More than 170 staff members make up Johns Hopkins Student Health and Well-Being, and many of them gathered June 6 for an end-of-semester celebration in Homewood's Glass Pavilion. The event offered a chance for staff spread across multiple campuses to take a break from day-to-day work, reconnect, reflect on their collective accomplishments, and celebrate one another. Attendees heard from the vice provost for student health and well-being, Kevin Shollenberger, and Provost Ray Jayawardhana, who shared his appreciation via a pre-recorded message, noting "Your work is vital to the student experience. The care and dedication you show every day make a profound difference in the lives of our students."
A highlight of the event was the presentation of the annual SHWB Divisional Staff Awards, which honor individuals for excellence in the areas of collaboration, innovation, leadership, and mentorship. This year's awardees were:
- Zach Pocchia, Behavioral Health Crisis Support Team clinician, recipient of the 2025 SHWB Collaborative Excellence Award, recognized for his deep passion for crisis work and for posting strong, effective relationships with partners from across the university
- Shaherbano Khalid, public health officer for SHWB Primary Care, recipient of the 2025 SHWB Changemaker for Innovation and Impact Award, lauded for her leadership on the universitywide vaccine policy that resulted in more than 95% compliance
- Tristan Barsky, senior associate director of Clinical Services in SHWB Mental Health Services, and Gillian Furlong, senior medical office coordinator at Homewood Primary Care, co-recipients of the 2025 SHWB Leadership and Mentorship Award, honored for their thoughtful, consistent support and commitment to uplifting colleagues
Also recognized were the nearly 60 staff members who recently earned professional certifications, received external awards, or presented at conferences—testaments to the division's depth of expertise and commitment to continuous learning and development.
The celebration carried a wellness theme, with activities designed to promote connection and self-care. Hands-on activities included fiber arts led by colleagues from the KSAS Center for Visual Arts, mental health–themed coloring and greeting card making, bouquet building, and chair massages.
"As a newer staff member with SHWB, it was really motivating to be in a space with so many colleagues who care deeply about our students and each other," said one attendee.
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