Mission of the CARE Team
The Caltech CARE Team is guided by the values of safety, autonomy, and shared responsibility. By partnering with all members of the community, the CARE team strives to promote individual well-being and success while prioritizing community safety.
2025-2026 CARE Group Members
Christopher Barragan
Director, Center for Student Success
Jocelyn Vargas
Accessibility and Neurodiversity Services Specialist, Center for Student Success
Denise Lin
Assistant Director of Counseling Services and Crisis Intervention Coordinator
Lesley Nye
Senior Associate Dean of Undergraduate Students
Kristin Weyman
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Students
Lynzie De Veres-Gaither
Assistant Vice President Equity, Equity Investigations; Title IX Coordinator
Ryan Eskin
Associate General Counsel
Hampton Cantrell
Chief of Campus Security
Vanessa Tejada
Director of Residential Experience
Sarah Beene
Head Athletic Trainer
Darrell Peterson
Associate Dean of Graduate Studies
Stephanie Long
Medical Director
Felicia Hunt
Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Student Experience
Jen Jahner
Dean of Undergraduate Students
Joseph Defraine Greenwell
Associate Vice President for Student Life and Chief Student Affairs Officer
FAQ's
What the CARE Team Does
The CARE Team meets weekly to review referrals, coordinate interventions, plan training and outreach, and engage in professional development to strengthen our work and effectiveness.
How Referrals Are Reviewed
When a CARE Referral is submitted, it is first screened for any urgent concerns requiring immediate attention. Most referrals are discussed during weekly meetings, where the CARE Team determines the most appropriate response. In some cases, additional information is needed, and a CARE Team member may reach out to the referring party for clarification.
Response and Follow-Up
Not every referral requires significant action. Sometimes a few simple steps are enough; other times, a coordinated plan involving several CARE Team members is developed. Typically, one team member takes the lead and contacts the student, staff, faculty, or postdoctoral scholar named in the referral.
These contacts are not disciplinary. The goal is to express care, offer support, and connect individuals with helpful resources.
Safety Concerns
If there are concerns about personal safety or community well-being, a CARE Team member will follow up directly. This may include encouraging the individual to meet with a professional staff member for a safety risk assessment. Even in these situations, the approach remains non-punitive, aiming to balance individual autonomy with community safety.
Our Approach
In every case, the CARE Team strives to take a developmental and supportive approach. We aim to reduce distress, prevent escalation, and help individuals access the resources they need to thrive.