Concordia Ann Arbor offers counseling, fitness and faith-based resources to help students strengthen their mental health and find peace.
College life can be stressful. Between classes, clinicals and life outside of academics, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. At CUAA, you don’t have to face those challenges alone. The faculty and staff are working together to promote mental health and provide spaces—both physical and spiritual—where students can recharge, connect and find peace.
Mind: Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
Concordia’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) program provides students with a confidential and supportive space to talk through life’s challenges. Benjamin Dahl, one of CUAA’s counselors, meets with students both in person and virtually to help them navigate stress, anxiety and adjustment to college life.
“Everyone can benefit from counseling,” Dahl said. “It’s not just for times of crisis—it’s a proactive way to care for yourself. Our services are available before things reach a breaking point.”
CAPS also offers stress reduction workshops, where students can practice deep breathing, mindfulness and muscle relaxation techniques—simple, effective ways to release tension and reset.
Students can reach out to Counseling and Psychological Services through the CUAA student resources page or by visiting the Ann Arbor campus counseling office.
Body: Shine Dance Fitness
If you’re looking for a fun, physical outlet to relieve stress, Shine Dance Fitness is the perfect option. Led by Callie Feyen, CUAA academic advisor and certified Shine instructor, the class meets Wednesdays from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. and is free for students, faculty and staff.
“What happens at Shine stays at Shine,” Feyen said smiling. “It’s a judgment-free space where students can express themselves, move and let go of stress. After about 20 minutes of dancing, you can literally feel the tension lift from your body.”
Leila Marie Riego (’26), a physician assistant major, finds Shine to be her favorite outlet for supporting her mental health. “I love the positive, carefree atmosphere that Callie provides for my classmates and me to not only stay active but also have fun,” Riego said. “I always look forward to dancing my stress away every Wednesday.”
The class emphasizes not just fitness but joy and resilience—a reminder that even when life gets messy, you keep moving.
Spirit: Chapel and pastoral care
Faith is a cornerstone of Concordia’s approach to wellness. Students are invited to chapel each Wednesday morning, where they can rest, reflect and worship together.
In the words of Rev. Tony Sikora, CUAA campus pastor:
“We sing. We pray. We listen to God’s Word. We share in His gifts and receive a much-needed rest,” Sikora said. “A lot is going on in our world these days. You might have questions about Christianity, the Bible, world events and your place in all of it. Don’t hesitate to reach out, stop by, send an email or make an appointment to visit with me.”
Pastor Sikora is available to meet with students for conversation, prayer or spiritual guidance.
He is typically on campus Wednesdays until noon, but students can also connect by email (Edward.Sikora@cuaa.edu) to schedule another time. Whether you’re seeking answers, need someone to pray with you or just want a quiet moment of reflection, you’ll find open doors and open hearts.
Space to grow: The new Healthcare & Humanities Lab
In addition to spiritual and emotional care, CUAA continues to invest in physical spaces that nurture creativity and community. The new Healthcare & Humanities Lab is one such space—a bright, inviting room where students can study, collaborate and decompress. Outfitted with cozy seating, books and art materials, the lab was designed to inspire conversation, reflection and hands-on learning.
“It’s been a wonderful addition,” Feyen said. “Students hang out there, study and use it as a little reset zone between classes. It really helps bring warmth and energy into the building.”
Taking care, together
At CUAA, mental health is about more than managing stress—it’s about living out Concordia’s mission of developing the whole person: mind, body and spirit.
If you’re struggling or simply need a place to breathe, consider one (or all) of these options:
- Schedule a counseling session through CAPS
- Join Shine Dance Fitness on Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. A sign-up sheet is available in the common room.
- Attend chapel or reach out to Pastor Tony Sikora for prayer or conversation
- Visit the Healthcare & Humanities Lab to study, relax or connect with classmates
You are not alone. Help, hope and community are here at the North Building.
Want in?
CUAA will continue to offer degrees in 2025-26 and beyond. Pursue a degree in healthcare at our North Building with its newly remodeled features and state-of-the-art simulation equipment, or earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in education through one of our well-established online programs. The CUAA campus continues to offer a route to a Lutheran Teacher Diploma to help equip Lutheran K-12 schools nationwide with qualified workers. CUAA has also announced the launch of a new Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing (DE-MSN) program, designed specifically for career changers who hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and are ready to pursue a future in nursing. The first cohort will begin in fall 2026.
Click here to view a full list of the programs Concordia will retain in Ann Arbor. Click below to schedule a visit with an Admissions team member.