Leaders in Health & Well-being

LTC Stephanie Fye, M.Ed.

Director of Advising, The Citadel

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Ms. Tay Thompson

Graduate Assistant, Student Affairs & Academic Services, The Citadel

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Breakout Sessions - AM

• Session 1: Guide to Thrive Program Outcomes

Caroline Moore MSW, LISW-CP

Licensed Mental Health Therapist & Program Manager of the Guide To Thrive Program
Counseling & Psychological Services, Division of Education Innovation & Student Life
Medical University of South Carolina

Caroline Moore, LISW-CP, is a counselor and program manager at MUSC Counseling and Psychological Services. She brings a rich background in victim advocacy and counseling within the Anti-Human Trafficking (AHT) field, applying her expertise to deliver patient-centered care in higher education. Caroline has showcased leadership and adaptability in designing, implementing, and evaluating the Guide to Thrive series and other psychoeducational presentations tailored for students. She employs a variety of communication strategies to enhance engagement and attendance while collaborating with colleagues to develop innovative topics and formats that address students' evolving needs. Originally from Ohio, Caroline was thrilled to transition to Charleston, where she continues to apply her experience and passion for supporting student well-being at MUSC.

• Session 2: Panel Discussion Regarding Mental Health Resources

Erica N. Bligen, M.Ed.

Executive Director, Office of Student Engagement
Instructor, Academic Affairs Faculty
Medical University of South Carolina

Charleston, SC native Erica Bligen brings over 20 years of higher education experience to the role of Executive Director of The Office of Student Engagement and Faculty within the Academic Affairs Department at the Medical University of South Carolina. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry from Columbia College of South Carolina and a Master of Arts in Education from Argosy University, Atlanta, Georgia. She is pursuing a Ph.D. with an emphasis in Higher Education Administration from Liberty University, Lynchburg, Virginia. As Executive Director of The Office of Student Engagement, she is responsible for leading the strategic direction of a team that supports interprofessional initiatives in diversity, leadership, and service for all six colleges within the university. Ms. Bligen has extensive experience in behavioral support and intervention, strategic planning, diversity, equity and inclusion, Title IX, fundraising, cross-campus collaboration, alums and community engagement, policy development and implementation, programmatic review and accreditation, academic integrity, residence life, student government and leadership programming, pipeline programs, new student success initiatives, mass communications, crisis response, and service-learning/volunteer programs. Ms. Bligen enjoys spending time with her two beautiful daughters (Raegan Christine and London Naomi), traveling, and some good old-fashioned family time in her spare time. Erica believes wholeheartedly in lifting as she climbs and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's profound words, saying, “Intelligence plus character, that is the goal of true education.”

Alice Libet, Ph.D.

Director, Counseling & Psychological Services
Co-director, Student Health & Wellbeing
Medical University of South Carolina

Dr. Alice Libet is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. She completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in 1977 at the University of Georgia and has worked at MUSC for over 40 years, serving in the Department of Pediatrics, the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. She joined the staff at Counseling and Psychological Services in 2000, served as Assistant Director from 2008 to 2009, and became Director in 2009. In her work at MUSC, she has provided direct patient care, been involved in medical student education, and has provided clinical supervision for Clinical Psychology Interns, Psychiatry Residents, and doctoral students in the Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program.

Throughout her career, Dr. Libet has taken a multi-pronged approach to improving the mental health of MUSC students. In addition to providing direct patient care, she is committed to advancing student mental health education through college presentations and group classes, and she has provided clinical supervision for Clinical Psychology Interns, Psychiatry Residents, and doctoral students in the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. Dr. Libet is highly regarded for her supervision and mentorship and has received numerous honors and awards, including the Outstanding Supervision Award.

Dr. Libet enjoys spending time with her husband, Julian, and grandchildren Connor, Chelsea, Emma, and Kennedy.

• Session 3: Benefits of Incorporating Animal-Assisted Therapy into Practice: An Ethical & Safety Driven Approach

S. Akeya Harrold, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, C-AAIS

Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Certified Animal-Assisted Interventions Specialist
Counseling & Psychological Services, Division of Education Innovation & Student Life
Clinical Instructor, PARTNER Program, College of Nursing
Medical University of South Carolina

Akeya Harrold is Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) in Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) for MUSC students. She is an alumna of MUSC and a faculty member in the College of Nursing. She previously served as a PMHNP for South Carolina’s Department of Mental Health and for the RHJ VA. Akeya is a certified animal-assisted interventions specialist and is working towards incorporating animal-assisted therapy as a complimentary evidence-based intervention for CAPS clients. Akeya is a member of Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society, the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, the American Nurses Association, and the Association for Animal-Assisted Interventions Professionals. She received the SAMHSA/ANA Minority Fellowship Award for doctoral studies and the MUSC Achievement in Diversity Award, nominated by students in the College of Health Professions. Akeya enjoys quality time with family, traveling, and volunteering with her husband, son, and pups as a part of the MUSC’s Therapy Dog Program.

Dusty Jackson, MS

Director, MUSC Wellness Center
Division of Education Innovation & Student Life

Dusty Jackson is an experienced fitness and wellness professional with a strong background in exercise science, program development, and leadership. As the Director of the Medical University of South Carolina Wellness Center, Dusty oversees strategy, program implementation, and staff leadership to drive membership growth and enhance wellness offerings.

With a Master’s in Kinesiology from the University of Georgia and multiple industry certifications, he has a passion for helping individuals improve their health through innovative fitness programming and strategic wellness initiatives. His career includes leadership roles at Wounded Warrior Project, University of Georgia, and Kennesaw State University, where he has developed and managed large-scale fitness programs, led professional teams, and fostered community engagement.

Dusty’s expertise in strength and conditioning, general fitness, and rehabilitation is complemented by his commitment to professional development and improving the overall member experience. His ability to motivate teams, optimize operations, and create impactful wellness programs makes him a dynamic leader in the field.

Allie Jackson, MS

Director, Fitness Programs & Member Services
MUSC Wellness Center
Division of Education Innovation & Student Life

Allie Jackson is an experienced health and fitness professional with over a decade of expertise in personal training, program development, and wellness leadership. She currently serves as the Director of Fitness Programs and Member Services at the MUSC Wellness Center where she oversees all fitness and clinical exercise programs as well as the membership desk. Allie holds a Master of Science in Exercise Science & Health Promotion and maintains multiple certifications, including personal training, yoga, and health coaching. Her background includes leadership roles in both university and government wellness settings, as well as entrepreneurial experience through her own fitness coaching business. Outside of work, Allie enjoys spending time exploring Charleston and going to the beach with her husband and their two dogs.

Kevin Smuniewski, M.Ed.

Director, Student Wellness Programs
MUSC Wellness Center
Division of Education Innovation & Student Life

Kevin Smuniewski is the current Director Student Wellness Programs at the MUSC Wellness Center. He spent the last 19 years at the Medical University of South Carolina enhancing the well-being and personal and professional development of students, employees, and members of the Charleston community. He has served in a variety of roles at MUSC and has extensive experience and expertise in student affairs, event management, sports and recreation, facility management, and marketing. Prior to his time at MUSC, Kevin worked in the golf industry for over 10 years where he first developed a passion for helping others through building community, fostering relationships, and promoting healthy lifestyle habits. Kevin was born and raised in Charleston, SC. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management and also graduated with honors from the Citadel with a Master of Education with an emphasis in Counseling and Student Affairs. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, 2 dogs, and friends and family and also pursues a variety of outdoor activities including fishing, golf, surfing, and skiing.

Breakout Sessions - PM

• Session 1: Guide to Thrive Program Outcomes
  • See bios from AM sessions
• Session 2: Panel Discussion Regarding Mental Health Resources
  • See bios from AM sessions
• Session 3: No Seconds Please: Preventing Secondary Trauma While Supporting Our Students

Donna Lee Williams, DNP, PMHNP-BC, APRN

Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Counseling & Psychological Services, Division of Education Innovation & Student Life
Medical University of South Carolina

Combining science and art, Donna Lee Williams utilizes her Doctor of Nursing Practice and Master of Fine Arts trainings when delivering evidence-based care in her practice. Whether it is through masterful story telling or interactive demonstrations, audiences resonate with Donna Lee’s candor, compassion, and authenticity. Donna Lee has been serving MUSC students for the past four years. In addition to managing student cases, Donna Lee is the coordinator for her division’s Mental Health First Aid training. She has implemented innovative programs including therapeutic improv and plant therapy. Most recently, Donna Lee was nominated for the 2024 MUSC MLK Humanitarian Award. Donna Lee is the American Psychiatric Nurses Association’s South Carolina Chapter President and the founder of Remnant Cares, a SC non-profit supporting immediate needs of marginalized and underserved communities. When not enjoying the beauty of the South Carolina Lowcountry, you may find Donna Lee serving on short-term global mission trips.

Closing Remarks

 

COL John A. Robinson, Jr., JD, MBA

Executive Director of Student Affairs & Academic Services, The Citadel