We’re excited to introduce you to a new Penn State World Campus Student Affairs team member! ZaMyra Dow-Shaw recently joined the team as a mental health case manager. We asked ZaMyra to tell us about her professional background and share some insights about how she hopes to support World Campus students.
What was your background before you took on this role?
I have more than 14 years of human services experience. Throughout the years, I’ve served as a child support caseworker, a student services coordinator for the bursar’s office, a nursing academic adviser, a public health educator, an accessibility counselor, and a licensed clinical social worker associate in the state of North Carolina.
How does a mental health case manager help students?
Mental health case managers help connect students with crisis prevention and intervention services. Students may find it difficult to navigate various resources and services when they experience difficult situations such as medical issues, mental health concerns, or family crises. Case managers provide support services for students’ immediate situations and offer referrals for ongoing care. The case manager also helps individuals from diverse backgrounds develop coping skills to deal with life’s challenges.
What excites you most about your new role?
As a new mental health case manager, I look forward to being able to help students who may be in crisis and link them to resources. This role will also allow me to build relationships with organizations in various communities that will serve our students.
How do you see yourself best connecting with World Campus students?
I have a passion for helping people. As a trained social worker, I understand how to advocate for students, provide education and resources, and address the social injustices that various students may encounter. Making students aware of support resources can positively impact a student’s mental health and well-being. It is important to ensure all resources are accessible and culturally appropriate for students. As a mental health case manager, I have a huge responsibility to help students understand their experiences, increase their willingness to cope, and feel a sense of belonging and community at Penn State.
Related content:
- Meet Michelle Henry, Mental Health Case Manager — learn more about Michelle Henry, who joined the World Campus Student Affairs team earlier this year
- Infographic: Using Your Insurance Card to Obtain Mental Health Services — review this graphic to become familiar with important information contained on your insurance card
- Mental Health Awareness Month: Resources to Support Your Well-Being — this blog post reviews some of the mental health services and resources available to World Campus students
