Ana Radovic, Project Director
Educational Background: I have a BA in Biology from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland and also went to medical school there for my MD. Then I did pediatrics residency and adolescent medicine fellowship at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. I also have a Masters in Clinical Science from the University of Pittsburgh.
If I had a magic wand, I would…
- Get rid of all tobacco and drugs forever
- Make healthcare universal and free for everyone
- Mandatory 3 day weekends for everyone
Charlie Borowicz, Research Assistant, Moderator
Sharanya Bandla, Website Support
Educational Background: I am currently an undergraduate student at the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in Bioinformatics. I’m also proficient in the following languages: Java, Python, Swift, CSS, and HTML.
If I had a wand, I would…
- Take away all the stigma and prejudice associated with individuals who suffer from mental illnesses, especially on college campuses.
- Teleport from class to class so I’d never be late again!
Jing Hua, Website Support
Educational Background: My name is Jing Hua, currently a graduate student in the Department of Information Science at University of Pittsburgh. I got my bachelor’s degree in computer science several years ago in China. I am good at web development, interface design and analysis, database management and android application development. I am also interested in E-business.
If I had a magic wand, I would…
- Create a magic children’s museum, where children have different experience each time they go.
- Create an E-business application, where blind people and illiterate people can shop online smoothly and safely.
STAKEHOLDER ADVISORY BOARD:
Amy Philips-Haller, Parent Advocate
Educational & Professional Background: A long-time graduate of California University of Pennsylvania, I hold a Bachelor’s of Liberal Arts degree in Speech Communication with an emphasis in Mass Media.
I am a student and narrator of the human experience. Over the years, I have documented stories for television in Atlanta, as well as produced Everyday Science, a show that aired worldwide on public radio. Now a reporter, I generate headlines for local publications, including the Pittsburgh-Post Gazette.
Recently, I scripted It Pains Me to Discuss, a novel documenting the difficult journey of a child with a chronic health condition. I share the draft with physicians, in hopes of expanding patient care conversation to include the parent component. I also serve on two advisory panels for ongoing research projects at Children’s Hospital.
If I had a magic wand, I would… have purchased it at Ollivanders. Inside the carved mahogany would reside the feather of a phoenix. Why? Every day is an opportunity to rise from the ashes and begin again.
Rachel Whitman, Youth Advocate
Educational Background: I have my BA in psychology (minor in anthropology) from the University of Virginia, my M.S.Ed. with a focus on Community Mental Health and Special Education Support from Duquesne University, and I am currently working on my EdD in Educational Leadership with a focus on disability studies at Duquesne University.
If I had a magic wand, I would…
- Make our world accessible in every way! Our understanding of “disability” is really just a social construct. We give someone a disability label because this person interacts with our world differently. Our default “normal person” is an able-bodied, neurotypical person – but there is so much beautiful diversity out there! We have to reconstruct our physical world and re-conceptualize our definition of humankind to reflect all types of people and thus respect all experiences, provide everyone equitable access to opportunities, and cultivate truly inclusive communities.
- Provide all individuals with mental illnesses effective treatments that they can customize based on their needs. Some examples: psychiatric medications with no side effects, free health care, a medical system that really listens and truly honors stakeholder experience, and a cure for eating disorders (a category of mental illness that is so devastating and difficult to treat).
- Body positivity and feminism for everyone!!!
- Have a pet sloth who I would wear around the office so we could snuggle each other all day. Top three names: Humphrey, Agnes, or KaleChip