Conversations around mental health are often the hardest to begin, but they are usually the most important. The Center for Safe and Secure Schools (CSSS) is helping make that first step a little easier with the launch of its new virtual series designed to open doors, spark dialogue and remind students and the community that no one needs to navigate challenges alone.  

The “Let’s Talk Mental Health Series” grew from this summer’s Counselor Symposium, where conversations underscored the need for ongoing emotional support beyond a single event. Climate and Culture Specialists Dr. Tiffany Chaney and Michelle Calhoun lead the monthly sessions with expertise and empathy. One of their goals is to provide educators and professionals with a consistent space to care for their well-being while learning from experts and their colleagues’ experiences.  

“We had all these individuals present at the symposium, and we didn’t want that support to stop there because counselors and school professionals often put themselves last,” Chaney described. “We wanted to create a space where people could come once a month to refresh or recharge, get some continuing education hours and also some self-healing.”  

On Aug. 14, the pair welcomed more than 20 attendees to the inaugural session, “Holding Space for Grief.” Chaney explored the meaning of grief and the physical, mental and emotional state of a person experiencing loss. At the same time, Calhoun provided best practices for talking to children about death in an age-appropriate manner.  

The series continues throughout the year with sessions that align with national mental health awareness themes. From stress awareness and eating disorders to suicide awareness and navigating self-harm treatment plans, each discussion is designed to meet participants where they are and offer timely strategies. By weaving the sessions into the calendar year, CSSS ensures that mental health remains a sustained conversation rather than a momentary focus.  

“We can’t put a counselor in every classroom,” Chaney explained. “Normally, we get one to maybe every 500 kids, but if we get more people trained around mental health topics and get rid of the stigma surrounding them, we are better able to save lives.”  

With each session, attendees will learn the signs and symptoms to look for, how to begin discussing heavy topics and how to respond to various dialogues. They will also learn best practices on what to say and what not to say to people in certain situations.  

Though the series is designed with educators in mind, it is open to anyone seeking a better understanding of emotional well-being. Parents can gain practical tools to connect with their children, while professionals who work with youth can learn new strategies to use in their daily interactions. Attendees who work in education will receive one continuing education hour per month, making the series a resource for personal and professional development. 

Learn more about upcoming sessions and register here.