As part of our monthly series, we’ll introduce team members from the Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health (TIEMH). You’ll learn more about their interests, the projects they work on at TIEMH, and more.
This month, the spotlight is on Mckenzie Bentley. his month, the spotlight is on Mckenzie Bentley. McKenzie (she/her) is the Multimedia Producer for TIEMH. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a double major in Radio-Television-Film and Journalism.
She loves helping people to tell their stories and dreams of becoming a documentary filmmaker one day.
When she isn’t behind a camera, Mckenzie enjoys arts & crafts, animals, decorating every square inch of her apartment, scuba diving, and collecting different types of tea.
Let’s dive into Mckenzie’s interview:
What projects do you work on?
There are too many to list! Over the past two years I’ve had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of grants and projects at TIEMH ranging from school-based mental health to first episode psychosis. Most recently, I developed two podcast episodes focused on infant and early childhood mental health. I’m always excited to support the Texas Mental Health Creative Arts Contest every year, and in 2026 I will begin work on several new projects ranging from transition-age youth and suicide prevention to wellbeing in rural communities.
What do you enjoy about working at TIEMH?
I love that I get to use my creativity and digital media skillset to help disseminate mental health research in new and accessible ways. I was also a young person who had trouble navigating mental health services and systems and it feels extra special that I now get to contribute to that field. Because I work across a wide range of grants, I am constantly learning something new. I appreciate that every day looks different and love working with such a talented and supportive team.
What are you currently reading, watching or listening to?
I love listening to podcasts and watching documentaries. Recently, I finished The Retrievals from Serial Productions and The New York Times. Serial consistently produces thoughtful, well-reported long-form podcasts, and UT staff get a free New York Times subscription. I also love using my library card to check out DVDs or borrow free audiobooks through Libby.
What are you looking forward to for the upcoming winter break?
I am looking forward to having extra downtime to bake cookies, spend time with family, and work on some long-overdue arts and crafts projects. I am also hoping to find time to go ice skating or see a movie in theaters!
Thanks for sharing, Mckenzie!
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