Meet the Director

In February 2022, Kate Buckley ’01 joined the College of Veterinary Medicine as the community’s well-being program director. In this role, Buckley creates and promotes initiatives that support the well-being of the college and its community of students, faculty, staff, interns and residents.

Buckley has a bachelor’s degree from Cornell in human development, with a focus on human bonding and developmental, adolescent and abnormal psychology. Her M.Ed. from Harvard University is in higher education, specifically student development and the economics and history of higher education. She hopes to build on the foundation of initiatives already established at the college and help foster an academic and work environment that actively encourages well-being at the individual and institutional level. Buckley also has a background in personal training and enjoys helping others unearth and leverage their unique strengths.

With a growth-mindset at play, outside of CVM, she can often be found trying new forms of exercise, testing recipes in the kitchen or attempting to revive her artistic side.

Contact: cvmwellbeing@cornell.edu

Cornell Health's Embedded Therapist at CVM

Genel Gronkowski (she/they), is a member of the Cornell Health CAPS team and has an office in Schurman Hall, where she offers counseling services to all CVM students. Genel received her MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from La Salle University (Philadelphia, PA) and a BA in Psychology and in Professional Writing from King’s College (Wilkes-Barre, PA). She is also certified in thanatology by the Association of Death Education & Counseling.

Outside of work, Genel enjoys adventuring with her dogs and partner. Sometimes these adventures take them on road trips to independent bookstores and libraries, oddities parlors and unusual museums, or hiking through state and national parks. Sometimes, their adventures take them to dog sports and shows where they participate in scent work, conformation, rally obedience, or agility. Sometimes, those adventures take them home to the couch with a good book, a bad horror movie, or a roleplaying game.

To meet with Genel, see the Counseling and Mental Health section on our home page.

Cornell University Hospital for Animals Social Worker

Stephanie Coco joined the CUHA team as its veterinary social worker in 2023 and helps tend to the psychosocial needs of clients and veterinary medical teams. She honors the human-animal bond by communicating with and supporting pet owners on matters related to serious illness, quality of live, decision-making, goals of care, euthanasia, grief and bereavement. She also offers support to faculty, house officers, staff and students who are impacted by difficult cases and can share university resources when needed. In addition, she is part of several work groups related to the overall well-being of people in the hospital and college, including the Well-being Committee. Learn more about Stephanie and her role.