Meet the Team
Dr. Carrie Landa
Executive Director of Student Wellbeing
In her role, Carrie oversees all areas of Student Wellbeing. She provides the leadership and vision for the department ensuring that the work stays true to its mission of supporting students holistic wellbeing.
Favorite smell?
Its a 3-way tie between a fireplace, the ocean and morning coffee.
Favorite physical activity?
Kayaking in the summer and skiing in the winter.
Favorite relaxation activity?
Doing a puzzle! I love how meditative it can be and how you can not multitask.
Still on your bucket list?
Exploring South Asia!
Where'd you go to school?
I went to the University of New Hampshire for my BA in psychology with a double minor in Family Studies and Art. I received my Masters and Doctorate (PhD) in Clinical Psychology at Suffolk University.
How have your professional experiences led you to your role at Wellbeing?
For years, I worked as a clinician and then Director of Behavioral Medicine at BU. Through this work, I became really interested in understanding what factors contribute to how students feel well, whether they may have a diagnosed mental health issues, or not. In 2019, we started The Wellbeing Project as a grassroots effort to shift the culture on campus to have students realize the many ways which students can engage in their wellbeing while at BU. Then, in 2020, I was given an incredible opportunity to propose how BU can enhance the wellbeing of all of our students through our Strategic Plan 2030. As Executive Director, my goal is to not only encourage students to think about what makes them feel well but to also learn from each other and our community about opportunities, perspectives and ways to enhance their wellbeing.
What did you do to support your wellbeing when you were in college?
Social connection and community has always been really important to me. I started college playing lacrosse but realized being a college athlete was not for me (I am not a morning person!). So, I stopped after my freshman year and joined a sorority (Kappa Delta). Through that and my academics, I met wonderful friends and was involved in lots of volunteering. I was never a straight A student but found balance in having “good enough” grades and amazing opportunities to learn through internships or directed study. I did better when I had a full schedule but when I needed a break from things, I loved going to Portsmouth and sitting in the park to read. It is always a balance for me to have enough connection and just enough down time.
Beverly Chen
Director, Wellbeing Education and Training
Bev’s task is to develop training opportunities focused on developing life skills to help support students in all aspects of their lives. She partners with both academic departments and student affairs to ensure students have access to learning in a variety of ways.
Favorite smell?
The scent of a fragrant candle or flower.
Favorite physical activity?
Walking and hiking in nature.
Favorite relaxation activity?
I’m a foodie so I really enjoy a great meal and conversation with family and friends..
Still on your bucket list?
Living in another country for a season and starting a school for underprivileged children.
Where'd you go to school?
I received my BA in psychology with a minor in Asian American studies at Pitzer College and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Michigan.
How have your professional experiences led you to your role at Wellbeing?
My journey started in high school when I wanted to be a counselor and decided to pursue a major in psychology during my undergrad. I have always been drawn to questions and practices that support human growth, wellbeing and flourishing. This led me to pursue an MSW where I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings supporting children, youth and young adults. I have worked at Duke University’s Counseling and Psychological Services and then as the Associate Dean of Student Health and Wellness at Harvey Mudd College. These various experiences have allowed me to counsel, train and educate students on wellbeing. I am very excited to bring all my experiences and passion for student wellbeing to BU.
What did you do to support your wellbeing when you were in college?
I was involved in a variety of on campus organizations and I specifically found a great community through a local faith group where I developed some deep friendships. I also sought out professors who became mentors that shaped my professional journey. Lastly, I learned the practice of taking a day each week to rest from academics and just to play and connect with myself and others.
Pedro Falci
Director, The Wellbeing Project
Pedro oversees The Wellbeing Project, meaning the programs associated with Student Wellbeing and the Wellbeing Grants. He works with student groups, colleges and departments to develop programming to meet the needs of all students.
Favorite smell?
Fresh coffee in the morning.
Favorite physical activity?
Playing soccer with my long-time co-ed team in Cambridge.
Favorite relaxation activity?
Going for a walk or bike ride around the Charles River.
Still on your bucket list?
Seeing a concert at the Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado.
Where'd you go to school?
I received my bachelor’s degree in Film & Television from Boston University and master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Boston University, too. I’m proud to be a Double Terrier!
How have your professional experiences led you to your role at Wellbeing?
Prior to joining Student Wellbeing, I served as Director of Student Affairs at the School of Medicine (MED) and Associate Director of the Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground (HTC). Both roles involved developing programs, events and initiatives to promote wellness and community for specific student audiences in a large university setting. Serving undergraduate and graduate students on both the Charles River and Medical Campuses gave me insight into students’ diverse needs, and I now put this knowledge to use by generating and co-sponsoring programs that promote wellbeing for every student at BU.
What did you do to support your wellbeing when you were in college?
I picked up so many useful habits and skills in college that still influence my life today! While a student at BU, I learned how to budget and save some of my income from my work-study job; I developed an exercise routine that I still keep up now; I immersed myself in playing guitar and have since joined a band; and I made friends from all over the world that made me a more empathetic, curious and open-minded person. My college experience really helped me learn some tools that promote my health and happiness as an adult.
Kris Covarrubias
Director, Strategy, Marketing and Communications
Kris oversees all messaging, communications and marketing for Student Wellbeing. She is tasked with staying up to date with knowing how students receive information and making sure Student Wellbeing is communicating effectively.
Favorite smell?
Outside after it rains.
Favorite physical activity?
Walking!
Favorite relaxation activity?
Reading a book outside.
Still on your bucket list?
Take my two daughters on an international trip.
Where'd you go to school?
I received my bachelors degree in Rhetoric and Communication (minors in English and Religious Studies) from University California at Davis and masters degree in Public Relations from Boston University. Go Terriers!
How have your professional experiences led you to your role at Wellbeing?
I’ve always worked in communications at nonprofits aimed at developing various aspects of wellbeing. I feel passionate about using my professional background to communicate about programs and services that are good for individuals and communities. My first job out of college was a recreational sports and programs director for the YMCA in CT. I then moved into a public relations role at a newly launched interactive technology museum in the heart of Silicon Valley, CA. In 2003, I combined my interests in communications, recreation, wellness and branding/launching new facilities into an amazing role at Boston University at its soon-to-open Fitness and Recreation Center. After 18 years at FitRec, I am thrilled to have the amazing opportunity to join the Student Wellbeing team.
What did you do to support your wellbeing when you were in college?
Some of my favorite memories in college are of intramural sports. I loved playing sports and loved developing friendships at the same time. I also cherished the time I spent just sitting and chatting endlessly with friends at the dining hall table- something I wish I could do more of now! I spent a lot of time doing schoolwork – which truly helped me develop discipline and time management. These skills help me stay balanced even to this day.
