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, building their skills, strengthen their positive relationships, achieve their goals, and increase their positive emotions.” He thinks it is funny that he stars in a weekly web series, Mondays with Maka. 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 everyday.

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).

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.

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. 

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: Communication & Environmental Studies

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

I aspired to become a Health and Wellness intern because I sought to join a community that prioritizes health equity, fostering both physical and mental support among its members. My goal is to extend the reach of this community, making events and resources readily accessible to students, faculty, and staff. 

Major: Psychological and Brain Sciences

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

Health & Wellness is such a crucial part of our campus. Our department coordinates so many amazing initiatives to promote the health and wellbeing of our student body here at UCSB, and I wanted to be part of making this happen. I feel lucky to work a position that allows me to get involved with and make an impact on initiatives across various health topics!

Major: Earth science - Environment and Climate 

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

Health & Wellness is definitely an underrated department at UCSB, I really enjoy advocating for the department and making it more accessible to the general student population. My specialty also has a lot to do with cooking and nutrition, both of which I am very passionate about, so programming and bringing ideas to life in this department makes the work more enjoyable.

Major: Biopsychology

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

I wanted to be a Health and Wellness intern because I recognized the importance of mind and body wellness as well as academic success in college. A lot of students feel overwhelmed with the responsibilities of taking care of themselves, like nutrition. Through my internship, I want to give students confidence to properly nourish themselves and in their abilities to balance school and personal health.

Major: Environmental Studies

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

I wanted to be a Health and Wellness intern because it allows me to share my passion for cooking and healthy eating with the campus community while building meaningful connections. I know that preparing nutritious meals in college can be challenging, and I’m excited to contribute to the resources H&W provides to make it easier for students.

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: Computer Science

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

I’m excited to join Health & Wellness to be a part of its impactful work in fostering a healthy and inclusive campus community. I am also interested in using research and data analytics to expand accessibility of the department's programs so they can reach and benefit as many students as possible.

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: Sociology & History

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

I aimed to be a Health and Wellness intern because I wanted to ensure that our vast international student body could feel and perform their best as students of our campus. Many international students undergo issues like anxiety and culture shock, especially during their first months abroad. Hence, through this internship, I want to provide them with the support they need to excel both in school and as adventurers of a nation they are slowly discovering.

Major: Psychological and Brain Sciences

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

I’m passionate about supporting student well-being by offering holistic resources, especially those related to sleep health! Sleep plays a fundamental role in how we feel and function every day and my goal is to provide students with knowledge and tools that empower them to prioritize their sleep and improve their overall wellness. I am excited to be a Health and Wellness intern because I want to connect to our community by advocating for healthier sleep habits and promoting long-term well-being.

Major: Psychological & Brain Sciences

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

 I chose to be an intern with the Health & Wellness Department because I wanted to be able to help my fellow peers in more ways than one. Such challenging topics can be hard to tackle and address, especially when it comes to men. I want to actively work against the stigma of eating disorders and harmful beauty stereotypes by bring awareness and solutions to those who may or may not be struggling. 

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.

Major: Psychological and Brain Sciences

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

I am an advocate for a holistic educational experience, and I believe that personal wellbeing is a commonly overlooked aspect of college life. Especially after my experience in the Safer Sex Peers program and working in various capacities with Residential & Community Living here at UCSB, I realized that destigmatizing sex education is significantly impactful to our community. During my time as an intern, I hope to educate students about boundaries, how to communicate properly in sensitive situations, and to destigmatize talking about sex and sexual health while students are in a critical period of development and growth. 

Major: Pharmacology

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

As a pharmacology major, I have a great interest in the study of drugs on everything from a biological scale to a sociological scale. Working as Life of the Party leader intern has given me the opportunity to speak face-to-face with students who are impacted by the very drugs I study for my degree. I have made invaluable connections through advocating for drug and alcohol safety and I feel fulfilled every time I walk away from a conversation with a fellow student.

Major: Biology

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

I wanted to be a health and wellness intern to advocate for drug and alcohol safety and help students get access to resources to get support with substance use and into recovery. I feel that just listening to students who are really struggling and getting them the help they need fills my cup every day, and I am so grateful I was able to do this for the past 3 years.

Major: Biopsychology

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

In 2021, I was honored to receive first place at the National level in the Elks Drug Awareness Program video competition, where my project focused on overdose prevention and education. This achievement deepened my commitment to promoting wellness and strengthened my belief in the power of using my voice and actions to inspire meaningful change. As a Health and Wellness Life of the Party intern at UCSB, I hope to channel that passion into making a lasting impact on student well-being and empowering others to create positive change both locally and globally.

Major: Psychological and Brain Sciences

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

As a Life of the Party intern who specializes in educating students about party safety and with Health and Wellness falling under that umbrella of health education, I am looking forward to collaborating and giving students an outlet to better their mental and physical health.

Emily is inspired by the prospect of creating a healthy and safe community for her peers here at UCSB. This impactful work of prevention education calls to Emily as she finds great purpose in creating consent-forward and trauma-informed spaces in her community. Emily hopes to be a part of the impact and change that CARE brings to the school.  Emily loves crocheting, expressing herself through movement in yoga and dance, finding new baking recipes, and creating playlists for every occasion.

As Noellani hopes to pursue a career in the medical field, her mother’s work at our county's crisis center inspires her. Her mother's strength and dedication to helping others motivates Noellani and she hopes to make a similar impact in her career.  Noellani's favorite self-care activities are reading, listening to music, playing volleyball, and taking walks around our beautiful campus—especially the beach!

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.

Kaleb finds fulfillment within allowing people to be free from the stereotypes and norms that people put on others at UCSB. The work of creating a healthy masculinity alongside teaching about prevention education whether it be people changing their narratives and expectations or creating active bystanders, Kaleb finds satisfaction in his community. Kaleb strives to be an aspect of the wave like CARE that changes the culture in the school. Kaleb enjoys buying and selling pokemon cards, going out to play sports (especially pickleball), going out on a dirt trail in the mountains with his truck, and hanging with friends.