am currently the Director of the California Teach-Science and Math Initiative (CalTeach-SMI).

Steve Casarez

Campus Libraries Security Services Manager
Steven.casarez@ucr.edu

Hello. My name is Steve Casarez and my job here at UCR is to help maintain a safe and secure environment for all patrons and staff within the library facilities. I have an extensive background as a Law Enforcement Officer and Security Expert. I have seen and been involved, firsthand, with many aspects of mental health. I have seen that the scariest part is not understanding or knowing where to turn. As a Mental Health Ally, I hope to be a supportive hand of affirmation and encouragement.

It was important for me to join the Mental Health Allies program because as the security service manager, I interact with hundreds of students, staff and community members, every day. My department employs student workers. I feel this places me in an important role where I can be a positive resource of information and recognize a possible opportunity to help.

I am committed to permanently changing the attitude toward mental health on campus because I realized that good health is related to good mental health. I hope I can help others understand that we all have mental health episodes throughout our lives, and we must be able to recognize and help others as we all have been helped, at one time or another.

Kristina Chouinard (she/her)

Executive Assistant, AVC Enrollment Services
kristina.sisco@ucr.edu

Hello! I’m a UCR Alumni and have been working on-campus since 2011. I am the Executive Assistant to the Associate Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Services, CFAO, Undergraduate Admissions Director and Registrars’ Director. With my background in Professional Counseling, I knew right away I wanted to be a part of the Mental Health Allies Program. My intentions are to help raise awareness of the mental health resources on-campus and to share these recourses with staff, faculty, and students at UC Riverside.

​Ashley Chrisakis (she/her) 

Advisor, Health Profession Advising Center (HPAC)
achrisak@ucr.edu

Having worked on multiple campuses and now being at UCR for a little over two years, I have seen the impact of progams like Mental Health Allies. I believe it is important to break the stigma of asking for help for mental health and programs like Mental Health Allies really aid in fostering this across campus. As an advisor, I see students that are going through multiple challenges in their life at the same time, this coupled with the pressure to achieve high marks academically can be an immense amount of pressure. It is important to me to assist them in getting the help they need on the UCR campus. This program meant a lot to me because it not only helped me process my mental health but trained me to help others with mental health and the confidence to reach out and ask for help.

Nicoletta Da Ros 

Lecturer, Italian Studies Coordinator 
nicoletta.daros@ucr.edu

I have been teaching Italian at UCR since 2005. I believe that mental health is important for everyone, as it is a necessary element of one's overall well-being. Students sometimes neglect this aspect, and it can have dire consequences on what they are trying to accomplish, be it succeeding in classes or making new friends. Joining the Mental Health Allies program gave me tools to recognize potentially concerning changes in the students I see almost daily in class. Thanks to this program, I am now in a better position to support and guide my students who need help. 

Ismael Davila (he/they)

Director, UCR Underground Scholars Program
ismael.davila@ucr.edu

​Stephanie Fousek (she/her) 

Lecturer, University Writing Program
stephanie.fousek@ucr.edu

Stephanie Fousek began teaching for the University Writing Program at UCR in 2010, where she became a Lecturer in 2015 after earning her Ph.D. in Comparative Literature. Her approach to teaching has always been deeply personal, and the Covid pandemic served as a further call for her to bring her interests in psychology and self-care to her pedagogy. She joined the Mental Health Allies program in 2023 because she sees prioritizing mental health as a way for students to not only better their personal lives, but also improve the outcome of their academic careers. She is committed to sharing her insights from the MHA program through presentations and serving on committees that support DEI practices, in addition to improving her pedagogical approach through mindfulness practices, freewrites, and the frequent dissemination of campus mental health resources. She ultimately looks to foster environments that encourage students to explore and express their most authentic selves.

Kyla Gilbert (she/her) 

AP/HR Analyst, School of Business
kylag@ucr.edu

As an AP/HR Analyst within the School of Business, with a BA and MA in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, I hold much interest in employee wellness and mental health in the workplace. While I am also a mental health first aider, I was thrilled to learn about the Mental Health Allies program at UCR. I strive to spark and enage in mental health conversations, aid in destigmatizing mental health within our school/campus, participating in learning opportunities and sharing resources with my colleagues and student employees. Mental health is important to me as it impacts every aspect of one's life, including one's work experience. It includes various aspects of well-being, and determines how we respond to stress, how we relate to others, and how we make healthy choices. Establishing a safe environment for employees to share and engage in conversations about mental health or their own, allows for colleagues to be more aware of the prevalence of mental health and support an increased understanding and perhaps positive changes in behavior.

One of my main objectives in joining the Mental Health Allies program was to learn how I could connect our staff, faculty, and student employees to accessible resources and events, motivating conversation about mental health in the workplace, encouraging a greater degree of safe spaces within the school. Employees who experience and demonstrate positive mental health in the workplace exhibit improved learning, enhanced creativity, improved social relationships, and increased productivity. I'm committed to permanently changing the attitude toward mental health on campus as this is a journey, and not a finite experience. I hope to continue participation in mental health initiatives on campus, inspiring employees to pay more attention to their well-being, and be educated on how they can access all campus resources for themselves, students, and colleagues, in addition to finding connection with others on campus who are on the same mental health journey.

Omonike (Nikki) Hutchinson (she/they)

Assistant Director of Advocacy and CARE Advocate
omonike.hutchinson@ucr.edu

For over 10 years, Omonike (Nikki) has been serving as a crisis counselor, mentor and advocate for individuals navigating mental health in all aspects of life. It was important to join the Mental Health Allies program to allow students, staff, and faculty to have more options in getting services and support need when navigating all aspects of their lives. I am committed to permanently changing the attitudes about mental health especially when it comes to students, staff and faculty having to navigate the criminal justice system.

Andrew Larratt-Smith (he/him)

Ombudsman
andrew.larratt-smith@ucr.edu

Andrew Larratt-Smith has been the UCR Ombuds since 2011, assisting members of the UCR community navigate through thorny UCR-related difficulties and engaging in conflict productively. I have seen in my work that good mental health is the foundation for pretty much everything else in life. I joined the mental health allies program because I want to support mental health efforts at UCR and I want to continue to learn how I can best support others who are facing mental health challenges. I am committed to supporting a campus environment where we all recognize that mental health challenges are normal and where we are equipped to support and encourage one another towards achieving better mental health.

Daniel Lopez-Salas (he/him)

Student Health Promotion Specialist, The Well
daniel.lopez-salas@ucr.edu

My name is Daniel Lopez Salas, Student Health Promotion Specialist at The Well. I am a UC Riverside double alumnus. I studied my BA in Linguistics and Anthropology and a Master’s in Public Policy. Mental health is important to me because so many individuals struggle in silence and thus, I would like to provide a space for individuals to be connected to the resources they need.

It was important for me to join the Mental Health Allies program as it brought me up to speed with services and resources available along with different perspectives and situations that can influence an individual’s mental health. I am committed to connecting fellow highlanders to the necessary mental health resources and providing assistance with future mental health allies events as needed.

Sarah McBride (they/she)

Associate Director of Graduate Student Success, School of Business
Sarah.McBride@ucr.edu

Sarah McBride is committed to student and staff wellness as demonstrated by over ten years supporting students through advising, teaching, tutoring, career support, and mentoring. Sarah currently advises graduate students in the School of Business and serves as the chair of the Faculty and Staff Disability Network. Their connection with the importance of mental wellness started in their first psychology class which led to a master’s degree in counseling. Sarah joined the Mental Health Allies program because they wanted to find additional resources to support students and staff/faculty on campus and to advocate for mental wellness on campus. Sarah continues to see daily what a difference transparent conversations and mental wellness resources make. They are committed to starting transparent, difficult, and supportive conversations with any UCR student, staff, or faculty that would like to discuss resources or support that is needed while also advocating to campus leadership and within our community.

Ebony Miles (she/her)

Program Coordinator, Kessler Scholars, Undergraduate Education
ebony.miles@ucr.edu

Hi, I’m Ebony Miles, and I am the Kessler Scholars program coordinator and lead our First-Generation campus initiative out of the Office of Undergraduate Education. As a first-gen college student myself I’m familiar with the various challenges that come along the way. I strive to provide not only resources and support to students, but a safe space and community.

Mental health is important to me because it’s a critical piece to one’s whole wellbeing. With so many pressures and stresses in the world today, I value the prioritization of mental health and dissolving some of the stigmas that come with it. It was important for me to join Mental Health Allies to continuously grow my knowledge in the area and support students and colleagues to the best of my ability.

I am committed to changing the attitude toward mental health on campus by sharing my knowledge and resources to those around me, while destigmatizing the topic. I will continuously create a safe space for those on campus and provide holistic support.

Ryan Rusich (he/him)

Continuing Lecturer, Computer Science
ryan.rusich@ucr.edu

Ryan Rusich is a Lecturer in Computer Science at the University of California, Riverside. He is renowned for his engaging approach to teaching web development, digital privacy, computer security, and encryption. His curriculum is designed for both CS majors and non-majors, making complex concepts accessible through hands-on experiences and, more recently, AR/VR. Under his guidance, students learn to create AI Art content, enhancing their web programming assignments with innovative designs. Ryan emphasizes the societal and ethical implications of digital rights and emerging technologies, fostering a classroom environment where students are encouraged to critically analyze the broader consequences of ever-evolving technology on society.

Mental health is an important component in everyone’s lives. Often misunderstood or maligned, a person can only reach the highest levels of both their personal and professional lives when they feel supported, understood, and connected to others. I have direct knowledge of the struggles and impediments that an individual faces when their mental and emotional well-being is not cared for. Fortunately, there are a wide range of supports, services, and trained professionals who have dedicated their careers to helping in this area. Education is only a first step. Learning new designs for living, where best practices are shared and exercised serves an integral part to finding usefulness and purpose in our lives. We can support one another as we achieve the fullness of life and reach our dreams.

As a lecturer in CS at UCR I have taught more than 4500 students. Each one occupies an important place in my life. They are somebody’s loved one and I want to ensure they are treated with love and kindness. It is a responsibility as an educator and mentor to seek whatever information I can learn and share with them to walk with them in an important time in their lives, in college. The Mental Health Allies program, and more importantly the talented people who lead this initiative were invaluable to my professional development in the service of our students, faculty, staff and greater community at UCR. It was an honor and privilege to be included in the 2023-24 cohort.

I will proactively announce and disseminate resources available for our students with regards to well-being and mental health. In my department I will continue to share my experience with my colleagues. The tools I was exposed to this year have already changed my interaction with all students, for the better. I will continue to keep in contact and leaders on campus in counseling and mental health to ensure that we contribute to a more inclusive and caring campus environment. Teamwork makes dreamwork, thank you!

Deborah Sellas (she/her)

Quality and Compliance Specialist, Student Health Services
deborah.sellas@ucr.edu

I have worked in the healthcare field for 30 years and I have found mental health is such an important aspect of holistic total well-being. Because I feel mental health is one of the key elements to total overall well-being, helping get rid of mental health social stigma, discrimination and prejudice is one of my personal lifelong goals. 

Mental Health Allies helps promote ways we can begin to have healthy mental health discussions and get resources to our community. I pledge to be honest to others about my own mental well-being that fosters healthy conversations. I will stay updated and participate in mental health programs that promote healthy discussions and provide updated community resources.

Tiffany Tallackson, PhD (she/her)

Assistant Director, FitWell, Student Recreation Center
tiffany.tallackson@ucr.edu

Mental Health is important to me because it is an aspect of life that has affected me and my loved ones, and I believe it is something that is often ignored in the wellness space. It was important for me to join the Mental Health Allies program because it was a great opportunity to dive deeper into the subject of mental health. It provided me the opportunity to better serve our community by being present to what is happening to others, and attentive to discussions that are difficult to talk about. I am working to change the attitude toward mental health on campus by staying up to date on current and accurate mental health resources, providing support to our UCR community for both mental and physical well-being, reducing bias against mental health, and bridging the conversation to other forms of wellness.

Chris Williams (he/him)

Assistant Director of Residential Education
chris.williams@ucr.edu

Hung Wu

Wellness Coordinator, Faculty and Staff Wellness Program
hung.wu@ucr.edu

Mental health is important to me because it is the foundation of my overall well-being and the cornerstone of a fulfilling life. Just as physical health allows us to engage actively in our daily activities, strong mental health enables us to think clearly, manage stress, and form meaningful relationships. It empowers me to face challenges with resilience and maintain a positive outlook even during difficult times. Prioritizing mental health not only enhances my personal growth and happiness but also enables me to be more present and supportive for those around me. By investing in my mental health, I am investing in a brighter, more balanced, and connected future.

Joining the Mental Health Allies program was important for me because I am deeply committed to fostering a supportive and compassionate community. Mental health challenges can often feel isolating, and I wanted to be a part of an initiative that actively breaks down those barriers. Through this program, I can offer a listening ear, share valuable resources, and advocate for mental health awareness, making a tangible difference in the lives of others. It also allows me to grow personally, as I learn more about mental health and develop my skills in empathy and support. Being a Mental Health Ally means being a beacon of hope and understanding, and I am proud to contribute to a culture where mental well-being is prioritized and everyone feels seen and valued.

I am committed to permanently changing the attitude toward mental health on campus by fostering an environment where mental well-being is openly discussed, understood, and prioritized. Through active involvement in awareness campaigns, educational workshops, and peer support initiatives, I aim to challenge stigmas and misconceptions surrounding mental health. I advocate for comprehensive mental health resources and support systems, ensuring that every student feels empowered to seek help without fear of judgment. By collaborating with faculty, staff, and student organizations, I work to integrate mental health education into our campus culture, creating a lasting impact that normalizes seeking help and promotes a compassionate, supportive community for all.

Russel Angelo Arevalo (he/him)

Undergraduate Student, Class of 2025
Major: Biology
Student Director of Marketing, Active Minds/The Well
rarev012@ucr.edu

My name is Russel Arevalo and I am a 3rd year Biology major at UCR. As the Student Director of Marketing at The Well, I am committed to promoting mental health awareness on campus. Due to my own personal experiences with mental health in my past, I find that one of my passions is using my graphic design and overall marketing/outreach skills to promote mental health on campus. I found that it made perfect sense to join Mental Health Allies as I can use my skill set to further enrich my own experience as well as my communities experience through volunteering for Mental Health Allies and other mental health initiatives on campus.

Hana Baig (she/her)

Undergraduate Student
Major: Biology
hbaig006@ucr.edu

I’m representing the Student Health Advisory Council as the Vice-Chair. I joined the Mental Health Allies to learn more on how I can better support my peers and start these challenging conversations.

Jenelle Consignado (she/her)

Undergraduate Student, Class of 2023
Major: Psychology
jenelle.consignado@ucr.edu

Hi all, my name is Jenelle Consignado and I am the Lead for Metrics & Operations for Golden ARCHES at the Well. I joined the Mental Health Allies initiative because I was interested in finding different ways to give back to the campus community, but more specifically focusing on through means of being an advocate for Mental Health Awareness.

Justin Huft (he/him)

Graduate Student - PhD
Department of Sociology
jhuft001@ucr.edu

Tyler Jang (she/her)

Graduate Student & Researcher - PhD, Class of 2026
Department of Genetics, Genomics, & Bioinformatics
tjang006@ucr.edu

I am a PhD student in the Genetics, Genomics, & Bioinformatics program who studies the genetics of bipolar disorder via machine learning and biological computation. But I want to assist people's mental health beyond just a lab and an office space and put myself out into the community. Thus, it was important for me to join the Mental Health Allies program so I can interact with the student body at UC Riverside to help push for mental health. I want to make the discussion and treatment around mental health far more accepted than it currently is, and I plan to work in mental health in some capacity during my career as an academic.

Ulises Mata (he/him)

Undergraduate Student
Major: Psychology
umata001@ucr.edu

I joined the Mental Health Allies program in order to better understand the needs of my school population. And I've come to understand that a holistic well-being means to address our mental and physical health equally, which means destigmatizing mental illnesses and disabilities.

Mario Mendoza (he/him/el)

Graduate Student
Mmend250@ucr.edu

Ethan Jhoel Montilla (he/him)

Undergraduate Student, Class of 2023
Major: Biology
emont063@ucr.edu

Tiara Sari (she/her)

Undergraduate Student, Class of 2023
Major: Education & Liberal Studies
tsari002@ucr.edu

Tiara Sari is a graduating Education and Liberal Studies student. She participated in many school departments such as The Well and the Academic Resource Center dedicated to making resources more accessible to students. Tiara prioritizes mental health after her high school classmate died by suicide. Since then, she has been committed to ensuring students are informed about the resources on campus and not let another student be part of the statistics. Tiara joined the Mental Health Allies program to learn more about mental health and how she can help her peers through on-campus and off-campus resources. She is committed to continuing to change the conversation surrounding mental health and creating an open and safe environment for students to learn and speak up about their mental health.

Shrutisri Sonekar (she/her)

Undergraduate Student, Class of 2025
Major: Psychology
ssone001@ucr.edu

My name is Shrutisri Sonekar and I’m a fourth year undergraduate student at UCR studying psychology. I like to rock climb, hike, and occasionally read. To me, mental health is a key aspect of overall well-being. I know it looks different for everyone, so it’s important to constantly find new avenues to use and share. It was important for me to join the MHA program so I could be a part of a larger initiative that focuses on student, campus and individual well-being.

I am committed to contributing to ongoing mental health efforts on campus as I am a Student Director at The Well and a member of MHA. By focusing on both individual and campus wide mental health, it helps me understand various perspectives better. This way, efforts can go towards those individual avenues while also creating a safe, inclusive space for the community to open up and rally for mental well-being.

Devon Sternberg (he/they)

Undergraduate Student, Class of 2023
Major: Public Policy, minor in Neuroscience
dster007@ucr.edu

Madison Tarin (she/her)

Undergraduate Student
Major: Sociology
mtari009@ucr.edu

My name is Madison Tarin and I am entering my senior year. Mental health is something that has become a lot more normalized to talk about, but there is much more work that needs to be done. In 2018, I was sitting in the waiting room of my therapy office when I noticed that there were a lot of children waiting with me who were way younger. Oftentimes when we attend therapy, a lot of our experiences are connected to our childhood. Sitting in that waiting room, I decided that I want to be at the forefront when adolescents are experiencing mental health crises. My goal after UCR is to attend a graduate program to become an adolescent therapist. To begin my mental health journey during my undergrad, I joined multiple mental health programs, including Mental Health Allies and Active Minds. I find that it is important to keep myself updated with all the available mental health resources on campus so that I can share that knowledge with my peers.