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.

Submit a CARE Report Form
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, Dean of Students

Yolanda Alvarez

Associate Dean of Students, Dean of Students

Nicolette Aponte

Sergeant, University Police Department

Meghan Buckley

Program Coordinator, Dean of Students

Matthew Calvert

Director of Academic Policy, University College

Fatima deCarvalho

Senior Associate Dean, Dean of Students

Rosemary Guichardo

Senior Associate Director of Financial Aid, Compliance and Operations

Meghan Hearns

Director, Disability Resource Center

Sarah Jennings

Director of University Health Services, Health Center

Kim Mason

Student Support Services Case Manager, Dean of Students

Tara Rienecker

Assistant Director of Athletics and Recreation, Student Development and Senior Woman Administrator

Deborah Reynoso

Director of Student Academic Services, Graduate School

Jeanine Stroh

Assistant Dean of Residence Life, Dean of Students

Melissa Zarin

Director of Counseling and Psychological Services