Western has hired a mental-health strategist to work with the Student Mental Health and Wellness Advisory Committee, as well as other partners supporting mental health and well-being across campus.
Debbie Chiodo, who holds a Masters in Psychology and a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology from Western, joined Student Experience last month. She is currently completing her PhD in Educational Psychology.
Supported by donor Heidi Balsillie and the Fairmont Foundation, Chiodo’s position will be part-time over the next year as she develops a mental-health strategy plan. She has been a senior research associate at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and a lecturer for the Faculty of Education for Research Methods in Counseling Psychology.
“Her knowledge, education and research expertise will serve her well as our mental-health strategist,” said Jana Luker, Associate Vice-President (Student Experience). “She has an extensive background in mental health and education research and has published several papers.”