Courage to Go Forward

In May 2023, the USC WorkWell Center is hosting “Courage to Go Forward – a five-week webinar series in support of Mental Health Awareness Month.

The series aims to raise awareness about mental health, reduce stigma, and provide support and community.  

Faculty and staff are invited to join the weekly webinars, held every Wednesday at 12-12:50 p.m., running from May 3 to May 31. 

Previous Sessions

Week 1: Courage to Go Forward

Wednesday, May 3, 2023, 12–12:50 p.m.

This kick-off session will highlight the many benefits and support resources available to USC faculty and staff to improve mental health and well-being and will include small group discussions.

View Recording

Presenters

Felicia Washington

Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Equity, and Compliance

Chantal Young

Ph.D.

Keck School of Medicine of USC, Office of Well-being; Director, Medical Student Well-being; Assistant Professor of Clinical Medical Education & Psychiatry, Keck School of Medicine

Cynthia Ryan

Ph.D.

Associate Director, Clinical Services, USC WorkWell Center

Week 2: Move Forward

Wednesday, May 10, 12–12:50 p.m.

The relationship between movement and mental health has been well-documented. This week learn about the latest research on the benefits of exercise on mental health and well-being and how you can take advantage of USC’s current programs and resources to strengthen your mind-body connection.

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Presenters

Tom Badzey

MFT

Employee Assistance Professional, USC WorkWell Center

Sara Ivanhoe

MA

Director, Yoga USC

Julie Chobdee

MPH

Associate Director, Health & Well-being Program, USC WorkWell Center

Week 3: Spirit Moves

Wednesday, May 17, 12–12:50 p.m.

Approach your mental health holistically by leaning into spiritual resources for faculty and staff. First, we will highlight the latest research on the positive effects of meditation on mental health and well-being. Then, join us for a meditation session led by Mindful USC, and learn how USC can support your spiritual journey. 

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Presenters

Lara Hilton

Ph.D.

Director, USC WorkWell Center

Varun Soni

Ph.D.

Dean of Religious and Spiritual Life, USC

Mark Miller

PsyD, MPH

Co-Director, Mindful USC, Office of the Provost

Allyson Pimentel

Ed.D.

Co-Director, Mindful USC, Office of the Provost

Week 4: Community Moves

Wednesday, May 24, 12–12:50 p.m.

USC provides a culture of care and community to our students, faculty, and staff in support of their mental health journey. Learn ways to create peer support and a sense of belonging, build inclusion, and get involved in these efforts.

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Presenters

Tiffany Nakamura

LPCC

Clinical Instructor of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences (Clinician Educator) and Caregiver Emotional Wellbeing Program Coordinator, Keck School of Medicine

Dara Weinraub

MSW

Program Manager, Care for the Caregiver, Keck Medicine of USC

Ilene Rosenstein

Ph.D.

Associate Vice Provost, Campus Wellbeing & Education, Office of the Provost

Week 5: Coming Forward

Wednesday, May 31, 12–12:50 p.m.

Discover practical strategies for promoting psychological safety and belonging in your teams, strategies for finding the right therapist, and ways to incorporate compassion and self-care as you go forward and we conclude the series.

View Recording

Presenters

Cynthia Ryan

Ph.D.

Associate Director, Clinical Services, USC WorkWell Center

Tobi Fishel

Ph.D.

Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Director of GME Wellness, Keck School of Medicine and USC/LAC+USC

Jason Sackett

LCSW, PCC, CEAP

Therapist, Executive Coach, and Workplace Behavioral Consultant

Danielle Gautt

LCSW

Assistant Director for Outreach and Prevention Services, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Clinical Instructor of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 
Keck School of Medicine

The webinar series is made possible through the partnership of:

If you have any questions, please email Julie Chobdee at jchobdee@usc.edu.