The Center for Safe and Secure Schools continues to keep mental health at the forefront of academic discussions. The “Let’s Talk Mental Health Series,” co-founded by Climate and Culture Specialists Michelle Calhoun and Dr. Tiffany Chaney in 2025, provides educators and professionals with a consistent space to care for their well-being while learning from experts and their colleagues’ experiences. 

On Sept. 17, the pair welcomed attendees to the “Reset the Nervous System Before the Year Begins” session, which explored how to identify early stress signals and normalize mental health conversations before challenges escalate. The series, which averaged about 40 attendees a month in its first year, continues throughout the school year. Session topics emerged from consistent requests for tools and strategies surrounding stress, regulation, burnout prevention and more.  

“Mental health remains a critical part of school safety and overall wellness,” Chaney explained. “Continuing this series allows us to help decrease stigma, strengthen early‑intervention awareness, and ultimately save lives, while ensuring educators and mental health professionals have ongoing opportunities to sharpen their skills and expand their toolkits to better support their community.” 

Though the series is designed with educators in mind, it is open to parents and students seeking a better understanding of emotional well-being. 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.