Aidan Vanhoof, Staff Writer
With a focus on exploring intergenerational trauma and its impact on family well-being, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) at Rowan University hosted a panel discussion with several specialists on the matter.
Roughly 75 students and staff attended the panel, which took place on Nov. 4, 2025, in the Eynon Ballroom.
Those who spoke as panelists at the event included Samantha Henhaffer, an academic support coordinator here at Rowan University; Willie Higbee, a lead clinician at Acenda Integrated Health; and Tina Green, a licensed professional counselor for Rowan’s Wellness Center, as well as regular audience input.
The panel was moderated by senior psychology major Sapjah Zapotitla, who asked the panel different questions and guided the discussion.
Per the event’s title, “Family Health & Wellbeing: Discussion on Trauma and Intergenerational Family Wellbeing,” most of the focus was placed on families. However, plenty of time was spent discussing themes of student health, spirituality, and gender norms.
“I want to flip the script. We can be united, we can be together. Disagreeing is good, but we shouldn’t hate each other if we disagree,” said Zapotitla.
The event’s purpose was to support students’ mental health and raise awareness for intergenerational trauma.
“I’m here to make sure that mental health resources are widely known and available for community members and especially those within our universities,” said Higbee. “Young adults are especially vulnerable as they start their new chapter in their lives, and so finding a way to make sure they remain connected is super important.”
Audience members were occasionally given a microphone to answer questions and discuss. Out of the 11 questions asked throughout the panel, only two included questions from audience members who spoke on their own personal experiences and struggles while encompassing themes of masculinity, social expectations, and regret, among others.
“Although there’s a lot of resources, we often distract ourselves from those things because we have so many things that we’re doing. With all your obligations, you still have that big emotional burden, and it can really cloud your mind and keep you from reaching out,” said Asha Snyder, a sophomore international studies major.
UNICEF is an agency providing humanitarian aid and funding for families and children all over the world.
Rowan’s chapter, founded by senior psychological science major Aniket Shafin last spring with a focus on international issues and cultivating community, has hosted two prior events: a bracelet-making fundraiser back in October titled “Beads for Better Futures”, and a discussion for Women’s History Month back in March titled “Women With Purpose.”
“So if you want to learn more about international relations, youth and diplomacy, or if you care about children and mothers’ well-being, I would say connect with us,” said Shafin.
Overall, while it lasted about 20 minutes less than expected and began 15 minutes late, the panel received a positive reception and consistent engagement from the audience.
The event included free food, beverages, and a service dog for anyone in need, as well as a table for N.J. Family Success Centers, where flyers were given out with information about resources for families before they find themselves in crisis.
For comments/questions about this story, DM us on Instagram @thewhitatrowan or email ottoch32@rowan.edu
Aidan Vanhoof 
Leave a comment