LEAPS
Liaisons Educating & Advocating
for Psychological Support
MISSION STATEMENT
LEAPS is a group of undergraduate students who serve as liaisons between the PCC and the campus. The purpose of LEAPS is to work with the Psychological & Counseling Center as peer educators to promote positive mental health and wellbeing on the Vanderbilt University campus through outreach activities.
GOALS
- To decrease the stigma associated with seeking help
- To improve visibility and accessibility of the PCC and its services
- To serve as student leaders and role-models
- To increase knowledge and understanding of mental health and wellness topics of college students
- To increase awareness and understanding on campus of mental health issues and emotional wellness
- To develop public speaking and program development skills
- Advocate for effective campus practices to promote positive coping behaviors
ACTIVITIES
- Host events that promote positive coping skills and healthy choices
- Collaborate with other campus organizations and departments on joint programming efforts
- Co-facilitate presentations to student groups with the Outreach Coordinator about topics such as: PCC services, Stress & Coping, Healthy Relationships, & Academic Success
- Host wellness information tables at various campus events
- Serve as positive role models for peers
Applications are now closed. Thank you to all who applied! We will announce the new LEAPS members by April 8, 2013.
REQUIREMENTS:
*Attend training sessions on April 20-21, 2013.
*Attend bi-weekly membership meetings during the 2013-2014 academic year.
*Actively participate in LEAPS outreach & prevention events.
Coordinator: Rachel Eskridge, M.Ed.
Email: rachel.eskridge@vanderbilt.edu
Outreach Coordinator at the Psychological & Counseling Center
Executive Board Members
President: Helyn Grissom
Email: helyn.e.grissom@vanderbilt.edu
Hometown: Glen Ridge, New Jersey
Major/Year: Neuroscience/ Class of 2015
Why you are a part of PCC LEAPS?
When I heard about the imminent formation of this organization, I knew I needed to get involved. Mental health is a fascinating topic, but is is unfortunately a poorly understood one. Through PCC LEAPS, I hope to work toward improving mental health education on Vanderbilt’s campus, decreasing the stigma associated with asking for help, and planning events that will provide students with a healthy way to relieve stress. College is one of the most stressful times in life, and I want to do everything I can to make it just the slightest bit more manageable.
Co-Vice President: Chelsea McMahon
Email: mcmahon.chelsea@gmail.com
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Major/Year: Psychology/ Class of 2014
Why are you a part of PCC LEAPS:
I joined this organization because I want to change the way people feel when they think of mental health and the disorders that go along with it. To me, being a liaison for the PCC means that I can be a part of the process of making the PCC less intimidating to students who want to seek help. Whether it’s just stress from a test or something more, there is nothing wrong with wanting to reach out and ask for support, and I am honored to be a part of the process of changing the stereotype.
Co Vice- President: Jessica McMillan
Email: jessica.d.mcmillan@vanderbilt.edu
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Major/Year: I am a senior psychology with research honors major and a sociology minor
Why you are a part of PCC LEAPS?
I am interested in working with PCC LEAPS because I want to help break the stigma surrounding the use of mental health services on Vanderbilt’s campus. I also want to inform students about options for receiving help and encourage them to use various self-help tips to manage everyday stressors in their lives. Lastly, I want to help bridge the gab between the PCC and the student population, and provide the campus with information about mental disorders, healthy lifestyle tips, and creative programming.
Secretary: Kendra Osborn
Email: kendra.a.osborn@vanderbilt.edu
Hometown: Darien, Connecticut
Major/Year: Sophomore Psychology Major and Neuroscience minor, studying to be a Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Why you are a part of PCC LEAPS?
I joined PCC LEAPS because of my family history with mental illness, and my desire to eradicate the stigma surrounding mental illness
Director of Public Relations:Sydney Waitz-Kudla
Email: sydney.n.waitz-kudla@Vanderbilt.Edu
Hometown: Charleston, SC
Major/Year: Psychology and English Major, Sociology Minor, Class of 2015
Why you are a part of PCC LEAPS?
I’m a part of LEAPS because I want to help students on Vanderbilt’s campus get help from the PCC when they need it, without making them feel like it’s wrong to need someone to talk to. I don’t want anyone to ever feel alone.
Director of Program Development : Vacant
LEAPS Executive Board 2013
