Heather Cassella
Visiting Lecturer/Human Services Internship Coordinator
Department of counselor education, school psychology, and human services in the College of Education
Years at UNLV: Four
Tell us about a woman who’s been a mentor to you.
My stepmom is my mentor. I grew up in a house with two moms and my biological mom was very sick. Our family was part of the LGBTQ community in the 1990s.
My stepmom is a very strong woman who took care of me and instilled a love for education in me. She was strong and assertive and taught me to fight for myself and others, especially those who were disenfranchised and did not have a voice.
Who is an unsung hero at UNLV?
My unsung hero at UNLV is Dr. Patrice Leverett in the school psychology department. She is a strong advocate for students and dynamic grant writer. She is a very hard worker and does so much behind the scenes that is often not seen. She was just awarded the UNLV Community Engagement Award for 2021. Her passion for UNLV, her students, and the Las Vegas community is unparalleled.
You’re stuck between meetings with 30 minutes to kill on campus. What do you do?
Go to Subway next to the College of Education building. I am a strong proponent of self-care and eating is an important part of self-care. I like to grab a sandwich and take a break for myself. I feel that taking that time for myself allows me to re-center and be at my best for the rest of my day.
What did you do the last time you took time off?
As I said before I am a strong advocate for self-care and taking time to regroup and be my best self. I love anime and use my time off to catch up on anime I wasn’t able to watch.
What inspires or empowers you?
My human services students inspire me every day. There are a lot of non-traditional students in the human services program who are juggling full course loads, jobs, families, and other adult responsibilities, but they never give up even when things can get very overwhelming. I am honored to be involved in supporting students who are embarking on careers in the helping professions.
What issues are women facing today that you feel you are purposed to help solve, and how are you working to help solve those issues?
I feel that the Me Too movement is still a big issue facing women today. Assault, rape, discrimination, and harassment are lived experiences for most women, and while we have accepted it in the past, we can now come forward and share our experiences. Women in the workplace are rising to higher, more prominent levels and should be respected. I am a strong advocate for women and will share my lived experience in hopes that others will feel safe in sharing theirs.
How do you define success?
I think that success is self-defined. I don’t think it is right to push your view of success on others. If what you are doing makes you feel fulfilled, happy, and whole, then you are successful.
What is your favorite thing about working at UNLV?
My students! The human services students care so much about the world and are going to be excellent mental health professionals in the future. I also really love my colleagues in the CSH (counselor education, school psychology, and human services) department in the College of Education. They are very supportive and encouraging of me and my goals even though I am not as experienced as them. I am truly grateful to be a part of this great department and serving our amazing students.
