Meet Our Staff

Gladys Koscak is serving as the Director for Health & Wellness. Gladys was born in Mexico and grew up in Ventura County. She received her B.A. in Psychology from UCSB and her M.S. in Clinical Psychology from CLU. Her interests in the field of mental health and wellbeing include health equity & accessibility, suicide prevention, multicultural psychology, and culturally-informed and inclusive psychoeducation. Before joining the Health & Wellness team, Gladys spent over a decade working at UCSB’s Counseling & Psychological Services, most recently as the Assistant Director of Mental Health Outreach & Programs. Gladys continues to serve as the Program Supervisor for the CAPS Mental Health Peer Program.

Joanna Hill is originally from “the” Valley (San Fernando). She started as a student in The Department of Health & Wellness in 1996. She was a Relationships Peer, summer theater actor and instructional assistant before she earned her BA in Sociology in 1997. She has worked for the UCSB Arts Library, UCSB Alumni Association, and with autistic men at the Devereux Foundation. Joanna’s staff career in Health & Wellness began in 2001 as advisor for the Sexual Health Peers and the Relationships Peers. Over the years, she has trained students, staff, and faculty on all areas of Health & Wellness, her favorites being body image and meditation. Joanna currently oversees Health & Wellness Internships, the Advocate Program, and the eating disorder prevention/body image program. Joanna enjoys exploring Santa Barbara with her family, their 2 cats and sweet dog, Maisy.

Michael Kenji Takahara was raised in Monterey Park and received his B.A. in Psychology from UCSB in 1993. He worked at UCSB Housing, Dining & Auxiliary Services as an assistant resident director before joining Health & Wellness in 1996. Michael is passionate about Health & Wellness because “it allows me to give back to the community that made me who I am. I love helping students develop meaning in their lives, use and develop their skills, strengthen their positive relationships, achieve their goals, and give back to our communities. I want to meet students where they are at. And support them in ways that help them." In addition to enjoying his family, Michael volunteers his time with Catholic Engaged Encounter, enjoys comic book geek culture, plays guitar, and enjoys the ocean and clouds every day.

Emily Teter grew up in Carpinteria, California and received her Bachelors from UCLA, studying both Anthropology and Film. She worked with various student organizations as an undergrad including The Watts Tutorial Program, where she was a tutor and student mentor. One of her favorite experiences in college was studying abroad in Rome, Italy.  She has completed two Mindfulness Meditation teacher training programs, one with The Center for Koru Mindfulness and one developed specifically for the Department of Health & Wellness. Emily is passionate about helping students discover their own innate ability to be mindful and aware while cultivating tools towards self-compassion and resiliency. 

Mallory Russell is a Health Educator with the Department of Health and Wellness. She teaches cooking series and workshops that focus on food, nutrition, and basic skills. With a background in landscape architecture, she always found herself drawn to food and has worked in a variety of culinary worlds: educational farms, commercial kitchens, school gardens, catering, health clinics, and teaching pop-up cooking and nutrition classes. These experiences drove home the power of food to shape our environment, our identity, our communities, and our health. 

Megan Schmidt is a Culinary Health Educator with the Department of Health and Wellness. She teaches pop-up workshops and classes focused on food, nutrition and basic skills. Her culinary background as a personal chef, organic farmer and health educator in Santa Barbara County inspires her facilitation of student and community education in cooking, basic skills, nutrition, and food systems. She has certificates in Herbalism & Nutrition, Permaculture Design, and Yoga Teacher Training. In her free time she enjoys being in the ocean, playing music, and adventuring outdoors.

I am Omari Pryor, the ABR Prevention Manager. I've lived in Santa Barbara/Ventura for the last 30 years and love it! I have a BA in Psychology from Cal State Northridge in Psychology and an MA in Organizational Management from Antioch. I have provided extensive administrative support for social service programs serving a wide range of populations in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles Counties. Away from work, I enjoy traveling with my family (and two adopted dogs). My hobbies include DIY home projects, motorcycles, and concerts (especially at the Santa Barbara Bowl).

Sven Rundman is serving as the Associate Director of Prevention for Health & Wellness. Sven was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia before spending his teen years in the Washington DC metro area. He received his B.S. in Psychology from Purdue University and his MSW in Organizational Leadership from the University of Tennessee. Sven's interests include cultivating healthy expressions of manhood, preventing behaviors that cause harm to oneself or others, and building inclusive environments where connection and care are valued. Before transitioning to the Health & Wellness team, Sven spent 6 years working at UCSB's Campus Advocacy, Resources, & Education. Sven enjoys hanging out with his family, his two cats Earl and Ruth, drumming, and loves spending time outside. 

Stephanie Raya is originally from the Whittier/Norwalk area and is a proud first-generation college student from Mexican immigrant parents. She earned her B.A. in History with a minor in Education from UCSB, where she was actively involved in a Latina-interest sorority, multicultural Greek leadership, and several Student Affairs departments, cultivating her passion for student leadership and empowerment. As CARE’s Prevention Specialist, Stephanie develops and facilitates programs that prevent interpersonal violence, promote a culture of consent, and center the voices of students and communities that have shaped her work. She enjoys collaborating with students and campus partners to create inclusive, educational, and culturally responsive spaces across campus. Outside of work, Stephanie loves exploring new restaurants, exercising at the gym or by the beach, and is working toward her goal of visiting all 50 states.

Buster Buchanan was born and raised in Long Beach, California, and came to UCSB in 2019 for his undergrad. As a student, he studied Sociology and LGBTQIA+ studies, worked at the RCSGD as Trans Empowerment Coordinator, and was involved with UCSB Poets' Club. He has served as the Health Equity Advocate since 2023, working closely with Student Health, CAPS, Health and Wellness, and the RCSGD to advocate for equitable and accessible healthcare. He specializes in insurance education and gender affirmation, with special projects including the Gender-Affirming Product Program (GAPP) and a biannual QT Clothing Swap. He also oversees two Health Equity Interns. Outside of work, Buster enjoys thrifting, sewing, watching Scooby-Doo movies, and going on quests. 

Major: Global Studies & Writing

Why did you want to be a H&W intern?

II wanted to intern for Health and Wellness because I wanted to become part of a team that cares deeply for the well being of students. I wanted to bring my creativity and personal experience to H&W. In addition, I am a strong advocate for a balanced lifestyle especially during college, therefore I hope to share my insight and tips.

Major: Communication

Why did you want to be a H&W intern?

I am excited to work with Health & Wellness to create a healthy and supportive campus by connecting students with active support outlets and breaking down the stigma around asking for help. I’ve had the pleasure of working on marketing campus resources to students before, and seeing the impact my work has had on UCSB’s community is truly inspiring.

Major: Psychological & Brain Sciences and Economics

Why did you want to become and H&W intern?

I was interested in becoming a H&W intern because I resonate with the department’s mission to create a space for students to focus on their wellbeing amidst busy and sometimes overwhelming schedules. I am excited for the opportunity to promote events led by H&W so that all students are aware of the plethora of resources made available to support their success! 

Major: Biopsychology and Sociology

Why did you want to be a H&W intern?

I chose to intern with Health and Wellness because of the work we do to create a support system for students through our health programming! I am so excited to continue spreading knowledge and awareness of meditation practices and connect students to this resource!

Major: Psychological and Brain Sciences

Why did you want to be a H&W intern?

During my time at UCSB, I have been looking for ways to raise community awareness of eating disorders and body image struggles. This topic is deeply personal to me, and I am committed to helping build a healthier, happier campus. After becoming a facilitator for the Body Project, I decided to aim for an intern role within Health & Wellness. I hope to collaborate with other campus organizations, as well as work internally, to improve students’ body image and provide resources to those struggling with disordered eating.

Emma has always recognized the importance of changing the culture surrounding interpersonal violence and creating a safe environment here at UCSB. Prevention education allows Emma to break the stigma surrounding these difficult conversations while empowering her peers in recognizing their own power. Emma hopes to see a shift in the culture at UCSB because of the work CARE does. Emma loves going to the beach with a good book, watching a new movie or TV show, or trying a new recipe.