Beyond Stigma
Empowering Communities
Through Mental Wellness
An educational panel addressing stigma around mental health support.
This event aims to foster a supportive and informed community by increasing awareness of the holistic wellness resources available on campus. Panelists invited are from communities that have higher instances of stigma toward accessing mental health, including first-generation, veteran, and BIPOC communities.

event Information
Tuesday, February 17
5:30 p.m. | University Union, Christie Theatre
This event will be available to join in-person on the Green Bay campus or virtually via Microsoft Teams (link coming soon).
Panelists
We are excited to welcome panelists who can speak to a variety of communities impacted by the stigma of mental health treatment.

Alison Jane Martingano, Ph.D
Moderator
Alison Jane Martingano, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of Psychology who focuses on the social factors that shape emotional wellbeing. Beyond the classroom, Alison Jane is passionate about making psychology accessible to broader audiences. She hosts the Psychology & Stuff podcast, blogs for Psychology Today, and has given a TEDx talk focused on challenging common myths about empathy. She is excited to moderate the Beyond the Stigma panel and help create an open, practical conversation about mental health that reflects real student experiences.

Josh Dutton, MSW, APSW
Panelist
Josh Dutton is a proud alumnus of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. As a military veteran, he is deeply committed to helping fellow veterans access essential mental health services. For the past 17 years, he has worked in Outagamie County’s Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Division, providing services through the Community Support Program and Crisis Unit. Through both his professional role and personal experiences, he has witnessed firsthand the profound impact of untreated mental illness on individuals and families. This has fueled his dedication to advocate for mental health awareness and reduce the stigma that often prevents people from seeking the care they need. Josh believes events like this are vital in fostering understanding, promoting access to services, and ultimately improving—and even saving—lives.

Jen Barnes, MSW
Panelist
Jennifer Barnes is a proud member of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin. Her educational journey began when she earned her GED at the Gordon Dickie Center, which sparked her passion for learning and led her to the College of Menominee Nation (CMN), where she connected deeply with the rich history and culture of her tribe. Jennifer went on to earn a Master’s in Social Work and has worked as a Social Worker and Child Protection Investigator for the Menominee Tribe, with a strong commitment to supporting mental well-being.
She is excited to share her insights and experiences during the Beyond Stigma program, looking forward to collaborating with other professionals to address the challenges her community faces and work toward a brighter future for their children while preserving their cultural heritage

Pachee Stern, MSW, APSW
Panelist
Pachee Stern is an Advanced Practice Social Worker (APSW) and first-generation college graduate, currently providing mental health services to perinatal individuals and clients ages 13 and older. She earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay with an emphasis in clinical mental health. As a proud Hmong professional and first-generation student, Pachee entered this field to support moms and families while also increasing representation and advocating for culturally responsive care within underserved communities.

Dr. Kadihjia Kelly
Panelist
Dr. Kadihjia Kelly, a licensed therapist currently has her own practice, Stars Counseling in Appleton, Wisconsin and currently is on the board of We All Rise, in Green Bay. Her expertise when working with self-identified Black/African American clients focuses on critical race theory and racial battle fatigue. She currently facilitates the Black Women support group in the Fox Valley. She has her bachelor’s degree in social work, master's degree in Community Mental Health counseling, and her doctorate in Philosophy of Education in Leadership and Administration.

Alondra Sanchez, LPC, MSE, NCC
Panelist
Alondra Sanchez is a first generation Mexican American and the proud daughter of immigrants. She holds many roles but professionally she is a Mental Health Psychotherapist. She and her sister opened Cultura Counseling LLC in October of 2023 with the hopes to serve the BIPOC community and provide quality pay for therapists. She is a proud mom of a very energetic four year old. Outside of her career, she enjoys spending time being outdoors, traveling, eating and spending time with the people she loves. She is social justice focused and loves to work with folks that have similar interests.
Event Supporters




Reach Out with Questions
Erin VanDaalwyk, the Dean of Students and member of the Beyond Stigma planning group, can help answer any questions you have about the event.