Building a Culture of Care: Innovative Mental Health Services for Today's Schools

Building a Culture of Care: Innovative Mental Health Services

for Today's Schools

with

Dr. Silvia Pastor

This part two of a two part in person presentation being hosted by Burlington Township Schools.

As mental health concerns among students continue to rise, schools are uniquely positioned to be on the frontlines of prevention, support, and intervention. This dynamic presentation will explore how school systems can move beyond crisis response to build a sustainable, inclusive, and proactive mental health infrastructure that truly meets the evolving needs of today’s diverse student populations.

This session will introduce a district-wide Wellness Model that places a dedicated mental health professional in every school building—ensuring timely and focused support for students. Grounded in both data and compassion, the model spans from universal social-emotional learning at the elementary level to targeted interventions and district-wide initiatives designed to protect and empower the most vulnerable youth.

Participants will gain insights into how creative programming—rooted in trauma-informed practices, restorative approaches, and equity-centered frameworks—can be implemented to shift school culture. Learn how partnerships with community mental health agencies, strategic use of grant funding, and family engagement initiatives can extend the reach and impact of in-school supports.

Attendees will also examine how data collection and analysis drive programming decisions and measure success, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement. Whether you are beginning this work or looking to expand existing services, this session offers a clear blueprint for creating mentally healthy schools that foster connection, resilience, and belonging for all students.

Objectives:

1. Identify key components of a district-wide Wellness Model that places mental health professionals in every school to address student needs proactively.
2. Analyze how data informs the design, implementation, and evaluation of mental health programming across diverse student populations.
3. Explore strategies for leveraging community partnerships and grant opportunities to build sustainable mental health services that integrate prevention, intervention, and culturally responsive practices.

NASP Domains for Both Presentations:

Domain 2: Consultation and Collaboration

Domain 4: Mental and Behavioral Health Services and Interventions

Domain 5: School Wide Practices to Promote Learning

Domain 9-Research and Evidence-Based Practice