March 31- April 6, 2025

School of Aging Studies hosts conference on building community among older adults post-COVID

The School of Aging Studies welcomed more than 80 caregivers, professionals, and community members to a conference on March 27 at the USF Embassy Suites Hotel. The conference, which included a keynote session on loneliness and social isolation presented by Joanne Elayoubi, a USF School of Aging Studies doctoral candidate, was aimed at understanding the problems facing older adults and their caregivers across the care continuum, including within the community and in assisted living, nursing homes, and hospice care. Read more.

Faculty honored at USF women’s lacrosse 'favorite professor day'

Two faculty members from CBCS were recognized during a USF women’s lacrosse game as part of the team's "Favorite Professor Day" on March 11. Read more.

Dana Almasri is CBCS' new communications and marketing officer. A proud USF alum, Almasri earned her bachelor’s degree in news editorial journalism before pursuing a master’s degree in public relations and corporate communications from Georgetown University. Before joining CBCS, Almasri worked as a marketing and communications specialist at the USF Education Abroad Office, where she played a key role in promoting global learning opportunities.

Lori Perez is the newest academic services administrator for CBCS! With over seven years of experience at USF, including time at the St. Petersburg campus, she now oversees undergraduate certification, enhances graduation processes, and manages data for undergraduate programs. She works closely with advisors, ensures accurate transcript evaluations, and provides training for degree audit systems. Additionally, she serves on the Academic Regulations Committee and assists with student orientation.

Marianna Santos Ramos joined CBCS as a fiscal and business specialist, bringing a strong background in business administration and financial operations. In this, she provides essential support for financial operations within CBCS and the Florida Center for Behavioral Health Workforce. Santos Ramos earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Insper-Brazil and holds a master of science in sociotechnical systems from Stevens Institute of Technology. Before joining CBCS, Santos Ramos worked as a regulatory affairs analyst at Mediacom Communication Corporation.

Kayvrie Vega has been part of CBCS since 2013 and recently transitioned to the Dean's Office as a unit research administrator. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and is pursuing an MBA at USF. Previously, she worked as a staff assistant in the Department of Mental Health Law and Policy (2013-2018) and as a fiscal and business specialist in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (2018-2024). She is now part of the research team supporting the CBCS associate dean for research, managing pre- and post-award grants for private, state, federal, and internal awards.

Jacob Zeidman is the college's newest academic advisor! He will soon serve as the ASL Interpreting advisor and as a generalist advisor, providing support for majors across the college and stepping in when needed. Zeidman earned a bachelor's degree in sociology from Indiana University and recently completed a master’s in college counseling from Eastern Michigan University. He previously worked as a graduate assistant and career coach intern at Eastern Michigan University and as a counseling intern at Kettering University.

Why to Use—or Avoid—Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Your Counseling and Psychotherapy Practice

The Advocate Magazine

"I’d like to introduce you to AI, offer examples of how you and your clients can use AI to improve the counseling process, expose you to the potential risks and dangers of AI as an adjunct to therapy, and summarize guidelines for using AI in your counseling practice."

Title: A Parametric Analysis of the Effects of Changeover Delay of Challenging Behavior During Functional Communication Training 

Student: Amalix Maria Flores Montero

Program: Applied Behavior Analysis

Date: Monday, April 7

Time: noon

Location: MHC 2414

Mental Health & Wellness in the Workplace Course

Learn to attract and retain talent by creating a workplace culture that fosters wellness and allows for the free expression of issues related to employee mental health, behavioral health, and addiction. Start the course today.

Duvall Conference: “Collaborating to Tackle Local Substance Misuse: Creating Connections and Building a Community Academic Partnership”

April 2 | 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Registration required

USF Sarasota-Manatee Campus Student Center Ballroom

This interdisciplinary event, presented by the Duvall Initiative and the USF School of Social Work, welcomes Sarasota-Manatee community members and professionals, as well as USF faculty, staff, and students. Prepare for a day of inspiring discussions, learning, and networking that will spark action and collaboration.

12th Annual Translational Research in Adolescent Substance Use Conference

April 8 | MHC Atrium | 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. 

This conference is free of charge, and no registration is required.

This conference will bring together national and local experts in the field of implementation science and practice. Presentations will include evidence-based research and programs in the field of adolescent behavioral/mental health, substance use, advocacy, and policy changes, along with research programs conducted by USF graduate scholars in partnership with community partner agencies.

CBCS Faculty & Staff Assembly

April 18 | 9:30-11 a.m.

MHC Atrium Lobby

All CBCS faculty and staff are encouraged to attend in person. The event will also be available on Teams.

Risk to Resilience: Innovations in Human Trafficking Research and Response

April 25 | 9 a.m. - noon and 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

USF St. Petersburg Campus | SLC 2100

Register or reserve an information table.

This symposium and workshop will bring together subject matter experts to discuss innovations in human trafficking research and response. The event will include individual speakers, a panel discussion on collaborative approaches to combat human trafficking, and community partner information tables. For more information, contact Melissa Carlson at mbarongi@usf.edu.

Fiesta by the Bay for Autism

April 26 | Doors open at 6 p.m.

USF Alumni Center | Registration and sponsorships

The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at USF (CARD-USF) will host its annual fundraiser Fiesta by the Bay for Autism on Saturday, April 26 at the USF Alumni Center. This family-friendly event provides an evening full of fun, entertainment, food, and a silent auction. Funds raised from the event support CARD-USF's Autism Services Fund. Facebook event page: 2025 Fiesta by the Bay for Autism Fundraiser

Florida Center for Inclusive Communities Employment Virtual Conference

Talent Actualized! Creating Synergy for Tomorrow's Workforce: Employer Engagement

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 | 9am - 3pm EST

This conference is a fully online, interactive training opportunity for rehabilitation and employment professionals, educators, employers, policymakers, youth, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), family members, and anyone interested in promoting successful employment for individuals with I/DD. Register here.