6th Annual RC SELPA Mental Health Symposium: Mental Health Matters

This workshop introduces a developmentally responsive, trauma-informed grief intervention designed to help students navigate loss through the healing power of art therapy. Participants will explore how grief affects emotional regulation, peer relationships, and academic engagement—and why timely, school-based support is essential.Grounded in the restorative role of rituals, the session features the creation of a portable memorial altar as a meaningful tool for remembrance, continuing bonds, and resilience-building. Through a guided, hands-on art experience, attendees will leave with practical strategies to implement creative, school-based interventions that strengthen coping skills, social connection, and sustained student engagement.

School employees—including teachers, administrators, and support staff—are experiencing sustained levels of stress, burnout, and absenteeism that directly impact retention, morale, and student outcomes. Research from the RAND Corporation and the American Psychological Association underscores the urgency of addressing workplace stress in education through systemic, rather than episodic, responses.

This presentation highlights the development and implementation of a comprehensive Workplace Wellness Program designed specifically for school system employees. Grounded in the philosophy, “Put on your own mask first before assisting others,” the initiative reframes staff wellness as a leadership responsibility and organizational priority—not an optional add-on.

The session will outline how the Desert Sands Unified School District Staff Wellness Committee built a structured action plan that integrates physical, mental, and preventive health supports directly into the work environment. Using staff survey data and participation trends, the program established a yearlong calendar of accessible, interest-driven wellness opportunities designed to reduce barriers to engagement—particularly the common perception of having “no time” during the workday.

This interactive session moves beyond understanding trauma to focus on how educators can respond in real time. Participants will engage in simulations, real-world scenarios, and guided practice to explore how trauma impacts student behavior, learning, and emotional regulation. Emphasis is placed on creating safe, predictable environments, building strong relationships, and supporting regulation for both students and staff. Attendees will leave with practical strategies and language they can implement immediately in their school settings.