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Connecting students with care, resources, and support for success.

The CARE Team at Massachusetts College of Art and Design is a multidisciplinary, non-clinical group dedicated to supporting students who may be experiencing distress, exhibiting concerning behaviors, or facing barriers that impact their success.
Grounded in NABITA standards and tailored to MassArt’s creative community, the CARE Team coordinates outreach, intervention planning, and resource connections in a compassionate, student-centered manner.

Anyone in the MassArt community—faculty, staff, students, families—can submit a CARE referral if they notice a student struggling academically, emotionally, or socially. The CARE Team reviews concerns collaboratively, applies risk assessment tools, and deploys individualized support strategies that respect student privacy while fostering safety and well-being across campus.

For emergencies or immediate safety concerns call Public Safety at (617)879-7800 or dial 911/988

Submit a CARE Report

In the past academic year, the CARE Team supported over 200 student referrals, connecting them with counseling, academic resources, and essential needs assistance. Approximately 75% of cases were resolved without escalation to crisis intervention, demonstrating our focus on proactive, early support.

Submit a Report 

What Happens After You Submit a Referral

  1. Review & Triage: A CARE Case Manager reviews all referrals within 24–48 business hours.
  2. Risk Assessment: The team evaluates the level of concern using the NABITA Risk Rubric.
  3. Intervention: Coordinated outreach and support planning tailored to the student’s needs.
  4. Follow-Up: Ongoing check-ins and monitoring to ensure successful connection to resources.

When to Submit a CARE Referral

Referrals may be made when a student:

  • Shows a decline in academic performance or attendance
  • Expresses hopelessness, distress, or suicidal thoughts
  • Displays disruptive, erratic, or aggressive behaviors
  • Experiences housing, food, or financial insecurity
  • Has difficulty transitioning to or persisting in college

How the CARE Team Supports Students

  • Non-clinical case management
  • Strengths-based, collaborative planning
  • Connecting students to campus and community resources
  • Coordinating with faculty and staff for academic flexibility
  • Providing culturally responsive, trauma-informed support

Contact the CARE Team

Massachusetts College of Art and Design
621 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115

Email: CARE@massart.edu

In Case of Emergency

Public Safety – (617) 879-7800

Share a Concern

CARE Team

Vanessa Barton

Student Support Specialist, Student Success and Enrollment Management

Jamie Costello

Associate Vice President and Dean of Students, Student Success and Enrollment Management

Jessica Visconti

Assessment and Referrals Specialist, Therapist, Counseling Center

Angelina Wheatley

Assistant Director, Housing and Residence Life

Patrick Clay

Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety, Public Safety

Will Sabio

Executive Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Coordinator, Equal Opportunity/Title IX

Jessica Petriello

Assistant Director of Advising, Academic Resource Center
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621 Huntington Ave,
Boston, MA 02115

(617) 879-7000

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