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Dr. Aleksandar Obradovic Honored with "Customer Service is the Key" Award
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UF Health is proud to recognize Aleksandar Obradovic, MD, PhD, as the recipient of the Customer Service is the Key (CSK) Award. This distinction honors individuals who consistently demonstrate ...
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Boo! Medical experts describe fear’s effects
Why does fear make our hearts race and our memories stick? UF experts, including psychiatry professors Dr. Carol Mathews and Dr. Joseph McNamara, reveal how fear shapes both mind and body, and how we can take back control.
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Dr. Scott Teitelbaum on The Addicted Mind Podcast
In this candid interview, Dr. Teitelbaum discusses his own previous struggles with addiction and its impact on his professional and personal life. Hear about how he overcame this period of his life with the invaluable support of his mentors, rebuilt his career and positively impacted countless lives. Dr. Teitelbaum’s journey led him…
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Psychiatry resident teams up with James Beard Chef for new farm-to-table experience in Gainesville
Clay Conley, a James Beard Foundation–nominated and Michelin-recognized chef, and his wife, Averill, have teamed up with friends Vanessa and Hutson Rapier to create Stoke, a rustic yet elegant dining experience tucked away on 80 acres in southwest Gainesville.
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Video Tour of the Beautiful New FRC Campus
UF Health Florida Recovery Center proudly opened the doors to its beautiful new campus in northwest Gainesville in July 2025. For more than 25 years, FRC has been recognized as a leader in addiction medicine, treating patients from Florida and across the country. The modern new facility increases patient capacity from 80 to…
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Research Spotlight - Young Jo, MD
The effects of psychostimulant prescription on opioid use disorder among people with co-occurring ADHD Youngsuhk Jo, MD All Authors: Mohammad Yaseliani, Youngsuhk Jo, Lake Lindo, Jabed Al Faysal, Md…
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Faculty Research Highlights: Call for Submissions
As discussed at the last faculty meeting, we’d like to highlight a publication from one faculty member in each monthly newsletter. To get this started, we’re asking for volunteers to suggest one of their recent publications that can be summarized in a few sentences. If you are interested, please send the following information to Dr. Setlow: Title Full names and affiliations of all authors Journal/book in which it is published Electronic link to publication if available (e.g., DOI, publisher’s website, PubMed link, etc.) One sentence summarizing the goal or problem addressed in the publication One-two sentences summarizing the findings described in the publication One-two sentences summarizing the conclusions and broader implications of the work described in the publication.
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Snapshot Spotlight
Have you captured a great moment at a recent conference, departmental event, or fun social activity with your coworkers? Share your photos with us for the Snapshot Spotlight! We love highlighting the connections, teamwork, and celebrations that make our department special. Send in your favorites, and you may see them featured in an upcoming newsletter.
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Big ideas. Bright futures! #AACAP2025 Dr. Taka Soda and students presented posters at this year's AACAP Conference in Chicago. Congrats Kai Russell, Aracelly Valdes, and Ethan Jetter!
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(left) Drs. Ashley Bourne and Cynthia McCutcheon attended the Behavioral Health Day session in Tallahassee, FL while (right) Dr. Ludmila De Faria headed to Washington, D.C. for the APA Federal Advocacy Conference. We’re thankful for your commitment to advancing access to mental health services.
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Halloween across the department
From spooky doors to sweet treats, our teams brought plenty of creativity and festive spirit to this year’s Halloween celebrations! See Halloween photos from around the department!
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Dr. Jen Homard serves as the Executive Director of Secondary Programs at Santa Fe College, where she brings a deep passion for education and community engagement. With over two decades of experience in the K–20 educational landscape, Jen began her career in the Alachua County School District, where she spent 16 years in roles ranging from classroom teacher to principal. In 2015, she joined Santa Fe College as the Director of High School Dual Enrollment. Since then, she has led significant growth in the program and spearheaded the launch of a high school designed to help students simultaneously earn a workforce degree or certificate while completing their high school education. She also founded ACB Excel, an initiative aimed at equipping underemployed individuals in the community with the skills needed for meaningful employment. A lifelong educator, Dr. Homard continues to teach as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Santa Fe College, contributing to both the Student Development and Leadership Department and the Education Department. Her commitment to service extends beyond the classroom—she currently serves on the Board of Directors for the United Way of North Central Florida and supports future educators through her involvement with the Alachua County School District’s Academy for Future Teachers magnet program. In her new role with the Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment at the Department of Psychiatry, Dr. Homard will provide strategic leadership and developmental oversight to advance the center’s educational and organizational goals. She will leverage her deep expertise in Florida’s charter school systems to inform best practices and guide decision-making. Additionally, she will collaborate with higher education leaders to design and implement innovative educational strategies that support neurodiverse learners. Please join us in giving Dr. Homard a warm welcome!
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We are excited to welcome Shabree “Bree” Lee as our new Administrative Specialist II, where she will support the newly established Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment (CAN) functions under SB 112. Bree brings administrative and operational experience in healthcare settings, and is excited to support the growth and development of the new CAN functions. She holds a Master of Science in Health Administration from the University of Central Florida and multiple professional certifications, including CHFP, CPPM, CSPPM, CRCR, and a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. Throughout her career, she has led process improvement initiatives, strengthened operational workflows, and championed positive change. Outside of work, Bree is a proud mom of three boys (two of whom serve in the military), a bonus mom of two, and a grandmother to two energetic boys. She loves volunteering with HFMA and MGMA, tailgating, and cheering on the Florida Gators and Dallas Cowboys. She will be based in the MBI. Please join me in giving Bree a warm welcome!
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Psychiatry Staff Professional Development Program
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Faculty from across UF Psychiatry have created a Staff Professional Development Fund designed to provide direct support from faculty to our support staff in their efforts to advance professionally
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UF CARD Update
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Calling All Artists!
Your work could be featured at Stomp the Swamp 2026! Are you a creative soul with a passion for bold, swamp-inspired art? We’re looking for local artists to submit original artwork for a chance to be featured at Stomp the Swamp 2026 — a celebration of community, creativity, and fitness! Strategies that Work Series
Topics include: Behavior; Considerations for Students with Extensive Support Needs; Sensory/Motor Considerations; Communication; Social Skills; Teaching New Skills Various Thursdays, September 2025 through March 2026; 3:30 – 4:30pm | ONLINE What is the Life Transition Skills Program?
Monday, November 10, 2025; 5:00 – 6:00pm | ONLINE What is PESE (Prekindergarten Exceptional Student Education Technical Assistance and Training System)?
Tuesday, November 18, 2025; 5:00 – 6:00pm | ONLINE 33rd Annual Statewide Center for Autism & Related Disabilities
January 15-18, 2026 | Orlando
Six scholarships will be awarded to adult constituents, parents/guardians of constituents, or educators in our catchment area who would like to attend but need financial support. Parent/Caregiver Lunch and Learn Series
Third Friday of every month; 12:00 - 1:00PM | ONLINE
Save the Dates Here are some upcoming trainings we’re planning. Be sure to mark your calendar and stay tuned for more details! 12/04/25 Managing Burnout for Adults with ASD 12/08/25 Navigating Your First Year After Diagnosis 12/15/25 Talking to Your Family Members About an ASD Diagnosis 01/26/26 Homework Help 01/29/26 Successful School/Home Communication 02/02/26 Mapping Out Special Needs Planning From Childhood Through Adulthood 02/17/26 Helping Individuals with Autism Understand Death and Grieving 03/19/25 Systematic Instructional Strategies to Promote Access to the General Curriculum for Students with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities 04/06/26 Understanding Dyslexia and Dysgraphia in Autism 04/17/26 “The Lost Girls”: Shining a Light on Females with ASD 09/21/26 The UCLA PEERS® Curriculum for School-Based Professionals
Find us at these community events! 11/01/25 Partnership for Strong Families, Inc.'s Fall Into Health (Gainesville) 11/07/25 United Way of Hernando County’s Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (Spring Hill) 11/08/25 JBF’s Safe KIDS Day (Alachua) 11/10/25 Marion County Public Schools (MCPS) School Choice and Community Resource Expo (Ocala) 11/13/25 Santa Fe College Police Department's 10th Annual Run with the Cops (Gainesville)
Sign up for the UF CARD eNews, visit the UF CARD website, and follow the UF CARD Facebook Page to stay informed about events. If you know someone in need of UF CARD services, please direct them to the UF CARD pre-registration page or have them call 352-265-2230.
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Mondays | Lunchcapades
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Residents, fellows, and faculty! Take a 20-minute breather from patient care and join us for Lunchcapades, a weekly wellness walk designed to get your steps in while nurturing career and life mentorship. Whether you’re interested in child psychiatry or just looking to connect with colleagues, this is an open invitation to unplug, move, and share stories along the way. Every walk is a chance to swap clinical pearls, reflect on meaningful patient interactions, and share lessons learned in our journeys as mental health professionals. Think of it as storytelling with a purpose—mentorship, wellness, and connection, all rolled into one. When: Every Monday starting July 7th Where: Meet at Opus at 12:10pm What to expect: A casual walk with good conversation, career guidance, wellness tips, clinical stories, and reflections on the art of medicine. No prep, no pressure. Just fresh air, fresh perspectives, and a few more steps on your pedometer. Join the WhatsApp chat for reminders and coordinating walks!
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November 7 | Grand Rounds Returns
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Richa Vijayvargiya, MD
12pm - 1pm Live at the McKnight Brain Institute, L4-101
Watch Parties held at the UF Psychiatric Hospital, Room 1901, & AOPC, Room 3242
Click here for the Livestream link.
Click here for the Zoom link.
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November 7 | COM Town Hall
Join Dean Hunt for the next virtual College of Medicine Town Hall from 7:15am-7:45am.
These town halls are full of information and usually include a question and answer session – it’s a great time to submit questions to leadership.
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November 8 | Out of the Darkness Walk
Join Dr. Mathews and other members of the Department of Psychiatry and UF Health Psychiatric Hospital on Saturday 11/8/2025, 10am at Ray Massey (Westside) Park for the 2025 Out of the Darkness Walk.
1001 NW 34th St, Gainesville 32605 View Map
Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the US and in the most recent numbers from the CDC, there were an estimated 1.5 million suicide attempts in 2023. Age, race, gender, occupation – suicide does not discriminate. In our profession, we often see first-hand who is affected by thoughts, actions, or outcomes.
If you would like to join the department’s team, or share our team information with friends and family, please feel free to, using this link or click the button below: afspwalks.donordrive.com/team/384427
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November 14 | Grand Rounds Returns
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Kent Mathias, MD
12pm - 1pm Live at the UF Psychiatric Hospital, Room 1901
Watch Parties held at the McKnight Brain Institute, L4-101, & AOPC, Room 3242 Click here for the Livestream link.
Click here for the Zoom link.
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November 21 | Grand Rounds
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Barry Setlow, PhD
12pm - 1pm Live at the McKnight Brain Institute, L4-101
Watch Parties held at the UF Psychiatric Hospital, Room 1901, & AOPC, Room 3242 Click here for the Livestream link.
Click here for the Zoom link.
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Employee Assistance Program
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The UF Employee Assistance Program aims to support UF employees by providing a safe space and quality mental health and wellness resources. EAP therapists and affiliated employees uphold UF’s non-discrimination policy (UF Regulation 1.006), ensuring services are inclusive and respectful of everyone, regardless of their background or identity.
UF employees and their household members may call the EAP at any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at (833) 306-0103, and anyone experiencing a crisis with more urgent needs should call the Alachua County Crisis Center at (352) 264-6789.
You can also request an appointment online.
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Let Us Know!
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Do you have some news or an announcement you would like to share? Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond and who you would like to recognize? Want us to save the date for an upcoming event?
Editorial Team:
Melinda Fawcett
Aubrey Bonsal
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