Meet the CARE Team

The CARE Team is a group of University professionals who review and respond to concerns about students. The goal is to support student well-being while helping maintain a safe campus environment.

  • Reviews reports of concerning behavior
  • Assesses level of risk
  • Connects students with appropriate support and resources
     

Mission and Approach

  • The CARE Team takes a proactive, coordinated and objective approach to supporting students and maintaining a safe campus environment.
  • Through early intervention and collaboration, the team reviews concerns, assesses risk and connects students with appropriate support and resources.
  • Each situation is evaluated using an evidence-based process to ensure responses are thoughtful, consistent and focused on student well-being.

Submit a Concern

If you are worried about a student’s well-being or behavior, you can submit a CARE Report. The CARE Team will review the concern and determine next steps to support the student.

red, white, purple, pink flowers

When to Submit a CARE Report

You should submit a report if you notice:

  • Changes in behavior or mood
  • Withdrawal or isolation
  • Academic disengagement
  • Concerning statements or actions
  • Personal, medical or mental health concerns

What Happens After You Submit a Report

  • The CARE Team reviews the concern
  • Additional information may be gathered
  • A response plan is created

Outreach may include:

  • Email or phone contact
  • Check-ins from Residence Life staff
  • Communication with faculty or support offices

Each situation is handled individually and with care.

Important to Know

  • Reports can be submitted by any member of the Montclair community
  • Referrals may not always remain fully confidential
  • The CARE Team does not issue disciplinary action
  • The focus is support, not punishment

CARE Team Contacts

The CARE Team includes staff from across the University who work together to support student well-being.

Kevin Schafer

  • Director of CARE Team and Student Case Management

Yolanda Alvarez

  • Associate Dean of Students

Nicolette Aponte

  • Sergeant Campus Police

Meghan Buckley

  • Program Coordinator

Fatima deCarvalho

  • Interim Associate Vice President and Dean of Students

Meghan Hearns

  • Director, Disability Resource Center

Sarah Jennings

  • Director of University Health Services

Kim Mason

  • Student Support Services Case Manager

Tara Rienecker

  • Assistant Director of Athletics and Recreation - Student Development and Senior Women Administrator

Deborah Reynoso

  • Director of Student Academic Services

Jeanine Stroh

  • Assistant Dean of Residence Life

Melissa Zarin

  • Director of Counseling and Psychological Services

Tatia Haywood

  • Director of Health Careers and Retention Initiatives

Eloise Murray

  • Assistant Director of Financial Aid, Scholarships and Special Programs