Amanda Hampton of the Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence is joined by Ali Masters from Kinder Elementary to discuss the role of a Behavioral Health and Wellness Coordinator (BHWC). Ali shares insights on educational neuroscience, collective care, and the positive impacts on school culture, including significant decreases in suspensions and behavioral referrals. Discover how initiatives like the SPA room, TAP IN TAP OUT system, and student assistance programs are fostering a supportive environment for students and staff alike. Highlights include boosts in family engagement and actionable data-driven strategies for well-being.

Ali Masters serves as the Behavioral Health and Wellness Coordinator at Kinder Elementary, a position she has held for the past two years. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership and a Master’s degree in Special Education. After spending several years in different fields including social work, banking, and insurance, Allie found her calling in education as a paraprofessional and later as an intervention specialist.

• Behavioral Health and Wellness Coordination: Understanding the role and its transformative impact on school culture and student behavior.

• Educational Neuroscience: Strategies for teaching students and staff about brain function and behavior regulation.

• Staff and Collective Care: The importance of creating a supportive and interconnected environment for staff wellness.

• Data-Driven Decisions: Importance of regularly analyzing various forms of data to inform strategies and measure the effectiveness of interventions.

• Family Engagement: Strategies to increase parental involvement and reduce barriers for non-English speaking families.

1. "In order to learn, our nervous systems have to be regulated before we can access our cortex, which is where all the magic happens." - Ali Masters

2. "Trauma-informed care is not just for those who have experienced trauma. I mean, it is for everyone." - Ali Masters

3. "If our staff isn't well, then our kids aren't going to be well." - Ali Masters

4. "The biggest difference is no matter if it's a teacher who's having a problem or a family, everyone feels really, really safe and supported and connected." - Ali Masters

5. "We have to constantly be looking at data and checking all of our referrals and following up with them." - Ali Masters

• Doctor Laurie Desautels: Expert in educational neuroscience.

• Doctor Bruce Perry: Renowned for trauma-informed care research.

• Bessel van der Kolk: Prominent in the trauma research field.

• Stephen Porges: Known for polyvagal theory.

• Dean Burke Harris: Surgeon General of California and advocate for trauma-informed approaches.

Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to listen to the full discussion to explore the transformative work at Kinder Elementary and stay tuned for more insightful conversations in upcoming episodes of "School Wellness".

Discover more resources from the Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention & Early Intervention at OhioSBCOE.org.

Amanda Hampton hosts Dr. Cricket Meehan from the Ohio School-based Center of Excellence for Prevention and Early Intervention at Miami University. They discuss the center's essential initiatives, such as the Ohio School Wellness Initiative, which focuses on supporting both students and staff in mental health and well-being. Dr. Meehan highlights the importance of everyone playing a role in fostering a healthy and thriving community and shares insights on the upcoming Ohio School Success Conference. Tune in to learn about innovative models in mental health support tailored for Ohio's schools and communities.

Cricket Meehan is a dedicated mental health professional serving as the Director of the Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention and Early Intervention at Miami University. With a storied career that began in 1998, Cricket has been at the forefront of initiatives designed to bolster the well-being of students and staff within Ohio's educational system. Her extensive experience includes the establishment and adaptation of evidence-based programs aimed at creating robust mental health support networks within schools. With a deep personal and professional commitment to improving mental health outcomes, Cricket's leadership continues to make significant strides in the field.

• Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence: Understand the comprehensive role the center plays in enhancing mental health and well-being in Ohio schools through prevention and early intervention strategies.

• Student Assistance Program (SAP) Model: Learn how the SAP model is designed to provide a full continuum of care for students, integrating seamlessly with existing PBIS systems in Ohio schools.

• Staff Wellness Framework: Gain insights into the newly developed framework aimed at improving the health and well-being of school staff, promoting a supportive environment for both teachers and students.

• Ohio School Wellness Initiative: Explore this significant project funded through COVID relief dollars, emphasizing support for both students and staff in the wake of the pandemic.

• Everyone Plays a Role: Discover the inclusive approach of the center, encouraging all members of the community to participate in mental health and well-being initiatives.

1. "Our vision is that all Ohio's children and the adults who support them are healthy and thriving." – Cricket Meehan

2. "We're really talking about supporting the mental health and the well-being of our students and the adults who support them." – Cricket Meehan

3. "The Ohio School Wellness Initiative came about based on the COVID pandemic... Ohio asked us to create a student assistance program model." – Cricket Meehan

4. "Healthy and thriving may look different, but it should feel good to everyone who is at that place." – Cricket Meehan

5. "Everyone plays a role in supporting the mental health and well-being of yourself and our young people." – Cricket Meehan

• Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention and Early Intervention: OhioSBCOE.org

• Ohio School Wellness Initiative: Explore the details of this significant initiative aimed at both students and school staff.

• Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS): Learn more about this state-mandated practice in Ohio schools.

Stay tuned to the School and Wellness Podcast for more conversations that aim to enhance the educational landscape through innovative mental health and well-being initiatives. Listen to the full episode and don’t miss out on these enlightening discussions!

Discover more resources from the Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention & Early Intervention at OhioSBCOE.org.

Amanda Hampton hosts Holly Raffle from Ohio University's Voinovich School, discussing the Ohio Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Prevention and Promotion. They delve into community readiness, prevention strategies, and the importance of data-driven decision-making. Holly highlights initiatives in trauma-informed care, the significance of social determinants of health, and equity in prevention efforts. The conversation also explores youth-led prevention, resources for Ohio's prevention professionals, and upcoming projects, including statewide vaping and alcohol prevention programs. Discover how these initiatives enhance Ohioans' quality of life.

Holly Raffle Holly Raffle is a distinguished academic and practitioner in the field of public health and prevention with a focus on community-based strategies. Born in Chicago and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, Holly holds undergraduate degrees from Ohio University in health education and athletic training. She has extensive experience working in athletic training and high school education, particularly at Logan High School. Currently, she serves as a faculty director at Ohio University's Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service. Holly directs the Partnership for Community-Based Prevention and is deeply involved with the Ohio Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Prevention and Promotion. She balances her professional commitments with her role as a mother and an active community member.

• Strategic Prevention Framework: Understanding the steps and significance of the strategic prevention framework in implementing effective community-based prevention strategies.
• Community Readiness and Data: Utilizing data to assess community readiness and tailor prevention efforts accordingly, facilitated by tools like the Ohio Healthy Youth Environment Survey.
• Culturally Relevant Strategies: The necessity for prevention efforts to be culturally relevant and adaptable to community-specific contexts for maximum impact.
• Trauma-Informed Care: Adopting trauma-informed practices in community and school settings to foster environments of safety and support, enhancing overall well-being.
• Role of Educators and Stakeholders: The critical role of educators, coalitions, and community stakeholders in supporting and sustaining prevention initiatives.

1. "Every educator is connected to prevention because education is a social determinant of health."
2. "Prevention is not like a faucet that you turn on and off. You sort of turn it on and let it drip.”
3. “When equity deserving communities succeed, we all succeed.”
4. "People are coming from a place most of the time that's good. People are coming from a place of bringing, you know, sometimes a hundred pounds of baggage in a bag that only holds five pounds."
5. "Everyone has a role to play in prevention. Find what your role is, connect with your local coalitions or your local schools, and see if you can incorporate prevention into your work."

• Ohio Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Prevention and Promotion: Website
• Ohio Adult Allies: Website
• Strategic Prevention Framework: SAMHSA Information
• Ohio Healthy Youth Environment Survey (OHYES!): Website
• Prevention Action Alliance: Website

Stay tuned for more insightful episodes from "School Wellness" as we continue to explore the intersection of education and health, bringing you the latest in prevention science and community well-being. Make sure to listen to the full episode for a deeper understanding of the impactful work being done to promote healthier communities in Ohio.

Discover more resources from the Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention & Early Intervention at OhioSBCOE.org.