Global Perspectives on Health and Social Care
Collaborative Discussions with Europe and the U.S.
November 17 and 18, 2026
               

Tuesday, November 17 – 12 PM (EST) 17:00 (GMT) – REGISTER HERE
Topic: Is the Modern World Making Young People More Vulnerable to Mental Health Problems?
Tuesday, November 18 – 12 PM (EST) 17:00 (GMT) – REGISTER HERE
Topic: The Pressure to Succeed: How Education, Employment and Social Expectations Affect People’s Mental Health
  Meet our Moderator!
Ms. Michelle McCauley has worked in the healthcare sector for over 10 years in a nursing capacity and is currently a lecturer in the School of Health and Social Care at South West College, Northern Ireland where she is also Course Director for the Ulster University Foundation Degree in Science in Health and Social Care programme.  She has been instrumental in the curriculum design of the programme, which is delivered across Northern Ireland, ensuring that professional conduct and ethical practice was a compulsory element and overarching theme incorporated within the programme content.  Michelle is passionate about widening access to education, health and social care employment and progression opportunities within her local sector and strives continually to help develop future healthcare workers that have the necessary knowledge, skills, qualities and professional and ethical values at their core.  Michelle also has a keen interest in engaging and promoting self-care and positive mental health measures with her students and is an advocate for self-development and personal and professional growth.
Meet our Panelists!
Topic: Is the Modern World Making Young People More Vulnerable to Mental Health Problems?
Ms. Margaret McLafferty is a Research Fellow in mental health and is the principal investigator on the Student Mental Health and Wellbeing on the Island of Ireland Project (known as U-WELL), a collaboration between Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and Ulster University (UU), funded by Research Ireland
Student Mental Health and Wellbeing on the Island of Ireland (U-Well) – Atlantic Technological University Margaret’s PhD examined the impact of childhood adversities on future psychopathology and suicidal behaviour, focusing on factors which promote psychological wellbeing and the development of adaptive emotion regulation and coping strategies. Margaret helped co-ordinate a large-scale longitudinal study to identify risk and protective factors for suicidal behaviour, mental health and wellbeing, among university students. The Student Psychological Intervention Trial (SPIT) was conducted as part of the World Mental Health International College Student Initiative. The study included a randomised controlled trial to test the effectiveness of an online CBT based guided intervention for students with mild to moderate levels of depression and/or anxiety. Margaret also co-ordinated the Irish Student Wellbeing and ADHD Project (I-SWAP) funded by the HEA North South Research Programme, which included a large-scale survey and the co-development of a mental health literacy and wellbeing programme for university students living with ADHD.

Mr. Will Baldwin is Director of Research and Evaluation at WestCare Foundation where he evaluates state and federal health and human service programs all across the United States. Some of these programs include a pregnant and postpartum women’s residential treatment program in Miami, Florida; an adult re-entry housing program in Fresno, California; a mental health training program in Texas, Georgia, and Wisconsin; and substance use prevention programs for youth in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands and in Saipan, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands. In addition to program evaluation, Will also assists behavioral health and human service nonprofits in Arizona and Illinois with quality assurance and maintaining their CARF accreditation. Will is also an adjunct professor in the Health Services Administration Bachelor of Applied Science at St. Petersburg College. He received his Master of Public Health from the University of South Florida. In his free time, Will is a competitive Brazilian jiu jitsu athlete and musician.

Ms. Martina Morrison is Curriculum Manager for Health & Social Care at North West Regional College with a Psychology background. She has extensive experience in education leadership, curriculum development, and learner support. Martina is passionate about embedding trauma-informed approaches within educational settings and works to create inclusive, psychologically safe environments that support wellbeing, resilience, and positive learner outcomes.

Ms. Camila Barrezueta Ravina is an international student from Lima, Peru, currently pursuing an associate in arts degree with a focus on Political Science at St. Petersburg College (SPC). As a member of the Honors Program, she is passionate about education, leadership, and understanding the role of law in society.

Camila currently works as a Student Support Assistant in the Office of the Associate Dean at SPC’s Clearwater Campus, where she supports administrative operations, campus initiatives, and student engagement.

After completing her associate degree, she plans to transfer to the University of South Florida to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, followed by law school. With a particular interest in criminal law, she hopes to build a career dedicated to justice, advocacy, and making a positive impact in her community.
  

Topic: The Pressure to Succeed: How Education, Employment and Social Expectations Affect People’s Mental Health
Coach Denisha Davidson is entering her 15th season as Head Coach of the St. Petersburg College Women’s Basketball team and is continuing to strive to build the Lady Titans program to new levels each year.

Coach Davidson began her coaching career as a Graduate Assistant Coach at Austin Peay State University. While there she earned and received her Master’s Degree in Sports Administration. Following her graduation she spent four years as Assistant Coach and Senior Women’s Administrator at Columbus State University.

Davidson has continued to bring her enthusiasm and expectations that she had as a player on to the coaching side. A native of Clarksville, Tennessee, she played at Kansas State University, and later finished her career at Kennesaw State University, under Head Coach Colby Tilley. During her collegiate career at Kennesaw State she scored over 1,000 points and was a two-time
All-American. Her three-year career averages at Kennesaw State were 20 points per game and 10 rebounds a game.

Davidson has coached 7 All State Players, 2013 Sothern Conference Player of the Year and 2013 NJCAA All American. During the 2012-13 season under Coach Davidson leadership, the Lady Titans had an impressive 17 game winning streak and an overall record of 24-8 for the season and 14-1 in Conference play. This past season they were Back to Back “Southern Conference Champions” and advancing to the Semi Finals in the Region 8 State Tournament. The Lady Titans made history in 2014 by being ranked # 13 in the Nation. That is the highest National Ranking for Women’s Basketball at St. Petersburg College. Coach Davidson also has been honored by being named a 3 time Southern Conference Coach of the Year (2011, 2013, and 2014).

Ms. Niamh Elliott completed her GCSEs and A Levels at Erne Integrated College, Enniskillen. Like many young people of her generation, she found herself facing an uncertain future as she approached the end of her school studies. The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, and the social isolation experienced during lockdown had a significant impact on many aspects of daily life, including mental health and wellbeing.

Having always dreamed of becoming a primary school teacher, Niamh found herself questioning her next steps. The uncertainty of the pandemic, combined with anxieties surrounding health and wellbeing, led her to take some time out to reflect on her future and consider how best to achieve her aspirations.

During this period, Niamh applied for and attended an interview for the Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care at South West College. Initially, she approached the opportunity with some hesitation, viewing it as a chance to explore her interests and determine whether higher education was the right path for her. However, it quickly became clear that she had made the right decision.

Throughout the Foundation Degree, Niamh demonstrated exceptional commitment and enthusiasm. She embraced every aspect of student life, rarely missing a class and consistently contributing to discussions, group work, and assessments. She excelled both independently and as part of a team, developing a wide range of personal and professional skills.

Like many students, Niamh experienced moments of self-doubt, particularly when beginning her placement experience. However, with determination, resilience, and the unwavering support of her lecturers, family, and friends, she overcame these challenges and flourished in practice.

Following successful completion of the Foundation Degree, Niamh progressed directly onto the Honours Degree programme, which she completed in just one year. She graduated from Ulster University in June, marking another significant milestone in her educational journey.

Today, Niamh is pursuing her lifelong ambition of becoming a teacher. She recently commenced a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Primary Education at Liverpool Hope University, and on 29 September 2026 began her Early Years placement in a primary school.

Mr. Sean Connolly is a social worker, CBT/EMDR Therapist and EMDR Consultant in Training and part time lecturer with South West College. He is a father of two with another on the way. Sean currently works full time as a CBT/EMDR Therapist with NHS staff, specialising in staff trauma and/or stress related illness. He continues to teach Level 4 students on the Ulster University Counselling course through South West College. Sean is particularly interested in Team CBT with Dr David Burns training weekly with therapists throughout the world and EMDR. He is passionate about improving staff resilience working in traumatic environments or in health and social care field. He is also passionate about developing well trained therapists in the local area.

Sean has Post Graduate Diplomas in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy and Mental Health and Capacity Law from Queens University . He also has Degrees in Social Work  (Ulster University) and a Degree in Management (Queens University). Sean is also a trained counsellor at Level 5 and has qualifications in coaching.

Sean has managed and worked over past 10 years with community mental health teams as a social worker and also coordinated a mental health charity Action Mental Health. He has also chaired and worked with Samaritans. He has extensive counselling experience with partner organizations including Lifeline and Ascert. Sean’s previous career was in management with Nationwide Building Society and Marks and Spencer. Sean has extensive experience delivering training to voluntary sector in Northern Ireland.

Ms. Dean Patricia Watts serves as the Future Student Experience Coordinator at St. Petersburg in Florida, USA. She brings a deeply personal, multicultural lens to today’s discussion. Originally from the Philippines and raised in Nicaragua, she navigated the immense pressures of adapting to a new country, culture, and educational system firsthand. After pausing her own education in Nicaragua to support her family, she began her U.S. higher education journey in 2014, successfully earning her Associate degree in just one year while heavily involved in international student organizations. She is currently completing her final Capstone course for a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management, graduating this December.

Professionally, Dean Patricia has spent nearly a decade in student-centered support, career guidance, and relationship-building. In her previous role as a Career Readiness Navigator, she mentored students through the stressful transitions of career exploration, professional branding, and entering the workforce.

As a dedicated lifelong learner and a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society, Dean Patricia holds diverse professional credentials that directly inform today’s topic, including a Certification in Adult Mental Health First Aid USA and Coach Practitioner Training from the University of Central Florida.

Trilingual in English, Spanish, and Filipino, Dean Patricia is a passionate student advocate who dedicates her career to helping individuals overcome systemic and social barriers. Through her personal and professional journey, she aims to remind individuals navigating high-pressure environments that they do not have to have everything figured out today, and that success is about taking that first step with the right support.

Watch previous discussions below!

Holistic approaches in Health and Social Care and Dental – Watch the Recording here

Dying with Dignity – Watch the Recording here

The Future of Artificial Intelligence in Health – Watch the Recording here

Housing Sustainability – Watch the Recording here

Student Support to Thrive and Survive – Watch the Recording here

Ethics in Health and Human Services – Watch the Recording here

Inequalities and Access to Care Discussion – Watch the Recording here

The Future of Health & Social Care – Watch the Recording here

A Day in the Life of a Nurse – Watch the Recording here

Day in the Life of a Social Worker – Watch the Recording here

Current Mental and Health Strategies – Watch the Recording here