Andrea Acuna is a full-time AmeriCorps Mental Health Corps Service Member and is currently working at the University of Miami Counseling Center. She graduated in 2025 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and went on to get certified in Adult Mental Health First Aid, an evidence-based program that teaches to identify and respond to mental health struggles and substance use. Originally from Mexico City, Acuna prides herself in her bicultural perspective, passionate in destigmatizing mental health in international and Hispanic communities.
Acuna’s role this year is to lead trainings around campus in Mental Health First Aid, equipping our university community to respond and support in moments of crisis. “Through this training, folks will learn how to assess others in crisis situations, spotting risk factors, and warning signs for crisis and suicide,” Acuna said. The training takes place in person at the Counseling Center or if requested, at an additional on-campus location. It is accessible to all students, faculty and staff, “the objective for the year is training 150 people,” she adds.
One thing Acuna hopes to emphasize with her role for the next year at UM, is the importance of outreach. As an undergrad, Acuna was a leader in COPE (Counseling Outreach Peer Education), under the direction of the Counseling Center. In COPE she participated and coordinated many outreach initiatives and events throughout campus, educating the students on various mental health topics such as suicide, body image, stress, and sexual violence. “It is a personal honor to witness Andrea Acuna’s continued growth and success in service to others. As a former COPE peer educator, Andrea exemplifies the power of passion, purpose, and connection. Her full-time AmeriCorps role as a Mental Health First Aid Instructor is not only a testament to her dedication, but a gift to our university community,” says Kimberly Martin, LCSW, Associate Director of Outreach Services at the Counseling Center.
Currently, Acuna serving at the School of Law one day a week to coordinate outreach in Mental Health Awareness for law students, staff, and faculty members. Marni Lennon, the Interim Dean of Students at the School of Law shares her excitement to be working in cohesion with the Counseling Center, “by linking trainings, programming, and conversations to support the mental health and wellbeing of our students, we will further our mission to share a web of services and support for our students as they navigate the rigors of legal education and the world around them.”
This role is not unique to UM; it has been adapted at sites across the country through AmeriCorps Healthy Minds Alliance. Service members are placed across the country at different host sites to expand mental health resources and outreach. Luckily for us, Acuna was placed at her Alma Mater. She will be available full time to train the campus community on Mental Health First Aid and continue on her outreach efforts with the knowledge she has acquired through her time with AmeriCorps. If you want to learn more about this new addition to the University’s resources, head to the Counseling Center website here.
