Mental Health at APF
As an organization with a stake in the future of psychology, we lead by example and put people first. We are dedicated to implementing psychological principles throughout our work and supporting our team and partners as whole people with multidimensional lives.
In celebration of World Mental Health Day, with this year’s theme being My Mental Health at Work, we’re highlighting the important role that mental health and well-being plays within APF’s day-to-day operations. Read on to hear directly from some of our incredible team as they share how APF supports their mental health and well-being in the workplace.
Mental Health at APF: Team Insights
Michelle Quist Ryder, PhD (she/her)
CEO
“Employees are the most valuable asset to my organization, and mental health is the most valuable asset to my employees. Skills and experience are important, but they can’t be fully realized outside of an environment where people feel safe and able to thrive.”
Bethany Giblin, DES (she/her)
Communications Officer
“Mental health is a buzzword for employers, but it often ends up as a hollow and performative effort. At APF, leadership has taken the time to thoughtfully build benefits and support that truly meet employees where they need it, and are constantly reevaluating based on feedback from the team. APF views its team as whole people with complex multifaceted lives, which is (unfortunately) all too rare in the professional world. I count myself as extremely lucky to be part of an organization that lives its values every day.”
Claire Porzeinski, MBA (she/her)
Administrative Assistant
“Working in an environment that prioritizes mental health has enhanced both my productivity and my overall happiness. Having experienced burnout in the past, I greatly value the mutual respect we share for each other’s time and well-being. APF makes sure to check in with their employees regularly, encourages taking personal time off or stepping away during the day to decompress, hosts communicative team building activities, and has numerous employee-centric incentives. This supportive atmosphere makes a huge and meaningful difference in my working experience!”
Faith Anderson (she/her)
Managing Director, Head of Philanthropy
“As the parent of a child with medical complexities and additional needs, APF’s flexible working hours encourages autonomy and creates space where I can fully embody all parts of my identity, balancing the driven professional with the dedicated mother and wife, which enables me to be fully present in all aspects. In all, APF allows me to create a mentally healthy balance to my life and I’m beyond grateful to work here.”
Jolie Chaleff, DES (she/her)
Communications Coordinator
“Working at APF has helped me develop healthier work-life boundaries, which is something I’ve always struggled with. I’m lucky to be part of a team that encourages time off, provides mental health days, and regularly checks in to ensure we’re all supported both personally and professionally. It’s a great feeling to know that my mental health is considered just as important as my professional contributions.”
Topics: Apf Team Mental Health
Discover More
People-Powered Philanthropy: Collective Impact in Action
At APF, our philosophy of philanthropy is a bit non-traditional – we see it as something much bigger and much more human. Philanthropy doesn’t move on money alone; it moves through the power of our people. People who dedicate their time, expertise, energy, and passion to making an impact.
APF Research Roundup: Youth Mental Health
At APF, we proudly fund efforts that advance youth mental health. Our programs advocate for care, policies, and evidence-based interventions that are accessible, equitable, and tailored to unique contexts. We are beyond grateful to our funding recipients who are actively doing this work, and to our community of donors and supporters that make this work possible.
Then and Now: Reflections on Identity and Leading with Purpose
In 2004, APF President Dr. Melba J.T. Vasquez wrote about her identity as a Latina woman navigating a white world, from her childhood in a small Texas town to the highest levels of academia and leadership. We invited her to revisit that work and reflect on what has changed, what has endured, and how leadership became a way of turning painful experiences into something purposeful.