MINDBEAT by Effective School Solutions

EP 41: Safe Spaces, Strong Systems: Advancing School-Based Mental Health Through ACEs Aware

In this episode, Laine Whitaker is joined by co-host Dr. Christopher Sattele, Principal at Lancaster-Lebanon IU13, for a conversation with Dr. Jim Kooler and Dr. Aaron Noor of the California Department of Public Health’s Office of School Health. Together, they explore how systems-level leadership and trauma-informed approaches are advancing school-based mental health and shaping safer, more supportive learning environments across California. The discussion highlights the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), the role of public health partnerships in education, and what it looks like to implement these strategies in schools.  https://effectiveschoolsolutions.com/

EP 40: Regulating, Relating, and Reasoning: Applying the Neurosequential Model in Schools

In this episode, Laine Whitaker and co-host Laura Butler of Sacramento City Unified School District welcome Katie Lohmiller and Halley Gruber, program directors with the Neurosequential Model in Education (NME), for a conversation about bringing neuroscience into everyday classroom practice. Together, they explore how understanding brain development can transform the way educators interpret behavior, respond to student needs, and build supportive learning environments. The discussion highlights common misconceptions about discipline and behavior change and practical strategies schools can use to implement brain-informed practices that strengthen both teacher efficacy and student well-being. https://effectiveschoolsolutions.com/

EP 39: Kids Do Well If They Can: Rethinking Behavior and Belonging in Schools

In this episode, Laine Whitaker and co-host Colleen Patterson, Director of Development of Effective School Solutions, welcome Dr. Ross Greene, clinical psychologist, author, and creator of the Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) model. They discuss how “kids do well if they can,” why unmet skills drive challenging behavior, and how CPS reduces suspensions and punitive discipline. The conversation provides a compassionate, research-based framework for educators and leaders seeking more effective approaches to student behavior.  https://effectiveschoolsolutions.com/

EP 38: Helping Students Thrive: Preventing Burnout and Supporting Mental Health in Schools

In this episode, Laine Whitaker is joined by guest co-host Dr. Cherina Betters, Chief of Equity and Access for San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, for a powerful conversation with Dr. Rebecca Branstetter, school psychologist, author, and national voice on student well-being and burnout prevention. Together, they explore the biggest mental health challenges facing PreK–12 schools, common misconceptions about educator and student burnout, and practical strategies for building school cultures where both students and educators can thrive. https://effectiveschoolsolutions.com/

EP 37: Navigating the Digital Childhood: Mental Health, Media, and Development

In this episode, Laine Whitaker and guest co-host Megan McCullough, Director of Student Services for the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District, welcome Dr. Ellen Wartella, a leading expert on children, media, and development. Together, they explore the evolving role of media in shaping mental health, common misconceptions about screen use, and practical ways families and schools can support healthy development in a digital age. https://effectiveschoolsolutions.com/