School Mental Health

In addition to my clinical work, one of my biggest passions in the area of school-based mental health. My work is grounded in the belief that when schools prioritize relationships, emotional safety and well-being, and collaboration among all stakeholders, students are better equipped academically and socially—and employees feel more valued and experience greater job satisfaction.

Are you a school leader and interested in working together?

If you're a school administrator or district leader seeking to build a healthier, more connected, and emotionally safe campus culture, I offer consultations and professional development trainings tailored to the unique needs of your staff and students.

Please reach out so we can discuss your schools needs and potential solutions and supports.

Advancing School Mental Health Across Louisiana

With more than a decade of experience in school mental health, I have contributed meaningfully to the growth of trauma-informed, emotionally supportive educational environments across Louisiana. My work has centered on sustainable systems change, collaboration, and practical solutions that work within real-world limitations. Key highlights of my contributions include:

  • Establishing a School-Based Behavioral Health Department
    Successfully built a comprehensive behavioral health department from the ground up within a school setting—ensuring the mental wellness and safety of over 180 students each academic year.

  • Leading Trauma-Informed School Transformation
    Collaborated with a leadership team to transform an entire campus into a trauma-informed school. Over time, this resulted in measurable social and academic gains, including student and staff scores that consistently ranked above the national average on the Delaware School Climate Survey across multiple categories.

  • Leadership in Statewide Professional Organizations
    Proudly serve as the founding treasurer and current vice president of the Louisiana Association of School Social Work—a statewide organization dedicated to building a strong network of support, advocacy, and professional development for school social workers.

  • District-Level Consultation
    Provided consultation to schools from various school districts striving to enhance mental health support while facing common challenges such as limited funding, reduced staffing, and restricted time for non-instructional services. I help schools identify practical strategies to “do more with less” without compromising quality of care.

  • Professional Development & Training
    Facilitate engaging, hands-on training sessions for school staff and leadership teams on topics such as:

    • De-escalation strategies and alternative discipline methods that actually work

    • Mandated reporting and legal responsibilities

    • Trauma-informed transitions and systems change

    • Suicide, self-harm, and crisis management on campus

    • Understanding ACEs, trauma, and adolescent brain development

    • Implementing restorative justice circles and practices

  • Higher Education & Research Partnerships
    Work closely with local universities to:

    • Promote school mental health initiatives

    • Provide meaningful internship opportunities that prepare the next generation of school mental health professionals

    • Support ongoing research efforts

    • Present findings at state and national conferences, contributing to the broader field of education and school mental health reform