MindBeat Podcast

EP 41: Safe Spaces, Strong Systems: Advancing School-Based Mental Health Through ACEs Aware

In this episode, Laine Whitaker is joined by co-host Dr. Christopher Sattele, Principal at Lancaster-Lebanon IU13, for a conversation with Dr. Jim Kooler and Dr. Aaron Noor of the California Department of Public Health’s Office of School Health. Together, they explore how systems-level leadership and trauma-informed approaches are advancing school-based mental health and shaping safer, more supportive learning environments across California. The discussion highlights the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), the role of public health partnerships in education, and what it looks like to implement these strategies in schools.
Hosted By:
Laine Whitaker

March 27, 2026

49 min

Voices of ESS

Cortnee, Megan, & Jalen

EP 17: School-based Clinicians Weigh in on the Youth Mental Health Crisis

Image of Mindbeat with 4 people

EP 15: Supporting the Mental Health Needs of Early Learners

Image of Mindbeat with 3 people

EP 14: Summer Planning for Student Mental Health

All Episodes

March 27, 2026

29 MIN

EP 41: Safe Spaces, Strong Systems: Advancing School-Based Mental Health Through ACEs Aware

In this episode, Laine Whitaker is joined by co-host Dr. Christopher Sattele, Principal at Lancaster-Lebanon IU13, for a conversation with Dr. Jim Kooler and Dr. Aaron Noor of the California Department of Public Health’s Office of School Health. Together, they explore how systems-level leadership and trauma-informed approaches are advancing school-based mental health and shaping safer, more supportive learning environments across California. The discussion highlights the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), the role of public health partnerships in education, and what it looks like to implement these strategies in schools.
March 12, 2026

29 MIN

EP 40: Regulating, Relating, and Reasoning: Applying the Neurosequential Model in Schools

In this episode, Laine Whitaker and co-host Laura Butler of Sacramento City Unified School District welcome Katie Lohmiller and Halley Gruber, program directors with the Neurosequential Model in Education (NME), for a conversation about bringing neuroscience into everyday classroom practice. Together, they explore how understanding brain development can transform the way educators interpret behavior, respond to student needs, and build supportive learning environments. The discussion highlights common misconceptions about discipline and behavior change and practical strategies schools can use to implement brain-informed practices that strengthen both teacher efficacy and student well-being.
February 24, 2026

29 MIN

EP 39: Kids Do Well If They Can: Rethinking Behavior and Belonging in Schools

In this episode, Laine Whitaker and co-host Colleen Patterson, Director of Development of Effective School Solutions, welcome Dr. Ross Greene, clinical psychologist, author, and creator of the Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) model. They discuss how “kids do well if they can,” why unmet skills drive challenging behavior, and how CPS reduces suspensions and punitive discipline. The conversation provides a compassionate, research-based framework for educators and leaders seeking more effective approaches to student behavior. 
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For California school districts

In-school mental health services and simplified CYBHI reimbursement.

We help districts build clinical programming, manage the CYBHI reimbursement process, and capture more eligible reimbursement without adding administrative burden.

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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:

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