Enhancing Student Mental Wellness with Systemic Supports
Did you miss the webinar? Watch it here:
We’re excited to invite you to a special discussion that hits close to home for all of us in the educational community!
This is more than just a webinar; it’s a chance to come together with educators from all over the country and, in partnership with the Tennessee School Counselors Association, to discuss one of the most pressing challenges we face: supporting our students’ mental health.
About the Webinar
In this session, you’ll hear from researchers, education leaders, and practitioners working in the trenches with students, as they talk about real challenges and innovative solutions. We know the statistics and the stories—they’re in our classrooms, our offices, and our communities. Now, let’s talk about what we can do about it.
What to Expect
- The realities of student mental health today, and the tangible effects on learning, behavior, and community well-being.
- A look at a holistic approach to mental wellness that’s showing promise, without getting bogged down in acronyms or jargon.
- Success stories and strategies from schools that are making a difference. This isn’t about theory; it’s about what’s working, what isn’t, and how we can adapt these lessons for our schools.
- Practical takeaways that you can start applying right away, no matter your role in a student’s life.
Join the Conversation
But this isn’t a one-way conversation. We want to hear from you, too. Bring your questions, your experiences, and your ideas to the chat. This is a chance to share your voice, learn from peers, and leave with strategies to support our students better. Whether you’re a teacher, counselor, administrator, or play another vital role in education, your participation is key. Together, we can build a stronger, more supportive framework for our students’ mental wellness.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a difference. Join us, share your insights, and let’s take a step forward together.
Reserve Your Spot Today!
Panelists
Dr. Gena Surgener
has over a quarter-century of experience in K-12 education as both a special education teacher and school counselor. She is currently the Project Director at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville’s Center for Behavioral Health Research and an adjunct instructor at Lipscomb University’s School Counseling program. Her projects focus on merging educational practices with behavioral health supports in Tennessee’s public schools.
Jordan Shields
leverages her background in macro social work, focusing on community development, stakeholder engagement, and program evaluation. Her work in implementing whole student supports within community school strategies has extended to assisting education-related nonprofits in the development and assessment of student support initiatives, including mental health and after-school programs.
Dr. Leigh Bagwell
is a key member of the School Counseling Core Faculty at Capella University, having transitioned to academia after a dynamic career as a school counselor and leadership roles in school counseling. Her educational journey includes earning her doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Tennessee, aiming to prepare future counselors for providing effective, ethical, and culturally aware counseling services.
Anna O’Dell
is actively pursuing her PhD in Social Work at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Her dissertation examines the nexus between teacher wellbeing and retention, informed by her hands-on experience as a school-based therapist. O’Dell’s research emphasizes an asset-based approach to supporting teachers’ wellbeing, with a particular focus on the implications of economic factors for teacher satisfaction and retention.
Amy Baltimore
is a fervent advocate for the role of school counselors in Tennessee, where she leads as the board chair for the Tennessee School Counselor Association and oversees school counseling across her district. Her vision encompasses enhancing the recognition and support of school counselors as integral to students’ academic growth, personal development, and readiness for life beyond school.
Jason Johnson
holds an EdS degree in School Psychology from his time working in Utah’s largest school district. As the Director of Training and Research for the WhyTry organization, he champions the cause of resilience education, providing consultancy and training to educators, counselors, and therapists nationwide. Johnson’s expertise in resilience, student motivation, and engagement has led to impactful programs and initiatives aimed at fostering positive student-educator relationships and enhancing student performance.