Keynote Speaker

In April 2024, Dr. Kristy Eaton assumed the role of inaugural director of the Purdue University College of Engineering’s Community, Assistance and Resources for Engineering Students (CARES) Hub where she is charged with the task of creating a center for well-being and mental health for Purdue’s 16,000 engineering students. Dr. Eaton spent the last five years as the Assistant Director of the Indiana School Mental Health Initiative at Indiana University-Bloomington (IU-B) where she trained and consulted with K-12 school districts across Indiana to develop an integrated framework of tiered social emotional, well-being, and mental health services and supports to create the conditions for learning for all students.  During her time at IU Dr. Eaton also served as a Research Continuity Lead for the Irsay Institute for Sociomedical Research, an elected voting member of the IU-B Faculty Council and was appointed to serve on the IU at large faculty council.

Dr. Eaton holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree, a Master of Science in Social Work degree, and a Doctor of Education degree. She is a past Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Clinical Scholar Fellow as well as a licensed clinical social worker, Question Persuade Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention Trainer, and an Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Interface Master Trainer. Her ACEs training was conducted by Dr. Robert Anda, co-investigator of the original ACEs study.   

Dr. Eaton has over 29 years of experience working in the field of mental health and education. She has worked as an outpatient therapist, school-based therapist, school social worker, school district administrator, and university faculty member. She is passionate about mental health and well-being for all, including the elimination of mental health stigma through education and training. Other practice specialties include suicide prevention in schools; collaborating effectively with site-based mental health providers; and educator mindset, regulation, and well-being. She has provided consultation and professional development at the local, state, regional, and national levels. Contact Dr. Eaton at kmeaton@purdue.edu

Laying the Foundation for Well-Being through Self-Awareness  and Meaningful Self-Care

(Wednesday @ 8:45-10:00am)

Self-care is so much more than taking a bath, going for a walk, or getting your nails done.  Dr. Kristy says that’s just general maintenance!  Bring a beverage, relax, and join her for some discussion and experiences designed to really get you thinking about all six dimensions of self-care, what self-care and self-awareness really mean, and how to create a life that is gratifying throughout the work week and not just on the weekends!