Mental health and wellbeing have long been a priority for Pace University, and now, through the transformative mental health first aid (MHFA) program, the University is equipping its community with vital tools to foster a supportive environment. Enabled by a grant from the National Council on Mental Wellbeing, in partnership with Montefiore Medical Center, this initiative is expanding access to mental health training across all three Pace campuses.

Learn more and register for an upcoming session.

The MHFA course empowers participants—faculty, staff, and students alike—with practical skills to identify, approach, and support individuals navigating mental health or substance use challenges. Designed with a focus on inclusivity, the training prepares the Pace Community to meet the diverse needs of its members, ensuring a safer and more understanding campus climate. Participants leave with not only actionable strategies but also the confidence to apply them in both professional and personal settings.

“At its core, inclusion calls us all to work together when we are in community,” says Birkenmeyer.

“The course and content are presented in way that allows participants to learn tools they can use in everyday life,” explains Vinnie Birkenmeyer, the director of Residential Life in Westchester and staff member brought the program to Pace in 2023. “A campus community has folks of many different backgrounds, identities, and experiences so learning skills that are helpful for a variety of folks is very beneficial."

Feedback from more than 60 participants underscores the program’s impact. While the commitment—a two-hour pre-module and a full day of virtual training—initially seemed daunting to some, many have found it deeply rewarding.

Looking ahead, the University aims to train 500 individuals by the end of the grant’s fourth year, with 200 having already completed the training. Integrating this training into onboarding processes for new staff and encouraging wider faculty and student participation are key goals. By embedding mental health awareness into the fabric of its culture, Pace is furthering its commitment to a truly inclusive and supportive community.

“At its core, inclusion calls us all to work together when we are in community,” says Birkenmeyer.

This program is more than a training opportunity—it’s a step toward a healthier, more connected Pace, where every individual feels empowered to support one another. Through initiatives like MHFA, the University continues to champion mental wellness as a cornerstone of its vibrant and dynamic environment.

“I hope this training encourages participants to utilize these skills in their everyday life—with their families, friends, or strangers they interact with who may need a supportive person to help them navigate a difficult situation,” says Birkenmeyer. “It is critical for us to prioritize mental health and wellbeing.”

Coming from a small town in Arizona, Daisy Molina was curious about how the big changes of moving to New York City would impact her. She wondered whether she would be able to find her place and a sense of community in one of the world’s busiest cities. But she found a sense of belonging at Pace University’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

“When I visited Pace and learned about Seidenberg, what stood out to me was how much it felt like a family,” says Daisy, a BS in Computer Science major with a minor in Information Assurance for the Criminal Justice System. “Not just faculty supporting students, but students supporting each other. I quickly realized that Seidenberg wasn’t just a school; it was a community where people lift each other up.”

This mindset—building excellence through community—became the foundation of Daisy’s college experience and helped her grow from a newcomer in the field to a confident computer scientist ready for what the future will bring.

Finding Joy in the Challenge

While the world of programming felt challenging to Daisy at first, it didn’t take long before she learned to embrace it—and even enjoy it.

“One of the pivotal moments for me as a computer science student was when I began to have fun with my coding assignments, and even enjoying the challenge,” she recalls. That moment came during her Data Structures and Algorithms course with Professor Carmine Guida, who also serves as the program chair of Pace’s BS in Game Development.

“It stood out to me because not only was he a stand-out teacher and mentor taking the time to explain each concept, but having friends in the class made it so much fun,” says Daisy. “I still remember cramming in the library with my friends and thinking that while studying wasn’t super fun, having them there made it so much easier. I am so thankful to the students of that class and to Professor Guida for not only making it fun to study, but also helping me become more confident in my programming skills.”

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Getting Involved at Pace—and Growing as a Leader

During her first-year University 101 course, Daisy learned another lesson that proved pivotal in her Pace journey: get involved early, and stay involved.

“I took that to heart and I definitely dove in,” she says.

By the end of her first year, she had joined both the Cybersecurity Club and the Women in Tech club—and is now treasurer for both. “These clubs have taught me how to be a leader and how to balance a somewhat heavy workload,” Daisy says. “I have met some of my best friends through these clubs and met so many new students and learned so much.”

She also found a home in Seidenberg’s Digital Forensics Research Lab. “This has not only provided me with opportunities to network with professionals of numerous fields, but I have learned so many technical skills that are invaluable in real-life application,” Daisy says. She adds that Dr. Darren Hayes, her direct supervisor in the lab and Director of Cybersecurity, “has been a great boss and mentor guiding me to be a professional in the workforce, who can be successful and proactive in chasing new opportunities.”

One of her favorite memories? A road trip to the National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition with her team. “It was four hours in a car, competing under pressure, and celebrating afterward by baking cookies together—the embodiment of the Seidenberg family.”

What Makes Pace and Seidenberg Stand Out

Daisy sums up her Pace experience in three words: community, opportunity, and growth.

“This school truly feels like a family. From faculty who go out of their way to help you succeed, to students who support and push each other, there’s always someone in your corner,” she says.

“Whether it’s labs, clubs, conferences, competitions, internships, or traveling for events, Pace constantly opens doors. If you’re willing to show up and get involved, there’s always a new opportunity waiting. Seidenberg pushes you to expand your comfort zone, technically and personally. I came in nervous and unsure of myself, but the projects, mentorship, and leadership roles I’ve taken here have shaped me into a confident computer scientist and future cybersecurity professional.”