Mental Health in Elementary Curriculum: The Psychologist on a Mission to Impact a Million Lives
What if mental health wasn’t something we addressed only after a crisis, but something we intentionally built from the very start? Lili Clark sits down with Dr. Jessica Gomez, a licensed psychologist and Executive Director of Momentous Institute, to explore what prevention can look like when it’s woven into classrooms, families, and communities.
Dr. Gomez shares how Momentous Institute, established more than 100 years ago by the Salesmanship Club of Dallas, has evolved into a nationally recognized organization working at the intersection of education and mental health. Today, Momentous provides thousands of therapy sessions each year for children and families who otherwise wouldn’t have access, and how their laboratory elementary school teaches brain health, emotions, and relationship skills alongside academics. She also explains the organization’s ambitious goal to reach one million children and families by 2031, including the ripple effect created through curriculum partnerships and community collaborations.
This conversation also highlights the powerful community ecosystem that supports this work, including the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, Momentous Institute’s largest fundraiser and a major driver of its mission. Dr. Gomez explains how the tournament helps sustain the organization’s impact and serves as a platform for broader community engagement through Momentous’ Squeeze the Day campaign during Mental Health Month - which is May.
Together, they unpack today’s toughest pressures on students and educators, from post-COVID stress, school safety concerns, social media and AI, attention challenges, and bullying that’s showing up earlier than ever. Dr. Gomez also reflects on her own journey into psychology, the importance of culturally responsive and bilingual care, and the leadership practices she uses to normalize therapy and prevent burnout. If you’re a parent, educator, employer, or community leader, this conversation offers practical insight into how we strengthen resilience and human connection at every stage of life.
Episode Details:
Episode 4, Season 3 Host: Lili Clark | Vice Chair, The Cary Council; Senior Associate, LH Capital, Inc. / Lyda Hill Philanthropies - https://www.lydahillphilanthropies.org/ [https://www.lydahillphilanthropies.org/]
Guest: Dr. Jessica Gomez | Licensed Psychologist; Executive Director, Momentous Institute https://momentousinstitute.org/ [https://momentousinstitute.org/] | https://scdallas.org/ [https://scdallas.org/] | https://thecjcupbyronnelson.org/ [https://thecjcupbyronnelson.org/]
Producer: Dustin Magwire | Digital Media Senior Manager, Southwestern Medical Foundation www.swmedical.org [http://www.swmedical.org]
Videography: Brazos Film & Video - www.brazosfilms.com [http://www.brazosfilms.com]
Disclaimer:
The Southwestern Medical Foundation Podcast is intended solely for educational purposes. Nothing contained therein constitutes, nor should be interpreted as medical, healthcare, financial or legal advice. Southwestern Medical Foundation strives for accuracy in its publications, including the Podcast. However, due to the nature of the topics discussed, there frequently is not a clear-cut “right answer.” Consequently, Southwestern Medical Foundation cannot guarantee the accuracy or sufficiency of any information presented. The views of the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of their employers or affiliated organizations, nor Southwestern Medical Foundation, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center or the University of Texas System. The inclusion of any guest or mention of any product or service does not constitute an endorsement thereof, nor of any company, employer, or organization with which the guest, product, or service is affiliated.
