In this episode, Chris Leonard talks with Pat Hovey, a leader and innovator among NJ Directors of Special Services. Pat has worked to implement and fund successful programs for students with mental health problems in several New Jersey school districts, as well as serving as an advisor to numerous other districts. Chris and Pat discuss the process of obtaining funding […]
17th, December, 2019
In Student Mental Health
PODCAST EPISODE 5: Navigating the Holidays: Supporting Students & Staff
In this episode, Chris Leonard talks with Dr. Mary Rose Scalo, a former Director of Special Services in Wayne and in Parsippany. Chris and Mary Rose discuss strategies for dealing with the heightened stress experienced by students, families, and staff during the holiday season and when transitioning back to school after the break.
3rd, December, 2019
In Student Mental Health
Holiday Stress & Mental Wellness: Supporting Students and Teachers
The most wonderful time of the year? Maybe not. Many look forward to a holiday season filled with fun activities shared with loved ones. For others, it’s far from the most wonderful time of the year.
14th, November, 2019
In Student Mental Health
4 Classroom Behavior Problems & Better Teacher Responses
Teaching is a tough job. You are expected to help every student learn and achieve good grades, but that’s only the beginning. You’re often in the position of acting like a parent or a counselor: teaching and modeling appropriate behavior, communication, and social skills. The problem is, your degree in education didn’t prepare you adequately for this aspect of teaching.
10th, October, 2019
In Student Mental Health
Tips for Recognizing Mental Health Issues in the Classroom
Every teacher has students struggling with mental health issues Did you know that 20% of students aged 9 to 17 have a diagnosable mental health disorder that causes some degree of impairment? Even worse, 10% have a disorder that causes significant impairment. And by all measures, student mental health issues are on the rise, including anxiety, mood, attention, and behavior […]
26th, September, 2019
In Student Mental Health
PODCAST EPISODE 4 – Solving School Avoidance: Strategies for Schools
Welcome to our podcast: Conversations About Student Mental Health. I’m Chris Leonard, Clinical Social Worker working with adolescents for over 25 years. In this podcast, I talk with school administrators, educators, clinicians, and parents to open a dialogue that will help the growing number of students struggling with mental illness.
19th, September, 2019
In Student Mental Health
Mandated Mental Health Education Is Trending, But Is It Enough?
Mandated mental health education in public schools seems to be trending across the country. New York and Virginia pioneered this concept in the summer of 2018, becoming the first two states to pass a law requiring mental health education in public schools. This past summer, Florida and New Jersey passed similar laws. Let’s take a look at the new mental […]
12th, September, 2019
In School Avoidance, Student Mental Health
Home Instruction in NJ: When Is It Appropriate and Legal?
With the increasing numbers of students suffering with anxiety, depression, and school avoidance, schools and parents are resorting to home instruction as a solution. This sometimes happens due to recommendations from psychologists and psychiatrists who don’t understand the purpose of home instruction under NJ law.
27th, August, 2019
In School Avoidance
School Refusal Interventions: 3 Common Mistakes
Effectively managing school refusal (also known as school avoidance or school phobia) takes a consistent, coordinated effort between the parents and the school. It may also require help from outside mental health resources. In this article, we’ll address common mistakes as well as more effective school refusal intervention strategies for both schools and parents.
27th, August, 2019
In School Avoidance, Student Mental Health
Podcast Episode 3: Strategies for Handling School Avoidance
Welcome to our podcast: Conversations About Student Mental Health. I’m Chris Leonard, Clinical Social Worker working with adolescents for over 25 years. In this podcast, I talk with school administrators, educators, clinicians, and parents to open a dialogue that will help the growing number of students struggling with mental illness. In this episode, I will be speaking with a […]