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School Wellness

School Wellness

Written by: Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention & Early Intervention
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 How do educators best promote wellness for students and staff? Join host Amanda Hampton, a certified Prevention Specialist, and the Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence as we discuss supporting mental health in K-12 education. We will discuss innovative strategies and initiatives to create nurturing environments. Together we will gain insight and inspiration, and learn about evidence-based tools to positively impact student and teacher well-being. Tune in and join a community dedicated to building schools where children and the adults who support them are healthy and thriving. Discover more resources from the Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention & Early Intervention at ohiosbcoe.org.2024 Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Self-Help Success
Episodes
  • Jake Ross - Empowering Appalachian Communities through Mental Health Support and Resilience

    Jake Ross - Empowering Appalachian Communities through Mental Health Support and Resilience
    Jan 6 2026

    Jake Ross is a seasoned licensed independent social work supervisor and therapist, practicing in Ohio with additional licensures in Virginia, Indiana, and Florida. With over 20 years of experience in social work and child welfare, Jake currently serves as a senior trainer and consultant at Presidential Consultants, where he facilitates dynamic learning experiences aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of professionals in helping professions. Jake is also the founder of the Ross Wellness Group, focusing on empowering millennial men to manage stress and lead fulfilling lives.

    Episode Summary:

    Join Amanda Hampton in an insightful episode of School Wellness as she chats with Jake Ross, a dedicated professional from Presidential Consultants. With a focus on mental health and child welfare, Jake shares his journey and profound commitment to making a difference in the Appalachian region and beyond. From anecdotal experiences to strategic insights, Jake offers a comprehensive look into the challenges and strengths present within the communities he passionately serves.

    This episode delves into the core mission and vision of Presidential Consultants, an organization dedicated to improving helping professions through education and training. Explore the unique challenges and cultural characteristics of the Appalachian region, including geographic isolation and resource scarcity, that impact mental health and wellness. Jake emphasizes the importance of shifting language and mindset around mental health, transforming stigma into supportive dialogue, and adapting evidence-based practices to suit regional needs. Learn about the protective factors and resilience inherent in Appalachian culture and discover how community collaboration and self-care play a vital role in fostering mental wellness.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Jake Ross brings over two decades of expertise in social work, advocating for mental health and child welfare across the Appalachian region and beyond.

    • Presidential Consultants aims to equip helping professions with the necessary tools and knowledge through dynamic and accessible training programs.

    • Appalachian communities, while facing unique challenges such as geographic isolation and resource scarcity, exhibit remarkable resilience.

    • Shifting the dialogue around mental wellness from crisis-oriented to proactive and preventive can help dismantle stigma and encourage community engagement.

    • Emphasizing self-care and community collaboration are essential strategies in strengthening mental health across various populations.

    Notable Quotes:

    1. "I'm really big on trying to leave this world a better place than I came into it." - Jake Ross

    2. "Often Appalachian folks don't ask for help. They figure it out." - Jake Ross

    3. "I woke up first thing in the morning and say, what am I going to do to take care of myself so that I can pour into others the best that I can." - Jake Ross

    4. "It's all about that general awareness. If we're all generally aware of what these issues look like, what these red flags are, then we can start to keep an eye out." - Jake Ross

    Resources:

    • Presidential Consultants: PresidentialConsultants.com (Website not explicitly mentioned, but inferred as a resource for more information)

    • LinkedIn: Follow Presidential Consultants for blog posts and their Work Live Wellness series.

    • Ross Wellness Group: Founded by Jake Ross, focusing on millennial men's well-being.

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    43 mins
  • Honey Bell-Bey Youth-Led Prevention and the PARTS program

    Honey Bell-Bey Youth-Led Prevention and the PARTS program
    Dec 1 2025
    Show Notes - About the Guest: Honey Bell-Bey is a seasoned prevention specialist with a passion for integrating the arts into prevention strategies for young individuals. With a lifetime devotion to prevention work, Honey has been instrumental in numerous wellness initiatives throughout Ohio, particularly in the Cleveland area. Honey started as a peer educator in her youth, creatively engaging in grassroots prevention strategies, and has been pivotal in professionalizing prevention through credentialing and certification efforts. She is actively involved in various educational and community programs, including the PARTS initiative, which effectively combines Prevention, Academics, Resiliency, and Training to foster success among youth. Honey is also known for her vibrant work in poetry, using it as a powerful tool to connect and inspire. Episode Summary: In this illuminating episode of "School Wellness with Amanda Hampton," Amanda is joined by Honey Bell-Bey, an influential figure in the field of prevention and a passionate advocate for youth empowerment in Ohio. Throughout the conversation, Honey delves deep into her journey and dedication to prevention work, emphasizing the critical role that arts play in engaging young people in meaningful ways. From her beginnings as a peer educator to her current involvement with various educational initiatives, Honey shares her insights on the evolution of prevention strategies, particularly in Ohio, and the transformative impact they have on communities. Honey Bell-Bey captivates listeners with her in-depth discussion about prevention frameworks, particularly highlighting the CSAP strategies, which include areas like education, alternatives, and environmental initiatives. She reflects on Ohio's leadership in prevention efforts, noting the importance of credentialing in professionalizing the field. The episode also touches on the critical distinction between prevention and treatment, the challenges and triumphs within the discipline, and Honey's personal journey, underscoring the significance of personal wellness for those in the helping professions. With practical examples like the PARTS program, Honey illustrates how engaging young people as partners in prevention generates a ripple effect of positive change across communities. Key Takeaways: Integration of Arts in Prevention: Honey Bell-Bey emphasizes the role of the arts, including poetry and performance, in making prevention strategies engaging and effective for young people. Ohio's Leadership in Prevention: The state of Ohio is seen as a frontrunner in prevention efforts, with robust credentialing systems that elevate the professional standing of prevention specialists. Importance of Youth Engagement: Honey highlights the value of youth voice and engagement in prevention work, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment among young individuals. Distinction Between Prevention and Treatment: Understanding the difference between these two areas is crucial for effective intervention, focusing prevention efforts on avoiding the need for treatment. Community Involvement and Awareness: There's a pressing need for communities to spread awareness about available resources and prevention efforts to ensure services reach those who need them most. Notable Quotes: "I've worked in prevention most of my adult life in some capacity or another." — Honey Bell-Bey "Ohio definitely leads the way. We are leaps and bounds ahead of other states." — Honey Bell-Bey "Give young people what you are passionate about... Give them a piece of you." — Honey Bell-Bey "Prevention adds protection and it adds protection for the individual, for the family, and for the community." — Honey Bell-Bey "You have the capacity to reach whatever you want to reach...you are innately resilient." — Honey Bell-Bey Resources: Ohio Prevention Professionals Association (mentioned as a resource within the transcript) OCAM (Ohio's Coaches and Mentors Network) - For resources on prevention certification and mentorship. Join us for the full episode to dive deeper into the insightful conversation with Honey Bell-Bey, as she shares her profound experiences and knowledge in the field of prevention, and stay tuned for more thought-provoking discussions on "School Wellness with Amanda Hampton."
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    46 mins
  • Season 3 Trailer for School Wellness Podcast

    Season 3 Trailer for School Wellness Podcast
    Nov 25 2025

    Welcome to Season Three of the School Wellness Podcast, an initiative by the Ohio School Based Center of Excellence for Prevention and Early Intervention. This season will have 15 episodes and kicks off with influential conversations surrounding youth-led prevention, school mental health, and self-care frameworks in education. Delve into expert interviews that reveal the strategic efforts being made to ensure the health and well-being of children and educators in Ohio and beyond.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Youth-led prevention is crucial for empowering communities, an initiative actively supported by EyesUp Appalachia and leading consultants.

    • Integrating PAX Good Behavior Game in classrooms positively impacts school climate and student interaction.

    • The Balance, Boundaries and Breaks framework is a way for educators to maintain mental well-being in stressful environments.

    • Effective school safety and evidence-based curricula address both immediate and long-term educational needs.

    • Student voices, like those of Sydni Howard and Aarush Mantreau, are pivotal in shaping peer-driven prevention programs.

    ...and so much more!

    Notable Quotes:

    • "Engaging students directly in prevention drives real change in local communities." – Christi Scott Bartman, Executive Director

    • "Teachers implementing PAX Good Behavior Game see transformative classroom dynamics." – Theresa Stahl, Teacher

    • "Our framework helps educators find sustainable ways to include self-care into their daily routines." – Evan Whitehead, SheRay's Associates & Balance Boundaries & Breaks(TM)

    • "Safety in schools is about creating environments where learning can thrive without fear." – Mark Pohl, The Pohl Group

    • "This curriculum provides essential tools to educators for combating substance abuse effectively." – Michelle Stevens, Prime for Life
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    2 mins
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