Shows
In SessionReflecting on the First Grant Year with Project Prevent Cohort 3’s Dr. Patricia McLeanAs schools across the United States work to mitigate the impact of violence within their communities and establish school-based prevention programs, many seek assistance from federal grants. One such grant is the Department of Education’s Project Prevent grant, which awarded a third cohort in 2022 with funds to increase their capacity to identify, assess, and serve students exposed to pervasive violence, help to ensure that affected students are offered mental health services for trauma or anxiety; support conflict resolution programs; and implement other school–based violence prevention strategies in order to reduce the likelihood that these students will later comm...2024-10-2920 minIn SessionCreating Home-Grown School-Based Behavioral Health Graduate Programs with Ayada BonillaAs the United States contends with a mental health crisis, schools have been actively working to hire, train and retain school mental health professionals. To support this process, one of NCSSLE’s School Based Mental Health Services grantees, funded in 2020, the Hawaii Department of Education, in collaboration with Chaminade University, created an Education Psychology doctoral program as well as the state’s first ever School Psychology program to start a pipeline of trained mental health professionals for their state’s schools. On this episode of “In Session,” we talk to Ayada Bonilla from the Hawaii Department of Education a...2024-10-1722 minIn SessionImplementing Restorative Practices in Elementary Schools with Dr. Charles Flowers and TeamAs schools across the United States work to mitigate the impact of violence within their communities, restorative practices have become a popular strategy. One of NCSSLE’s Project Prevent (Cohort 3) grantees, Dougherty County School System in Albany, Georgia, has shown great success in this effort by implementing restorative practices in their elementary schools.On this episode of “In Session,” we speak with a team from Dougherty County School System, a Project Prevent (Cohort 3) grantee, about the district’s successful implementation of restorative practices using district-wide training and professional development. The team includes Kelly Hand, the director of the gran...2024-10-0929 minIn SessionCreating a Student Wellness Center with Jeff MiddletonAs the United States contends with a mental health crisis, schools across the country are working to provide mental health supports and services to help students thrive in school. One of NCSSLE’s Project Prevent (Cohort 3) grantees, El Rancho Unified School District in Southern California, has created a wellness center in the district’s high school for students to decompress and seek mental health supports and resources throughout the school day. On this episode of “In Session,” we speak with Jeff Middleton, a Project Prevent (Cohort 3) grant recipient from El Rancho Unified School District in California, about El Rancho H...2024-10-0922 min
In SessionImplementing a Successful Universal Screening with Hennessey Lustica and Rob LillisAs the United States contends with a mental health crisis, schools are implementing universal mental health screenings to identify students needing support. These screenings are part of a systematic process to identify students’ strengths and needs to better inform school based mental health intervention efforts. One of NCSSLE’s Mental Health Service Professional (MHSP2019) grantees, Sodus Central School District in New York State, has successfully implemented a district-wide universal screening process that has helped improve their intervention efforts and better support students. On this episode of “In Session,” we talk to Hennessey Lustica and Rob Lillis from Sodus Ce...2024-08-2337 min
In SessionImplementing Trauma-Informed Care Plans District-Wide with Naomi Handley, Rachel Hamm, and Leandra TorraAs districts and states across the country grapple with the effects of trauma exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the mental health crisis, and more, many have shifted to a trauma-informed care approach to promote healing environments for students and staff. One of NCSSLE’s Project Prevent Cohort 3 (P2C3) grantees, Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS), has made particularly noteworthy progress in implementing this approach district-wide.On this episode of “In Session,” we speak with Naomi Handley, Rachel Hamm, and Leandra Torra, P2C3 grant recipients from Jefferson County, KY, about the district’s extensive trauma-informed care training approach...2024-08-1936 min
In SessionEffectively Engaging with School-Based Mental Health Interns with Dr. Rosie Rincon Hernandez & Gianna MerriamTo maintain a strong school-based mental health workforce that meets the growing needs of students, districts across the country are partnering with local universities to place interns in schools, thereby creating a pipeline of school-based mental health staff. Thoroughly supporting and effectively engaging with these interns is essential to prepare and, ultimately, sustain the workforce.On this episode of “In Session,” we speak with Dr. Rosie Rincon Hernandez & Gianna Merriam, Mental Health Service Professional (MHSP2019) grant recipients from Tulare County, CA about their effort to build the capacity of and effectively engage school based mental health interns. This...2024-08-1431 min
In SessionIntroducing Student-Led Clinician Interview Panels with Sixmaritt Pagán Peña and Tenth GraderAs the United States contends with a mental health crisis, schools have been actively working to hire, train and retain school mental health professionals. When interviewing potential professionals for the job, schools look for candidates that connect well with students. One way to ensure this connection is to engage students in the hiring process. One of NCSSLE’s Project Prevent grantees, the Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) in Hartford, CT has done this by implementing student-led interview panels as part of their clinician hiring process.On this episode of “In Session,” we speak with Sixmaritt Pagán Peña, a...2024-06-1217 min
In SessionCreating a Trauma Engaged Framework with Sharon FishelOn this episode of “In Session,” we speak with Sharon Fishel, Project Director for the Trauma Recovery Demonstration Grant program at the Alaska Department of Education, about their Trauma Engaged Framework. This conversation is guided by NCSSLE’s Annie Knowles and Brianna Cunniff.Learn more about the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development’s Trauma Engaged Framework at education.alaska.gov.0:54 - Introductions1:30 - About the Alaska Rise Project2:51 - Creation of Alaska’s Trauma Engaged Framework6:52 - Partnerships9:38 - Advice for the Field11:16 - Tracking...2023-10-0419 min
In SessionSupporting Youth by Combining Workforce Skills and SEL with Ruth Cross and Andrew Tucker from the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)On this episode of “In Session,” we speak with NCSSLE partners Ruth Cross and Andrew Tucker from the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) about supporting youth by combining workforce skills and Social Emotional Learning (SEL), an area of interest among the grantees we serve. This conversation is guided by NCSSLE’s Annie Knowles and Brianna Cunniff.0:46- Introductions2:29- What CASEL is and its relationship with NCSSLE4:48- CASEL's initiative on supporting youth with workforce skills and SEL7:42- Examples of a skill taught in SEL and career readin...2023-10-0428 min
In SessionCapacities Needed to Improve School Mental Health Programs with Frank RiderOn this episode of “In Session,” we speak with Frank Rider, a seasoned Technical Assistance Specialist (TAS) at NCSSLE, about the capacities Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and State Education Agencies (SEAs) need to improve their school mental health programs and systems. As he nears the end of his 40 year career, Frank shares his expertise with the field at large. Specifically, he discusses common characteristics of successful change initiatives, advice for new grant managers, and what he has learned over the course of his impactful career. This discussion will be helpful for both new grantees (P2C3 and others) and thos...2023-10-0434 min
In SessionLeveraging the Community Schools Strategy with Jay RoscupOn this episode of “In Session,” we speak with Jay Roscup, a Mental Health Service Professionals grant recipient and Community Schools Director, about the community school strategy and its impact in Sodus Central School District. This conversation is guided by Brianna Cunniff. To learn more about community schools, visit the Community Schools and National Center for Community Schools websites. For more information about Community Schools in New York state, visit Home | Guidance and Training | NYS Community Schools TAC , Finger Lakes Community Schools (flxcommunityschools.org), Wayne County Community Schools and read Sodus Central School’s Grantee Highlight.0:56...2023-09-2634 min
In SessionIntroducing Role-Specific Professional Development Opportunities with Rosemary Reilly Chammat and Bianca CarreiroOn this episode of “In Session,” we speak with Rosemary Reilly Chammat and Bianca Carreiro, both School Based Mental Health grant recipients from the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, about statewide role-specific professional development as a retention strategy. This conversation is guided by NCSSLE’s Annie Knowles and Brianna Cunniff.Learn more about Rhode Island’s professional development strategy by reading their Grantee Highlight.1:00 - Introductions.1:52 - Background about statewide role specific professional development.5:39 - Needs being met with this program.8:01 - How they were able to bring...2023-09-2629 min
In SessionDestigmatizing Mental Health through the Arts with Stacy HardisonOn this episode of In Session, we talk to Stacy Hardison, school counselor and Project Prevent (Cohort 2) Grant Program recipient, about utilizing the arts to destigmatize mental health, particularly in rural communities such as Stringtown Public School in Oklahoma. Stacy Hardison is joined by school psychologist and Project Director for the Stringtown P2 Grant Ronny Potts. This conversation is guided by Annie Knowles and Brianna Cunniff.Learn more about Stringtown Public School by visiting their website. 00:59 - Introductions.2:10 - How the mental health initiative began at Stringtown.3:11 - How data analysis...2023-08-1621 min
In SessionUtilizing a Small Group Professional Development Coaching Model with Kiana LongneckerOn this episode of In Session, we talk to Kiana Longnecker, School Climate and Culture Consultant and Project Prevent (Cohort 2) Grant Program Director about the small group restorative circles coaching program at Oakridge Schools in Muskegon Area Independent School District (MAISD). Longnecker is joined by Rachel VanDyke, teacher at Oakridge Public Schools. This conversation is guided by NCSSLE’s Annie Knowles and Brianna Cunniff.To learn more about Muskegon Area Intermediate School District, read their Grantee Highlight and visit their website.1:05 - Introductions2:13 - About the coaching program4:29 - About participants of...2023-08-0146 min
In SessionImplementing a Successful School Mental Health Program with Dr. Elene PetersOn this episode of “In Session,” we talk to Dr. Elene Peters, clinical psychologist and Mental Health Service Professionals grant recipient, about the mental health program at John V Lindsay Wildcat Academy Charter School in New York City. Dr. Peters is joined by Mental Health Counselor Jessica Levin and Mental Health Intern Nicole Bogutsky. This conversation is guided by NCSSLE’s Annie Knowles and Brianna Cunnif.Learn more about John V Lindsay Wildcat Academy Charter school at their website: JVL Wildcat Academy Charter School and read their monthly newsletter for resources, alumni spotlights, and more. 1:00 - Intr...2023-07-2629 min
In SessionMaintaining Successful Partnerships in Rural Communities with Joseph Wharff and Jamey PetersonOn this episode of “In Session,” we talk to Mental Health Service Professional grant recipients about developing and maintaining successful partnerships in rural communities. Our guests include Joseph Wharff, Associate Director of the Office of Student Services at the Virginia Department of Education and State Coordinator of the Virginia Partnership for School Mental Health. Joseph is joined by Dr. Michael Lyons and Dr. Julia Taylor, Co-Directors, and Dr. Katy Zeanah, Project Manager, of the Virginia Partnership for School Mental Health at the University of Virginia.We also welcome Jamey Petersen, Coordinated School Health Director for the Montana Offi...2022-10-2135 min
In SessionPartnering with Institutes of Higher Education with Dr. Hennessey Lustica and Karen HornOn this episode of “In Session,” we talk about effective partnerships with institutes of higher education. Our guests include Hennessey Lustica, PhD, Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Community Schools Mental Health Director at Sodus Central School District in Sodus, New York and Mental Health School Professionals grant director.We also welcome Karen Horn, MSW, Educational Consultant for School Mental Health Professionals at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and School-Based Mental Health grant recipient.This conversation is guided by Frank Rider, a Technical Assistance Specialist at NCSSLE.Learn more about the Wisconsin SMBH Prog...2022-10-1340 min
In SessionPartnering Strategically and Effectively with Dr. Heather Ormiston and Greg HickeyOn this episode of “In Session,” we talk to Mental Health Service Professional Grant Recipients about what it means to partner strategically and effectively to enhance mental health services in schools. Our guests include Greg Hickey, Licensed Professional Counselor and Mental Health Specialist with Region 15 Education Service Center in Texas. Greg is joined by Lesley Casarez, Educational Specialist for Counseling and Mental Health, and Carol Stevens, Education Specialist and Project Director of the grant program.We also welcome Heather Ormiston, PhD, a Nationally Certified School Psychologist and Health Service Provider in Psychology, and the Director of the Scho...2022-09-2935 min
In SessionImplementing a Full Continuum of Social-Emotional Support with Dr. Stephanie EllisOn this week’s episode of In Session, we talk to Stephanie Ellis, Ed.D, NCSP, a Mental Health School Professionals grant recipient, about the Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (SISP) initiative to implement a full continuum of social emotional and mental health support at Rockingham County Schools in North Carolina. For more information about Dr. Ellis and Rockingham County’s SEL work, see slides here.01:05 – Introduction to Stephanie Ellis. Could you tell us about yourself and what led you to your current work?03:32 – Could you tell us more about the impetus for establishing SISP and the soci...2022-09-2830 min
In SessionSustaining a Behavioral Health Workforce with Dr. Michelle Warren and Christine JudsonOn this episode of “In Session,” we talk about how to enhance and support behavioral health teams in schools, comparing urban and rural experiences. Our guests include Michelle Warren, Ed.D., Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) at Osage County Interlocal Cooperative (OCIC) in Oklahoma and Christine Judson, Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) from Chicago Public Schools in Illinois, both Mental Health School Professionals grant recipients. This episode is facilitated by Rob Mayo, a Technical Assistance Specialist at NCSSLE.See example documentation tools mentioned by Michelle here.Learn more about Chicago Public Schools and the expa...2022-09-2733 min
In SessionDeveloping a Graduate Mental Health Internship Program with Sophia LoubeauOn this episode of In Session, we talk to Sophia Loubeau (Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Clinical Grant Facilitator), a Mental Health Service Professionals grant recipient, about the Collaborative Internship for All (CIA) Program at Broward County schools in Broward County, FL (https://www.wlrn.org/news/2021-10-04/broward-schools-couldnt-find-enough-counselors-the-district-started-training-its-own). The Collaborative Internship for All Program is an initiative to help expand the pipeline of high-quality, trained providers to address the shortage of mental health service professionals in schools.01:23 – Introduction of Sophia and her work.02:46 – What is the Collaborative Internship for All Program? Why was it c...2022-08-2625 min
In SessionTrauma-Informed Support and Community Collaboration with Dr. Teri LawlerOn this episode of “In Session,” we talk to Dr. Teri Lawler, a Trauma Recovery Demonstration Grant recipient, about Project THRIVE at the Delaware State Department of Education, a program that provides free mental health services to eligible Delaware students who would benefit from trauma-specific intervention support. Teri is joined by the following partners supporting Project THRIVE: Dan Cruce, Chief Operating Officer at United Way of Delaware; Peggy Geisler, PMG Consutling.net Owner and Senior Strategic Consultant; and Dr. Heidi Sweetman, Program Evaluator at Sweetman Evaluation Consulting.01:50 – Introduction of Teri and her work.05:00 – Who have you star...2022-08-2340 minIn SessionRecruiting and Retaining a School Mental Health Workforce with Kristinne StoneOn this episode of 'In Session,' we talk to Kristinne Stone, a School-Based Mental Health grant recipient, about recruitment and retention of mental health providers through the Virginia Career and Learning Center for School Mental Health Professionals at the Virginia Department of Education.0:50 – Introduction to Kristinne Stone at the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Career and Learning Center.5:27 – What brought you and your team to creating the Career and Learning Center website, and was there a specific need you were trying to meet?8:21 – How did you grow the Career and Learni...2022-07-2825 min