23 minute read
Shift/Change
YOU’RE NOT
The National Institutes of Health reported that mental illnesses in ALONE65246-Regis College FB 003-Front the United States affect tens of millions of people each year. Yet the stigma of mental health issues often leads people to suffer alone.
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6/30/2021 2:14:30 PM
STORY BY KRISTEN WALSH
COVID-19 TESTING CENTER TEAM: BEHIND THE MASKS
The safety and well-being of community members is a top priority at Regis. In addition to enhanced cleaning and safety protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic, the university implemented preventative measures that include mandatory weekly COVID-19 testing for every student, faculty, and student-facing employee returning to campus. The Regis community has come together to make that happen in the testing center located behind Maria Hall. “My role, first and foremost, is not possible without the 11 incredible partnership across the institution,” says Kelly Brochu, MEd, director of the Health Services Testing Center and co-director for the Summer Scholars Program. “We have had the privilege of various staff members stepping in to support this operation in tandem with their full-time roles. From triaging our wellness housing efforts to stepping in to assist with testing center registration, our testing center is truly grateful for the gracious hospitality and care of our colleagues and leadership.” Here is a glimpse of the people behind the masks at the testing center: TESTING CENTER TEAM SPRING/SUMMER 2021 • Director of the Testing Center Kelly Brochu, MEd, oversees the institution’s protocol of testing compliance, academic progression support of those impacted by COVID-19, and the supervision of the testing center operation. • COVID-19 Coordinator Eddie Hand helps manage COVID-19 testing compliance. • Administrative Assistants Stacey Cloutman and Nick Ferreri-Wildason manage testing center registration and organize specimen collections. • Testing Center Monitors observe individuals collecting their sample for surveillance COVID-19 testing. This team is comprised of approximately 10 graduate intern employees from the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment and health sciences students.
30 REGIS TODAY
CLINICAL TEAM
• Tammi Magazzu, RN, MSN, WHNP-BC,
Associate Dean and Medical Director • Rebecca Hill, PhD, DNP, FNP-C,
Clinical Leader • Margaret Duggan, MSN, APRN, WHNP-BC • Katelyn Durgin, BSN, RN • Cheryl A. Murphy, BSN, RN • Vanessa Peixoto, MSN, APRN, FNP-C • Erin Tetler, MSN, APRN, FNP-C • Beth DeArias, Administrative Assistant
obert Spatzer ’19, CRNP, believes that one of the biggest hurdles to breaking the mental health stigma—negative attitudes we’re all experiencing things at the same time. So there is a shift and Thomas Kannon, DNP, PMHNP-BC, assistant professor and interim toward people with mental an openness to look within. That self-reflection includes how people assistant dean of Graduate Online Nursing at Regis, agrees. The U.S. grapple with their race, culture, and identity.” health conditions or internalized Navy veteran sees active duty and retired military personnel in his priCallwood was toward the end of her Regis education (a bachelor’s shame—is a misinformed percep- vate practice in Virginia. “It’s one of the most vulnerable degree in psychology) when Black Lives Matter began gaining atten- tion of the “healthy mind.” populations, but you often can’t see the injury,” Kannon says of conditions tion—and it informed her career path in mental health. “There’s a perception that every- like post-traumatic stress disorder and depressive disorders. “But one is supposed to feel good all “Protesting in the streets isn’t for everyone, and I knew I could do because I was enlisted for 15 years, I have a basis of comparison. I know the time and if you don’t, that’s abnormal,” says Spatzer, who is director of clinical and operations at WorldClinic and JobSiteCare. “The reality is that there’s a huge amount of undiagnosed and diagnosed mental illness. Mental health disorders across the spectrum are way more common than anyone realizes.” Unfortunately, more than half of people with mental illness don’t receive help for their disorders, according to the American 65246-Regis College FB 003-Back important advocacy work behind the scenes,” Callwood says. “What better way than to integrate it with the work that I would be doing every single day.” Stigma around mental illness is especially an issue in some racially and ethnically diverse communities, and it can be a major barrier to people accessing mental health services. Seeking professional help for mental illness may be counter to cultural values of strong family or emotional restraint, for example. “People of color, particularly Black clinicians, only make up 5 percent of the population of psychologists,” Callwood says. “I identify as Puerto Rican and West Indian so I understand mental health stigma and also mistrust of the health care system that exists in Caribbean and other cultures. I where a lot of them are coming from and what they had to go through.” The National Council for Behavioral Health says that 30 percent of active duty and reserve military personnel deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan have a mental health condition requiring treatment. Less than 50 percent of returning veterans in need receive any mental health treatment. Military children, spouses, and other family members also suffer. “Experiences stay with you, maybe not at the forefront but in the back of your mind,” Kannon explains. “Therapy is not going to erase what happened. But what we are offering people is the concept that these are normal responses to traumatic experiences and that you can be happy, despite all the bad things that have happened to you.” MENTAL HEALTH INFLUENCERS Psychiatric Association (APA). One comwant to be an agent of change, not only as a provider who looks like According to Mental Health America, the number of people screening with mon reason: “People avoid or delay seekthe people I serve, but as someone who can open the door for dismanmoderate to severe symptoms of depression and anxiety has contining treatment due to concerns about being tling barriers to access to quality care. Representation matters.” ued to increase throughout 2020 and remains higher than rates prior to treated differently or fears of losing their Rachel Koransky-Matson, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, assistant COVID-19. Clinical psychotherapist Sadé jobs and livelihood.”professor and clinical coordinator of Regis’ Online Family Nurse Callwood ’15, PsyD, says that a combination of events has influenced Practitioner Program, embraces the mental health field. “Historically both traditional Western medicine we focus on individual stories and and more holistic approaches— experiences, but what’s happened this including homeopathy, naturopa- last year, between the pandemic and thy, and aromatherapy. the murder of George Floyd, is that
“Experiences stay with you, maybe not at the forefront but in the back of your mind. Therapy is not going to erase what happened. But what we are offering people is the concept that these are normal responses to traumatic experiences, and that you can be happy, in spite of all the bad things that have happened to you.”
THOMAS KANNON, DNP, PMHNP-BC, assistant professor and interim assistant dean of Graduate Online Nursing at Regis
“Working with underserved populations in the U.S., a lot of them come from different areas of the world that have natural health treatments,” says Koransky-Matson. “So it’s important for me to be openminded and have conversations where they can be honest about what they’ve tried or want to try, and we go from there. It’s so beneficial to allow patients to have flexibility and choice when it comes to the types of treatment they receive.” MISSING PIECES Unfortunately, Koransky-Matson sees how health disparities often disrupt treatment choice for patients. “In rural communities, there can be a three- to six-month period of waiting to see a provider—if one is even available. Some patients could have to drive three hours each way to see a provider or get to an emergency room, sometimes in lifeor-death situations.”
According to the APA, lower funding for mental illness research or fewer mental health services relative to other health care are examples of institutional stigma: more systemic policies of government and private organizations that intentionally or unintentionally limit opportunities for people with mental illness.
The uptick in mental health conditions because of COVID-19, Koransky-Matson says, “has definitely shown us where we are missing resources nationally for these patients.” She specifically cites a shortage of therapists, counselors, and providers to adequately provide care. And Spatzer agrees.
“As we are returning to some level of normalcy, you’re going to see some people’s mood improve and return to their baseline mental health, because that’s what we often see with adjustment disorders,” says Spatzer, who is board certified as a nurse practitioner in acute care and psychiatric medicine. “But as we have learned more about epigenetics we now understand that these types of traumatic or highly emotional events can lead to gene activation that influences our neurochemical response to stress. For a percentage of people this will develop into ongoing diagnosable mental illness, and there’s going to be a massive need for more providers.” INTEGRATIVE APPROACH It was while working in a pediatric ICU unit and an emergency department that nurse practitioner LaTonya Carroll, PMHNP ’20, DNP, APRN, began to recognize a disconnect among medical and psychiatric services. So she decided to build upon her extensive medical education to help bridge that gap, particularly focusing on substance use disorder.
“We were in the midst of the pandemic and I decided I wanted to have more of a background in mental health, so I went ahead
“ If you’re caring for a patient with an First-gen Forward Designation infection, you know that a prescribed Regis was designated a First-gen Forward institution by the amount of antibiotics specific to that infection will work 99 percent of the time. But mental health is different in that there is so much more going on in Q&A with TAMMI MAGAZZU, RN, MSN, WHNP-BC Director of Regis College Health and Wellness Center Center for First-generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA–Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education and The Suder Foundation. The First-gen Forward designation recognizes higher education institutions that demonstrate a commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes of first-generation college students. “I am very proud of how the Regis community, including students, faculty, and staff, have worked together to increase the visibility, voice, and identity of our first-generation students,” terms of environmental influences that In January 2021, Tammi Magazzu, RN, MSN, WHNP-BC, joined Regis as the director of the says Regis Assistant Professor of Psychology Helen Consiglio, PhD, who spearheaded a number of key initiatives for first-generation impact the outcome: home life, financial struggles, the social isolation of the Regis College Health and Wellness Center. She boasts more than two decades as a nursing educator and previously served as a nursing instructor at Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professionals. students at Regis. “Their stories of success and challenge within and outside of the classroom have laid the foundation, and now the real work begins.” Over the past few years, Regis has made significant strides in and started the online Psychiatric Mental Health NP Certificate Program at Regis,” says Carroll, whose twin sister LeTisha Carroll, MSN is currently enrolled in Regis’ COVID-19 pandemic.” ANNE MARIE MINGOLELLI, DNP, PMHNP-BC, APRN-BC, assistant professor of nursingSPRING/SUMMER 2021Why did you say “yes” to joining Regis? I felt this was a spectacular opportunity to merge my two passions: adolescent health and education. A health services department is all about education and most of the population is older adolescents and young adults. How will your work as a nurse educator inform your role at the Health and Wellness Center? I was blessed to have worked as an educator for over 18 years and this has helped me develop a rapport with students. It taught me to have a mutual respect for them. Additionally, I bring a prioritizing first-generation student success. Associate Director of the Center for Inclusive Excellence Denise Mashmasarmi led the charge in obtaining the First-gen Forward designation while Assistant Dean of Student Affairs Anabella Morabito and Kelly Brochu, MEd, director of the Health Services Testing Center and co-director for the Summer Scholars Program, played pivotal roles in establishing a task force and several programs focused on enhancing the experience of first-generation students and their families. • Partners in Excellence (PIE) is a Regis mentoring initiative that provides personal guidance and support to first-year students of color and first-generation students through the assignment of trained peer, faculty, staff, and graduate mentors. • The First Pride Program connects first-generation college students to academic resources, faculty, staff, and student leaders to learn more about the Regis community. It also allows early move-in to campus to help students acclimate to the campus environment and navigate offerings and programs. • The annual First-Gen Pride Week celebrates the first-generation college student identity through various programming efforts. family nurse practitioner program. “I felt if I want to treat people with an addiction, I needed to know a little bit more about it than just what I learned from my family nurse practitioner program.” Carroll was a year into the Regis program in 2019 when she founded National Addiction and Behavioral faculty background, which helps me bridge the gap between faculty and students. What was it like starting your role amid the pandemic, when 350 residential students were returning to campus? It was excellent, scary, educational, and awakening. I felt the support from the Regis team was exceptional. I have enjoyed the opportunity to grow as a person and a health care professional. As a First-gen Forward institution, Regis will receive professional Health Clinics Online (NABHCO) to development, community-building experiences, and a first look at help address the opioid epidemic—What has been your experience at Regis the Center for First-generation Student Success’ research and resources. Interested faculty and staff will be afforded multiple opportunities to engage with peer institutions that are also creating environments to improve the experiences and outcomes of first-generation students. particularly in areas where patients don’t have access to care. The clinic specializes in medication management, treating depression, substance use and anxiety disorders, and addiction as well as primary care diseases. thus far? This role has been what my entire career was building toward. I knew I would need to adapt quickly, maintain a calm persona, and bring my team together in the height of what could be a "panic" time. But the Health and Wellness Center Assistant Professor of Nursing team has maintained an enviAnne Marie Mingolelli, DNP, ronment that put students To learn more about first-generation PMHNP-BC, APRN-BC, also takes first, and I'm proud of the efforts at Regis, visit regisma.me/firstgen. an integrative approach to medicine. work we have done.
+ Focus on Health “If you’re caring for a patient with an infection, you know that a prescribed amount of antibiotics specific to that infection will work 99 percent of the time. But mental health is different in that there is so much 65246-Regis College FB 003-Front more going on in terms of environmental influences that impact the outcome: home life, financial struggles, the social isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic.” But Mingolelli does see some upsides of the pandemic, including heightened awareness of mental health conditions and also a push for funding. “Increased funding will allow more access for patients and training for providers,” says Mingolelli, a nurse practitioner certified to provide psychiatric services to children, adolescents, and adults. “The awareness has prompted discussions about offer- ing services within K-12 schools or more collaboration between social workers and police departments, for example.” Spatzer says the use of telemedicine has increased access to care, but is somewhat limited by restrictions on providing services across state lines. Due to COVID-19, some states eased behavioral health requirements for providers.
On another positive note, Spatzer believes that the pandemic will create a sense of community when it comes to mental health. “I think there are a large number of people who are going to have adjustment disorders during this, and when we 6/30/2021 2:14:30 PMcome out of it they will have gained a new appreciation for the fact that everyone is susceptible.”
THE COUNSELING CENTER AT REGIS
The Counseling Center at Regis provides individual and group counseling, workshops, sports psychology counseling, and medication evaluation and management, currently by telehealth. In summer 2020, the center provided three times the normal amount of counseling appointments.
“I do think that we keep making progress in terms of reducing the mental health stigma, but it’s a gradual change,” says Regis Director of Counseling Kathryn Klickstein, LICSW. “There are more students who are reaching out and wanting to utilize our services, which is a good sign. But it is a tough decision for many of them to take that step.”
Klickstein says that one of the goals at the center is to reframe mental health services, including talking with students during first-year seminar. “Many people have this idea that you have to be really unstable to utilize our services, but we help students experiencing a wide range of conditions. Students come to discuss managing stress and anxiety, coping with difficult relationships, overcoming shyness or social anxiety, understanding identity, improving self-esteem, and managing mood issues.”
Commencement MENTAL HEALTH Ceremonies Celebrate RESOURCES SAMHSA (Substance Classes of 2020 and 2021 Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) National Helpline provides referrals On May 8, 2021, Regis held two separate virtual commencement ceremonies to celebrate the Class of 2021 and the Class of 2020. Garth Graham, MD, MPH (pictured below), an accomplished physician and leading authority on social determinants of health, delivered the commencement address. “The word ‘resilient’ is the word I would use to describe Regis College graduates,” Graham said. “You have been through one of the most challenging time periods in the United States, and in the world. That was not just the pandemic, but also a new call for racial justice.” More than 2,300 graduates across associate, bachelor, graduate, and doctoral programs were honored during the two events. Graham applauded graduates for being advocates and encouraged them to continue their mission. “The lifelong work that many of you will have to improve lives, either through one patient at a time, one community, or even the whole system—that journey is just beginning, but you have the strength of everything you’ve just been through,” he said. “The world needs your talent more than ever before,” Graham continued. “It needs that drive and determination that you had to move forward to translate into tackling some of the most difficult challenges that still persist in front of us.” Graham received an honorary degree in recognition of his commitment to health equity, social change, and making credible public health information more accessible around the world. 65246-Regis College FB 002-Front 9 to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information. 1.800.662.HELP (4357) or TTY: 1.800.487.4889 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1.800.273.8255 Massachusetts Department of Mental Health: mass.gov/orgs/ massachusettsdepartment-ofmental-health Child Mind Institute is an independent, national nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of REGIS AGAIN DESIGNATED A MILITARY FRIENDLY® SCHOOL For the fifth time in the past six years, Regis is designated a military friendly institution in the 2021-2022 Military Friendly® Schools list. The prestigious list identifies institutions committed to serving the military and veteran community. Regis received a bronze award designation for the opportunities it provides to veterans and their families. Admission counselors at Regis offer one-onone guidance and veterans receive support on applying their benefits to their education. The campus Veterans Center provides students a dedicated space to study or meet up with fellow veterans. Regis also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which allows veterans to receive funds from the Department of Veterans Affairs for their unmet tuition and fees. The university works closely with the Veterans Administration in securing GI Bill®, Veteran Readiness and Employment, Basic Allowance for Housing, and other available supports for active-duty service members, veterans, and their families.
Regis also bestowed honorary degrees to Forbes’ Top 100 Most children and famiPowerful Women honoree and Bank of America Vice Chairman Anne lies struggling with Finucane, and James Brett, president of the New England Council. “The world needs your talent more mental health and learning disorders: childmind.org • To schedule a counseling REGIS GIVING DAY Regis Giving Day 2021 was our most successful Giving Day yet! In just 24 than ever before. It needs that drive appointment, students hours, 360 donors collectively raised and determination that you had to can call Health Services at 781.768.7290 or email more than $70,000 for important causes and programs that support move forward to translate into tackling counseling.services@our students and further the Regis some of the most difficult challenges regiscollege.edu • Talk One2One (24/7 mission. Thank you to all alumni, friends, parents, faculty, staff, and that still persist in front of us.” 6/30/2021 2:14:08 PM phone counseling for “in the moment” support) students who came together to show their love for Regis. Read more and 1.800.756.3124 watch a video: alumni.regiscollege. GARTH GRAHAM, MD, MPH Honorary Degree Recipient and Commencement Speaker edu/givingday.
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alumni together
Reunion Throwback EditionCommitment to Do Better
Regis on Cape Cod
September 29-30, 2021
Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club, Brewster, Massachusetts
6 34 REGIS TODAY Class of 1971 45th Reunion in 2016 Class of 1961 25th Reunion in 1986
REGIS TODAY 65246-Regis College FB 002-Back Class of 1986 5th Reunion in 1991 Class of 1956 60th Reunion in 2016
Six-month progress report on Institutional Action Plan to Address Racism highlights new initiatives implemented and work still to be done
As part of Heritage Week in March, a celebration of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Boston and their social justice values, Regis unveiled a six-month progress report on its Institutional Action Plan to Address Racism. The plan highlights new initiatives that have been implemented and work that still needs to be done. “As this progress report details, we are taking real, tangible steps to ensure the future of Regis College is one that is actively antiracist,” Regis President Antoinette M. Hays, PhD, RN, wrote in the progress report’s welcome letter on March 19, 2021. “I know this is hard, ongoing work. But as the past six months have shown, we are not afraid of hard work, especially when it comes to ensuring that Black Lives Matter at Regis and that we truly love, serve, and respect each other without distinction.” The progress report was presented by Audrey Grace, JD, associate vice president for inclusive excellence and chief diversity officer, at a special town hall event on March 15. The action plan contains nine goals, from increased learning opportunities for the campus community to a curriculum review to updating the institution’s bias response protocols. “I am impressed by the overwhelming support for this plan, from the number of volunteers and community members who committed their time, to the energy and support from our trustees,” Grace said. “It is clear that Regis is willing to do what is needed to advance racial equity and social justice for all.” Among the achievements the report highlights are an institutional-wide, self-identification campaign to provide a better sense of the campus’ diversity, and continued opportunities for direct community input and feedback on all anti-racism work on campus. Additionally, Regis’ annual Founders’ Day in October 2020 brought more than 700 people together for a daylong dialogue on racism, equity, and social justice. As this work continues, Grace said she would like to focus on strengthening the institution’s hiring and retention work around equity and inclusion. She also credited the Student Government Association (SGA) and the Multicultural Student Association (MCSA) for their roles in the development of the plan. She hopes to To read the grow student involvement even further. six-month “Throughout the development of the action plan, the members of progress report on the Institutional Action Plan SGA and MCSA are incredibly proud and honored to have worked with Audrey Grace,” the groups said in a shared statement. “It is without question that the demands made in mid-June 2020 to Address required tremendous work from our faculty and staff, who have Racism, visit been highly responsive throughout the planning process. The sturegisma.me/ dents of Regis College should feel excited and ready for the positive dobetter. institutional change that is emerging.” This two-day Cape event will feature a sunset mass, class dinners, a bonfire on the beach, the annual Cape Cod Luncheon, and more. For a full list of events and to register please visit Gifts to Inclusive Excellence alumni.regiscollege.edu/regisoncape. As part of Giving Day 2021, the Regis If you have questions, please contact Class of 1951 25th Reunion in 1976 community had the opportunity to designate their gifts to one of six areas, including Inclusive Excellence. Gifts to Inclusive Director of Alumni Relations Molly Zuccarini at 781.768.7228. Excellence support all strategic equity, inclusion, and diversity initiatives across Book a Room at Ocean Edge the university, helping to develop programs, address structural challenges, and ensure A block of guest rooms at Ocean Edge Regis has critical resources to fulfill its mis has been reserved for Regis alumni sion to serve the dear neighbor without and friends at the discounted rate of distinction. $195 per night. The deadline to receive Recognition this rate is August 30 and you must Last fall, Regis received the 2020 Higher mention the Regis Cape Cod group Education Excellence in Diversity Award when booking to receive the discount. from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. The national honor recognizes U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding RESERVATION OPTIONS commitment to diversity and inclusion. Call the resort: 508.896.9000 Regis was selected based on several initia- Call toll-free: 800.343.6074 tives, including a commitment to LGBTQA+ student support, equity for first-generation Email: stay@oceanedge.com students and students of color, and mainClass of 2006 10th Reunion in 2016 taining connection and a sense of commu-To see a full list of upcoming events, nity during the pandemic.visit alumni.regiscollege.edu/events. “ I am impressed by the overwhelming support for Class Notes this plan, from the number of Class notes may be submitted to your volunteers and community class reporter or directly to Institutional members who committed their Advancement and Alumni Relations. time, to the energy and support Each class is limited to 750 words, and from our trustees. It is clear that the deadline for the next column of Regis is willing to do what is needed to advance racial equity notes will be communicated to Class Reporters via email. and social justice for all.”Email: classnotes@regiscollege.edu Mail: 235 Wellesley Street, Box 30, AUDREY GRACE, JD, associate vice president for inclusive excellence and Weston, MA 02493
chief diversity officer
Class of 1966 25th Reunion in 199165246 Regis College Back 2 6/30/2021 2:14:11 PM Black 65246 Regis College Back 2 6/30/2021 2:14:11 PM Cyan 65246 Regis College Back 2 6/30/2021 2:14:11 PM Magenta 65246 Regis College Back 2 6/30/2021 2:14:11 PM YellowClass of 1981 35th Reunion in 2016 Class of 2011 5th Reunion in 2016 Class of 1991 25th Reunion in 2016
