Reflecting on my journey in education and youth mental health, I am struck by how each experience has shaped my understanding of what students and educators need to thrive. From my early days as a classroom teacher in 2003 to my current role as a Technical Assistance Specialist at Change Matrix, I have seen firsthand how crucial mental health and social-emotional learning are to academic success and overall well-being.
Throughout my 17 years in public education, I have worked in diverse roles that have deepened my perspective on system-wide change. As a reading specialist and literacy coach, I learned the importance of meeting students where they are. Later, as a school improvement coordinator and professional development facilitator, I discovered how to create sustainable, transformative programs that address the needs of educators and students. These roles and my work on district-wide leadership teams have given me a comprehensive understanding of implementing lasting change within educational systems.
My passion for supporting youth mental health has led me to collaborate with prestigious institutions like the Center for the Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning at the University of Virginia. There, I led a social-emotional coaching program for preschool educators across Virginia, helping to strengthen the emotional intelligence of our youngest learners. This work expanded further through my partnership with Oregon State University’s Early Learning System Initiative (ELSI), where I developed a coaching program focused on equity and cultural responsiveness in early childhood education.
What excites me most about this work is the opportunity to facilitate transformational change. Whether I’m training educators in evidence-based programs like Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Responsive Classroom, implementing the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) framework for teacher-child interactions, or supporting the Caring School Community initiative, I am continually inspired by educators’ dedication to creating more supportive learning environments. My approach combines strategic planning with practical implementation, always prioritizing the well-being of both students and educators.
I was thrilled to facilitate a panel discussion called “Navigating the New Normal: Youth Mental Health in a Post-COVID World.” This timely conversation brought together expert voices from clinical practice, education, and public health to examine how the pandemic has reshaped youth mental health needs and support systems.
Rather than simply identifying challenges, we explored actionable solutions and emerging best practices that can be applied across educational, clinical, and community settings. This dialogue around building resilient support systems and fostering youth well-being in today’s evolving landscape will continue to be a growing topic of discussion for Change Matrix.
At Change Matrix, we know that creating positive change in school-based mental health requires more than good intentions—it demands expertise, experience, and a deep understanding of educational systems. As we look toward the future, I am eager to partner with school districts to implement and sustain social-emotional and mental health initiatives that make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and educators alike.
Please join me on this journey by following my bimonthly blog series, which is focused on supporting positive youth mental health and school-based well-being. Together, we can build educational environments where every student and educator can thrive. Check out other resources for improving the wellbeing of children and families at nttacmentalhealth.org/resources.