Judy Cline is the wellness strategist in Student Affairs focusing on promoting services and resources, educating on harm reduction, mental health and wellness, organizing programs related to these areas, and helping with developing the overall wellness strategy. 

Cline’s goal is to work with both internal and external partners to establish best practices for supporting mental health and well-being among post-secondary students at Mount Allison. 

Tell us a bit about yourself and your professional background. 

I have substantive experience working in community-based organizations starting in front line roles all the way to CEO. I have worked in child welfare, children and adult developmental services, children and adult mental health services, and children and adult rehabilitation services for people with acquired brain injuries. 

Some of my volunteer work has involved working on a steering committee to develop education and training for rehabilitation therapists in the field of acquired brain injuries as well as being a volunteer on a Board of Directors. I am a holistic nutritionist and have taught courses in nutrition and mental health, nutrition and traumatic brain injuries, and presented at provincial and local conferences on topics associated with brain injuries. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in mental health and wellness? 

From the age of 13, I had a clear vision of working with individuals who struggled with both internal and external barriers and challenges. Internally, we all cope with our mental health on a daily basis, but we are not always clear on what we are feeling or who to turn to for support. Many of us grew up in environments where conversations about feelings, emotions, fears, and vulnerabilities are ignored, shut down, or invalidated. From my pre-adolescence I knew I wanted to work in places where we could talk about our inner worlds without judgment and where we could live a life of safety, stability, and acceptance at the very least. I saw then my work needed to be community-based so I could be a voice and an advocate to address systemic inequities. 

What drew you to Mount Allison and what are you looking forward to most about working with students? 
I moved to Sackville about 1.5 years ago and felt a tug towards Mount Allison. I had heard and read about the University’s stellar reputation and I felt there was an opportunity to contribute to the health and well-being of the student population. My experience, education, and skill set seemed to align to this new role and I became quite excited about what I could offer here at Mount Allison. 

I am looking forward to collaborating with students in identifying, designing, and implementing health and wellness programming that meets students’ needs. I want to hear feedback about what works and what does not work for them. As we develop the wellness strategy for the University, I know that students need to inform the process and I am looking forward to being a conduit for information from students that will help drive an inclusive, equitable, supportive wellness strategy for this community. 

Do you have any advice to share with students for managing stress and maintaining mental well-being during their studies? 
First, I want to offer the following perspective: as students who are experiencing the stressors of post-secondary education, no matter what you see on the surface, everyone is experiencing stress and overwhelm. You are all equipped differently; therefore, your experience, expression, and management of these stressors is unique to you. But it does not mean you are alone, no matter what your feelings are telling you.   
Second, recognize the inexplicable connection between your physical, mental, and emotional health. Taking care of all parts of yourself is important. Take the time to check in with yourself, even if it feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar, it gets easier. Ask yourself, “what is needed right now” — do I need: 

• rest 
• supportive conversation with a trusted person 
• to-do list 
• academic support 
• counselling session (something might be happening that is too big or too difficult to manage?) 
• hug (even hugging a tree!) 
• nourishment 
• hydration 
• walk in nature  

The list goes on, but the aim is to calm the nervous system which will mitigate stress. In turn, when you are less stressed you can think more clearly and create plans and initiate actions and activities that will be supportive of your wellness and your studies. 

Outside of work, what are some of your hobbies and interests? 

I am an avid nature lover. I spend as much time outdoors as possible, whether I am hiking, having morning coffee and a walk on the beach, walking my dog Mosley through Waterfowl Park, mowing my lawn, or gardening. I have also been known to wield a chainsaw when needed. 

I love music and listen to a vast variety of genres. I play the piano and some other instruments, and I sing (mostly for me). I am an avid reader and love space operas, sci-fi, and fantasy. A good movie or series is a great way for me to spend some down time. I love to cook and recently took up baking bread. Much of my family is in Ontario, so I do like to get back to Ontario for visits when I am able.