A culture of care

Student wellbeing

College life is a journey filled with excitement, growth and transformation — and at LLCC, students are never alone on that path. Thanks to a dynamic network of wellbeing services, LLCC creates a campus culture where students feel supported, valued and empowered to thrive. 

From compassionate care coordinators and peer mentors to engaging self-care events and wellness resources, LLCC is committed to supporting the whole student.

“Our goals are to support students, build a sense of community and belonging and provide them the resources that they need to be successful,” explains Kristin Booher, director, LLCC Student Engagement and Wellbeing.

Care coordinators

At the heart of LLCC’s wellbeing efforts are Student Care Coordinators Kellee Phillips and Lyndsay Shelton, who offer a welcoming and safe space for students to share their experiences and challenges. Their proactive approach ensures that students receive timely support and feel genuinely cared for.

“I just truly believe that no one should have to go through anything alone,” says Phillips. “Asking for support is a sign of strength. It takes a lot of courage to basically open up and say, ‘I need some help,’ and we’re here to provide it.” 

Reaching students where they are

Both in the office and around campus, LLCC’s care coordinators are always finding meaningful ways to connect with students and provide support. Through thoughtfully designed events and activities focused on mindfulness, self-care and resilience, students are encouraged to take charge of their wellbeing, set goals and build lifelong skills. 

One beloved initiative is the care cart, a common sight around campus that is stocked with free snacks, fidget toys and other self-care items. Inviting students to take a moment of self-care is a simple yet powerful way to remind students that their wellbeing matters — and that support is always within reach. 

“We’re intentional about our programming models and the planning of each activity,” Booher explains. “It’s about leadership, skill-building and creating opportunities for students to grow.”

Connecting with peers

Care crew mentors also play a vital role in student wellbeing. These trained student workers are friendly, familiar faces who help foster a supportive campus environment. From distributing care cart goodies to offering peer support, they’re making a real difference in students’ lives.

“Students love the care cart — especially after class,” says Thomas VanderDrift, care crew mentor. “It’s a great way to brighten someone’s day.”

Each mentor first receives training in areas like mental health first aid, Certified Peer Education and QPR (question, persuade, refer), equipping them to provide meaningful support to and build strong connections with their peers.

Care crew mentors also take part in Care Crew Connect, a bimonthly peer support group led by a student care coordinator. It offers an opportunity for students to lean on one another — sharing, connecting and growing together. “If you need help with anything, you don’t have to be ashamed of it,” says Sami Johnson, care crew mentor. “You can just come down here and talk if you need to. We’re here to listen and support.” 

Strong community partnerships

LLCC’s commitment to student wellbeing extends beyond campus through strong partnerships with local organizations. Collaborations with Gateway Foundation and Memorial Behavioral Health bring expert resources directly to students, including education on addiction prevention and free mental health assessments. 

Shelton, who also serves as LLCC’s housing liaison and benefits navigator, ensures students facing housing insecurity receive compassionate support, access to vital resources and a safe and welcoming environment to discuss goals and needs. “Whether it be assistance with transportation cost or referrals to different housing organizations, rent assistance, utility assistance — I’m here to help,” she says.

Ready to talk

LLCC students also benefit from free access to TalkSpace, a virtual counseling platform offering two monthly, 30-minute video sessions and unlimited text, voice and video messaging with licensed therapists. This flexible option empowers students to seek support on their own terms and at their own pace.

LLCC’s Student Engagement and Wellbeing team is passionate about normalizing help-seeking and breaking down barriers to getting support. “Everybody needs help at some point,” says Phillips. “It’s part of being human.” 

At LLCC, wellbeing is more than a service. It’s a culture where students can flourish academically, emotionally and personally.