Lisa Antel serves as Post University Counseling Center director, where she manages clinicians, provides counseling, advocates for mental health and develops online and in-person wellness initiatives.
Prior to her role at Post, Antel earned her master’s in social work from Smith College. She had previously co-founded a company that helped people embrace technology and change.
Q: Why is she a HealthCare Hero?
The confluence of COVID, racial traumas, political divisions and uncertainty have significantly impacted college students. In response, Antel promotes a holistic approach to wellness and champions its integration into Post’s culture.
Known for her compassionate style, Antel has been a driving force for the University’s most significant mental health initiatives, including You@Post, the university’s online wellness and success platform, and Student Online Assistance Resource (SOAR), an online platform providing 24/7 access to counseling, financial resources, legal support and personal convenience services.
She works with her team to educate students and staff on important topics such as yoga, mindfulness, social connection, athletic performance, substance abuse and suicide prevention.
Q: How has COVID-19 changed the way you do your job?
The events of the past 18 months have affected students in different ways. While it was important to address legal, ethical and safety issues, our Counseling Center adopted a trauma-informed approach to therapy, programs and groups to create a culture of caring.
This allowed us to compassionately support others while simultaneously prioritizing self-care.