People

Kalea Shuler

Kalea Shuler, Analyst, This Is My Brave: A OneUSF Production and Photovoice Project and NAMI Sarasota Manatee Counties/Youth Move Suncoast Project 

My name is Kalea Shuler and I have recently been admitted as a transfer student to the University of South Florida. I am originally from New York City but I relocated to Saint Petersburg, Florida in February 2021. I am currently a Behavioral Healthcare major with a concentration in Behavioral Health Across the Lifespan as well as Addictions. When I first attended college a few years ago in upstate New York, not many people spoke about Mental Health. When incidents did occur it was mostly brushed under the rug and people carried on with their lives. I am a strong believer that there should be open conversations and acceptance of Mental Health and Substance Use disorders. The stigma surrounding mental health and substance use is not as bad as it was prior to legislation but it is still a pressing issue, in the workforce, in schools, and in personal lives. My goal is to help end the stigma surrounding these topics and encourage others to not feel ashamed to speak up about them.