Nancy Watson (LCSW, CADC) is a psychotherapist at Lake Forest Wellness (Lake Forest, Illinois) specializing in working with children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of presenting concerns. Nancy is passionate about helping clients navigate mental health challenges, manage developmental and life transitions, and achieve their personal goals. Her multifaceted approach incorporates a variety of …
Does the school policy at your school account for students who may be experiencing mental health challenges? Do staff know how to be trusted adults? How do your current school policy and staff training create an inclusive school environment around mental health? About Us Erika’s Lighthouse is a non-profit organization founded in 2004 that is …
The Power of Programs with Impact Part IV:School Policy & Staff Development Read More »
Access Programs Trigger Warning: Suicidal Ideation My Story I have always been someone who is afraid of reaching out for help. However, that had to change when at the end of freshman year I reached a point where I could not handle everyday life and feelings by myself. My parents were freshly divorced, COVID hit, and …
The Importance of Reaching Out to a Trusted Adult Read More »
Access Portal Another study. Another confirmation that our youth are struggling with their or their peers’ mental health. In fact, student mental health experiences are now dramatically, and negatively, impacting the academic purpose of schools. According to the latest YouthTrust Student Survey, “‘Depression, stress, and anxiety’ is the most prevalent obstacle to learning for secondary students at …
Schools Can Address Mental Health Smarter, Better, Easier Read More »
Access Programs Erika’s Lighthouse at SHAPE Florida I heard an amazing presentation on Erika’s Lighthouse curriculum at a conference hosted by SHAPE Florida, the state organization for physical and health education K-12 teachers in Florida. Rachel Winsten, a high school P.E. teacher presented with passion and spoke about the opportunity through Erika’s Lighthouse. Erika’s Lighthouse offers resources …
Why Educators Must Focus on Student Mental Health Read More »
Access Programs Where It Begins For many districts, the path they follow into a more systemic approach to social and emotional learning (SEL) begins with concerns for their students (and adults’) mental wellness. This is both a logical connection as well as a narrow view of SEL. There are indeed many links between a systemic approach …
Promoting Student Thriving by Connecting SEL and Mental Health Read More »
Access Programs The end of the school year is right around the corner and it brings an exciting time for change and new chapters in students’ lives. Erika’s Lighthouse recognizes this may also be a stressful and overwhelming season for students and teachers. Whether it’s state testing or finals we acknowledge that this may make …
Mental Health Awareness Month: Take the Positivity Pledge Read More »
At Erika’s Lighthouse, we believe in creating a more equitable and inclusive world around mental health. We want every student in every school to have access to mental health education programs that change the narrative around stigma, depression, and suicide. That is why all of our high-quality programs are provided to school communities completely free …
Support Erika’s Lighthouse in Kind and Volunteering Read More »
Erika’s Lighthouse is a nonprofit dedicated to providing free turn-key resources to educators to create inclusive school cultures around mental health. Every student deserves good mental health. By using our resources in your school you promote school-wide mental health awareness, positivity, and help-seeking. The 2022-2023 Program Report details Erika’s Lighthouse impact across over 500,000 students this …
You have the opportunity to empower school professionals around the country by sponsoring Erika’s Lighthouse Resource Portal. By focusing on a specific state or educational specialty (school social workers, health educators, or counselors), you can equip school communities with the tools they need to normalize conversations, reduce stigma and promote an inclusive school culture around mental …
Portal Sponsorship: The Opportunity to Empower School Professionals Around the Country Read More »
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