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WINTER 2021 Volume 91 Number 3
MAGAZINE
Being Well
TRAUMA &
RESILIENCE
FEATURES
CONTENTS
6 | Tasked to Respond
As mental-health concerns rise across the nation, Berea College has chosen to face
the challenges of students’ emotional and mental health head-on by developing a
MAGAZINE
Task Force on Trauma and Resilience.
Abbie Tanyhill Darst ‘03, Editor
Kim Brown, Associate Vice President for Marketing 8 | Opening the Conversation
and Communications Professional development for faculty and staff about recognizing mental-health
Chad Berry Hon. ‘20, Vice President for Alumni,
Communications and Philanthropy issues and educating them on trauma and resilience became a starting point for
Jackie Collier ‘80, Associate Vice President for conversations on creating a campus that can help put students on the path toward
Alumni Relations
Emily A. Parrish, Senior Graphic Designer
optimal health and well-being.
Crystal Wylie ‘05, Director of Photography and
Digital Engagement 12 | Power Plants
JoJo Wray ‘04 Content Contributor With increased stress and feelings of isolation that accompany the COVID-19 global
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: pandemic, tending to lush, green plants is helping people through these challenging
Cora Allison ’22, Kim Brown, Abbie Tanyhill Darst ’03, times.
Katie Grindstaff ‘15, Jill Gurtatowski, Evan Harrell,
Libby Falk Jones, Tim Jordan ’76, Kim Kobersmith 14 | Meeting Them Where They Are
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Whether students come to Counseling Services struggling with anxiety or the effects
Gaston Jarju ’23, Brittany Lakes, Jennifer Lance ’20, of extreme trauma in their lives, Berea’s experienced therapists are ready to meet them
Justin Skeens, Crystal Wylie ’05
where they are, help them navigate their situation and successfully get them through
COLLEGE ADMINISTRATION to graduation.
Lyle D. Roelofs, President
Jeffrey S. Amburgey Hon. ’10, Vice President for Finance
Sylvia Asante, Dean of Labor
18 | A Beacon of Help
Channell Barbour ‘91, Vice President for Student Life Senior Willow Rodriguez relates how childhood struggles with her mother’s health
Chad Berry Hon. ‘20, Vice President for Alumni, created mental-health issues for her entering college and how she has used Berea’s
Communications and Philanthropy
Steve Gowler, Interim Associate Provost resources to foster resilience.
Phillip Logsdon, Chief Information Officer
Dwayne Mack, Vice President for Diversity, 20 | Home Away from Home
Equity and Inclusion
Matthew Saderholm ‘92, Dean of the Faculty
First-year student Rashana Temple was displaced from her home at the beginning
Derrick Singleton, Vice President for Operations of the COVID-19 pandemic. Discover how coming to Berea has helped her find
and Sustainability community in the midst of quarantine.
Scott Steele, Interim Provost
Teri E. Thompson, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives
Judge B. Wilson II ‘78, General Counsel and Secretary
22 | Managing the Pain
After losing his mother to cancer, junior Obinna Ilochonwu learned how to navigate
CORRESPONDENCE AND REPRINTS rising stress from family expectations and future career direction by reaching out to
If you have comments, questions or suggestions
for the Berea College Magazine or would like Berea’s Counseling Services.
information about reprinting any article appearing
in the magazine, please contact: 24 | In the Face of Crisis
Editor, Berea College Magazine Berenice Davila’s senior year has been a mixture of challenges and persistence in the
Berea College face of unmet expectations. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic rearranging her plans,
CPO 2142 Davila has persevered toward successful completion of her last year at Berea.
Berea, KY 40404
magazine@berea.edu
26 | Living Mindfully
AT YOUR SERVICE Courses and programming across campus teach students, faculty and staff how to
Web: www.berea.edu
Mail: CPO 2142, Berea, KY 40404 cope by practicing mindfulness.
Phone: 859.985.3104
Toll free: 1.866.804.3018 29 | Exceptional Students in an Exceptional Time
Magazine: https://magazine.berea.edu With a worldwide pandemic affecting so many, Berea’s student chaplains answered
Obinna Ilochonwu ’22 is studying to be a nurse anesthetist so he the call of supporting the student body.
@bereacollege
can help patients with pain management. Ilochonwu is one of 30 | Tackling Trauma Together
many Berea students who face stress and anxiety throughout their The student population Berea was founded to serve raises the likelihood students will
@bereacollege college careers. In this issue you can read more about Ilochonwu’s have encountered trauma, adverse childhood experiences and other negative impacts
story, along with those of other Berea College students who have on their mental, physical and emotional health. Learn how the College is raising
Crystal Wylie ‘05
@bereacollege made use of College resources to overcome challenges that might
awareness for and addressing these issues across campus.
have prevented them from graduating. 22
Berea College Magazine (ISSN 1539-7394) is published 34 | Helping Bereans Thrive!
quarterly for Berea College alumni and friends by
the Berea College Marketing and Communications
The College’s Thrive! program teaches that wellness involves actively engaging in and
Department. Periodicals postage pending at Berea, KY, nurturing all aspects of the whole person.
and additional mailing offices.
Postmaster: Send address corrections to the Berea DEPARTMENTS
College Office of Alumni Relations, CPO 2203,
Berea, KY 40404. 36 | In the News
Berea College is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization
39 | Class Notes
under federal guidelines. 45 | Passages
Jennifer Lance ‘20
Crystal Wylie ‘05
6 26 34
WINTER 2021 3
What Do Berea Students Need to Succeed? LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
In many ways, the Berea College student the current Berea College student has are working hard in this area and are Dear Berea
Alumni and Friends,
experience of today is the same as it was changed. The reasons for the changes are having a great deal of impact. A prime
in the past. Learning in the classroom, much debated, but a partial list would indicator of our success is that graduation
through the Labor include changes to the nature of rural rates are rising steadily, even as the
Program and from poverty from subsistence to dependency; challenges students must overcome have
We have finally made it through 2020 and are anxious to start fresh
each other are degradation of family support structures also been increasing. with a new year that, I hope, feels very different than the last. Yet, as I
hallmarks of the and increased substance abuse; an This issue of Berea College Magazine write this message, the landscape of our nation and the circumstances
present experience increasing wealth gap that presents greater offers a close-up, real-life view of the of the global pandemic don’t seem to be easing. The stress, worry and
and of the experience challenges to the impoverished than it did current student experience, focusing on uncertainty that permeated 2020 mentally and emotionally fatigued
many, bringing to light an uptick in mental-health issues and the
of generations of in earlier decades; and resulting greater student mental health and the support
shortcomings in recognizing and understanding them. Right at a year
Bereans. But today’s pressure to succeed in four short years. the College offers. The theme is especially ago, when Berea’s Task Force on Trauma and Resilience released its
students come to Additionally, the rise of social media has significant for these times of COVID-19 findings and recommendations, the idea formed to focus this issue of
campus with experi- been shown to be quite toxic to the mental and the related challenges students have the Berea College Magazine on mental and emotional health. Today,
ences that require a health of young people. faced and overcome. You will meet several the topic couldn’t be more timely. As you will read in the pages of this
sharper focus on their Berea students in 2020, ever as wonderful faculty and staff members
publication, mental health among college students is on the decline
nationally. And since the COVID-19 pandemic, the issues have only
mental health and well-being. deserving of education and opportunity as whose work with our amazing students become more pronounced. A report released by the Centers for Disease
It is true that every generation of past generations, are still learning so much is making such an important difference. Control and Prevention in August 2020 about the pandemic’s effect on
Berea students has overcome challenges in the classroom, at their jobs and from Our discerning friends and alumni mental health identified that about one-quarter of surveyed 18 to 24 year
and learned resilience through them, and one another. But for some, more support will understand that all of our efforts olds had “seriously considered suicide” in the past 30 days. A separate
some may think that opportunities for is needed. The challenge is not unique to require College resources. We are grateful, study by the Student Experience in the Research University (SERU)
consortium found the rate of major depressive disorder among graduate
learning, labor and service were sufficient Berea. I do not know of a single college, as always, for your support as we continue and professional students is two times higher compared to 2019.
to overcoming obstacles. Alumni accom- regardless of the populations served, that to offer the best education money can’t
plishments over time might confirm that, isn’t finding it necessary to offer more buy—and I do mean the best! Because of the population Berea College serves, many of our students tend
to fall into high-risk categories for dealing with mental and emotional
but it is important to recognize that many mental-health support for its students.
health issues. Interviewing our professional therapists for the profile on
Bereans in the past did not finish their Fortunately, at Berea, we have Counseling Services you can read on page 14 was incredibly eye-opening
degree. Today, a focus on mental health accepted the challenge of figuring out to me. I was unfamiliar with the effects of trauma and adverse childhood
improves success and graduation rates. how to meet that need in our students. Lyle D. Roelofs experiences (ACEs), but being a Berea graduate, I keenly understand
In many ways, the environment of A number of dedicated, expert Bereans President the background and challenges many of our students have faced. My
childhood was thwarted by parental substance abuse and divorce.
My mother unsuccessfully attempted to take her life. I was homeless for
Trustees and Councils a month in high school, sleeping in a dingy motel while my mom
worked nights and searched for a house during the day. These ACEs
Lyle D. Roelofs, President
dictate the lens through which our minds and bodies react to just about
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Tyler S. Thompson ‘83 AEC MEMBERS-AT-LARGE everything. This magazine delves more deeply into ACEs and their effects
Robert T. Yahng ‘63, Chairman of the Board Rocky S. Tuan ‘72 Alonzo (Lonnie) Allen, Jr. ’84, Kentucky
Stephanie B. Zeigler, Vice Chair of the Board Emmanuel A. Tuffuor ‘88 V. Eldon Ball ’70, Virginia on page 30.
Vicki E. Allums ‘79 Diane Artist Wallace ‘80 Dr. Geoffrey Bartlett ’93, New York
Celeste P. Armstrong ‘90 Raymond Crenshaw ’12, Washington, D.C.
Charlotte F. Beason ‘70 HONORARY TRUSTEES Dr. Donna J. Dean ’69, West Virginia But what I am most excited about in this issue are the stories of resilience
Vance Blade ‘82
Anne Berry Bonnyman
James T. Bartlett
Martin A. Coyle
Ethan Hamblin ’14, North Carolina
Vallorie Henderson ’79, Kentucky
shared by four of our students on pages 18 through 25. Though just
Joseph John Bridy Elissa May-Plattner Jane Miller Hutchens ’71, Kentucky a sampling of the human experience, these young people have dealt
Stephen Campbell Harold L. Moses ‘58 Dr. Randy Johnson ’91, Kentucky
David H. Chow Thomas H. Oliver Zack Johnson ’17, Kentucky with difficulty, stress and pain and yet have risen. They have sought
M. Elizabeth Culbreth ‘64
Bill Daugherty ‘76
Douglas M. Orr
David S. Swanson
Elle Keys ’18, Kentucky
Angie Li ’16, Tennessee
out resources and relationships to counteract their hardships, and they
Samantha S. Earp ‘86 R. Elton White ’65 Elizabeth (Libby) McCord, Esq. ’73, Ohio are learning to thrive. Berea met them where they were, and will
John E. Fleming ‘66 Dawneda F. Williams Tran Nguyen ’17, Indiana
Michael D. Flowers Robert Phillips ’90, Virginia help them navigate their way to completing their degrees and living
Scott M. Jenkins
Glenn R. Jennings ‘82
ALUMNI EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (AEC) 2020-21
Sherry McCulley-Hall ’81, President, North Carolina
Mahjabeen Rafiuddin ’97, Florida
Carlos Verdecchia ’91, Kentucky
full lives.
Shawn C.D. Johnson Joe Saleem ’08, Past-President, Kentucky
Ken Koh Dr. Dwayne Compton ’01, President-Elect, Kentucky
Nancy “Nana” Lampton Dr. Lyle D. Roelofs, President of Berea College
Eugene Y. Lowe Jr. Jackie Collier ’80, Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations
Betty H. Olinger ‘69 Dr. Chad Berry Hon. ’20, Vice President for Alumni,
Thomas W. Phillips ‘65 Communications and Philanthropy
Miriam “Mim” Pride
William B. Richardson ALUMNI TRUSTEES Abbie Tanyhill Darst ’03
Dennis R. Roop ‘69
Charles Ward Seabury II
Celeste Patton Armstrong ’90, Alabama
Bill Daugherty ’76, Kentucky
Editor
David E. Shelton ‘69 Dr. Betty Hyatt Olinger ’69, Kentucky
David B. Sloan ‘72 Diane Artist Wallace ’80, Kentucky
4 WINTER 2021 WINTER 2021 5
Tasked to Respond C
oncerned with the national
among students entering
colleges and universities, President Lyle
resilience; structural or positional
trend in declining mental health changes; and continued oversight,
review and data sharing. With a full list
of recommendations, the task force
played a caregiver role for a grandparent
or siblings,” Lakes said. “They are not
able to provide in ways that they would
like, and there are feelings of shame,
Facing the challenges of mental Roelofs and then-Academic Vice began conversations about implementa-
President and Dean of the Faculty Chad tion. However, as with all facets of
guilt and frustration that can lead to
disparities in those students.”
and emotional health head-on Berry convened a Task Force on Trauma Berea’s operations, the COVID-19 In addition, the stress levels Berea
and Resilience in fall 2018. The task pandemic presented a significant College students report are higher than
By Katie Grindstaff ‘15 force was charged with examining Berea challenge. their national peers, as revealed in a 2010
students and their risk factors as well as Some of the recommendations American College Health
Dr. LorettaAssociation
Reynolds
making recommendations for taking a were able to gain real traction before National College Health Assessment
“
holistic and proactive approach for staff and students left to work remotely survey. Sixty-six percent of Berea males
responding to student trauma and in March 2020, Lakes said. “We’ve and 49 percent of Berea females reported
increasing student resilience. implemented a few recommendations “more than average” or “tremendous
“Student that have had stress” compared nationally to 56 percent
Student trauma and mental health
trauma and mental
and universities
said Chris Lakes,
director of the
Office of Student
Success and
“
health issues are on issues are on the rise at colleges
the rise at colleges and universities across the country.
It’s very well documented and
across the country,” happening at all institutions. At
Berea College, a place where we
serve students from low-income
backgrounds, poverty is one of the
positive results, but
some of the others
have obviously
landed on the back
burner,” he said.
The College ended
in-person instruc-
tion in March
2020 and in fall
of males and 42 percent of females.
“One source of stress is the pressure
to succeed at Berea given students’
limited options for high-quality
education that is affordable,” said Sue
Reimondo, director of Counseling
Services. “Because Berea College charges
no tuition, students are encouraged to
graduate in four years to enable as many
Transition. “It’s primary indicators of negative 2020 implemented students as possible to receive a degree at
very well docu- outcomes in student mental health. a learning environ- the College who may not otherwise have
mented and –Chris Lakes ment that includes the opportunity to earn one.”
happening at all in-person or Individual recommendations from
institutions. At Berea College, a place distance learning as chosen by the the task force are continuing, including
where we serve students from low-in- student. what is referred to as “gatekeeper
come backgrounds, poverty is one of the One recommendation for faculty training for natural helpers.” The
primary indicators of negative outcomes reading groups already has offered training for faculty and staff who
in student mental health.” participants insight into challenges facing interact with students on a regular
The student population served by Berea students. To date, three different basis will help prepare them for how
the College is at risk of higher levels of groups have convened, reading and to support students’ mental health.
stress, anxiety and mental fatigue. discussing books that offer guidance on Throughout this issue, the specifics
Acknowledging these obstacles, the goal addressing particular challenges Berea’s of many of the task force recommenda-
of the task force was to develop a more students face. There also has been a group tions are explored and their impact and
comprehensive, cohesive response to the review of a short film related to adverse implementation explained in greater
experiences and challenges students childhood experiences. The recommenda- detail. The work of the task force is
bring with them into higher education. tion for training faculty and staff on how happening across campus in a number
The 16-member task force repre- to respond directly to students who are of areas, with facilitation and coordina-
sented various academic departments, experiencing emotional stress also has tion from the wellness program, Student
Student Life, the Willis D. Weatherford resulted in helpful conversations. Life and the Office of Student Success
Jr. Campus Christian Center, Counsel- Berea students experience similar and Transition, among others.
ing Services and Institutional Research issues to students across the country, “Part of my job in the spring,” Lakes
and Assessment. It identified 21 recom- but because many are coming out of said, “will be to pull people back together
mendations, separated into five broader challenging backgrounds, they struggle and focus on what we have been able to
categories: increasing resilience and disproportionately with things like food accomplish during the COVID-19 pan-
Many students like Kaela Davis ‘23 found reducing stress on campus; professional insecurity, feeling supported by their demic, and how to get momentum back
ways to deal with the added stress COVID-19 development for faculty and staff; family, divorce and separation, and in 2021, when a lot of people will return
Crystal Wylie ‘05
safety protocols placed on Berea’s residential
students by moving outside to study. increasing campus awareness of traumas, housing insecurity. to campus and engage in a world that is
adverse childhood experiences and “So many of our students have very different since the shutdown.” B
6 WINTER 2021 WINTER 2021 7
Opening the
Conversation
Faculty and staff crucial to campus mental well-being
By Kim Kobersmith
F
or some students, taking tests changed a lot,” she said. “We didn’t even the student, provide insight and support,
can evoke fear and anxiety. talk about depression or anxiety. Now and share the experience.”
Dr. Monica Kennison, Susan V. we are much more open about it, and Dr. Amanda Wyrick, associate
Clayton Nursing Chair at Berea, knows more students are identifying as experi- professor of psychology, helped develop
how common and incapacitating test encing it.” a manual for staff on how to walk beside
anxiety can be. She developed a strategy Last June, the College offered a students who express feelings of depres-
that’s been particularly helpful. Together, training for labor supervisors, a staff sion, anxiety and suicidal ideation. One
she and the student enter the computer group that works closely with students. special area of concern for her is bound-
testing room, sit in front of a computer The Trauma and Resilience Basics aries for faculty and staff. Part of that
and walk through a progressive relax- training was led by Karen Newton, a is knowing when a student needs more
ation exercise. She then encourages the Koru mindfulness trainer and adjunct help than a faculty or staff member can
student to return to the testing room faculty member at the University of offer.
and practice the relaxation alone. This Louisville and the parent of a Berea “I ask myself, ‘Can I maintain my
builds a link between the room and a graduate. She introduced the impact of role right now, or am I moving into the
sense of calm that the student can draw adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) role of friend or parent?’” she explained.
on during testing. on students and the benefits of protec- “The answer to that question provides a
This is just one way faculty and staff tive factors. The Centers for Disease clue as to whether my interaction with a
at Berea are attuned to the mental Control and Prevention defines ACEs student can remain healthy for the both
well-being of their students and actively as potentially traumatic events that of us.”
intervene on their behalf. occur in childhood up until the age of
“Faculty play a crucial role,” 17. Protective factors such as a caring
Kennison said. “It is not unusual for relationship with a parent or caregiver A resilience toolkit
students to confide in us because we can shield children from ACEs. Campus-wide, there is an emphasis on
work so closely with them. We often Understanding these concepts not just handling crises but creating
are cognizant of subtle changes in helped participants shift mindsets from opportunities to nurture students’
student behavior and can initiate a “what is wrong with you?” to “what resilience. This is of particular concern
conversation.” happened to you?” This broader context for Kennison. “Nationally, there is a
fosters empathy when working with silent but real problem of an increased
students who are struggling with incidence of suicide among nurses
Walk beside work-performance issues. The training compared to the general population,”
In recognition of this crucial role, one of also included a reminder that all people she explained. “Nurses are the largest
the emerging themes of the Task Force have healing potential. healthcare workforce on the front lines
on Trauma and Resilience, convened in “As a faculty member, it is import- of caring for individuals who are
fall 2018, was professional development ant for me to be aware of potential violently injured. Students need a
for faculty and staff who work directly trauma students have experienced, like resilience toolkit.”
with students. Dr. Stephanie Woodie, the long-term impacts of [racism] and Kennison and the rest of the nursing
associate professor of health and human poverty,” Woodie said. “We can learn to department have made this toolkit a
performance, sees its importance. “I see ourselves, not as a person who can fix top priority. The Martha Fox Memorial
began teaching in 1988, and things have it, but as someone who can walk beside Psychiatric Nursing Lecture series
8 WINTER 2021 WINTER 2021 9
sponsored a virtual seminar about school year on sabbatical. Her research communities. One text was “The Upside
Berea’s Students
mental health for nurses and students in topic emerged from her work with the of Stress,” by Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D.,
October. Dr. Susan Painter and Dr. task force; she is exploring creating a which focuses on strategies for embrac-
“
Karen Cheeseman from Case Western learning community focused on faculty ing the benefits of this much-maligned
Reserve University shared about risk and staff resilience. The first component aspect of human experience. The impact
Need You and Your
factors, coping and self-care strategies,
and the importance
of creating support-
ive dialogue among
colleagues.
The nursing
faculty incorporate
other practices for
well-being. They
“
will be grounded in psychoeducation
My vision is to establish a
space of safe connection where
individuals can risk vulnerability.
I want to encourage our campus
community to slow down and
as members explore
aspects of burn-out
and stress. The
second element will
focus on building
resilience.
“The goal is
not a list of things
of stress depends on the mindset we
have about it, according to McGonigal,
and we can use it to actually increase our
resilience.
Participants recognized the material
was not just about students, but for their
own well-being. “Book groups were a
start to building a really great connec-
tion with faculty and staff,” Wyrick said.
Generous Support
More Than Ever
serve healthy snacks listen to each other. to do, which can Woodie, Kennison and Wyrick
during finals week. –Dr. Amanda Wyrick be guilt-inducing,” have helped lay the groundwork for a
They practice Dr. she said. “It will be healthier Berea College campus commu-
Amy Cuddy’s about tools we can nity. “The work of the task force makes
“power pose” with students. Cuddy, a practice together in community.” Berea more proactive, with a self-care
social psychologist, says standing for two The final component focuses on and resiliency mindset,” Kennison said.
minutes with your feet apart and your the community aspect of the experience. “It opens the conversation, decreases
hands on your hips (think the famous “My vision is to establish a space of the stigma around mental health and
Wonder Woman stance) is linked to safe connection where individuals can leverages students’ strengths. During
improved confidence and performance risk vulnerability,” she added. “I want COVID-19, we have been focused on
in stressful situations, as well as de- to encourage our campus community physical well-being, but the pandemic
creased stress. They introduce a struc- to slow down and listen to each other.” is exacerbating mental-health concerns.
tured mindful pause, which in some Wyrick says book studies that The work of the task force has proven
clinical situations is linked to fewer emerged from task force recommenda- to be relevant, timely and essential.” B
errors in practice. It is all in the pursuit tions gave a taste of these kinds of
of instilling resilience tools and improv- The pandemic continues to loom large, particularly
ing mental health in their future nurses. on low-income households—exactly the population
Berea serves.
A space of safe connection
While there is a growing national In addition to their economic status, the pandemic
recognition of the mental-health needs has been another challenge in our students’ lives.
of college students, Wyrick is concen- Now more than ever, the promise of a high-quality
trating her work on a less-discussed education without the burden of student debt
topic: how schools like Berea are is needed. Without the No-Tuition Promise
handling compassion fatigue and Scholarship that Berea awards to each one of its
burn-out of the staff and faculty who
admitted students, they would have few higher
work with students.
“We can’t just focus on wellness educational options that match the quality of a
of students without faculty and staff,” Berea degree.
she said. “Other institutions are dealing
with heightened stress in students, but Please make your gift at www.berea.edu/give, or
not a lot of colleagues tell me they are by sending a check in the enclosed envelope. Amber ’23
getting support for their well-being.
Berea College has said we believe this is Photo by Desiree Dunn ‘20
important, and there is a lot of support
for the task force work.”
Wyrick is spending the 2020-21
CPO 2216 • Berea, KY 40404 • 800-457-9846 • www.berea.edu/give
10 WINTER 2021 WINTER 2021 11
By Kim Brown
Power Plants
R
educed stress levels. Cleaner air. guidelines and rules established by Sir “Plants have kept me (mostly) sane
Sharpened attentiveness. In- Isaac Newton in 1666 and applied by throughout 2020,” said Brittany “Bee”
creased productivity. A number designers to communicate through the Lakes, social media coordinator at Berea
of university and medical studies show use of color—green is associated with College. “My collection definitely grew
that a simple element found in many tranquility, growth, renewal and com- during this time, likely because we have
homes and offices produces these bene- passion. Designers use a color wheel and been unable to go anywhere, which led
fits: plants. With increased stress and research that connects color to mood, to more online plant shopping. I enjoy
feelings of isolation that accompany the emotion and feelings, and throughout caring for my plants; watching them
COVID-19 global pandemic, tending to the pandemic Kentucky Gov. Andy grow and thrive is very rewarding and
lush, green plants is helping people Beshear encouraged residents to light allows me to focus on something
through these challenging times. their homes in green to show support positive rather than being weighed down
In color theory—a collection of to those who have suffered losses. by the challenges of 2020.”
Lakes, whose collection of house-
plants stands at 75, said she used the
months of isolation to connect with
other “plant people” online through
Instagram. She has made friends with
plant lovers in neighboring Lexington,
Crystal Wylie ‘05
Ky., and as far away as Sweden, with
whom she chats almost daily.
These online friendships started by
Dr. Dawn Anderson, Berea biology professor, describes her office as a little ecosystem. It is filled with plants she has added throughout her 28 years at Berea,
sharing plant photos, discussing plant some of which are orphaned plants that were rescued and given to her. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Anderson says her plants have helped “soothe and
care, giving advice and sending one calm [her] jangled nerves.”
another interesting products, Lakes
recalls. Over time, those online connec- them for their majors (nursing, biology
tions with new friends have evolved into and chemistry-biochemistry concentra-
meaningful relationships. tion).” Anderson, in her 28th year
“We now ask how the other person teaching at Berea, took a course redesign
is coping with all the stresses of 2020 workshop in May offered by the Col-
and have worthwhile conversations,” she lege’s Center for Teaching and Learning
explains. “Building these connections that guided her in redesigning her three
through social media has meant a lot to courses to an online format. “Huge
me throughout the pandemic, and I change. Huge amount of work, but I
know [it] has been impactful for them as wanted all students who needed my
well, especially those who live alone.” courses to be able to take them,”
Crystal Wylie ‘05
Childhood weekends spent tending Anderson said.
a vegetable garden with her paternal Anderson, whose research focuses
grandparents had a lasting impact on on infectious disease and antibiotic In mid-March 2020, just after the campus closed to in-person instruction due to COVID-19, Berea’s
Dr. Dawn Anderson, instilling in her a resistance in bacteria, said the drastic greenhouse workers continued tending to campus greenery. In the spring and summer months, plant
sales increased as people turned to plants as a stress reliever during quarantine.
life-long love of plants. A professor in change in her approach to teaching left
the Biology department at Berea, her feeling frazzled. She found relief in
Anderson says plants have always played the 22 plants in her office. on with the pandemic and how it has a great coping strategy for Lakes and
Brittany Lakes
a big part in her life. Their role became “During this COVID pandemic, really upended everyone’s life. I find Anderson. The benefits derived from their
more significant during the pandemic. I think all my plants have done much comfort from the plants in my office, potted friends confirm the color theory
Bee Lakes has more than 75 potted plants in her home. Her collection helped her cope with the
“The pandemic totally shifted my to soothe and calm my jangled nerves,” which would be a very sterile and association of green with tranquility,
challenges of 2020 while allowing her to connect to other plant lovers around the world through teaching,” she said. “I am doing all my she said. “It is easy to get anxious and soul-deadening place without them.” growth and renewal—feelings each hopes
social media. courses online as many students need depressed with all that has been going Caring for plants has proven to be to find on the other side of this pandemic. B
12 WINTER 2021 WINTER 2021 13
Meeting Them “Berea’s students are unique because up and continuing on to graduation.
Berea College itself is unique with the “Meeting them where they are is
demands our students are under,” Berea important,” Reimondo said. “It is a real
Athletics, Disability and Accessibility
Services and academic departments such
as Child and Family Studies, Women’s
Where They Are
counselor Tricia Isenstein said. “Sched- dance; they have to function, so we don’t and Gender Studies, and Sociology,
ules at Berea are very rigid with the addi- want them to move too quickly in allows counseling to be holistic and
“
tion of labor, and students often are dealing with painful issues because it touch all the areas that make up a
committed from before 8 a.m. into the may interfere with their ability to go to student’s experience.
late evening. Berea students put high class and labor or meet other obliga- “It’s helpful to have experts in all
expectations on tions. So, it is OK areas because I’m not an expert in
By Abbie Tanyhill Darst ’03
O
Berea College Counseling Services
ver the past decade, rates of
anxiety, depression and suicidal
thoughts among college
pandemic caused the institution to end
in-person instruction and send students
home last March. On average, counsel-
see us in everyday settings…it normaliz-
es us and shows we are warm, compas-
sionate and approachable.
themselves, often
prioritizing aca-
demics over their
own well-being. In
addition, many are
dealing with a
background of
trauma or adverse
childhood experi-
a background of
“
Berea students put high
expectations on themselves,
often prioritizing academics
over their own well-being. In
addition, many are dealing with
trauma
leading one to be prone to
or
adverse childhood experiences,
if they come in
wanting help in
addressing an
immediate prob-
lem but aren’t yet
ready or wanting
to address deeper
issues. We meet
them where they
everything,” Johnston said. “So, we refer
to these experts to utilize resources to
help students make those connections.”
“I really value our colleagues in all
those areas,” Reimondo added. “Some-
times when practical issues come up,
I can just pick up the phone and work
together with a colleague to resolve a
problem that is causing a student
students have risen significantly, leading ing services at colleges with populations “Counseling is different than talking ences, leading one anxiety, depression and even are.” distress. And, we work hard not to over
more students to seek help at counseling similar to Berea’s only see 17.4 percent to an aunt, grandma or mom,” Reimon- to be prone to PTSD. –Tricia Isenstein “Some stu- program or duplicate services. I think we
centers. Intense pressure to perform of the student population, according to do continued. “We have no agenda, we anxiety, depression dents wait until get better every year at understanding
academically, social media expectations the 2018 survey of Association for are not vested in the choices they make and even PTSD.” their last term in college to seek counsel- how to use our partnerships to create the
and influence, and home and environ- University and College Counseling in the same way a family member might “When I ask students why they ing services,” Isenstein added. “They’ll best outcomes for the students we serve.”
mental issues contribute significantly to Center Directors. be, so we can be objective. The student came to Berea, nine out of 10 say say, ‘I have been putting this off, and I At the core of everything Berea’s
this rise. Berea College Counseling “Our student usage is super high,” is the expert in their life, and we offer because it was free,” added counselor have one more semester.’ They begin to counseling team does is the desire to see
Services saw 551 students in the 2019- said Sue Reimondo, director of Counsel- them expertise and skills to get through Josh Johnston. “So students feel internal realize the value of therapy and mental Berea’s students succeed. Therapy reso-
20 academic year—35 percent of the ing Services. “We do a lot of outreach, their stuck points.” pressure to take advantage of this health. Other students may be seen nates in relationship and understanding
student body—before the COVID-19 so students get to know us. When they In the 18 years Reimondo has opportunity, which is going to increase consistently throughout their years at people in general, Johnston said. Listen-
directed Berea’s Counseling Services their anxiety. They feel family pressures Berea College. Progress can look differ- ing to students, building rapport with
office, the staff has grown considerably. because they are the first to go to college ent for each student. Some are able to them, and helping them discover and
When she came to Berea, the counseling or they need to send money back home. process their trauma effectively in increase their resilience allows counselors
department consisted of her and one Plus, with the time demands of being therapy, while others work on develop- to find fulfilment in their roles.
part-time therapist. Today, the staff has a student, having a labor position, ing skills needed to tolerate the present “When I think of resilience and how
grown to include one part-time and four convocations and clubs—because they moment. Both represent significant it emanates in my sessions with clients, I
full-time therapists, in addition to like to be involved—they are piling healing.” often try to reassure our students, ‘You
Reimondo, who carries a sizeable client all these stressors on top of what they In seeking to meet each student’s are not what happened; you are not
load as well as serving as director. were already bringing in from their needs, Counseling Services partners with anything you have done,’” counselor Joel
This enlarged staff stays busy serving past experiences. What made them other campus resources and entities to Wilson said. “Then I affirm them to
Berea’s unique student body. Often, the really resilient and remarkable students ensure a well-rounded approach. know that who and or what they are is
factors that make Berea students perfect in high school also adds to their stress “It is important to me to build indescribable. Words fail to truly
candidates for acceptance—strong while they’re in college because they collaboration because I want Counseling articulate who we are at our core, in our
academic performance and high financial are trying to excel.” Services to be embedded in the College soul and spirit. Every time you overcome
need—add to their challenges in adapting Whether a student comes to and be part of the educational mission,” a challenge, you affirm for yourself that
to college life. Reimondo notes that many Counseling Services struggling with Reimondo said. “We want to support you’re braver than you think.”
Berea students have overcome significant anxiety and looking for coping mecha- students succeeding here and becoming “Students have a longing to be
obstacles prior to arriving at Berea nisms or because they are troubled by their personal best while they experience heard, understood, appreciated and
College, and many arrive with unmet the continuing effects of extreme, all the developmental milestones accepted,” Reimondo added. “Our
Jennifer Lance ’20
psychosocial needs. Families with limited unacknowledged trauma in their lives, students go through in their college students are remarkably resilient. And
financial resources often lack access to Berea’s experienced and caring therapists careers.” I have stayed [at Berea] a long time
services that help to address psychosocial are there for them. They meet the Collaboration with the Willis D. because of the students. You feel like
Sue Reimondo (left), director of Counseling Services, and Elaine Adams, Ecovillage coordinator, handed
and health crises due to limited transpor- students where they are and help them Weatherford Jr. Campus Christian you make a difference and that what you
out candy to attendees at the Fall Festival in October 2020. Events like this help make Counseling tation, limited funds and communities navigate their situation, sometimes Center, various other centers on campus, do matters.” B
Services more visible and approachable for students. that lack sufficient resources. making the difference between giving Student Life, Academic Services,
14 WINTER 2021 WINTER 2021 15
Sue Reimondo substance abuse, trauma and couples counsel- Josh Johnston body and spirit. She has been at Berea College
HEALTHY MINDS STUDY FINDINGS*
Director and Therapist ing. She has been at Berea since February 2019 Therapist for four years, and she says she has never
B.S. in Business Administration, and says she is inspired by the culture of the B.S. in Psychology, Purdue University worked in a therapist position where students The Healthy Minds Study (HMS) is an annual web-based survey examining mental
Rochester Institute of Technology College and thoroughly enjoys working with M.S. in Family Studies with a concen- were as receptive and hungry for knowledge as health, service utilization and related issues among undergraduate and graduate
M.S. in Student Affairs in Higher the students, faculty and staff. Horton believes tration in Marriage and Family Therapy, Berea’s students. students nationally. HMS is approved by the Health Sciences and Behavioral Sciences
Education, Colorado State University therapy is a collaborative process with the goal University of Kentucky Institutional Review Board at the University of Michigan and provides a detailed picture
Ph.D. in Counseling and Career being for people to experience the maximum Johnston began his of mental health and related issues in college student populations.
Development, Colorado State University benefits within the least amount of time. career working in Joel Wilson ’02
Reimondo began her community mental Psychotherapist Selected Measures Percentage
career working for health before earning B.S. in Industrial Technology of Students
Tricia Isenstein
18%
IBM in the Federal his independent licen- Management, Berea College
Systems Division. Therapist sure in Kentucky as a M.A. in Professional Counseling, Major depression
After 12 years, she B.A. in Political Science and English, marriage and family University of the Cumberlands
chose to further her
education so she
University of Kentucky
M.A. in Mental Health Counseling from
therapist. Johnston’s in-
quisitive and analytical
M.A. in Addictions Counseling,
University of the Cumberlands Depression overall, including major and moderate 36%
Crystal Wylie ‘05
28%
could engage in Eastern Kentucky University nature, combined with Wilson began his career as a carpenter and
work she found more Isenstein began her career working with his training in family a substitute teacher. After he and his four Elevated level of depression
meaningful. While student services at the University of Kentucky. systems frameworks, children experienced a
31%
working directly While there, she began volunteering at the serves as the basis of life-changing event in
Crystal Wylie ‘05
with students as a then-YWCA Spouse Abuse Center, where she his therapeutic work. His innate desire to help 2010, Wilson decided Anxiety disorder
residence hall super- became a crisis counselor and family advocate, people is accompanied by a deep interest in to further his educa-
visor and later as a
graduate assistant,
she decided she wanted to work as a counselor.
discovered her
calling to work
as a profession-
understanding them fully. He has been at Berea
College for nine years and is helping develop
substance-abuse programming on campus and
tion and seek a career
helping others deal with
suffering and ultimately
Elevated level of generalized anxiety 31%
In 2002, Reimondo was hired as the director of
Counseling Services at Berea College. She says
al counselor
and decided to
pursue a degree
partnering with the Athletics department to
bring mental-health awareness, advocacy and
resources to student athletes. He said he firmly
find healing. He has
worked in college
counseling and as a
Eating disorder 10%
Crystal Wylie ‘05
she always has been fascinated by psychology
and why people do the things they do. In her
early 20s, she began working with a therapist
and found it tremendously helpful—an experi-
in mental health
counseling.
Since then, she
believes that influencing the life of one student
can subsequently impact multiple generations
of a family system through the intergeneration-
substance-abuse
counselor, as well as run
his own private coun-
Elevated level of eating concerns 34%
ence she says led to her career change from the has worked for al transmission of values and beliefs. seling practice, Fresh Start Therapy, LLC. Wilson
24%
Crystal Wylie ‘05
corporate world to counseling. She has earned Greenhouse 17, is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) Non-suicidal self-injury (past year)
certifications as a cognitive behavioral therapist The Nest—Cen- and in African American multigenerational
and is both a yoga and Pilates instructor.
Reimondo says her work at Berea College has
been tremendously satisfying, and the students
ter for Women,
Children and
Families in Lexington and as the only ther-
Julie LeBrun
Therapist
M.A., Eastern Kentucky University
trauma. He has been at Berea College since
2019, and his clinical focus areas are trau-
ma, psychosomatic therapy, anxiety, children
Suicidal ideation (past year) 14%
have taught her much about resiliency and the
strength of the human spirit.
apist at Kentucky State University. She also
has maintained a solo private practice since
2011. Isenstein has been at Berea since 2015.
Licensed professional clinical counselor
(LPCC)
LeBrun began her career working with children,
with behavioral issues, families with domestic
violence, substance abuse, medical assisted
treatment, test anxiety and suicidal ideation.
Lifetime diagnoses of mental disorders 37%
24%
She has focused the majority of continuing adolescents and adults in the nonprofit sector.
Kathryn Horton education and professional development on the She has been trained Psychiatric medication (past year)
Therapist treatment of trauma. She began Healing Circle, in trauma-focused Angela Taylor
Administrative Assistant
30%
B.S.W. in Social Work, a support group for Berea students, along with cognitive behavioral
Ohio University many other creative programs. She says she is therapy, parent-child Taylor worked in the Mental health therapy/counseling (past year)
M.S. in Social Work, most proud of being part of the journey toward interaction therapy, education field for 12
University of healing for her clients. and Eye Movement years, most recently in
56%
Cincinnati Desensitization and early childhood educa- Any mental-health therapy/counseling and/or psychiatric
Horton began her Reprocessing (EMDR) tion. She has been with medication among students with positive depression or anxiety
therapy. At Berea, she Berea College Counsel- screens (past year)
career as an out-
patient therapist in works collaboratively ing Services since 2013.
therapeutic foster with students and staff In 2017, she was award- Personal stigma: agrees with “I would think less of someone
6%
Crystal Wylie ‘05
care and community to develop programs ed Berea’s Staff Member who has received mental-health treatment.”
mental health. She is a in substance abuse, of the Year award. She
47%
Crystal Wylie ‘05
licensed clinical social groups for anxiety, says she loves meet-
Perceived public stigma: agrees with “Most people would think
Crystal Wylie ‘05
worker (LCSW) with and suicide prevention. ing and working with
less of someone who has received mental-health treatment.”
professional interest LeBrun promotes an integrative approach to Berea’s students.
mental health wellness that includes the mind, *2018-19
in anxiety, depression,
16 WINTER 2021 WINTER 2021 17
A Beacon of Help:
Willow Rodriguez ’21
By Kim Kobersmith
S
enior Willow Rodriguez had a influence. Her mother was not very sense of self and my independence,” she
rough time as a teen, and she present to Rodriguez in those childhood said.
brought those challenges with her years, and they did not have much of a Rodriguez is a team leader and
when she came to college. “I knew about connection or relationship. “I had to works directly with six other students.
depression and anxiety and PTSD but navigate a lot of things on my own,” she It is a role she takes seriously. At first,
didn’t see them working in my own life,” added. she said it was nerve-wracking. Because
she said. “They very much were.” Looking back, Rodriguez realizes of her past, she doubted her ability to
Rodriguez is the only child of a she didn’t have healthy coping mecha- make solid decisions.
single mom. One thing she feels shaped nisms as a teen. “I was trying to take “The job forced me to be smart
her life the most was a misdiagnosis her care of myself and my mom and be there about how I do things,” she said. “I
mother received when Rodriguez was 6 for her emotionally,” Rodriguez said. really want to open myself up and be
years old. Her mother had a thyroid “I wanted to fix her and make it better. there for my students, offer a beacon of
tumor; doctors determined she had My issues grew from that.” help and make sure I do the job with the
bipolar disorder. That diagnosis meant That reality hit her when she arrived best interest of everybody at heart.”
prescriptions for seven different psychi- at college. At a talk during orientation, An integral part of being a beacon
atric medications. aspects of the conversation triggered of help involves modeling her own well-
“The meds took a toll,” Rodriguez some of the trauma of her past. Berea being. She supervises mostly first-year
remembered, noting how challenging it College counselor Josh Johnston was students, and she knows how important
was for her mother to be a single parent there and encouraged her to seek it is for them to incorporate self-care.
and go to work and school under their therapy. She met with him for a month “I strive to be more transparent
or two. about my mental health and encourage
“Speaking with him was the first my students to be,” she said. “If neces-
time I was super open with a counselor,” sary, I can take my own experiences to
she said. “I felt very comfortable.” help others figure out next steps.”
Rodriguez found those conversa- Rodriguez is poised to graduate in
tions helpful, and she followed up with 2021 with a psychology degree and
additional counseling a year later with plans to continue this mental wellness
counselor Tricia Isenstein. With the staff advocacy work in her career. “Doing
at Counseling Services, Rodriguez found something where I am able to help
she was able to open up about things people and be a resource for them, that
that had been really difficult to talk is really my goal,” she said.
about before. Right now she is drawn to neurolo-
Her labor position in Student Life gy and how brain science can illuminate
was another important piece of her the causes of depression and anxiety.
journey toward emotional wholeness. No matter where she ends up in her
Rodriguez has worked as a facilities career, there is a piece of her college
Jennifer Lance ‘20
assistant for four years and feels like she experience that Rodriguez wants to take
is part of a family. The staff are encour- with her. “The spirit of community that
aging and have been positive role Berea gives to students and staff made a
Willow Rodriguez ’21 carving a pumpkin during
Crystal Wylie ‘05
models. difference,” she said. “It’s the idea that we
Berea’s Fall Festival. The socially-distanced event
allowed students to enjoy some fun and down “The team provides a support are all in this together, that I will help you
time in an otherwise hectic fall schedule. system that has definitely nurtured my if I can or help you find who can help.” B
18 WINTER 2021 WINTER 2021 19Home Away from Home:
Rashana Temple ’24
By Cora Allison ’22
A
cross the world this past spring,
people’s lives were thrown into
disarray as they were asked or
forced to quarantine in their homes at
the onset of a global pandemic. Rashana
Temple ’24, however, was faced with a
particularly unique obstacle: home was
no longer an option.
Temple’s experience at home in
Louisville had been really tough, and at
the beginning of 2020, she moved into a
domestic violence shelter for women and
children in eastern Kentucky. While states
Gaston Jarju ‘23
across the country began to close down,
she continued working long shifts at the
local Walmart and acting as a tutor for
Relaxing outside while doing Sudoku and crossword puzzles helps Rashana Temple ’24 to unwind from
the children at the shelter. the busyness of college life. It is just one way she keeps her mental health in balance.
“My days were long,” Temple said,
“but I didn’t mind.”
Temple kept her pending acceptance she works remotely with the Bonner by online classes and virtual resources,
to Berea College in the back of her mind Scholars program to implement enrich- it also has proven to be very difficult
and looked forward to being on campus ment programs for middle school for her existing health conditions. She
in fall 2020. She remembers receiving students in Madison County. experiences seizures that often are
her acceptance letter at the post office Temple admits wearing a mask and triggered by too much screen time.
with her mom. staying socially distant all the time can “It’s challenging, but I have confi-
“As soon as I saw the envelope feel isolating, which makes it easy to lose dence it will get better one way or
with the Berea College stamp, I started focus on her goals, but there still is another,” Temple said.
crying,” she recalled. “I’d been blessed community to be found at Berea, even Temple intends to continue to chip
to get this chance.” in quarantine. Living in a residence hall away at her double major in psychology
The transition from the shelter to and sharing a room with another and computer science, and she hopes to
the College residence hall went smoothly, student has certainly created social implement her studies in the military.
and Temple thinks the worst mental- opportunity. She also regularly attends a “I want to use [artificial intelligence] to
health challenges of the pandemic are healing circle facilitated by counseling design programs to support veterans
behind her, deliberately left behind at services, which provides a safe space for with post-traumatic stress disorder
the shelter. “I got really depressed and students with adverse childhood experi- (PTSD) and other disorders,” she said.
angry at the beginning,” she said. “I had ences. Like everyone else, Temple doesn’t
to remind myself that it’s not forever.” “It’s nice to know I’m not the only know when or if things will go back to
Rather than feeling isolated on one suffering from past experiences and normal, but she no longer feels intimi-
campus, Temple says she feels like she is that not everyone wants to stay on the dated by that. “I’ve adapted to it,” she
Gaston Jarju ‘23
gaining extra time to focus and reflect same level,” she said. “They want to said. “I’m proud of how far I’ve come.
on herself more deeply. She is taking a grow.” I’m in a great place, along with my
mix of classes in person and online, and While Temple has been supported peers.” B
20 WINTER 2021 WINTER 2021 21You can also read
