Podcasts

1. School Based Mental Health and Wellness

In this inspiring conversation, County Superintendent Dave Gordon shares how one district is redefining student wellness by placing mental health clinicians directly in schools. With a focus on prevention, access, and sustainability, this bold initiative is building trust, breaking barriers, and creating a model other communities can follow.

2. Clinical Creativity Overview

In this powerful conversation, school-based clinician Naima Bryant explores the idea of “clinical creativity”—meeting students where they are with compassion, flexibility, and trust. She shares how building authentic, judgment-free relationships can support students through trauma and crisis, often in ways traditional therapy can’t. Her approach highlights the unique power of school-based mental health to make a real difference, right in the moment.

3. Clinical Creativity in Practice

Clinical supervisor Patrick Shermer shares how “clinical creativity” helps students thrive by building connections across the entire school community. From joining recess games to running Dungeons & Dragons therapy groups, Patrick uses creativity and heart to support students in real time—inside and outside the classroom. His approach shifts mental health from isolated sessions to a web of relationships, showing that healing often begins with trust, play, and meeting students where they are.

4. Creating Successful COST Teams

In this uplifting conversation, Desiree Johnson shares how Coordination of Services Teams (COST) bring school staff together to remove barriers to student success. By uniting educators, counselors, clerks, and more, COST teams identify needs—big or small—and create action plans that support the whole child. Desiree emphasizes flexibility, communication, and celebrating small wins as key to keeping the work sustainable, effective, and grounded in hope.

5. The Inflection Point

Family Navigator Jordan Coleman shares how his role bridges the gap between schools, families, and essential services. As one of the first in this pioneering position, Jordan helps students and caregivers navigate challenges like grief, housing, and access to healthcare—while building trust and connection. Through heartfelt stories and community collaboration, he shows how a single supportive adult can be the turning point in a student’s life.