Let’s Talk Mental Health on March 12
As part of the annual Mackin-Mailander Lecture Series, Clarke University will host “Crucial Conversations: Let’s Talk Mental Health” on Wednesday, March 12 at 7 p.m. in Jansen Music Hall. The event is free and open to the public.
The presentation will be led by Clarke Instructor of Social Work Jen Gladon ’16MSW. Calling on nearly 30 years of experience, her talk will focus on the reasons people seek counseling and practical strategies for navigating whatever life throws your way.
“Life can be tough, and coping with mental health challenges, trauma, or stressful times can sometimes feel overwhelming,” Jen said. “Whether you’re feeling great, stuck, sad, stressed, or angry, this event promises an interactive and light-hearted conversation.”
Prior to her teaching career at Clarke, Jen worked extensively with diverse populations. Just some of her experience includes providing legal and medical advocacy for sexual assault survivors in Jo Daviess and Carroll counties in Illinois, targeted case management for adults with intellectual disabilities in Evans, CO, and case management for vulnerable older adults in Dubuque, Delaware, and Buchanan counties.
After graduating with her Master of Social Work from Clarke in 2016, Jen worked at the Dubuque Mental Health Center as a Mental Health Therapist, supporting those with chronic and persistent mental health issues before beginning her private practice in 2019. The passion for advocacy, education, mental health, and trauma recovery that has guided her throughout her career now serves as an example to the next generation of social workers at Clarke.
About the Mackin-Mailander Lecture Series
The Clarke University Mackin-Mailander Lecture Series was established in 1997 after Clarke received gifts from two alumnae, Mary Mackin ’34 and Verna Slattery-Mailander ’20, to establish an endowed lecture series. The annual series consists of three lectures, including a prominent outside speaker, a faculty lecture, and an alumni lecture. Clarke welcomed Iowa Poet Laureate Vince Gotera to campus in October and will conclude this year’s series with Assistant Professor of Communication Chrissy Hogue Bartels’ “Turning Pain into Purpose and Setbacks into Success” on April 2.