Staff Directory
Alexandra Salerno
- Title:
- Mental Health Counselor
- Email:
Alexandra Salerno joined the University of Pittsburgh Athletic Department in Oct. 2025 as a mental health counselor for student athletes. In this role, Salerno works with both athletes and teams to enhance mental skills performance and manage overall wellness. She also consults with athletic department staff and coaches to support teams in their continued success.
Prior to her joining Pitt, Salerno worked as a supervisor at the UPMC Center for Eating Disorders, where she provided therapeutic services and created mental health programming for adolescents and their families. Alexandra also has experience working in the outpatient setting and her experience has spanned across diverse settings and populations. She has gained experience working with eating disorders, trauma, OCD, personality disorders and mood and anxiety disorders. Salerno also specializes in sports counseling and mental/performance skills training. She has worked extensively with KPEX Consulting to support athletes with mental blocks, returning from an injury, building confidence, and coping with failure. Salerno has had the opportunity to participate in many conferences and interviews on athlete mental health. More recently, she presented at NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) Keystone PA and spoke with Dance Teacher Magazine, regarding mental health in the dance environment.
Salerno earned her bachelor’s degree from Robert Morris University in sports psychology. She then went onto receive her master’s degree at The University of Pittsburgh in clinical mental health & rehabilitation counseling. During this time, she also held a professional dance career and performed internationally.
Salerno is originally from Pittsburgh. She grew up east of the city in Churchill and currently lives in the South Hills.
Beyond the Bio:
Favorite Place on the University of Pittsburgh Campus?
The Cathedral. Every time I see it, it automatically brings me back to the heart of Pitt. Not to mention it’s beautiful inside!
What is your favorite thing to do in the city of Pittsburgh?
Visit La Prima and walk the strip on a Sunday.
What do you love most about working in College Athletics?
The team aspect! Everyone is very passionate and communicative about their role.
Favorite Quote?
"Honor the space between no longer and not yet.” - Nancy Levin
Unscripted | Episode 1.2 | Preseason
Friday, October 24
The Pat Narduzzi Radio Show | Episode 11.8 | 10.22.25
Friday, October 24
Pat Narduzzi Radio Show, Episode 11.8
Thursday, October 23
The Book of A.D. | Chapter 2 | The Dungeon
Wednesday, October 22
