Students & Psychosis: A Panel Discussion

Emeka Chima

Students with Psychosis Representative

Emeka Chima lives in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and has been a six-month Peer Support Specialist in recovery within th
Track Maryland program significantly improving the lives of adolescents and young adults living with mental health di
Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus. For the past
an Executive Board Secretary for the non-profit Students with Psychosis coordinating with different hubs and commun
fellow students and advocates with the lived psychosis experience. He has contributed as a Keynote speaker for mental
the Tennessee Conference, Mental Health America National Conference, and the Schizophrenia International Research
Using his lived experience with schizophrenia Emeka has networked with various audiences through his advocacy wor
underrepresented communities to create more fulfilling lives.

Christian Kohler, MD

Co-Director, HeadsUp

Monica Calkins, PhD

Co-Director, HeadsUp

Christine Michaels, MSHSA

Chief Executive Officer, NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania

Christine Michaels, MSHSA, is Chief Executive Officer of NAMI Keystone PA, the state organization in Pennsylvania for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the nation’s largest grassroots mental health advocacy organization. Ms. Michaels has more than 35 years of experience in community mental health service delivery, social service agency administration, public policy, and legislative advocacy. Ms. Michaels serves on several planning councils and committees in Allegheny County and Pennsylvania, including the State 988 Advisory Board. Ms. Michaels holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a Master of Science in Health Services Administration.

Tushita Mayanil, MD

Child Psychiatrist, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Tushita Mayanil, MD, specializes in psychiatry and is certified in psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She practices at University of Pittsburgh Physicians, Department of Psychiatry and is affiliated with UPMC Presbyterian, and UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. She completed her fellowship at Children’s National Health System, residency at University of Illinois College of Medicine and Seth Gordhandandas Sunderdas Medical College/ King Edward Memorial Hospital, and medical degree at Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Medical College.

Marci Sturgeon-Rusiewicz, MS, LPC, NCC, CPSS, CPRP

Senior Manager of Recovery and Resiliency, Wesley Family Services

As the Senior Manager of Recovery and Resiliency for Wesley Family Services, Marci is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Pennsylvania, a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Doctoral Candidate of Counseling Psychology. Her clinical work involves both assessment and psychotherapy to youth and young adults within a university counseling center as well as adults and older adults in a community behavioral healthcare setting. She is the Clinical Director of the First Episode Psychosis Programs (ENGAGE) at Wesley Family Services. Marci has a background in program development within the community based behavioral healthcare setting. Her work emphasizes a bio/psycho/social support system from a strengths-based perspective for youth and adults. She holds an undergraduate degree in education from Carlow College and earned a Master of Science in professional counseling from Carlow University.

Bailey Higgins

Case Manager, East Stroudsburg University

Bailey Higgins is the Health and Wellness Case Manager at East Stroudsburg University. She works collaboratively with students to identify resources that would be helpful in them finding success- in whatever way they define it! She received her master’s degree in social work from Marywood University and is currently working towards her doctorate in social work at Kutztown University. She hopes to continue working with college students to help them overcome the challenges they face.

Jaimi Laurie

Administrative Supervisor for the On My Way Program at Child and Family Focus

Jaimi Laurie is the Administrative Supervisor for the On My Way Program at Child and Family Focus. Jaimi started her career in mental health in 2003 working with a wide variety of young people in need of service, including serving those who are medically fragile, on the ASD spectrum, individuals involved with juvenile justice, and the schizophrenia spectrum. When transferring to On My Way to work with the First Episode Psychosis population, her passion for the work lead her into a leadership role, ensuring that young people who are impacted with psychotic experiences, are being treated with compassion and dignity, as well as supporting the staff that are directly serving these individuals. Jaimi hopes that her work in this field will help reduce stigma around early psychosis, create independence and understanding, and bring hope to the individuals and families served so that they can live the life they deserve to be living.

Crystal Vatza, MS

Education and Tele-Health Manager, HeadsUp

Crystal is the HeadsUp Education and Tele-Therapy Manager. She uses a variety of tools and resources to educate clinicians and the community about psychosis assessment and early intervention both in person and via tele-health platforms. After receiving a BA in Psychology from East Stroudsburg University and MS in Counseling from Cairn University, she achieved her status as a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor and Board Certified – Tele Mental Health Professional. She has spent more than a decade specializing in psychosis and severe and persistent mental health conditions across all ages, populations, and levels of care. She has been a national trainer in many certified and evidenced-based curriculums as well as developed and presented individualized trainings ranging from small groups to national conferences. Crystal is driven to eliminate the stigma associated with mental health difficulties and improve access to care for those in need. Her hope is that her service to others will empower those who are struggling to realize their full potential and ability to achieve their dreams and aspirations.