Jasmine Lollino Pagano, MS, CHES
Jasmine Lollino Pagano, MS, CHES®, is a dedicated public health professional with a deep commitment to mental wellness, prevention education, and community engagement. As the Supervisor of Prevention Services at David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health in Naples, Florida, she leads a team focused on promoting mental health awareness and substance use prevention across Collier County. In this role, Jasmine oversees staff training, develops community partnerships, and represents the organization at local coalition meetings and events, ensuring that evidence-based programs reach youth, adolescents, parents, and special needs populations.
Her career is underpinned by a strong academic foundation, including a Master of Science in Health Education and Behavior from the University of Florida, and she is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership & Policy. Jasmine has also served as an Adjunct Faculty member at Florida Gulf Coast University, where she developed and taught undergraduate and graduate courses in health sciences, including Epidemiology. She is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and an instructor for both adult and youth Mental Health First Aid and QPR programs.
Recognized for her contributions to public health, Jasmine has received numerous honors, including the American School Health Association’s 2023 Robert Synovitz Emerging Professional Award and the David Lawrence Centers’ 2023 Above & Beyond Award. Passionate about building healthier, more resilient communities, she continues to create impactful educational programs and advocate for mental wellness, while fostering meaningful connections with fellow professionals who share her mission.
• Adult Mental Health First Aid Instructor
• Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor
• Certified Health Education Specialist
• Higher Education Mental Health First Aid Instructor
• Military/Veterans Mental Health First Aid Instructor
• QPR Instructor
• University of Florida- Ed.D.
• University of Florida- M.S.
• Florida Gulf Coast University- B.S.
• Chi Omega Educational Alumnae Grant
• National Eta Sigma Gamma Scholarship Key Award
• Awarded 2021-2022 MS Student of the Year
• Summa Cum Laude
• William and Kathryn Beeken Scholarship
• Pi Mu Foundation Scholarship
• FGCU Blue and Green Director's Award
• Dean's List
• President's List
• 2023 Above & Beyond Award
• 2024 FGCU Panhellenic Association Advisor of the Year
• Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE)
• Eta Sigma Gamma National Health Education Honorary
• American School Health Association (ASHA)
• American Public Health Association (APHA)
• Make-a-Wish Foundation
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being an older sister—having a younger brother has inspired me to lead by example and be a positive role model for him and other young students.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that things don’t always go as planned—going with the flow allows opportunities to unfold naturally.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give to young women entering my industry is to never give up and to share their passions with the world.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field right now are securing funding and national support, but these challenges can be transformed into opportunities and motivation to make a greater impact.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are respect, honesty, compassion, loyalty, trust, drive, and perseverance.