By Joan Tupponce

In the long term, Kelci Straka-Mai hopes to curb potential mental health and substance use problems by talking to people about healthy relationships and teaching them mental health skills. Graduating with dual master’s degrees in public health and social work from Virginia Commonwealth University this month, she has witnessed how different environments impact the mental health of families and individuals.

“Each individual exists in the context of their family, neighborhood, state and country,” Straka-Mai said. “I’ve worked with a lot of Black and Hispanic families and have seen firsthand how people of color who are living in low-income neighborhoods are affected by structural issues.”

The Charlottesville native came to VCU after working in the field of psychology in California. She and her husband had moved back to Virginia, and when she discovered VCU’s dual-degree program in public health and social work, she felt it matched her personal goals.

“I have a strong passion for behavioral health prevention and intervention. I think mental health issues and substance use impact people everywhere, but they also disproportionately affect the LGBTQ+ community and Black, Indigenous and people of color communities,” Straka-Mai said.

She started the three-year dual degree graduate program in fall 2022, working through VCU’s School of Social Work and School of Public Health. She has enjoyed experiencing the culture and unique learning opportunities each school presents.

Through the School of Social Work’s strong internship program, Straka-Mai has supported children and adults impacted by intimate partner violence through her work at community action agency Thrive Virginia. She also recently interned at Archstone Counseling and Treatment, which has an intensive outpatient program for individuals with substance and alcohol use issues.

“I appreciate the hands-on experience,” she said.

Cassie DeSena-Jacobs, D.S.W., assistant professor and director of mental health initiatives in the School of Social Work, has taught Straka-Mai and recognizes her passion for public health.

“Kelci’s dual degree and experience in both programs have strengthened her empathy, health equity, compassion and leadership skill set,” she said. “She isn’t afraid to ask questions to better understand the field.”

Straka-Mai’s studies through the School of Public Health have provided statistical insights that focus on developing broader community-level interventions. She has been working as a research assistant with Elizabeth Chin Prom-Wormley, Ph.D., associate professor in the School of Public Health’s Department of Epidemiology, on the Resist! Project, a study focused on identifying the factors enhancing resistance to substance use.

“Her work and commitment have been integral to our project success,” said Prom-Wormley, noting that Straka-Mai shared data at the annual meeting of the Association for Clinical and Translational Science. 

“I think she is deeply committed to integrating epidemiology research insight and methods with clinical practice experience, particularly for supporting people engaged in substance use,” Prom-Wormley said. “She is an excellent communicator and is committed to making sure that each member of a team or a class has the ability to have an equal voice and access to care/information within the spaces where she is.”

Straka-Mai also has learned through her paid internship with Virginia Housing, which helps promote safe, affordable housing.     

“I supported some work about creating more permanent supportive housing for individuals with serious mental illness or intellectual disabilities,” she said.

On campus, Straka-Mai has been active in student leadership with the master’s of public health program, and as service co-chair for the Public Health Student Association at VCU.

“It’s been a great way to stay connected with the public health student body,” she said. “We can help connect students with many service opportunities available around Richmond.”

For National Public Health week during the first week of April, Straka-Mai helped lead a stress management workshop, giving her the opportunity to use her social work skills to support public health.

After graduation, she wants to obtain a clinical position as a therapist, helping individuals who have substance use issues.

“Working collaboratively is important to do effective work, especially in a marginalized community,” Straka-Mai said. “At VCU, I have learned that I have the capability to make changes on multiple levels both with individuals and systems.”

Her mentors note that their protégé brings a commitment of care to all of her audiences.

“Kelci cares deeply about the well-being of people she works with,” Prom-Wormley said, “whether it be in the research team setting, the community setting, the classroom or in the clinical setting.”