Magazine | Promoting Health & Wellness

Promoting Health & Wellness

New director committed to well-being of campus community

BY NOAH RAPPAHAHN AND SOPHIA MCKENZIE

Health & Wellness Services (HWS) at CSU Monterey Bay — the Campus Health Center, the Personal Growth and Counseling Center, and Student Disability Resources — strives to help members of the CSUMB community achieve and maintain physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness.

Ana Hernandez became the new senior director of HWS in October 2019. She brought 10 years of experience as an administrator in the health and wellness industry. Most recently she served as the senior director of behavioral health services at Aldea Children & Family Services in Napa and Solano counties. Hernandez was also an adjunct professor in the College of Business at Montana State University. She holds a master’s degree in organizational development from the University of San Francisco and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UC Berkeley.

Why were you attracted to this position at CSU Monterey Bay? What makes you a great fit for this community?

The position was an optimal opportunity to integrate my behavioral health professional experience in higher education with my personal commitment to healthy living practices. I started my academic career 25 years ago as a first-generation college student. I navigated many new experiences and

faced challenges that have gratefully provided me knowledge and enthusiasm for lifelong learning to instill in the next generation. I believe CSUMB is the perfect partner to fulfill my drive to promote ripple effects of healthy living across its campus community.

What sparked your interest in a career in health and wellness?

I was fortunate to have an active upbringing with space to roam and homegrown foods in the backyard. I maintained a deep appreciation for the land and the value of balanced intakes into college, where I was introduced to psychology and the foundations of mental health. Since then, I have learned many forms of yoga, alternative medicines, spiritual and earth wellness practices. I continue my commitment to evolve into new ways of being that engage the mind, nurture the spirit, and fuel the body. Wellness necessitates self-stewardship to serve others and to realize what we want to bring into our lives. This makes health and wellness the ideal career choice for me.

Ana Hernandez outside CSUMB’s Health & Wellness Services Building.

Photo by Nic Coury

What are the most difficult wellness challenges students face today? How does HWS help them cope?

Today’s students are challenged by multiple stressors, from basic needs insecurities to safety issues due to immigration changes. Building resilience — the strength to endure emotional pain and adversity while making the necessary adjustments to achieve desired outcomes — is critical to continuously regain respite and equilibrium. HWS provides students the opportunity to strengthen the foundation they will utilize for developing a healthy life, which will further support their families and communities. I encourage students to take advantage of this time and space to explore what they individually need to regain new strength and energy to face the next challenge. Some challenges are not negative, they are opportunities for change. We all need support in building these foundational skills to continue to try and try again.

What are your main goals for HWS, moving into the future? Any new resources or programs on the horizon?

On the horizon is HWS’ vision to become a clinic without walls. We will continue to partner with CSUMB colleges and departments to increase accessibility to health and wellness services across campus. By Fall 2021, new CSUMB students will be supported to meet a few additional immunization requirements set by the CSU system. Each of the HWS departments continuously seeks the campus community’s feedback. This is an opportunity to hear everyone’s voice as we identify and evaluate innovative technologies and service initiatives that can be introduced in the coming years.

Is there anything else you want people to know about you and/or HWS?

I am honored to have been chosen to build on the first 25 years of remarkable efforts to develop CSUMB’s Health & Wellness Services. The strides and landmarks reached by the founding staff members led by Caroline Haskell continue to be demonstrated in each of the professionals who go above and beyond in their desire to support everyone at CSUMB. I am ignited with optimism for what the future holds for CSUMB in the next 25 years.