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

administrator roundtable
December 1, 2024

29 MIN

EP 29: Administrator Roundtable: Aligning District Capabilities to Support Student Mental Health

In this episode, Duncan and Laine are joined by five district partner leaders to discuss the current state of school-based mental health in the aftermath of the pandemic. The conversation explores the interconnected challenges of mental health, severe absenteeism, and disciplinary issues, while also highlighting the most effective strategies they’ve found for supporting educators in these areas.
school-based mental health
November 4, 2024

29 MIN

EP 28: ESS Clinician Roundtable: Navigating the Latest in School-Based Mental Health Initiatives

In this episode, Duncan and Laine are joined by five of Effective School Solutions’ clinical and professional development staff members to discuss what they are seeing with respect to mental health, emotional, and behavioral challenges so far this school year. They also unpack the root causes driving some of the challenges and actionable steps educators can take to enhance mental health support in their schools this year.
alternatives to suspension
September 25, 2024

29 MIN

EP 27: Exploring Alternatives to Suspension

In this episode, Joseph Engelhardt, Principal of Alexander Hamilton High School, Elmsford Union Free School District, and mental health keynote speaker, joins Duncan and Laine to discuss challenges and resistance to restorative discipline in an educational setting, ways to measure the success of alternatives to suspension, as well as the links between mental health and discipline.
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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.

  • Implement an in-school clinical program
  • Navigate CYBHI reimbursement from setup through claims
  • Maximize eligible reimbursement with less admin lift 

Learn more about Funding Sustainable School-Based Mental Health Programs

Complete this form to schedule a free mental health planning session where we will discuss available financial sources you can leverage to fund school-based mental health programs in your district.

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Our Unwavering Focus on Data Collection

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:

• Set data driven goals at the beginning of every implementation

• Have regular “Report Card” meetings in which we share the impact of ESS services

• Monitor data along the way to look for potential risk areas so that these can be proactively addressed

Learn more about our Will to Wellness 6 Step Framework

Complete this form to discuss best practices for districts, states, and federal policymakers that will reinvent mental health in schools over the next five years.

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Speak with our experts to learn how your district can improve outcomes and reduce costs

Complete this form to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your needs and challenges and to provide insights on where you may be able to improve mental health support.

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