Join the Collegiate Mental Health Innovation Council
of Greater St. Louis!
The Collegiate Mental Health Innovation Council of Greater St. Louis is a great opportunity for college students to create change on how mental health is perceived on college campuses and remove barriers to treatment that can help students achieve recovery and pursue their dreams.
Today’s college students experience record-high levels of stress, depression, and anxiety.
Early signs of some mental health conditions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia begin during young adulthood, and early detection is key to recovery.
If you are experiencing mental health challenges, it's important to know that you are not alone and that talking about it is critical. For many students, shame and fear of stigma from peers leads to suffering in silence.
Let’s stop hiding and start talking!
What is the Collegiate Council?
Launched in 2020 by Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri, the Collegiate Council empowers students attending colleges and universities in the St. Louis area with opportunities to:
Collegiate Council Members
Alina Dunder
Fontbonne University, Dual Degree in Psychology and Fine Arts
“I think it’s important to offer a perspective from experience of mental health or witnessing someone close to you firsthand with those struggles because you know what it is like, and you are more aware of the issues that affect your society, inner circle, or the world around you. When looking to move towards change, it’s also important to have individuals who are diverse in experiences, individuality, culture, identity, etc. I feel that as someone who also has immigrant parents and grew up with a separate cultural dynamic than the American one I hold, I can offer insights into cultural issues that influence mental and physical health as well.”
Anuj Gandhi
Saint Louis University, Psychology with Minor in Medical Humanities
“Upon starting college, I witnessed the stigma of mental health amongst my peers, and the neglect of mental health for those specific to my community inspired me to step up and advocate for mental health awareness. I want to be a voice for people from all marginalized communities because I understand the stigma of mental health is different within such communities from my personal experiences. I hope to break the stigma and create more mental health resources for people from all backgrounds.”
Kyra Johnson
University of Missouri - Saint Louis, Child Psychology
“At age 16, Kyra became a Mental Health Advocate in hopes of becoming a Mental Health Therapist. Johnson created All Things Mental, a network that provides free mental resources for under-resourced communities. In addition, Johnson is a writer and author, working on her forthcoming mental health book & guidebook to help people deal with various mental health disorders. Johnson is passionate about mental health due to her own personal journey. Kyra is now a Senior Child Psychology major at University of Missouri- St. Louis & is currently working with Hazelwood School District. As a Collegiate Mental Health Innovation Council member, Kyra will always advocate for providing the best quality mental health services for people."
Amy Keith
Saint Louis University, MPH Student, Epidemiology & Maternal and Child Health
“Through this Council, I hope to determine what programs are being promoted on campus to support students, to contribute my own unique perspective, as well as to learn from others that are campus leaders within my own university and from neighboring universities within the St. Louis region so that we may further mental health efforts in our respective institutions."
Julia Lanfersieck
Saint Louis University, Neuroscience and Biology
"I am interested in hearing the voices of other St. Louis area college students working as mental health advocates. This will allow me to better implement mental health advocacy and educational efforts on my campus. Our combined knowledge can create greater change.”
Bryan Reed
Harris-Stowe State University, Educational Studies
“What I see is that nobody really talks about mental health on campus. Mental health is very important, especially during the time we are living in now. I would like to help other people get help if they need it.”
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Learn more about mental health and how mental illness impacts college students.
If you think you may be struggling with a mental health issue, check out our helpful online screening to determine if you should take that first step toward getting help and pursue recovery.