Meet Kayla Marker, a research associate at Ā鶹“«Ć½ās Center for Public Policy and Health (CPPH). With a passion for mental health advocacy and community engagement, Kayla brings dedication and energy to her role in the Center.
Kayla currently works on two impactful projects. As data collection coordinator for the HRS-MATx expansion project, she supports efforts to enhance substance use treatment services in rural Southeastern Ohio. In addition, she serves as the training coordinator for the Northeast Ohio Mental Health Awareness Training project. This project, in collaboration with the Stark County Educational Service Center and Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio, plans to provide mental health awareness trainings, to more than 2,000 educators and school staff across nine counties. Kaylaās journey at Kent State began in 2017 as an undergraduate student where she studied psychology and criminology, with a minor in forensic anthropology. Her passion for mental health and public service led her to enroll in a combined program during her junior year, allowing her to complete a Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Management alongside her bachelorās degrees.
Originally from a small town in Western New York, Kayla has made Northeast Ohio her home, now residing in the scenic Portage Lakes area. Outside of work, she enjoys a variety of hobbies, from canning homemade jams and jellies to photography, scrapbooking, hiking, and traveling. Recently, she picked up a book called Almost Maine at the oldest bookstore in Maine while on vacationājust one of her many adventures!
This year holds special significance for Kayla as she plans her wedding following a recent engagement. āThereās so much to celebrate over the next year,ā she shared with excitement.
Through her work at the CPPH, Kayla continues to make a difference by fostering awareness, education, and support for mental health. Her dedication to empowering others is evident in everything she does, both professionally and personally. The CPPH is grateful to have Kayla on staff!