Catherine Hessick is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Marketing at Muhlenberg College. Having experienced mental health issues her entire life, she is dedicated to mental health awareness and acceptance. By sharing her struggles and successes, Catherine hopes to bring light to those living in the darkness and end the stigma surrounding mental health. She holds a PhD from the University of South Alabama. Connect with Catherine on LinkedIn
Brittany Beck is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at Appalachian State University. She holds a DBA from Louisiana Tech University. Dedicated to advocating for and empowering doctoral students, she has demonstrated her commitment through various leadership roles, including her most recent position as Chair of DocSIG, a special interest group for doctoral students. She aims to inspire compassion, resilience, and a profound respect for mental health through her personal narratives, both within and outside the realm of academia. Her mission is to foster a culture of understanding and support, driving positive change in the academic community and beyond. Connect with Brittany on LinkedIn
Ashley Hass is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at the University of Portland where she teaches digital and social media marketing. She holds a Ph.D. from Texas Tech University. Her research focuses on digital and social media wellness. She is also a certified digital wellness educator. For Ashley, technology and the “always on” culture have impacted her mental health. More details about her are here: www.ashleyhass.com.
Sona Klucarova is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She is a native of Slovakia and holds a PhD from the University of Central Florida. By serving on this panel and sharing her story, she hopes to raise mental health awareness in academia. Connect with Sona on LinkedIn
Breanne Mertz is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at the University of Tampa. She holds a DBA from Louisiana Tech University. She is passionate about enhancing well-being and addressing consumer welfare issues from a marketing perspective with topics such as social media wellness, workplace dignity, and modern slavery. She teaches Buyer Behavior and Social Media Marketing. Connect with Breanne on LinkedIn
Louis Zmich is an Assistant Professor of Marketing and Sales Readiness Coach in the Southard Institute for Sales Excellence, University of Tampa. He mentors and coaches students competing nationally and advocates for their mental health, blending sales expertise with wellness research. His work supports both academic progress and students' personal well-being. Louis holds a DBA from Louisiana Tech University. Connect with Louis on LinkedIn