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Supporting Student Mental Wellness and Resilience with Physical Activity and Sport Based Peer Leadership Programming

Supporting Student Mental Wellness and Resilience with Physical Activity and Sport Based Peer Leadership Programming

This webinar will explore how peer leadership models in sport and physical activity settings can effectively support student mental wellness and resilience. By examining the value, program impact data, and research outcomes of the student-led mental wellness programs, Fitness Buddies and Mountain Lion Strong, participants will learn how empowering students as mental wellness advocates enhances campus culture. We will highlight the importance of cross-campus partnerships for fostering a holistic approach to student well-being. Attendees will leave with actionable, research-backed recommendations for implementing peer leadership programs that prioritize mental wellness and resilience across diverse student populations and student groups.

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand key factors in designing and implementing peer leadership programs that promote mental wellness and resilience among students in physical activity and sport settings on campus.
  • Gain insights into the research outcomes and lessons learned from the peer led mental-wellness initiatives, Fitness Buddies and Mountain Lion Strong, at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.
  • Understand how collaborative efforts across departments and units on campus, including athletics, student affairs, campus recreation, and counseling/health services, can strengthen mental wellness initiatives.
  • Learn tips to implementing similar strategies on other campuses

Jess Kirby, PhD

Assistant Professor of Health Promotion and Sport Psychology

University of Colorado, Colorado Springs

Dr. Jess Kirby is an assistant professor of Health Promotion and Sport Psychology at University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS), and Director of the Center for Critical Sport Studies. She completed her PhD in Sport and Exercise Science with an emphasis in Social Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity from the University of Northern Colorado. Dr. Kirby is the program director of the Mountain Lion Strong program on campus, aimed at supporting the well-being, resilience, and mental health of all UCCS student-athletes through comprehensive peer wellness education and a community of support. Dr. Kirby's research focuses on exploring the sport and physical activity experiences of diverse individuals across the lifespan, as well as the impact of social connection and quality peer relationships on the psychological well-being of young adults. She is a certified QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper trainer and a GRIT Resilience Coach. She has 15 years of experiences in teaching, research, leadership, and program development supporting mental health and wellness in college students. Dr. Kirby specializes in professional speaking and consulting to educate athletes, coaches, leaders, and parents on how to enhance the mental wellness and resilience of student athletes to improve enjoyment, longevity, and achievement potential, while also reducing the mental health crises experienced by young people. 

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