When Tina Hallock first moved to Richmond in 2021 with her husband, University of Richmond President Kevin F. Hallock, she immediately began looking for ways to use her expertise and experiences as a mental health and well-being supporter and advocate within the campus community.  

“For about 20 years, I have been keenly aware of mental health as a part of whole-body wellness, with physical and mental health always going hand in hand,” she said.

Hallock taught elementary school for many years and, since 2013, has been supporting families whose children struggle with mental health, teaching them to advocate for themselves while advocating on their behalf for better policies and laws that will assist them. It’s a passion she developed from firsthand experience.

“Kevin and I have a child who has struggled with anxiety, OCD, and several other diagnoses over the years. Wellness journeys are a winding road, and I want to support individuals and families on their journeys.”

Four years ago, she and a colleague started a podcast — “No Need to Explain with the Mental Health Mamas” — to normalize mental health concerns and ensure people could connect and know they were not alone. The podcast has 140 episodes and listeners from all over the world.

At Richmond, Hallock has volunteered her time for the past two years as an instructor in the WELL 100 program, which is required for all first-year students. The course, “Introduction to College Life at the University of Richmond,” explores health and well-being topics and areas such as career exploration and sustainability. She co-teaches with Sarah Lee, manager of fitness and facilities for University Recreation.

“Teaching with Tina has been a wonderful experience,” Lee said. “She brings a calm, kind energy to the classroom that I believe allows our students to feel more at ease, even during difficult content or discussions.”

Callia Nickels, one of the 27 students in Hallock and Lee’s Well 100 course, said having Hallock as one of her instructors is the ultimate bonus to what she’s learning.

“Where there is Tina, there is sunshine and happiness,” Nickels said. “Her energy is effervescent, and she truly cares about every student in the room and on this whole campus, which is certainly special. She goes above and beyond to make us all feel like we belong and has helped me in and out of the classroom with challenges I’ve faced since arriving at UR.”

“In a college environment, you encounter students who still need care. They still need mentoring connections,” Hallock said. “I’m happy to be part of those connections and in helping students and others make sure they are taking good care of themselves.”

Tina encourages her students to find an outlet or hobby that makes them happy and supports their well-being. For her, it’s needle crafts, including knitting and crocheting – a pastime she has created a community around at UR.

Hallock hosts a fiber arts pop-up at her home each semester and welcomes students, faculty, and staff to attend, no matter their skill level. Newcomers receive yarn, a pair of knitting needles or a crochet hook, a beginner's project, and hands-on support from a more experienced fiber artist, which might be Hallock herself.

Junior Grace Allen, who is pursuing a dual degree in mathematical economics and politics, philosophy, economics, and law with a concentration in economics, attends the fiber arts pop-ups as both an attendee and to help others. Given Allen’s rigorous academic pursuits, the activity provides an outlet for creativity and to de-stress.

“I learned to crochet during my first week of college and started attending knitting club with the friend who taught me, and now I teach others the basics during our weekly knitting club meetings or at Tina’s fiber arts events,” said Allen, who is now president of the knitting club. “I like to knit and crochet because it allows me to be creative and have something to do with my hands while my brain is otherwise occupied. When I feel stressed or overwhelmed, I know I have something to take my mind off, whatever that is.” 

Hallock hopes to continue providing outlets and safe spaces for support and connection.

“I’ve found power in connecting with those who have experienced similar challenges, and I want to continue to help others experience that connection,” Hallock said.