Session 1 of 3 in the "Championing Students Through Change: Welcoming Youth Transitioning To and From School" Series (view series page for full details)
Navigating life's transitions can be challenging, especially for students moving between different educational and institutional settings. This August, the Pacific Southwest MHTTC invites you to join us for a three-part series dedicated to supporting students through these critical periods of transition.
In this first session and throughout the series, we'll take a deep dive into trauma-sensitive and culturally responsive strategies for welcoming students back to school from special education programs, juvenile justice system involvement, hospitalizations, and more. Our goal is to equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to create nurturing environments that uplift students and foster their resilience as they navigate these significant transitions.
We'll explore practical strategies for supporting students transitioning to and from programs and institutions, and provide participants with the skills to promote a sense of belonging and resilience among students during these pivotal times. Key questions we'll address include:
Join us to build your capacity to champion students through times of transition. Whether you're an educator, administrator, school mental health professional, or youth advocate, you'll walk away with deepened empathy, practical tools, and a network of support.
Melissa Smith, M.S. (she/her)
Melissa Smith is the newest member of the Pacific Southwest MHTTC team. As a licensed collegiate and postgraduate professional, Melissa comprehends the immense influence education can have on cultivating safe, inclusive, and engaging learning spaces that amplify voices which often go unheard. As a licensed collegiate and postgraduate professional, Melissa understands education's profound impact on ability to challenge existing norms and perceptions, amplifying the voices of those from marginalized communities.
As a Change Consultant with Change Matrix, Melissa crafts transformative learning experiences that foster personal and professional growth. Her commitment extends beyond conventions as she envisions landscapes where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered to thrive. She uses her scholarly knowledge to create safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environments. Her methodology empowers people and organizations to question the status quo, utilize data-driven insights, and take tangible actions to create more equitable and inclusive environments.
A passionate professional with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Science in Reading from Radford University, Melissa encourages us to move beyond comfort zones to dismantle systemic barriers hindering social, emotional and mental health.
Oriana Ides, MA, APCC, PPS (she/her)
Oriana Ides is a School Mental Health Training Specialist at CARS (the Center for Applied Research Solutions) and approaches healing the wounds of trauma and oppression as core elements of social justice. She has worked with young people across the life course from elementary school to college, and has served as teacher-leader, school counselor, classroom educator and program director. She is committed to generating equity within school structures and policies by focusing on evidence-based mental health techniques and institutional design.
Ariael Brooks Porter (she/her)
Ariael Brooks-Porter is an accomplished Special Education Professional and dedicated Educator with an unwavering commitment to empowering students and fostering a culture of equity for all. As a passionate advocate for inclusive education, Ariael envisions a world where every student has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of her background or challenges. A proud graduate of Delaware State University, Ariael holds a Bachelor of Psychology degree, a discipline that has deeply enriched her understanding of human behavior and the diverse needs of students. Committed to translating this knowledge into impactful change, Ariael pursued a Master of Arts in Teaching from Relay Graduate School, honing her pedagogical skills and gaining invaluable insights into the art of effective instruction. As a beacon of inspiration in the field of education, Ariael is not only shaping the minds of students but also influencing the broader conversation around inclusivity, equity, and the transformative power of education. With a compelling blend of expertise, passion, and a profound belief in the potential of every student, Ariael is leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of education and inspiring others to join the mission of creating a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
Jerica Coffey, M.Ed. (she/her)
Jerica Coffey teaches English and Ethnic Studies at Coliseum College Prep in East Oakland and is working to grow the next generation of critically conscious educators through City College of San Francisco's Teacher Preparation Program.
