Clarke University will host the second installment of its annual Mackin-Mailander Lecture Series with a presentation titled “Crucial Conversations: Let’s Talk Mental Health.” The lecture, led by Clarke’s instructor of social work Jen Gladon, will take place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12, in Jansen Music Hall, located on the university’s campus at 1550 Clarke Drive.
In her talk, Gladon will explore why individuals seek counseling and share practical strategies for navigating life’s challenges. Drawing from her extensive background in social work and mental health, she will provide insights into the therapeutic process and how people can better manage their mental health.
Before joining Clarke University, Gladon gained valuable experience working with diverse populations across various settings. She has provided legal and medical advocacy for sexual assault survivors in Jo Daviess and Carroll counties in Illinois, delivered targeted case management for adults with intellectual disabilities in Evans, Colorado, and managed services for vulnerable older adults in Dubuque, Delaware, and Buchanan counties. Gladon also worked as a mental health therapist at the Dubuque Mental Health Center, supporting individuals with chronic and persistent mental health conditions, and later opened a private practice in 2019.
The Mackin-Mailander Lecture Series, which was established in 1997, includes three events: a guest speaker, a faculty lecture, and an alumni lecture. This year’s series will conclude with a presentation by Chrissy Hogue Bartels, assistant professor of communication at Clarke University, titled “Turning Pain into Purpose and Setbacks into Success,” on Wednesday, April 2.
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