HWS News
29 October 2025 HWS Students Explore Mental Health Advocacy at NAMI Conference
Psychological Science students join a regional dialogue on resilience and wellness at the National Alliance on Mental Illness conference in Syracuse, N.Y.
Students from Professor of Psychological Science Jamie Bodenlos’ “Introduction to Psychopathology” class recently attended the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Syracuse Education Conference, an event focused on advancing understanding, prevention and treatment of mental health challenges.
Held under the theme “Hope and Resilience: Building a Culture of Mental Wellness,” the day-long conference gathered community advocates, healthcare professionals and educators to explore the Levels of Prevention model, a framework emphasizing early intervention and holistic care.
"Having my PSY 221 students attend the NAMI conference offered an irreplaceable learning opportunity — something no classroom could replicate. It really bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and lived experiences of mental illness," says Bodenlos.
Primary prevention efforts, conference speakers explained, can help to stop disease before it starts, such as by helping youth build resilience and emotional literacy. Secondary prevention focuses on early detection and screening, while tertiary prevention centers on reducing illness severity through therapy, medication, peer support and recovery programs.
Psychological science major and public health minor Eve Doran ’26 says she was able to create professional connections at the conference “that are crucial to furthering myself as a competitive applicant for graduate school.”
“Our textbooks can only teach us so much about mental health, recovery and intervention. Hearing people’s personal stories, about eating disorders, addiction, postpartum anxiety and depression, was invaluable for understanding the real-world complexity of mental health work,” Doran says.
The conference opened with Carrie Rewakowski, assistant professor at Le Moyne College, who discussed the importance of cultivating a mental wellness culture. Later sessions featured Lori Woodard, an eating disorder and body image recovery advocate, and Tracy Dando, founder of Safe Space, who shared personal stories of recovery and resilience.
Olivia Girolamo ’28, a public health and psychology double major, was moved by the engagement of the conference participants. “All of the presenters were very passionate, which made the presentations even more engaging. I think the most impactful thing I learned was the power of discussion and talking to people about mental health whether it's in a personal or professional setting. Mental illness is not taboo, and suffering can be lessened just from a conversation,” says Girolamo.
Additional presenters included Dr. Mantosh Dewan, president of Upstate Medical University; Dr. Rebecca Shields, co-director of the Psychiatry High Risk Program at Upstate; and Jennifer Parmalee, deputy commissioner and director of community services in Onondaga County. Their talks centered on community programs supporting youth and young adults, as well as efforts to normalize conversations about suicide, depression and treatment access.
“The most important lesson I took away is that you never truly know what someone may be going through,” says Carly Scott ’26, an educational studies major with a sociology and child advocacy double minor. “Each speaker offered valuable insight into different aspects of mental health — including eating disorders, suicide, autism, addiction and other psychological disorders. This experience has inspired me to continue advocating for mental health awareness. I believe it is crucial to reduce stigma, practice empathy and show compassion to everyone, especially those facing mental health challenges.”
The day concluded with a panel on recovery and success stories and closing remarks from Lisa Smith, acting president of NAMI Syracuse.
Founded as a grassroots organization, NAMI is the nation’s largest nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness through education, advocacy and community support.
Top: Students pose for a photo while attending the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Syracuse Education Conference with Professor of Psychological Science Jamie Bodenlos.
