Mental Health Week 2024

Meet Our Presenters for Mental Health and Wellness Week!

Monday – Friday | July 29th – August 2nd | 12pm – 1pm Eastern Time

Presenters: Dr. Christopher Jenson, Kristi Dixon, Brett Derickson, Dr. Avis Williams, Dr. Mindy Milavsky, David Heras, Jay Goyal,
Dr. Laura Wilhelm, Brandy Samuell, Dr. Angela Searcy, Surbhi Alaigh Vyas, Brenda Peña, Natalie Tung, Dr. Randi Melissa Schuster, and Jessica Smedley

	Supporting Staff and Student Mental Health Monday, July 29, 2024 Presented by Christopher Jenson, M.D., Senior Health Advisor, Educator, Public Speaker, and Amazon #1 Best-Selling Author on School Mental Health; Kristi Dixon, School Counselor, Blue Valley Unified School District 229 (KS); and Brett Derickson, Assistant Principal, Carson Middle School, Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8 (CO) In this panel discussion, Dr. Christopher Jenson and experts dive into the staff and student mental health crisis. Panelists offer unique views and their expert tips. WATCH THE RECORDING & LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
	Positive School Culture Through Wellness: A Conversation with Ed Leaders Tuesday, July 30, 2024 Presented by Dr. Avis Williams, Superintendent, NOLA Public Schools (LA); Dr. Mindy Milavsky, 2023 NJPSA Visionary Principal of the Year, 2023 NASSP New Jersey Principal of the Year, and Principal, Lawrence Middle School, Lawrence Township Public Schools (NJ); and David J. Heras, Ed.M., Principal, Conerly Road School, Franklin Township Public Schools (NJ) In this conversation, school and district administrators share their advice for supporting a positive school culture. Viewers benefit from hearing guidance on this subject from a leadership perspective. WATCH THE RECORDING & LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
	Effective Solutions for Student and Staff Wellness Wednesday, July 31, 2024 Presented by Jay Goyal, CEO, Alongside; Dr. Laura Wilhelm, Vice President for Professional Learning, Kaplan Early Learning Company; and Brandy Samuell, Director of Mental Health and Related Services, eLuma In this panel discussion, viewers hear more about mental health and wellness resources and solutions for students and staff. There is an urgent need for effective ways to mitigate our mental health crisis in schools and provide support. WATCH THE RECORDING & LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
	Wellness Strategies for All: Support In and Out of the Classroom Thursday, August 1, 2024 Presented by Angela Searcy, Ed.D., Author, Adjunct Instructor, and Mental Health Consultant, Erikson Institute and Simple Solutions Educational Services; Surbhi Alaigh Vyas, LPC, ACS, Founder, Healing Lotus Mental Health, and Former School Counselor; Brenda Peña, MSW, Director of Social Work, SEL, and Specialized Student Supports, Chelsea Public Schools (MA); and Natalie Tung, Co-Founder & Executive Director, HomeWorks Trenton In this discussion, mental health professionals share their knowledge and various strategies for improving wellness in schools and at home. WATCH THE RECORDING & LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
	Looking Ahead With Hope: Wellness Support in Transitions and Tough Conversations Along the Way to Graduation Friday, August 2, 2024 Presented by Randi Melissa Schuster, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital, Director of School-Based Research and Program Development and Director of Neuropsychology, Center for Addiction Medicine; and Jessica Smedley, LPC, Director of Counseling, West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District (NJ) This discussion culminates the week’s presentations by focusing on ways to connect with students and getting beyond the challenges behind receiving mental health and wellness support. Ed leaders share ways to encourage students who are facing challenging issues and share insight on how to navigate the journey to graduation. WATCH THE RECORDING & LISTEN TO THE PODCAST