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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
  • Suzanne Aftabizadeh - Empowering Appalachian Youth Through Prevention and Community Collaboration

    Suzanne Aftabizadeh - Empowering Appalachian Youth Through Prevention and Community Collaboration
    Feb 24 2026
    About the Guest(s): Suzanne Aftabizadeh is a dedicated professional in the field of public health, hailing from Athens, Ohio. A native of the region, Suzanne pursued her studies at Ohio University where she focused on biology and Spanish. Passionate about women's health and child welfare, she served two years with ComCor, an AmeriCorps program linked with the Ohio University Medical School, which deepened her commitment to public health and health education. Currently, Suzanne is at the helm of the Youth Led Prevention Council at the Appalachian Children Coalition (ACC), where she plays a pivotal role in spearheading efforts to bring prevention programming to underserved Appalachian communities. Episode Summary: In this enlightening episode of School Wellness hosted by Amanda Hampton, Suzanne Aftabizadeh of the Appalachian Children Coalition (ACC) joins us to delve into the multifaceted world of youth-led prevention work in Appalachian Ohio. The conversation focuses on Suzanne's journey, her current role, and the significant impact of ACC's initiatives on the regional communities. Youth-Led Prevention and Community Engagement: Suzanne shares her experiences and the ACC's mission to empower youth in Appalachia through strategic prevention programming. The discussion reveals how the ACC fosters youth leadership by addressing historical underrepresentation and the acute needs of the Appalachian region, such as high poverty rates and limited access to mental health care. Suzanne eloquently advocates for the community-driven approach of the ACC, emphasizing the importance of listening to the unique needs and cultural aspects of each community within the 32 counties served by the coalition. Enhancing Resources and Youth Empowerment: The episode dives into the ACC's vision to improve health and well-being through collective advocacy and strategic investments. Suzanne highlights how youth-led prevention efforts not only empower young people but also build community partnerships to deliver vital resources. The conversation underscores the essential role of youth voice in crafting effective prevention programs, illustrating the transformative power of involving young leaders in tackling the pressing issues of mental health, substance abuse, and education outcomes in the Appalachian region. Key Takeaways: The Appalachian Children Coalition (ACC) is committed to empowering youth and addressing the dire need for resources in the underserved Appalachian region of Ohio. Youth-led prevention efforts are crucial for transforming mental health and educational outcomes, with young leaders positioned at the forefront of advocacy and action. Building community partnerships and enhancing existing local resources are central to ACC's strategy to deliver impactful and sustained support to Appalachian communities. Suzanne Aftabizadeh emphasizes the importance of integrating youth voice in prevention programming, aligning with the ACC's mission to foster resilience and access to opportunities for young people. Addressing barriers like lack of Internet access, transportation, and entrenched stigmas require tailored approaches that resonate with the unique cultures of Appalachian communities. Notable Quotes: "Youth listen to youth. That's something I've learned as someone who's not too far out of high school." - Suzanne Aftabizadeh "Prevention is this wonderful umbrella term because pretty much anything positive that wants a positive outcome can fall under that prevention umbrella." - Suzanne Aftabizadeh "The Appalachian Children Coalition really started to address the lack of access to mental health care specifically for young people." - Suzanne Aftabizadeh "Involving youth in these processes not only gives them voice but crafts the foundation upon which they can build their futures." - Suzanne Aftabizadeh "We want our communities to thrive and not to have to leave the region just to get access to a medical doctor or a therapist." - Suzanne Aftabizadeh Resources: Learn more about joining or supporting the Appalachian Children Coalition through their website (URL not explicitly mentioned in the transcript). Connect with Amanda Hampton and the Ohio School Based Center of Excellence at Miami University for resources on school-based prevention and early intervention support. For a deeper understanding of how youth-led prevention is shaping the future of Appalachian communities, be sure to listen to the full episode and stay tuned for more insightful discussions from School Wellness with Amanda Hampton.
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    59 mins
  • Evan Whitehead - Supporting School Wellness Through Prevention and Behavioral Health Integration

    Evan Whitehead - Supporting School Wellness Through Prevention and Behavioral Health Integration
    Feb 9 2026
    About the Guest:

    Evan Whitehead is an experienced educator with nearly 30 years in the profession. He began his career as a crisis interventionist at a therapeutic day school for students with emotional disabilities and advanced through roles such as classroom teacher and assistant superintendent. His expertise extends to consulting and presentations at national and international levels. Evan is associated with SheRay's & Associates, where he contributes his knowledge in strategic planning, behavioral health, mental health, prevention, and educational services. He supports the behavioral health and wellness initiatives at the Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention & Early Intervention.

    Episode Summary:

    In this insightful episode of "School Wellness," host Amanda Hampton of the Ohio School Based Center of Excellence at Miami University engages in a captivating conversation with guest Evan Whitehead. With a wealth of experience in education and behavioral health, Evan highlights the intersection between prevention, mental health, and education, emphasizing the importance of sustainable programming in schools. The discussion revolves around the synergy between behavioral health and educational practices, offering valuable insights for educators and prevention professionals alike.

    Evan Whitehead underscores the significance of integrating behavioral health and wellness coordinators within schools to efficiently manage support services without overburdening clinicians. He emphasizes the crucial role of sustainability in prevention efforts, ensuring that impactful programs endure beyond their initial implementation. Evan's expertise in aligning strategic planning with school improvement initiatives shines through as he discusses the interconnectivity of prevention frameworks and school processes, providing a roadmap for schools to better support students' mental and emotional well-being.

    Key Takeaways:

    • The integration of Behavioral Health and Wellness Coordinators in schools helps ensure a coordinated approach to student mental health services.

    • The importance of sustainability in prevention programming is emphasized to maintain long-term benefits and impacts.

    • Understanding and aligning school improvement plans with behavioral health strategies can foster effective collaborations between schools and community organizations.

    • Data-driven approaches in prevention and education aid in identifying and addressing specific needs within school communities.

    • Promoting a culture of Balance, Boundaries, and BreaksTM among educators can prevent burnout and enhance personal and professional well-being.

    Notable Quotes:

    1. "The foundation of universal prevention supports can increase the likelihood that students will have a healthy and sustainable lifestyle as they mature." - Evan Whitehead

    2. "We want to make sure that those efforts are sustained so we can also get longevity in terms of the work that is put in." - Evan Whitehead

    3. "Understanding where the alignment is between all the different areas of the work is crucial." - Evan Whitehead

    4. "Balance, Boundaries, & BreaksTM are what I call my three Bs." - Evan Whitehead

    5. "The culture and climate have to be conducive to support all of these efforts to happen." - Evan Whitehead

    Resources:

    • SheRay's & Associates

    • Ohio School Based Center of Excellence at Miami University

    This episode provides valuable insights into how behavioral health and education can work hand in hand to support students more effectively. Listen to the full episode to delve deeper into the practical strategies and thought-provoking ideas shared by Evan Whitehead. Stay tuned for more enriching discussions on school wellness and prevention.
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    41 mins
  • Christi Scott Bartman - Eyes Up Appalachia

    Christi Scott Bartman - Eyes Up Appalachia
    Jan 28 2026
    Content Warning: This episode contains mature subject matter intended only for mature audiences. If you or someone you know is dealing with sexual abuse or human traficking, please seek professional help and support. There are links for organizations that may help in our show notes. And your local children's services organization can help as well. If you or someone you know are in an immediate life-threatening situation, please call 911. If you or someone you know are having a mental health crisis, please call 988. About the Guest(s): Christi Scott Bartman: Christi Scott Bartman is the founder of Eyes Up Appalachia, an initiative aimed at addressing human trafficking, especially in the Appalachian counties of Ohio. With a rich background in academia and a pivotal experience at Bowling Green State University where she learned about human trafficking, Christi transitioned into an advocacy role and has since worked closely with legislation and community organizations to raise awareness and combat the issue. Collaborating extensively with survivors and state agencies, she is committed to reshaping the narrative and providing resources to vulnerable populations. Episode Summary: In this episode of "School Wellness," host Amanda Hampton engages with Christi Scott Bartman, the visionary behind Eyes Up Appalachia, to shed light on human trafficking and its impact on Ohio's communities, particularly in the Appalachian region. Christi shares her journey from academia to advocacy, inspired by a student's project that highlighted the prevalence of human trafficking. This episode delves into the various facets of trafficking, dispelling common misconceptions and emphasizing the localized nature of the issue. With a passion for education and prevention, Christi unveils efforts to create awareness, educate communities, and foster collaborations across state lines. Throughout the discussion, Christi highlights the significance of understanding the definition of human trafficking, explaining that it involves compelling individuals into commercial sex, labor, or services through fraud, force, or coercion. She notes that, contrary to popular belief driven by mainstream media portrayals such as "Sound of Freedom" and "Taken," trafficking is often a localized issue, deeply rooted in community dynamics. Special focus is given to familial trafficking in Appalachian areas, where economic desperation often leads to distressing situations involving family members. With references to Ohio's distinct approach to legislation and community partnerships, Christi offers a comprehensive overview of the resources available, including collaborations with the Ohio Network of Children's Advocacy Centers, and relink.org. Key Takeaways: Localized Human Trafficking: Human trafficking is not just an international issue but a local community problem, often involving familiar perpetrators. Familial Trafficking: In Appalachian regions, the phenomenon of familial trafficking is alarmingly prevalent, involving situations where family members engage in trafficking. Education and Partnerships: Through Eyes Up Appalachia, Christi Scott Bartman advocates for educational efforts and partnerships with local organizations to address trafficking effectively. Community Involvement: Communities play a vital role, needing to form multidisciplinary teams to create support networks that protect and prevent trafficking. Data and Research: Gathering accurate data remains a challenge due to silos and inconsistent reporting methods. Notable Quotes: "What we are seeing in Appalachia is concerningly tied to familial trafficking…a lot of it looks vastly different than what's portrayed in movies like Taken." "Our mission is simple: Illuminate, educate, and activate against human trafficking." "Children with childhood sexual assault history are highly vulnerable, and often subsequent trafficking goes unnoticed." "For educators, be that safe adult—the positive influence they remember, like a kind bus driver." "The community's role in establishing a safety net is indispensable; collaboration across disciplines is crucial." Resources: Eyes Up Appalachia: Website Ohio Network of Children's Advocacy Centers University of Toledo Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute Relink.org: Website Foundation for Appalachian Ohio Appalachian Children CoalitionOhio School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention & Early Intervention For more insight into the critical topic of human trafficking and the impactful work being done in Ohio's communities, listen to the full episode. Stay tuned for more informative and thought-provoking discussions in future episodes of the "School Wellness" podcast.
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    44 mins
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