Who We Are

John is the Coordinator of the Collegiate Recovery Community. He received his Master’s degree in Counselor Education from Mississippi State University and has worked in the mental health and chemical addiction fields as both administrator and therapist. John hopes to share his passion for recovery with the MSU campus and help those recovering from addiction and other mental and emotional issues to achieve their goals and maintain a successful recovery.

Working in the Department of Health Education and Wellness allows me the opportunity to interact and assist the most important group at MSU, the students. I have a passion for working with people in the spirit of excellence with warmth and kindness. When I am not assisting students, faculty and staff, I enjoy being very active in my church, singing, reading, taking in movies and most of all administering love and compassion to all.

Kim Kavalsky is the coordinator of mental health outreach. She received her master’s degree in Counselor Education with an emphasis in Community Counseling in 2003. Her past experience includes residential treatment facilities addressing chemical dependence and community mental health focusing on a vast array of mental health concerns. She received her professional licensure in 2005 and became a board qualified supervisor in 2008. Her goal is to bring awareness to issues of mental health and promote effective services to students.

Bowen Lancaster is from Columbus, MS and is currently working on obtaining his Master's Degree in Public Policy and Administration with an emphasis in health. He graduated from Mississippi State University with his B.A. in Political Science. Bowen is now working as a Graduate Assistant with the Health Education and Wellness Department. After graduation, he plans on pursuing a career in Hospital Administration. In his free time, Bowen likes to visit with family and friends as well as playing the occasional round of golf.

Leah Pylate is the Assistant Director of Health Education and Wellness and Sexual Assault for University Health Services. She holds a master’s degree in both Health Promotion and Business Administration and has experience working in a number of health education settings including schools, worksites, community and university settings. She also has experience working with grant funded projects and is currently a Certified Health Education Specialist. She enjoys educating students on the importance of practicing healthy lifestyle behaviors.

Kayla Roden recently joined the Health Education and Wellness team at Mississippi State University as a graduate assistant. A native of Batesville, Mississippi, Kayla completed her B.S. in Criminology at Mississippi State in May of 2012. She will be working mostly with programs dedicated to bringing awareness to campus on topics such as sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and stalking. After completing her graduate work, Kayla plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Criminology with a concentration in Victimology. Kayla enjoys traveling, reading, and attending concerts and shows with family and friends in her free time.