Explore our Thought Leadership

3 Steps to Helping Kids Thrive Beyond Trauma

WEBINARS/PODCASTS
In this panel discussion, we will discuss three steps every educator should take to ensure students are best supported and equipped as they transition back to the school building. We will lay out replicable groundwork all schools and educators can use now to maximize the support and success of all students, and especially those who have experienced anxiety, stress, and trauma.
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The Critical Role of Schools in Mental Health

WEBINARS/PODCASTS
Student mental health incident rates and severity were already on the rise before the pandemic. COVID-19 has placed new strains on school districts to support students, with both new problems and opportunities. 20-year education veteran and VP of District Partnerships for Effective School Solutions, Michael Roseman joins the Voices of eLearning podcast to talk about the state of mental health in K-12 before and after COVID-19.
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Radical Acceptance in the New Year

WEBINARS/PODCASTS
This webinar explores how we can benefit in times of uncertainty from the practice of Radical Acceptance. Participants will learn how to recognize how caregivers and students can access key distress tolerance skills to navigate challenging and stressful times, enabling them to tolerate discomfort and effectively cope with difficult situations as we begin the new year.
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A Win-Win for Districts: Self-Funding Expanded Mental Health Care for Students

WEBINARS/PODCASTS
There is a way for districts to support the mental health needs of their students. As districts begin budgeting for the coming year, they can potentially create a budget surplus through the creation of intensive, in-district therapeutic programs that offer the same quality of care as an out-of-district placement… at a fraction of the cost. This presentation will show you how.
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Accept, Tolerate, and Find Meaning: Practicing Distress Tolerance Skills During a Pandemic

WEBINARS/PODCASTS
The goal of practicing Distress Tolerance Skills is to accept, find meaning in, and tolerate discomfort and pain. This presentation will explore our abilities to manage and cope with uncertainties, and practice acceptance of what we cannot change. Participants will learn ways we can help students cultivate skills to help control emotion and behavior, accept our new reality, and build resiliency through the COVID 19 pandemic.
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Recognizing and Responding to Student Distress During a Pandemic: A Guide for Making Mental Health Referrals

WEBINARS/PODCASTS
Traditionally, referrals to school support services have relied on the eyes and ears of a multi-disciplinary team of educators. Unfortunately, because of blended and distance learning environments, student mental health struggles may not be as obvious as they once were. In this presentation participants will learn to identify and respond to the critical warning signs that students may display in distance learning environments during a pandemic.
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The Implications of Social Isolation on Substance Use Rates Among Teens (Part 2)

WEBINARS/PODCASTS
Research demonstrates that teens who abuse drugs have lower grades, a higher rate of absence from school and other activities, and an increased potential for dropping out of school. In part-two of this series participant’s will be able to describe the impact of substance abuse among adolescents, as well as, being able to identify risk factors, warning signs and ways to address student’s substance abuse issues.
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Educators Speak

WEBINARS/PODCASTS
The pandemic has significantly impacted student mental health in districts around the country. ESS surveyed educators about COVID-19, mental health and what back to school has been like. In this session, we will not just summarize the survey results but will also review mental health best practices that districts are utilizing around the country to impact students in need.
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The Implications of Social Isolation on Substance Use Rates Among Teens (Part 1)

WEBINARS/PODCASTS
During the coronavirus pandemic, adolescent substance abuse frequency for both alcohol and marijuana use increased. In part-one of this two-part series, participants will develop an understanding of how adolescent substance use looks during the pandemic, as well as, prevalence and predictors for abuse.
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Self-Care: Mindfulness for Stress Reduction

WEBINARS/PODCASTS
This webinar offers participants an introduction to Mindfulness and its many benefits relating to stress reduction and management. The benefits of bringing mindfulness into both work and life are increasingly being recognized, and research supporting this continues to grow. Stress levels are at an all-time high in response to the pandemic, making self-care practices a priority.
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Navigating Students Return to School During COVID-19

WEBINARS/PODCASTS
As students transition back to school in the fall, teachers will be faced with working with students with heighted states of fear and anxiety. In this presentation, participants will gain an awareness of the potential traumatic impact of COVID on students, along with tips that teachers can use to help offset students fears and anxiety in the classroom.
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Summer Fun!

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by Coleen Vanderbeek, ESS Director of Autism Services
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Virtual Show & Tell

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by Brittany Miller, ESS Clinician & Edward Watson, ESS Clinical Coordinator
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Daily Quarantine Questions

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by Deanne Fowler, ESS Clinical Coordinator
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Cope-Cakes

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by Bethany Pacifico, ESS Autism Clinician
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When Learning and Socializing Take Place on a Screen: How to Help Children Navigate Technology During the Pandemic

WEBINARS/PODCASTS
An expert on the intersection between social media, technology and mental health, Dr. Jill Walsh will share usage tips and strategies for parents and educators during the Pandemic.
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Affirmations for Trauma

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by The ESS Newark Team
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Responses to Racism Resources

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by The ESS Newark Team
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Connecting Through Card Games

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by James March, ESS Clinician
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The Healing Power of Touch

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Coleen Vanderbeek, ESS Director of Autism Services
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Recognizing Child and Adolescent Depression during a Pandemic

WEBINARS/PODCASTS
In this presentation, participants will gain an awareness of the signs and symptoms of child and adolescent depression, and the impact that social isolation is playing in its increased prevalence.
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The Magic of Music

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by Kelly Deegan, ESS Clinical Coordinator
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Ways to Build Compassion as a Family

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by Vanessa Boykewich, ESS Clinician
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COVID-19 and Student Mental Health: Reacting to the Present, Planning for the Future

WEBINARS/PODCASTS
Join Effective School Solutions ’ Duncan Young and Mike Roseman for a conversation about best practices in supporting the mental health of students during school closures, and in preparing for the mental health realities of the post-closure environment.
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Mandala Making

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by Rhonda Mathis, ESS Clinician
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20 Second Hug

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by Melissa Callen, ESS Regional Director
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Coping Skills Box

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by Vanessa Boykewich, ESS Clinician
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Someday Soon Jars

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by Kelly Deegan, ESS Clinical Coordinator
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Social Media Cleanup

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by Laura McClinton, ESS Clinical Coordinator
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Bedroom Dance Party

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by Federico Lucas, ESS Clinician
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Mind Dump

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by Virginia Abrey, ESS Clinical Coordinator
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Supporting Students with Autism Through Uncertain Times

WEBINARS/PODCASTS
Dr. Coleen Vanderbeek explores a variety of strategies that can help to support students with Autism who may be struggling during this unprecedented time of change and ambiguity. Participants will also receive a complimentary copy of the ESS Supporting Students with Autism Through Uncertain Times: A Toolkit for Caregivers and Providers.
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Building Connections

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by Nicole Merlo-White, ESS Clinician
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Notes of Positivity

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by Jasmine Bryant, ESS Clinical Coordinator
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Silver Linings

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by Sean Mangan, ESS Clinician
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Mindful Doodling

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by Kaitlin Nazario, ESS Clinical Coordinator
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Mental Health BINGO

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by Lindsay Hutchison, ESS Clinical Coordinator
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The Power of Positivity

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by Jenn Wood, ESS Clinical Coordinator
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Meditation Challenge

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by Jenna Crance, ESS Clinical Coordinator
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Destigmatizing the Myth of Mental Health Disorders: Why It’s More Important than Ever

WEBINARS/PODCASTS
In this presentation participants identify possible warning signs of mental health concerns for students, while identifying common ways mental health is often stigmatized. Special focus on things to be aware of during these challenging times.
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Guided Imagery/Visualization Resources

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by Devon Zapicchi, ESS Clinical Coordinator
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RAIN Meditation

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by Allison Whitman, ESS Clinical Coordinator
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Tuning in to your Senses

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by Kelly Deegan, ESS Clinical Coordinator
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Sesame Street PSA

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by Kelly Deegan, ESS Clinical Coordinator
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Creative Resources

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by Fern Reinbeck, ESS Clinical Coordinator
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Mindful Messages

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by Rita King, ESS Clinician
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Positive Family Observations

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by Shari Kerr, ESS Coordinator
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Bird Watching

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by James Marsh, ESS Clinician
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The Mindful Jar

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by Jessica Spar, ESS Clinician
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The Impact of Technology on Children’s Emotional and Social Health

WEBINARS/PODCASTS
An expert on the intersection between social media, technology and mental health, Dr. Jill Walsh will share usage tips and strategies for parents and educators.
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Family Fun: At-Home Scavenger Hunt

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by: Nomora Pearyer, ESS Clinician
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Recess

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by Tara Gamble, ESS Clinician
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HALT Technique

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by Kelly Deegan, ESS Coordinator
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Virtual Field Trip

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Virtual Field Trip MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS Submitted by Lauren Ciccone, ESS Coordinator
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Yoga

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by Coleen Vanderbeek, Director of Autism Services
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Square Breathing

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by Diane Dioguardi, ESS Coordinator
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Family Photo Fun

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by Edward Watson, ESS Program Coordinator
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Nature Walk

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by Sarah Moodie, ESS Coordinator
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Grounding

MENTAL HEALTH MOMENTS
Submitted by Melissa Callen, ESS Regional Director
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The RTI Framework for Mental Health Care

WEBINARS/PODCASTS

The Four Pillars of Effective In-School Mental Health Programs

WEBINARS/PODCASTS

Beyond Autism: A Look in to Dual Diagnosis

WEBINARS/PODCASTS

Strong Connections are the Key to Student Learning

WEBINARS/PODCASTS
Student engagement has become a challenge but it is the backbone of the work we do. This workshop will help enhance your skills to engage both students and families either virtually or in person, allow you to utilize your own creativity and connect with students. Using a strength-based perspective, while being trauma attuned, improve re-engagement with students who may have felt disconnected from the school community or increase engagement with students who have always seemed to be the “Hard to Reach” student.
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Emotional Regulation and Acceptance in Uncertain Times

WEBINARS/PODCASTS
More than ever, our ability to cope with the challenges of our day to day lives depend on our ability to regulate our emotional response to our experiences. In this presentation, participants will explore the role of acceptance in understanding our reactions, managing negative and overwhelming emotions, and increasing positive experiences to reduce our emotional vulnerability and suffering. Strategies and content are applicable to both work with students, as well as for personal growth.
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Emotion Regulation, Trauma, and a Year of COVID-19

WEBINARS/PODCASTS
It is common for survivors of trauma to experience “anniversary reactions.” Next month marks the one year anniversary of the onset of COVID-19 in the U.S. Many people may experience a “trauma anniversary" and display symptoms such as increased anxiety, depression, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, nightmares, irritable outbursts, or even relive past events. This workshop will help participants to be able to identify trauma related responses in themselves and others, as well as some recommendations for how to proactively mitigate trauma anniversary responses.
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Prioritizing Mental Health through COVID Relief Funding

WEBINARS/PODCASTS
The data is clear. The COVID-19 pandemic has not just been a public health crisis, but a mental health crisis as well. Never has there been a greater need to expand clinical capacity to serve K-12 students and the Federal Government, through the passage of 3 COVID relief bills, has made student mental health a priority. Join ESS’ Mike Roseman, as he unpacks the emerging data on COVID-19’s impact on student mental health, the importance of creating a continuum of care, and how districts can expand all tiers of their mental health continuum utilizing stimulus funding and other funding sources.
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The Power of Relationships: How Students with Autism Can Thrive Amidst the Pandemic

WEBINARS/PODCASTS
April is Autism awareness month and there is no better time to discuss the successes of students in the ESS Dual Diagnosis program. With substantial research indicating an increase in student mental health needs, it would be fair to assume that students who were at increased psychiatric risk pre-pandemic would be negatively impacted by a year of isolation, fear, and universal trauma. However, data for ESS Dual Diagnosis programs shows that students who received intensive, supportive, relationship-based services, not only did well, but they also excelled.
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Youth Depression & Suicide: Identifying the Warning Signs

WEBINARS/PODCASTS
Children and teens spend significant time in school, so teachers and others who interact with students daily are in a prime position to recognize the signs of suicide risk and make appropriate referrals. This workshop helps teachers build the skills and confidence to identify and assist vulnerable youth in seeking help.
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Raising Resilient Teens in Challenging Times

WEBINARS/PODCASTS
Are you unsure how to bring up the topic of suicide, mental illness, or substance use with your child? Join ESS and Susan Tellone, RN, BSN, CSN Clinical Director for The Society of The Prevention of Teen Suicide for a discussion about the importance of talking to your child about identifying a “Trusted Adult,” warning signs of suicide and local resources, the potential impact of current events, social media and more.
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Children’s Mental Health Challenges Part 1

WEBINARS/PODCASTS
In part 1 of this series we explore the increase in student mental health issues pre and post the pandemic, Multi-tiered Systems of Support, best-practice standards for mental health service delivery in schools, as well as the importance of capacity building through professional development and coaching for teachers.
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Children’s Mental Health Challenges Part 2

WEBINARS/PODCASTS
In part 2, we discuss of the importance of flexible blended models of service delivery, data collection and how school districts can best prepare teachers, parents, and students for the 2021-22 School Year.
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The Importance of Post-COVID Student Mental Health

WEBINARS/PODCASTS
Kevin Hogan, host of EdTech Today, and ESS’ Duncan Young discuss student mental health and how remote platforms can help (to a degree).
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Part 1: Children’s Mental Health & Preparing for the Fall Semester

WEBINARS/PODCASTS
There’s no better place than to address mental health issues than at school where children can be surrounded by teachers and leaders. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor and ESS’ Jerry Barone discuss children’s mental health and preparation for the fall semester.
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Part 2: Children’s Mental Health & Preparing for the Fall Semester

WEBINARS/PODCASTS
Dr. Graham Taylor and ESS’Jerry Barone discuss key aspects of self-care in teachers and administrators, the confidence needed for a safe environment for our children, and practical strategies to help navigate students back into the school year.
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Essential Back to School Guide for Addressing School Avoidance

WEBINARS/PODCASTS
Districts are concerned that many new cases of school avoidance may be identified this fall. School avoidance is a complex syndrome influenced by temperament, genetics, cognitive factors, and family environment. This webinar provides an overview of some of the causal factors of school avoidance, while providing effective principles for treating and creating an effective response plan.
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Addressing the collective trauma of COVID-19 through MTSS

WEBINARS/PODCASTS
School districts across the country are currently determining how to best support the mental health of their students, many of whom have been struggling with social isolation, environmental stress, and increased anxiety- in short, a collective trauma shared by a whole generation of young people. Effective School Solution’s Mike Roseman and Jared DeLancey discuss what districts are doing and the importance of having a MTSS for Mental Health in place.
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Equity-Based MTSS for Mental Health Services

WEBINARS/PODCASTS
The MTSS concept of a continuum of tiered instruction and interventions has evolved over the years to be fully inclusive of all students. In this presentation participants will become familiar with the currently popular Equity-Based MTSS that is beneficial for all students, including those identified as students with disabilities.
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How Schools are Re-working their Mental Health Toolbox

WEBINARS/PODCASTS
In this panel discussion, district leaders will discuss the rise in student mental health challenges and how schools are supporting them, what their staff experienced as students returned to in-person instruction and the constant pivoting educators continue to do in the face of new COVID metrics and variants.
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School Avoidance: Tips for Parents & School Mental Health Professionals

WEBINARS/PODCASTS
School avoidance is a complex syndrome that is influenced by the family environment. This webinar focuses on what practitioners can do in helping parents to not only understand their child’s school avoidant behavior, but also how to get them back to school. We discuss signs and factors of school avoidance, effective intervention strategies for treating school avoidance, and best practices to help students and parents with school anxiety.
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Tier 1 Essentials: Expanding your District’s Mental Health Toolkit

WEBINARS/PODCASTS
MTSS Tier 1 supports are best conceptualized as mental health wellness and prevention services. In this webinar, participants will learn how to expand their Tier 1 programming by including not only professional learning, but universal screenings, trauma informed practices for the classroom, coaching, development of case consultations, and year-long mental health workshops for parents.
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Understanding and Supporting Stress and Mental Health in Neurodiverse (ND) Students

WEBINARS/PODCASTS
In this workshop, participants will develop an understanding of the impact toxic stressors have on the mental well-being of students who are neurodiverse. Neurodiversity refers to variations in the human brain regarding sociability, learning, attention, mood, and other mental functions in a non-pathological sense. Together we will explore ways to best support and foster student well-being.
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Transition Resets: A School District’s Guide for Emotion Regulation

WEBINARS/PODCASTS
Often students often lack the skills and have difficulty recognizing opportunities to regulate their emotions. Transition resets imbed mindfulness and emotional regulation techniques into student’s daily school routines. Then, resetting can become a transferable skill that is easily accessed when students are overwhelmed. The more students learn the value of resetting they begin to learn to reset themselves and others. In this webinar, participants will learn strategies for developing a reset paradigm in your classroom and school, along with practical techniques for implementation.
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How to Implement an In-District Mental Health Continuum

WEBINARS/PODCASTS
Recorded on January 29th, 2020
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Learn more about Funding Sustainable School-Based Mental Health Programs

Complete this form to schedule a free mental health planning session where we will discuss available financial sources you can leverage to fund school-based mental health programs in your district.

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Our Unwavering Focus on Data Collection

At ESS, we have an unrelenting focus on data, measuring results, and communicating to our partners the proven impact our programming has on mental health, school outcomes and financial sustainability.

With every ESS partner, we will:

• Set data driven goals at the beginning of every implementation

• Have regular “Report Card” meetings in which we share the impact of ESS services

• Monitor data along the way to look for potential risk areas so that these can be proactively addressed

Learn more about our Will to Wellness 6 Step Framework

Complete this form to discuss best practices for districts, states, and federal policymakers that will reinvent mental health in schools over the next five years.

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Speak with our experts to learn how your district can improve outcomes and reduce costs

Complete this form to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your needs and challenges and to provide insights on where you may be able to improve mental health support.

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Let’s Discuss Your Student Mental Health Needs

Fill out the form to request a meeting with one of our clinical experts to explore ways we can partner to strengthen your mental health programs.

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