Our Staff
Sarah Besse, Director
Sarah attended Roanoke College where she earned her bachelor’s degree in health and exercise science. She earned her master’s degree in college student personnel from Bowling Green State University and another master’s degree in public health from Wright State University. She also earned her certification as a health education specialist. Sarah is also a certified Mental Health First Aid, Green Dot and Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Instructor.
Most recently, Sarah served as the Associate Director of Prevention and Mental Health Education at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC) where she implemented a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Mental Health Grant; and developed a Health Education Leadership and Prevention certification program.
Sarah is passionate about the student experience and fostering a community of care on campus where all members of the Notre Dame community feel as though they can succeed, thrive and matter.
In her free time, Sarah enjoys reading, running outdoors, and spending time with her family.
Contact information: sbesse@nd.edu
Jenna Gehl Jones, Special Programs Coordinator
Jenna earned her Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Northwestern University and her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. Jenna also earned a Certification as a Health Education Specialist after completing coursework at Western Michigan University. While clinically trained as a counselor, her professional roles have focused on college health promotion and risk reduction, specifically as it relates to both alcohol use and emotional well-being. With experience at both public and private institutions, Jenna is well-versed in grant and project management, backbone support, curriculum development, and program evaluation. As a certified Koru Mindfulness instructor, she especially enjoys teaching mindfulness and meditation skills to anyone who is willing to sit still long enough. Jenna believes that well-being is crucial and foundational to living a “successful” life (however one defines “success"), and thus well-being needs to be accessible to all. Jenna’s true passion is to create and enhance the environmental and cultural conditions needed to help students thrive in college and create a foundation for lifelong well-being. She is inspired to work alongside Notre Dame students, faculty and staff to make our corner of the world a beautiful place to work, live, and study.
Jenna is a solar-powered nature-lover, and you can often find her outside camping, kayaking, biking or hiking with her family and friends.
Contact information: jgehl@nd.edu
Camille McDonald, Assistant Director for Student Leadership and Community Engagement
Camille earned her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Xavier University and went on to complete her master’s degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. She is deeply passionate about leadership education and thrives on helping students make the most of their college experience through developing strong leadership skills. Camille is also enthusiastic about wellness programming and enjoys finding creative, engaging ways to educate students about wellness.
In her free time, Camille enjoys playing and watching sports, going for walks, crocheting, and spending time with family and friends. She’s excited to explore South Bend and is always on the lookout for new recommendations, particularly for coffee shops and breakfast restaurants!
Contact information: cmcdona9@nd.edu
Hayley Tessier, Program and Office Manager
Hayley received her Master of Science in Social Work degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology with a minor in art from Edgewood College in Madison, WI.
Hayley cares greatly about helping students navigate through the exciting experience of higher education and the unique challenges they face along the way. She believes students are able to be their best selves during the college years and beyond when they are supported academically, as well as empowered with skills, resources and tools to care for their overall well-being.
In her free time, Hayley enjoys creating arts and crafts, reading, and spending time with her family.
Contact information: htessier@nd.edu
Rebecca Thomas, Program Manager
Rebecca graduated from Notre Dame in 2014 with a double major in environmental sciences and philosophy. She also holds master’s degrees in bioethics and the history & philosophy of science from the University of Pittsburgh, and a master’s degree in public health from the University of Southern California. Most recently, Rebecca has worked for Purdue Extension and the St. Joseph County Department of Health, with a primary focus on substance use and mental health in both St. Joseph and Marshall County. In her role at the McDonald Center for Student Well-Being, Rebecca will support initiatives related to a grant from the State of Indiana's Division of Mental Health and Addictions (DMHA) to address substance use and mental health on campus. In her free time, Rebecca enjoys traveling, practicing Spanish on Duolingo, spending time with family, and keeping her two cats, Bagel and Biscuit, out of trouble.
Contact information: rthomas8@nd.edu
Miranda Wishnok, Program Coordinator
Miranda Wishnok earned a bachelor’s degree in Education Studies with a co-major in Sustainability from Miami University, where she also completed a certificate in Outdoor Leadership. During her time there, she served as a Peer Health Educator, Outdoor Leadership Intern, and Marketing Consultant for a campus food sustainability initiative. She also interned with the National Park Service and studied sustainability abroad in Perth, Australia. She holds certifications in Mental Health First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, Leave No Trace, and is a Registered Pesticide Applicator. Her work centers on student wellness, substance use education, and creating inclusive, health-focused communities. At Notre Dame, Miranda is excited to support students through creative, evidence-based wellness programming that fosters a culture of care and connection. Do Well. Be Well. Feel Well. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, traveling, exploring local coffee shops and cafés, and spending time outdoors.
Contact information: mwishnok@nd.edu