Build the mental health and wellness skills you need to thrive

“We all have strengths and room to grow. Asking for help is not a weakness. It is self-awareness—a skill and a sign of strength. Self-care is a need, not a reward. Meeting this need allows us to think more clearly, manage setbacks, see opportunities, and perform at our best.”

Dr. Paola Hernandez Barón embraces a holistic and developmental lens integrating student development, self-concept, personal development, and career development. She aims to establish a collaborative environment in which students feel safe, heard, valued, and empowered. Originally from Colombia, Dr. Paola is Spanish-speaking and offers support in Spanish and English.

She holds a PhD in Counseling Psychology and an MSED in Educational Psychology from IU Bloomington, as well as an MA in Student Affairs from the University of Maryland-College Park. Over the last 15 years, she has served in various roles including as a bi-lingual mental health counselor, undergraduate instructor, program coordinator, consultant, researcher, and financial wellness well-being consultant. In her many roles, Dr. Paola has given emotional and mental health support, supported self-exploration, and provided psychoeducation and training related to topics such as stress, cross-cultural collaboration, helping skills, and communication. Her research focused on vocational identity, e.g., the intersection of military, civilian, and vocational identities and the impact this has on mental health and work role/expectations.

Dr. Paola is invested in cultivating a culture of wellness at Kelley in which students see self-care as a need, not a reward. By investing in mental health and wellbeing as a tool, students can better maximize their potential and prepare for the future.

In her free time, you can find her with her three dog furbabies, enjoying live musical theater, traveling, dancing, or trying coffees.

Originally from Spencer, Indiana, EG serves as the assistant director of Student Support, providing extra support and care for students. EG received her Bachelor of Science in Education from Indiana University in 2015. EG is passionate about creating safe and inclusive spaces on campus for all students. She is committed to connecting students with resources and opportunities to create meaningful experiences and supporting students as they navigate challenges along their educational journey here at IU. When not working, EG can be found camping in one of Indiana’s beautiful state parks and reading the latest horror release.

Originally from Michigan, Manabu Taketani earned his MA in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Taylor University in 2018 and is currently pursuing a PhD in the same field at IU. Prior to coming to Bloomington, he served as an award-winning program administrator at Purdue University’s Asian American and Asian Resource and Cultural Center. An educator at heart, Manabu is passionate about creating spaces where students feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow—both personally and academically. He is especially committed to helping students navigate challenges and form meaningful connections during their time at IU. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with friends, exploring local restaurants, watching movies on the big screen, and engaging in other hobbies.

Mariana strives to create an encouraging environment where students feel welcomed, supported, and empowered. She believes in the importance of helping students build confidence and feel seen in their day-to-day experiences. Originally from Monterrey, Mexico, Mariana spent most of her life in Georgia before moving to Indiana. She speaks English, Spanish, and French, and brings a multicultural lens to her work.   

Mariana serves as the administrative coordinator for both KelleyWell and the Kelley Institute for Social Impact (KISI). She holds dual BA degrees in international affairs and in romance languages with a focus on French and Spanish from the University of Georgia, and is currently pursuing her MSEd in Literacy, Culture, and Language Education at IU.   

Before joining Kelley, Mariana taught in a full English immersion kindergarten program in Aguascalientes, Mexico—an experience that sparked her passion for working in student development. At Kelley, she enjoys helping plan wellness-focused initiatives, such as Balance Week, and connecting with students through daily interactions, conversations, and creative activities.

In her free time, Mariana enjoys practicing yoga, reading, painting, traveling, and playing Catan with friends.