UC College of Nursing increases student support with two new embedded liaisons

The focus on student mental health and the improvement of accessibility for our community have increasingly become priorities across the University of Cincinnati. Support available to students include Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)—which adopts a collaborative approach to assist students in identifying tools, resources and strategies to achieve their mental health goals—and the Accessibility Resources Office—which provides full and equal access to students, employees and visitors with disabilities.

Starting in the Fall '24 term, the College of Nursing brings support closer to its students by embedding a CAPS clinician and an Accessibility Resource Liaison into Procter Hall.

“Being embedded into the colleges, these professionals can get to know the environment, culture and faculty and staff, helping them better serve each student,” says Krista Maddox, EdD, the college’s senior assistant dean for student affairs. 

Get to know our newest staff members, Caity Cavanaugh, MS, LPCC, and Claire McMahon, MA.

I have my bachelor of science in psychology from the University of Cincinnati and my master of science in clinical mental health counseling from Northern Kentucky University. Most of my time in counseling has been spent in community mental health in the Cincinnati area. 

I had to do a lot of soul-searching before switching to mental health, so I have experience in a lot of different industries—including working as a licensed stockbroker.

When I decided to make the transition to mental health, my goal was to work with students. I have always had a passion for students who have that high-performance mentality, that’s why I thought I would be such a great fit at the College of Nursing.  

Working with students and really relating to them is what makes me so excited to work in Procter.

I want students to know that I am here and I was hired to support them!  

CAPS is more than just counseling, we offer case management, consultation and crisis services. This year we are really focusing on outreach and connection to the students. If students cannot find that connection with me, there are people at main UC CAPS they can connect with. It is okay if students do not connect with their first counselor, there are other people here for them. 

By calling the main CAPS number to schedule a counseling appointment. I am also available for a virtual Let’s Talk session on Fridays from 2 – 3 p.m. 

I received both my bachelor of science in psychology and my master of arts in clinical counseling from Xavier, and I am currently working on my PhD in counselor education & supervision at the University of Cincinnati.

Like Caity, it took me a second to return to counseling. I was a graduate assistant in the Accessibility Resources office for three years and, while doing coursework for my PhD, this role came up; it was perfect because of my experience working at UC, at a private practice and in clinical settings with people who have mental-health disorders.

The nursing program is so specific, students are surrounded by a cohort they will be around during their entire time at UC, which is unique, especially because it is in one building. I am looking forward to being a part of their day-to-day life.

I am excited to be around students and be more accessible. This is such a wonderful opportunity to help them prepare for whatever they do next. 

We are here for you, and the Accessibility Resources Office is made to ensure all students have equal access. It is okay to ask for help! 

Emailing accessresources@ucmail.uc.edu is the best way to reach the Accessibility Resource Office. If students already had an accommodation before and would like to continue receiving it now, they just need to go to our website to register for accommodation. Once they are registered, students can schedule meetings directly with me.