Meet the Instructors – Counseling and Wellness Services

Elise Brehmer

Chris Cindric

Senior Lecturer/Program Director
Movement & Wellness Sciences
BS in Lifestyle Medicine
(he/him/his)

Over the years the importance of mental wellbeing has hit very close to home. I wanted to become more educated and improve my knowledge in mental health first aid to increase my ability to respond to anyone experiencing mental health or substance use related challenges. As an educator, becoming trained to help pass that knowledge on to others was the next step to help change the narrative on mental health and empower others to have the knowledge and skills needed to assist someone having a mental health challenge or crisis.

Caroline Dias

Director, PLUS Program
Program Leading to University Success (PLUS)
(she/her/hers)
I desired to become a Mental Health First Aid Instructor to train my student employees, specifically the Academic Coaches in order to assist more EWU students on campus with awareness of mental health issues. My plan is to train all new hires for the Academic Coach position during their first quarter of working for PLUS.

Laura Gant

Associate Director of Wellness Services
Counseling & Wellness Services
Master of Public Health
(she/her/hers)

Laura has been teaching MHFA courses for several years now, and it continues to be one of her favorites to teach. It is important and essential to be trained to recognize mental health challenges in our society today. The prevalence continues to rise, yet many barriers continue to impact people's ability to intervene and help. MHFA is the perfect model to help notice something and know how get the appropriate help. MHFA offers compassion, education, and hope.

Kylie Heintzelman

Sonora Hernandez

Tricia Hughes

Senior Director
Counseling & Wellness Services
(she/her/hers)

As an advocate for mental health awareness and support, I believe teaching others about Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) can create a safer campus. MHFA equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and respond to mental health crises effectively. In a world where mental health issues are prevalent and often overlooked, MHFA training provides a bridge between individuals in distress and the support they need. MHFA is not just about sharing knowledge; it is about cultivating empathy, fostering a culture of support, and ultimately, saving lives.

Kerry-Anne Loughman

Emily Migliazzo

Basic Needs Navigator & Homeless Outreach
Counseling & Wellness Services
Master of Education
(she/her/hers)
In Emily’s current position, it is imperative to be aware of the multiple factors that contribute to basic needs insecurity, mental health being one of many. In addition to personal, familial, and professional exposure to mental health struggles, Emily knows the role that mental health stigma plays in perpetuating societal inequity. She is more than excited to practice her love of teaching and community care as a Mental Health First Aid Instructor at EWU!

Michael Rutledge

Associate Athletics Director-Student Success
EWU Athletics
Ph.D.
(he/him/his)

Michael E. Rutledge, II, Ph. D. joined Eastern Washington University in May of 2023 where he leads the Student Athlete Academic Services unit.

Prior to EWU, Michael worked at the University of New Orleans as the Director of Academics and Student Athlete Development. While there, the student athlete population attained their highest overall GPA since 2016 and as the advisor for the SAAC program, he helped student athletes earn over 500 community service hours in the Fall 2022 semester, which had an economic impact of over $14,000. In addition, Michael helped promote diversity initiatives and taught courses to help develop student athletes.

Prior to the University of New Orleans, Michael worked as an assistant professor of professional practice at LSU and was the Coordinator for the Educational Technology and Higher Education Administration Online Programs in LSU’s College of Human Science and Education. During his 10-year career in the field, Dr. Rutledge has worked at FBS and FCS level institutions as an assistant professor, NCAA certification officer, and learning specialist.

Michael is also a member of the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA) where he serves on the Creative Services Committee.

Originally from Houston, TX, Michael received both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Texas State University and his Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas A&M University. He wanted to be a MHFA Instructor because this will help him be a better advocate as coaches and athletic staff work to support the needs and wants of our student athletes.

Michael and his Fiancé Ariana, plan to get married in March 2024 in the Bahamas.

Velvet Sewell

Case Manager
Student Accommodations and Support Services
Master of Social Work
(she/her/hers)

I truly believe that meeting people where they are, for who they are, and supporting them in that moment is how we can make change. Going through the Mental Health First Aid course as a participant showed me that I could teach others through this curriculum to do their best to support other humans in a holistic manner. To have the opportunity to teach those skills to others on campus and in my community is something I look forward to.

Catherine Walker