Presentation Title: Critical Perspectives and Strategies for Building Resilience on College Campuses
Session Date/Time: Friday, November 4, 10:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m. PST
Institutional Speakers:
Megan Kennedy
Megan Kennedy is the Director of the UW Resilience Lab. As a leader and facilitator, Kennedy aims to build healthy and compassionate learning communities. From engaging stakeholders in vision-setting to partnering with students, staff, and instructors, her approach to leadership centers on collaborative relationships. Currently, Kennedy is developing and evaluating systems-based approaches to well-being that combines applied research, education, and collaborative programming across three University of Washington campuses. Kennedy earned her master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Science from Bastyr University and is a licensed therapist with over a decade of experience in public and private practice.
Dr. Sislena Grocer Ledbetter
Sislena Grocer Ledbetter, PhD, is a social psychologist, researcher, lecturer, author, and life coach. She received a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from North Carolina Central University, Magna Cum Laude. She has held many higher education leadership roles, including Assistant Professor of Psychology, Executive Director of Counseling, Health and Wellness, Director of Counseling and Student Development, and Associate Vice President of Student Development. She’s written and attracted millions of dollars in grants funds for behavioral health issues addressing HIV-AIDS, substance abuse, suicide prevention, and domestic violence. As the Associate Vice President of Counseling, Health, and Wellbeing at Western Washington, she serves on the leadership of the United States Health Promotion Campuses Network, where she chairs the Diversity and Social Justice work. For more than ten years, she hosted a DC Cable Television program, “A Healthy Mind,” where she interviewed guests on wellbeing and mental health topics.
Dr. Brandon Joseph
Brandon Joseph, PhD, serves as the Director of Student Resilience at Western Washington University. He is responsible for developing and coordinating programs and services for students that promote holistic wellbeing and proactive mental and emotional health as part of the University’s commitment to the Okanagan Charter. At WWU he served as the Men’s Resiliency Program Coordinator. He founded WWU’s first ever Black & Brown Male Success Collective, works in close support to the Native American Student Union, the Black Student Coalition, the Latinx Student Union, and other ethnic student clubs in the Multicultural Center. Dr. Joseph spent six years at the University of Louisville in academic advising, the learning center, human resources, and athletics support. Dr. Joseph earned his bachelor’s degree from Metro State University-Denver and a master’s degree from the University of Louisville, both in sports administration. His Ph.D. is in Counseling and Personnel Services with a concentration in College Student Personnel from the University of Louisville was completed in December 2021. As a proud Athabascan and Muscogee Creek, Brandon’s broad research interests explore the intersections of athletics, academics, and holistic wellness in Native communities.
Noel Vest
