Our Story
The United Minds Project is a service created by three individuals who are passionate to fight against the intergenerational stigma against mental health. Our mission is to provide a safe space for individuals to explore and address their mental health challenges through various supportive programs and resources. We believe in the power of open conversations, community support, and accessible mental health education.
Meet Our Team
Our team at Open Mind Project is comprised of dedicated individuals who are committed to creating a positive impact on mental health. Each team member brings a unique set of skills and experiences to provide comprehensive support to our community.
Aviral Mehta
UConn Student
Aviral is a Molecular and Cell Biology major with a strong commitment to healthcare, research, and mentorship. He is an intern and mentor at the Academic Achievement Center for the UConn Connects program, a medical assistant at an urgent care, and a researcher at the Korey Stringer Institute’s Mission Heat Lab. Additionally, he serves on the advisory board for the Hospital of Central Connecticut Volunteer Program.
Pratham Tallam
UConn Student
Pratham is a Honors Academic Excellence Scholar and a Physiology and Neurobiology major with a strong commitment to medicine, research, and education. He is currently an Emergency Medical Technician, a research assistant for the HAFTRAP study at UConn Health and Dr. Tanner’s Drosophila lab. Additionally, he serves as a teaching assistant for the UConn EMT training program and volunteers with the Telugu Association of Greater Boston.
Faizdeenkhan Pathan
UConn Student
Faizdeenkhan is a Honors Stem Scholar and a Physiology and Neurobiology major with a strong commitment to service, leadership, and healthcare. He is currently a resident assistant for Busby Suites, a research assistant for the Mindful U project, a director for Global Health Spaces at Uconn and a volunteer licensed Emergency Medical Technician for Ellington Volunteer Ambulance Corps.
Kristina Stevens, LCSW
Director of Mental Health
SHaW UConn
Kristina Stevens serves as the Director of Mental Health at Student Health and Wellness (SHaW) at the University of Connecticut. A UConn alumna, she earned her bachelor’s degree and Master of Social Work here. With decades of experience as a social worker, clinician and administrator, Kristina has worked across both public and private sectors. In her role at SHaW, she leads efforts to expand access to mental health care for UConn students while strengthening programs that promote emotional well-being across campus. Her work focuses on building collaborative partnerships, developing proactive strategies and designing service systems that improve mental health outcomes for students and the broader community.
Dr. Stephanie Milan, Ph.D.
Director of Clinical Psychology
Dr. Stephanie Milan is the Program Head for Clinical Psychology and an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at University of Connecticut. She received a doctoral degree in Clinical & Quantitative Psychology from Vanderbilt University and completed clinical residency and postdoctoral training at Yale University Child Study Center. Dr. Milan's research and clinical activities focus largely on understanding and disrupting intergenerational cycles of maltreatment and poor mental health. She has over 50 published articles in peer reviewed journal, with her research supported by NIH, HRSA, and the RWJ Foundation. Dr. Milan currently oversees UConn's APA accredited doctoral training program.
John Armstrong, M.Ed.
Associate Dean of Student
John Armstrong is a highly experienced leader and collaborator in the field of higher education; through his career he has held leadership roles in the field of Residential Life, Facilities Operations, Student Conduct, Threat Assessment, Faith Community Engagement and Off Campus & Commuter Student Services. He currently serves as Associate Dean of Students at UConn with a focus in Community and External Relations where he leads initiatives for Family Communication, Faith Initiatives and support for Off Campus and Commuter Students.
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Joseph LeRoy
Principal, South Windsor High School (SWHS)
As Principal of South Windsor High School, Joseph LeRoy is deeply committed to fostering student empowerment, equity, and purpose-driven learning. With a strong emphasis on whole-child development and real-world readiness, he believes schools must be inclusive spaces where every student is seen, heard, and supported. After nearly two decades of service in both academic and administrative roles within East Hartford Public Schools, Mr. LeRoy is proud to now lead a school community where student well-being and mental health are central to its mission. His partnership with The United Minds Project reflects a shared dedication to cultivating mental wellness, resilience, and leadership among youth.